Perfect excuse?

Gunner loosened his grip a little around Bree, and a slight bit of disappointment appeared in his eyes. "First chance we get alone and all you wanna do is talk? You're no fun tonight." He tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, just letting her lie on his chest. Looking up into her eyes though, he knew better than to tease too much. She really was worried.

Sighing deeply, he closed his eyes and let his head sink back into the couch's throw pillow. He wasn't ready yet to talk about what was bothering him. How could he be, when it was all still so muddled in his own mind? Besides no one could help him anyway. It was his own battle...whether he was losing or not. "Quit your worrying," he directed softly. "I'm fine. Everything's fine. I just had a bad day is all." 

His foot crept up her leg, then back down again before he opened just one eye at her. "Your kisses help a lot in that department though...if you have any more to spare before abandoning me for the night." 

Reese's eyebrows rose and he looked quickly at Angelica. She'd taken his suggestion seriously? Had he even meant it to be serious? Come to think of it...it really didn't seem like such a bad idea. 

"Vegas?" He blinked as a grin toyed at the corners of his mouth. "As in...just a fun vacation or...a perfect excuse to finally get married?"

Chad's words were so soothing...so captivating. Could Rosalyn trust them? Could she, after all this, after all their letters and short time together...could she still trust those words? What was holding her back? Her father? Her own wisdom? Oh, but just to trust Chad and leave caution behind... 

With her hand under his, she could feel his heartbeat, and it reminded her of their time under their apple tree. She had felt his heartbeat then too. It hadn't changed. He was just as passionate tonight as he had been then. Her own pulse raced as well. 

Forgetting her inner battle, Rosalyn fell into Chad, wrapping her arms around him and burying her face in his chest. Everything about him...his strength...his voice...the way his touch felt...even the way he smelled...It all gave her unexplainable tingles. Could she be...falling in love? Was it real?

"I don't know what to do," she mumbled into his chest. "I don't want to give up either...but I'm causing so much trouble." Tears stung her eyes. "I just want to forget it all exists and just be happy... Is that so wrong?"