Episode 22

The next day dawned bright and sunny.  Kelsey woke up (if you could call it that as she barely slept due to the anticipation of seeing Tom today) early in the morning and quickly dressed in a bright blue T-shirt (both comfortable and attractive) and jeans.  Today was a ponytail day, she decided, looking at her wild waves in the mirror.  Completing the ensemble with silver hoop earrings, she waited for Tom’s arrival.  She had no clue what they were doing today – he really seemed to like surprising her.  That was fine with her, however, as she really did love surprises (with a couple exceptions).  His arrival took her breath away.  He drove up on a Harley.  A massive Harley.  And man, did he look sexy in his black leather jacket sitting astride that manly motorcycle.  He swung his leg over and gracefully dismounted.  Kelsey realized that she was standing in the doorway, staring.  Averting her eyes, she ducked out of the doorway and came to meet him.  “Kelsey!” he called, excitedly.  She smiled in response as he approached.  “Your roommates convinced me that I need to ask you instead of springing this on you, so…” he took a deep breath and held both her hands in his.  Kelsey began to freak out – he was going to propose!  Her eyes widened and suddenly she was unable to breathe.  All her instincts urged her to run.  Run far away.  Tom looked uncomfortable, but he didn’t seem to notice Kelsey’s silent panic-attack.  Before she could act, he continued, “Will you come to Florida with me?” Kelsey didn’t register the words, and yelled,

“NO! I’m too young!” in a nearly hysterical voice, pulling her hands out of his finely muscled grip.  Tom’s concerned gaze rested on her, taking in her sudden pallor.

“Are you feeling alright?” he asked, his worry for her overshadowing the disappointment he felt at her refusal.  Kelsey snapped back to reality and suddenly felt horrified at her response.

“Wha…what did you say?” she stammered, completely embarrassed.

“I asked if you were alright?” Tom looked worried.

“No, before that.” Kelsey replied, mortification turning her face red.

“Ohh,” Tom recalled. “I asked if you wanted to come to Florida with me for the summer while I’m there filming.” He caught her hands again and looked earnestly into her eyes in an almost frantic effort to get her to change her answer. “Please, Kelsey. I don’t want to leave you again.”  She still just stood there, staring at him, a blank look on her face. He continued with his attempt to persuade her, saying, “the preparations are all made if you want to come.  Your roommates packed for you – I even invited them to come with so you will have people to hang out with when I’m filming.”  Kelsey stayed silent.  “Say something, please!” Tom almost begged.  Finally, Kelsey met his eyes, her chocolate eyes sparkling.

“Yes. Yes!” she cried, “I would love to!”  At her answer, Tom swept her off her feet in an uncharacteristic hug.  Kelsey savoured the moment – the feel of his arms tight around her waist, her head resting on his broad shoulder.

“Thank you.” He whispered fervently into her hair, then set her back on her feet and took her hand.  Pulling her towards the beast of a motorcycle, he smiled reassuringly at her expression of fear.  “This will be fun!” he tried to convince her, still thinking that she was worried about the trip.

“It’s not that,” Kelsey shook her head. “It’s that – that hunk of metal.”  Tom laughed and plopped a helmet on her head.

“That, darling, is nothing to worry about. Hang on to me and you will be just fine.  Caitlin and Aislinn are meeting us at the airport with the luggage. Shall we?” He jumped on the Harley, and, blue eyes dancing, held out a hand for Kelsey.  Resignedly, she took his proffered hand and swung herself up. He pulled her arms around his defined masculine abs of steel and squeezed her hand reassuringly.  Kelsey closed her eyes.  The engine roared to life and they took off.  Kelsey felt a huge adrenaline rush.  Tom would keep her safe.  Always.