She whips around to face me, her gorgeous brown locks spinning around her face.  “We’re going to a hotel?”

I glance over at her to take in her expression.  Shock and excitement are written all over her beautiful face, and the sight makes my heart constrict.  If I could spend the rest of my life putting that look on her face, it wouldn’t be enough.

I nod.  “Yup.  A small hotel, so don’t get your hopes up too much.  It isn’t a five star resort.  But that’s not even your surprise.”

My car races down the highway, trees whipping past in a multitude of green shades as I press the pedal a little bit harder than necessary.  Her excitement ratchets my own, and I’m eager to get us there.

“There’s more?” she breathes so softly, I chuckle.  My hand finds her jean covered knee, and I squeeze.  She wraps both of her soft, delicate hands around mine and sighs.

“I’ve already revealed too much.  You’ll just have to wait and see.”

“Whatever,” she grumbles again, but leans her head against the headrest with her face turned towards the sun.  She doesn’t release my hand.  Her eyes are covered, but I think they’re closed judging by the relaxation written all over her face.

Contentment washes over me as the car eats up the final miles towards our weekend destination.  The point of this trip was to be alone.  To be free.  In town, we’re surrounded by locals so we’ve had to be careful.  I’m still her teacher for a few more weeks, and until she finishes the semester, we aren’t safe.  My heart longs for my girl, longs to be able to show her how I feel, to take her on a date.  I want to dance with her in the middle of Main Street and kiss her for the world to see.  I want to claim her and shout to the universe she’s mine.  But I can’t.  Until December.

So this is my compromise.  This is our date.  An entire weekend away to be us, to be free, without the judgmental eyes of our peers.  Without the fear of discovery or spending all our time locked behind the quiet door of my home.  As much as I love taking her in my bed, there’s more to be discovered in our relationship.  As much as I love her body, I want her mind, and I crave her heart.  Until she graduates, this is all I have to offer.

A few minutes later I pull up beside the hotel and cut the engine.  Tatum stirs beside me, lifting her shades onto her hair to look around.  I take a minute to soak her in while she studies the structure before us.  I told her to get ready before we left so we didn’t have to waste any time in the hotel.  She’s wearing a pair of black leggings with gray heeled boots that make her legs look lean and long.  She has on a flowing, white top that just barely covers the curve of her ass and a gray sweater on top of it.  Her outfit is such a contrast to her normal jeans and tees.  She is walking perfection, and if we didn’t have somewhere to be, I’d drag her into the hotel room and not come out until Sunday night.

On that thought, I tell her, my voice rough and quiet, “Wait here.  I’ll be right back.”  She nods, and I climb out to check us in and drop our bags in our room.  I don’t want to deal with our stuff later.  Knowing what I have planned, when we get back, the only thing on my mind will be how to get her into bed as quickly as possible.

I jog back to the car after unloading our things, excited to get our evening started.

We drive another two miles up the road, and surprisingly, Tatum keeps quiet.  I know she’s burning with eagerness, but she knows I won’t spill.  I could guess this girl hasn’t had many surprises of the positive variety in her life, so I’m not giving in until I can give one to her.

I manage to find a parking space in the full lot and quickly climb out to open Tatum’s door for her.

“What is this place?” she asks, as I take her hand and lead her towards the door.

“You’ll see,” I respond with a wink, and she lets out the most adorable huff beside me.  She can pout all she wants, but the anticipation radiating off of her is more than worth her little bit of frustration.

The lodge in front of us looks entirely unassuming.  The outside is all old wood logs and frosted windows, and a chimney sits on the roof releasing billowing plumes of smoke from the fireplace I know to be inside.

I open the door and lead us both inside the warm building.  We stop barely inside the door, and I smile over at the angel beside me as her face transforms from one of confusion to one of pure awe.

My chest swells with pride in the knowledge that I put that look on her face.  Life just handed me another gift.

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR  

Tatum

Oh my God.  My heart beats so quickly, I’m sure I’m about to keel over in cardiac arrest.  I move in a slow pirouette as I’m mesmerized by the interior of the wood lodge we’ve stepped into.  It’s not really a lodge at all, though.  The building is more of an upscale restaurant and bar, and it has a dance floor!

The ceiling is all exposed wood beams, which meet in the corners of the unfinished walls.  The room is rustic and beautiful.  To my left is the restaurant; tables with white table cloths and single candles in the center, wait staff in pressed black slacks and crisp white shirts.  On the right is the bar; a long, lacquered top running along the length of the wall and lined with bar stools.  The perimeter has small, two-top tables surrounding the dance floor.  Along the back wall, a DJ uses his equipment to switch songs.  Between the two sides is a huge glass encased fire place with a hearty fire roaring quietly inside.

The place reminds me of a wedding reception.  It’s warm and romantic and beautiful.  I have never, in my entire life, been anywhere even remotely close to this.  I’m a bit overwhelmed.

“Are you ready for dinner, Sweetheart?” Jacoby whispers in my ear, and I jolt at the feel of his warm breath feathering across my exposed neck.  He chuckles, then grasps my hand, threading my fingers through the curve of his elbow and leads me to the left.

“Y-yes.  Jacoby, this is, I mean, I’m speechless.  Thank you for bringing me here.”

He chuckles again and presses his lips against my hair as we stop in front of a hostess stand at the entrance to the restaurant.

“You seem a bit shell shocked.  Relax, love.  Enjoy yourself.”

I simply nod as I ponder his words.  Enjoy yourself.

When was the last time I really enjoyed myself?  I could rack my brain for hours and probably wouldn’t come up with anything.  Well, except one thing.  Him.

My most joyous moments over the last two months have all involved Jacoby.  Whether it was exchanging knowing glances and shy grins, relaxing in his embrace, holding hands, cuddling, making love, hell, even arguing, every moment spent with him has been life changing.  I went from this bitter girl with a penchant for hurting herself to a vulnerable woman who is falling in love.  I’ve started to shed the notion that the world is out to get me.  I’m realizing that the pain, the heartache, the distress of feeling unloved and unwanted my whole life was entirely worth it if I get to have Jacoby by my side.

By the time dinner is over, I’m full of delicious food and completely content with my life.  Jacoby and I shared small conversation over mouthwatering filet mignon, creamy mashed potatoes, and a winter blend of steamed vegetables.  We followed the meal with a shared slice of cheesecake, topped with cherries, for dessert.  I told him about my goals when I graduate.  He seemed quietly relieved when I mentioned moving away from this town, maybe even this state.  I was too scared to bring it up yet, but I’m quietly hoping if I decide to leave, he’ll follow.

“Dance with me.”

I look up from where I was studying my lap to see Jacoby standing in front of me, his hand outstretched in invitation.  I put my hand in his, and he gives me a tight squeeze before leading me out to the dance floor.