Chapter 5

Almost a month later,Allison still hadn't seen thesex room.

Of course, she'd also been behaving herself, and considering how much the caning had hurt, she wasn't sure she wanted to go back into the room.Apparently, one blindfolded session in there had been enough to give Todd more ideas about things he wanted to do in the room before he let her see it.Sometimes, she could hear him working on wood and metal in there, constructing who knows what.

She probably would have been more curious, but it was time for mid-terms. As an English major, she didn't have midterm exams, but she had papers due, and writing a paper took her a lot more time than studying for an exam. Although she had to study for two exams as well. Students were discouraged from taking more than three English classes during any given semester due to the amount of reading and writing involved. So, she still had to study for her science and her history exams and had to write a short paper for history as well.

It didn't give her a lot of time to ponder the sex room. Besides, Todd was more than inventive in their own bedroom, so she was completely satisfied. Even after she was done with her midterm papers, her thoughts mostly turned toward graduation.

Graduation was constantly on her mind for a myriad of reasons. The biggest one wasn't that she'd soon be done with school. It was a reluctant desire to call her parents and see if they could makeup.She hadn't heard from them since that message from her mother,which meant they knew she was stillwith Toddand not back together with Roger, although she saw Roger occasionally since he was dating Diana.Since Todd had called Roger to let him know Diana had snooped through things she had no business snooping through, the two men had struck up acautious friendship and seemed tobebecoming more comfortable with each other.

It helped that Roger was obviously smitten with Diana, and Todd could tellAllison was happy about that.There had never beena high amount of sexual tension between Allison andRoger when theywere dating, and nowtheir relationship had settled intoan easy-going, platonic friendship.They would huga greeting or a farewell, occasionally touch if they were passing each other,but there was no way for anyone to misconstrue their actions.They just didn't have that kind of chemistry between them. Whereas, wheneverAllison looked at Todd, she would get alltingly and excited.

The look in Roger's eyes when he was with Diana was something she'd never seen before, and Diana was happier than Allison had ever seen her, although she tended to view Todd with suspicion. Apparently, he'd started giving Roger a few pointers on keeping Diana in line.For the first time, Allison had the treat of seeing Diana a bit on edge in a relationship,the same edge Allison constantly felt she was walking. It was fun to tease the guys, but go just an inch too far, and they risked finding themselves draped over a masculine thighwith their bare butts in the air.

The relationships were makingeveryone happy except Allison's parents. She couldn't believe they still hadn't come around. Despite everything, she'd thought they'd want to see her graduate. Even if they didn't think she needed adegree, it seemed like the kind of milestone parentswouldn't miss. At least, caring parents wouldn't miss it. And not hearing from them as the end of the school year loomed closer, convinced her more and more,they didn't care.

As if he could sense her distraction and depression, Todd was making a major effort to spend a lot of time with her. Not just going out, but also spending time at home watching movies or playing board games, spending time with friends.And, of course, engaging in hot, rough, wild sex whenever he could get his hands on her.She was enjoying her work, doing well in school, loved her friends, and Todd was everything she could ask for in a live-in boyfriend. Truly, her parents were the only negative spot in her life.

Ruthlessly, she pushed all thoughts of them aside.She was getting ready for a date with Todd—a fancy date, which they didn't do often because they both preferred casual, but every once in a while, it was fun to get all dolled up like she used to on a regular basis and go out to dinner. Then come back home and have Todd divest her of all of her high-class finery and use her like the wanton slut she was for him.

Tonight, she was wearing a new dress he insisted she get, and she'd decided to go all out.At first glance, it was a rather demure dress, still sexy but very covering. A deep purple color, the dress was made of a very fine, very soft material that clung to her curves, helped by the broad belt covered with dark gems that cinched her waist. The dress wasn't a true wrap dress, although the top and bottom resembled one, with the fabric overlaying itself to create a v neckline and a small V at the center of her thighs—easy to slip a hand into.The bra she'd chosen pressed her breasts up, lifting and plumping them to create a nice cleavage. She'd wrapped the strand of black gems, which matched the gems on the belt, once around her slender throat, so the end dipped into the valley of her breasts, drawing attention to the assets which were almost entirely covered, yet impossible to ignore.

Her eye shadow matched the dark purple of her dress, and the color made her hazel eyes stand out even more, contrasting with and heightening the amberish color.Long lashes blinked slowly as she examined herself in the mirror, looking for any stray hairs that might have escaped her messy updo.Messiness by design was good, actual hair escaping where she didn't want it was not.No blush was necessary, her cheeks were already flushed with excitement.

Going out to dinner with Todd was usually accompanied by some bit of naughtiness, and he always managed to surprise her. Sometimes, it would be something that presaged the date, such as a plug in her ass or a vibrating thong, sometimes, it was something as simple as being fingered to orgasm while she at her dessert, but he always did something, and it was always extremely enjoyable.

Since he hadn't indicated he'd be dressing her in any kind of panties, she was wearing a lacy black thong that matched her bra, knowing he loved the way her creamy skin looked as it peeked through the lace.

"Are you almost ready?" she heard him call from the bedroom.

"Almost," she called back as she gave herself a sultry look in the mirror. She'd locked him out of the bathroom, not wanting him to see the preparations for the final product.It was more fun to knock him over with the full effect.

Sitting down on the toilet, she slid her feet into the strappy, glittery black heels, she'd bought to go with the dress. They were three inches high, which would put her close to his height, easy enough for her to walk in for as long as she wanted, and would show off her calves to their best effect. The kind of shoes that made a woman feel sexy, no matter what else she was wearing, although considering how good she looked tonight, Allison didn't actually need the extra boost of confidence, but the shoes went damn well with the dress.

Giving herself one last look in the mirror, a smug little twist to her lips, Allison strutted out of the room. Todd was sitting on the edge of the bed, leaning over to tie one of his shoes. So, he hadn't been quite ready yet, either. He was drool-worthy, wearing a suit she hadn't seen before, a dark charcoal grey, almost black but not quite, and that bit of lightness made his black hair seem even darker. The crisp white shirt beneath highlighted his dark good looks, and a lighter grey tie with a silver clip with delicately scrolled engravings, a very antique-y look, completed his suit.

Allison's breath caught in her throat as he turned his head, his gaze starting at her strappy footwear, traveling up her legs and over her curves to meet her eyes, hungrily drinking her in. Lust was written in every line of his face, but there was something else—something indefinably more. It was the same look she'd seen in his eyes more and more the past few weeks, as if his emotions for her had become so strong, he couldn't look at her without them spilling over. Was that normal? It was that look which had made her wonder if he was already thinking about moving their relationship to the next level, but so far, nothing had happened despite there being plenty of opportune moments. She'd convinced herself to stop looking for something, she wasn't even sure was coming.

With a definitive jerking movement, Todd tightened the laces on his shoes and slowly sat up, never taking his eyes from her. A slow smile curved his lips as he stood, the kind of smile that made her shiver and wonder if they were actually going to make it out the door.

"You look delicious, Princess." The tone in his voice filled the words with extra meaning.

She liked to play the game as much as he did, but it was more fun if she made him work for it. Arching an eyebrow, she shifted her weight, so one hip gently thrust out, making the material around her curves tighten. His eyes dropped to the contours of her body, drinking in the seductive invitation.

"You don't look half bad yourself," she purred, sliding one hand over her hip and up to her waist, her fingers delicately curving around the narrowest part of her body. Her blood thrummed, and she giddily wondered if she could keep him from their reservation. Todd was always so controlled, it might be fun to try.

But he dashed that notion. She could almost see him reining in his passion, making the conscious choice to wait for later—to make her wait. Truth be told, he was much better at drawing out the tension and extending thewait than she was.He smiled, holding out his hand to her, and she stepped forward to slip her fingers into his palm, loving the warmth of his hand around hers, the strength of him. Smiling up at him, she understood the expression, "swept away by love."

* * *

During the drive,she began to get suspicious.

Five minutes before they arrived at their destination, she was silently arguing with herself over whether he actually would.

He had.

When he pulled into the parking lot, Allison burst out laughing, and Todd slanted her a look, although he was grinning.

"That's not exactly the reaction I was going for."

"We're a little overdressed, don't you think?" she asked between fits of giggles. She'd had all sorts of visions in her head of what kind of fancy restaurant he might be taking her to.Not that this restaurant wasn't nice, but they would definitely be dressed at a much higher level than anyone else.

Todd batted his eyes at her, feigning innocence as he pulled into a parking space, but the glitter of amusement was unmistakable.

"Are we?"

"You know we are," she said, unsnapping her seat belt and leaning forward to grab him by the collar and pull him into a passionate kiss.Really, he was too cute for words. Getting her all dressed up, so he could surprise her and take her back to the restaurant where they'd had their first real ‘date.'Granted, she hadn't entirely appreciated the gesture at the time—he had been blackmailing her—but she'd found it wonderfully exciting and appreciated it a lot more later.

This gesture, she appreciated completely.It heightened her anticipation, making her hope for... things...

Don't get ahead of yourself.

A romantic evening did not automatically mean a proposal. Just taking her back to this restaurant was incredibly lovely in and of itself. She felt incredibly special and giddy he'd gone to the effort of making it a surprise. She pulled away from the kiss, trying to put all of her appreciation for him, her love, into her eyes as they gazed at each other.Todd leaned forward and brushed another kiss across her lips before he unclipped his own seat belt, and they got out of the car.

"I don't mind being overdressed," he murmured as he took her hand in his, walking toward the front entrance. "Do you?"

"Not at all," she said, beaming up at him and wrapping her free hand around his elbow. When she felt all floaty and happy like this, it was all she could do to keep herself from wrapping all sorts of body parts around him, wanting to touch him as much as possible. He definitely didn't seem to mind. They were both walking with a little extra spring in their steps.

As soon as they arrived, the ma?tre d' welcomed them, grabbed two menus, and led them to the same secluded booth they had been in before. The restaurant had quite a few people in it, but there was no one in their little corner and no way to see what was going on in the booth until you were standing almost directly in front of it.

Sliding into the booth, Allison gave Todd a flirtatious look, leaning into his shoulder as the ma?tre d' gave them the day's specials, then disappeared.The conversations around them were a muted hum, and Allison was thrilled with the privacy. It was possibly the best thing about this restaurant.

"Does this count as romantic?" Allison asked playfully, bumping her shoulder against his. Todd laughed and wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close, so she could feel the heat of his body. "Considering our history here?"

"I definitely think so." He leaned over and gave her a kiss on the nose. "Now, figure out what you want to order."

The waiter came by to bring them water and bread, and Todd picked out a bottle of wine for them to share, Allison's favorite Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley in Oregon. She was delighted. Usually, they picked something different. Todd preferred heavy cabernets, so they would compromise, ordering something in the middle of their preferences or getting their own glasses.Resting her hand on his thigh, she gently stroked her way up his leg to his crotch, grinning to herself as she found him hard as she continued to pretend to peruse the menu.

"Do you know what you'd like?" His mouth was right next to her ear, so close, she could feel his lips moving against the sensitive curve.Giving up the teasing, she placed her hand directly on his crotch as she turned slightly.

"I'd like the steak, medium."

As she stroked his cock through his pants, his arm tightened around her, sliding down her upper arm to brush against her breast.

"Anything for an appetizer?" he asked.

"You choose whatever you'd like, I know what I want."

Before he could reply, Allison slid down, ignoring his startled exclamation as she swiftly positioned herself beneath the table.

"Princess," she heard him say, although his voice was slightly muffled.Allison ignored his warning as she swiftly unzipped him, releasing his dick from the confines of his pants.His fingers gripped the table on either side of her head, but she knew the tablecloth shielded her from being seen by anyone.Tugging at his hips, she pulled him closer, making him slump in the seat a little as she flicked her tongue, licking the drop of pre-cum from its tip. There was a small moan above her head.

It was like her own little secret cave of pleasure beneath the table.She wrapped her hand firmly around the base of his cock and opened her mouth, clamping her lips tightly around his shaft just underneath the head.As his sensitive head was pleasured by her tongue, the tip of it invading his pee-slit, Todd shuddered and gripped her hair for a moment.

Just as quickly, his hand was gone, and she could hear him talking to the waiter who had apparently returned with their wine. As Allison heard him presenting it to Todd, she slowly moved her head down the shaft, fitting just a little more of it into her mouth. Carefully bobbing her head to avoid hitting it on the table, taking him a little deeper with each stroke, the rest of the restaurant, and even the waiter conversing with her boyfriend, was completely unaware of her activities.

"It's very good," Todd said, his voice only slightly muffled by their positions. "Thank you."

Hearing the distinctive sound of liquid being poured into a glass,Allison tilted her head to take more of Todd's cock, pressing it toward the back of her throat, determined to fit the whole of it into her mouth. If she managed to do so while he was talking to the waiter, even better.

"Would you like to wait for the lady to order?"

With a low hum of pleasure, Allison sucked and pushed forward, taking his entire length until her lips were pressed to the base of his groin.She could feel Todd lean forward, doing his bit to keep her from view. She chuckled around his thick meat, sending all sorts of interesting vibrations through him.

"No, I know what she wants."

Well, that was an understatement.She could feel his dick pulsing against her tongue in happy pleasure.Pulling herself back as slowly as she could, she tried to breathe and suck quietly as Todd ordered their dinners.She could feel his thigh muscles clenching, his voice occasionally a little strained as she worked for her own special appetizer.

Almost as soon as she heard the footsteps of the waiter walking away, Todd's hands were beneath the table, pressing on the back of her head, fingers curving just under the largest collection of curls, pushing her down. Sucking even harder, her fingers kneaded his thighs, massaging them as he tensed.Another low groan was all the warning she had, then he was cumming, and she was frantically swallowing.Salty sweetness filled her mouth, sliding down the back of her throat and into her belly.

"Mmmm," she hummed as he filled her, the tension in his fingers and thighs slowly relaxing as he finished pumping his load between her suckling lips.Letting his dick slowly soften in her mouth, she finally allowed it to pop out, then gave it a kiss before peeking out from under the tablecloth. He was trying to look at her sternly, but the sides of his mouth were turned up.

"Is it safe?" she whispered.Black hair swayed as he nodded, a finger scooping a bit of cum off of her chin and pressing it to her lips. Licking it lasciviously, she pulled herself up next to him, just as the waiter came around the corner of the booth with their salads. Innocently she blinked at him as he looked at her in confusion. The bathroom was on the other side of the restaurant, and he was obviously trying to figure out how she'd gotten to and from it without him seeing her.

He set the salads down and left the table, a thoughtful look on his face, which had both of them laughing once he was out of earshot.Instead of talking about what was currently going on in their lives, being back in this restaurant had them reminiscing about their relationship.The beginning was rather sordid, but Allison found a lot of enjoyment in comparing notes with Todd. He even told her he hadn't been nearly as sure of himself as he'd seemed.

"I wasn't sure how I would ever face you again if you didn't show up at the library," he confessed. "It was one thing to hear you talk about what you wanted and know you enjoyed one night of losing control with me, but I wasn't sure if you or the cops would show up to meet me at the library to get the tape."

Allison laughed. "I wanted it too much. And by it, I mean what you were offering, not the tape, although that, too."

"Thank, God," he said fervently, and they both laughed. Allison snuggled closer to him, ignoring the spear of asparagus on her fork in favor of a kiss. Although she could possibly ascribe the warm fuzzy feelings inside of her to the wine, she knew it was this man, this crazy, wonderful, wild man, who had risked a lot to bring her fantasies to life, not knowing if she'd actually go through with indulging in them.It hadn't occurred to her at the beginning how much he'd been risking for her.Now, realizing how vulnerable he'd made himself in so many ways, not to mention how cute it was to hear him confess his early insecurities before she showed him exactly how much she wanted what he was offering, only made her love him more.

By the time the waiter came to clear their dinner away, Allison and Todd were about as wrapped around each other as a couple can be while sitting in a secluded restaurant booth. Under the table, she even had one of her legs hooked over and around his, her hand resting on his thigh. All the server could see was her head resting on his shoulder and his arm tucked around her waist, hand curved over her hip. Giving them a little smile, the server whisked away their plates, and Allison frowned.

"He didn't ask if we wanted dessert."

"He didn't need to."

She turned her head to peer suspiciously up at him. "The innocent look doesn't suit you. What did you order while I was in the bathroom?"

"It's a surprise," Todd murmured, his arm shifting to pull her closer and up toward him as his mouth slanted down on top of hers.She willingly parted her lips with a little moan, clinging to him. If they weren't in a restaurant, she'd probably be pulling him on top of her. Actually, that didn't sound like a bad idea… If they could keep the server away for long enough to take advantage of the fact they were seated in a booth...

Pulling his lips away, Todd pushed open her dress. The design gave him a shocking amount of access, his hands squeezing her breasts as he began to suckle at her nipple through the lacy bra.

"Oh, fuck..." she said softly, clutching at his head as he tormented the sensitive bud with his mouth.With every suck of his lips, her body seemed to pulse in answer.At the same time, she couldn't help but glance at the corner the server would walk around to the front of their booth—he could walk around it at any moment and see her scantily clad breasts, covered only by lace and Todd's hands and mouth. Fuck, that was hot. Teeth closed around one nipple, fingers plucking insistently at the other, Allison's head fell back as she gave a small whimper of pleasure.

Then he was sliding away, just as she had earlier, underneath the table—which considering how much bigger he was, was extremely impressive. Somehow, he slipped his broad shoulders down, almost pulling the tablecloth with him, but their combined efforts kept it from moving too much.

Now Allison was the one sitting in the booth, feeling rather exposed and very vulnerable, knowing someone could walk by at any given moment. Being under the table had felt much safer.Quickly, she pulled the sides of her dress up and over her breasts, still feeling exposed as Todd's hands slid up and down her bare legs.She preferred bare legs when it was warm enough, and now, she was extremely thankful for that.The faux wrap-around construction of her skirt made it easy for him to part it on either side of her legs, making her basically naked from the waist down, other than her lacy panties.She wriggled a little as she felt him ease them off, lifting her bottom so he could pull them down and away.

Hands pushed at the inside of her thighs, and she obediently spread them, her body quivering at the slightest sounds coming from the dining room, sure at any moment, someone was going to walk around the corner and know exactly what was happening in their secluded booth.Of course, that element of danger was half of the thrill and only made her more excited. Beneath her dress, her nipples were rock hard and rubbing against the lacy confines of her bra as she tried to control her breathing.Little kisses made their way up her inner thighs as Todd's hands slid under her buttocks and pulled her forward, bringing her to his mouth.

She had to stifle a moan as she felt his hot breath, followed quickly by his tongue on the open folds of her pussy.Sitting here in this booth, knowing at any moment, their server could return with their dessert, while Todd feasted upon her pussy beneath the table, was more than just a little exciting. Before Todd, she hadn"t known how much a hint of exhibitionism and danger could get her off, but it was one of those things that just flat out did it for her. The color was high in her cheeks as she clutched at the table, trying to tilt her hips to offer him even more access without noticeably slumping in her seat.

One long finger pushed inside, sliding easily into her molten hole, and she shuddered, her body clenching around it.Todd's tongue licked all around her swollen folds as he began to fuck her with his finger, teasing her with slow, gentle strokes that made her want to beg him to touch her more, harder, faster.Of course, she couldn't because someone might hear, and she was already struggling to keep a normal countenance in case the server returned. How on earth had Todd handled ordering their meals while he'd been in this position?

A second finger slid in beside the first, curving in the most delicious way. Allison's eyes fluttered shut for just a moment, and she writhed, barely catching her low moan of pleasure.She managed to get herself under control just as the server came around the corner, setting down two spoons on their table.

"Would you like anything else?" he asked, eying the empty place next to her. "An after-dinner drink or coffee?" Either he was a really good actor, or he truly believed Todd was in the bathroom.Of course, Todd chose that moment to suck her clit into his mouth, and Allison bucked a little. She couldn't stop herself or the blush that rose in her cheeks as the server's expression turned to one of speculation.The fingers inside of her pumped wickedly, and she clenched in pleasure and as an automatic reaction to hold Todd's fingers inside of her, so she could focus.

"N-no, thank you," she managed to say. "I think we're fine."

The server gave her a long look, just the hint of a smirk on his face, and Allison did her best to keep her own expression bland, even though her cheeks felt like they were on fire, she was blushing so hard.

Almost as if he knew, having the server standing there, talking to her, was turning her on even more, Todd thrust his fingers hard and deep.Allison struggled to keep her body from arching as he sucked hard on her clit, her own fingers clutching at the edge of the table as she looked straight at the server and began to orgasm. The shock and delight on his face, the struggle to remain quiet, only spurred her to greater heights of pleasure as she rippled with ecstasy.One low moan escaped her as her clit throbbed in Todd's mouth, his tongue flicking against the sensitive nub, his fingers rubbing over her g-spot as her inner walls spasmed around him.

Her eyelids fluttered shut again for a moment, knowing the server was still standing there, watching her orgasm while Todd pleasured her beneath the table... She was completely out of control, and her body loved it. As she drifted down from the height of her climax, her eyes opened again to see the server smiling smugly, the front of his pants straining.Strangely, she no longer felt like blushing.She felt too good to be embarrassed, and he certainly didn't seem embarrassed.

"Dessert will be right out," he said before walking away.

Allison made a little face. How unfair. She orgasmed in front of him, but Todd wasn't going to have to go through the embarrassment of coming out from under the table in front of him? Her body relaxed as Todd's fingers withdrew, and the tablecloth shifted, her grinning boyfriend sliding onto the booth next to her. The smugness on his face matched the servers. She just smiled blissfully.

"Did you enjoy that?" he asked, leaning forward to kiss her, so she could taste herself on his lips, musky and bittersweet with a hint of honey. Their tongues dueled as she drank in his kiss.

"Yes," she said finally. "You know he saw me cum."

"I know you like an audience," Todd countered, his lips traveling down her neck, his hands caressing her hip. Her own hand had found its way back to his lap, where he was rock hard yet again. "And I know he didn't see anything I would be unhappy about." Well, she couldn't really argue with that. "Don't worry, we're not going to get kicked out of the restaurant."

"Oh, good, since I haven't had dessert yet."

Chuckling, Todd nipped the side of her neck before pulling away and rearranging them just before the server whisked around the corner, looking extremely smug.There even seemed to be an extra little bounce in his step before he put down a plate with a flourish.

For a few moments, Allison just stared, trying desperately to wrap her mind around the strangeness of the display. Truffles, a plateful of chocolate truffles in three concentric circles around a small pedestal, upon which sat a jewelry box—a small one.

"Todd..." she breathed, sucking air in through her lungs. The rest of the world seemed to melt away to nothingness as the server stepped back and disappeared, the hum of the restaurant fading as she tried to get over the sensation of being punched in the stomach.

"Allison," he said back, his deep voice serious.Cupping his hand under her chin, he turned her face toward him, and she blinked back tears, she hadn't even known were there until she was trying to look at him through them. His dark eyes were filled with warmth, a true depth of caring, and all the love she could have ever wished for.

"I lusted after you when you wouldn't even talk to me. I chased you down and fulfilled your fantasies, hoping it wouldn't get me arrested.I left you, so I could make myself into the man I wanted to be for you and prayed you would still want me when I returned. I never want to have to leave you again. I want to spend the rest of my life, lusting after you, talking with you, fulfilling our fantasies, and loving you with every ounce of my being. Will you?—"

She threw herself at him, cutting him off as the tears ran down her cheeks, and pressed her lips against his, half-sobbing from sheer joy.There was no woman in the world luckier.They had started with his lust and her desperation and traveled a road together that had taken her so far beyond anything she'd ever thought to experience.That it had led her here, to this ecstasy of emotion, this joy... she was going to hold this man tight and never let him go.

"Yes... yes, yes, yes, yes," she chanted as she pulled herself away. "I love you."

"I love you, t?—"

Laughter rippled through his body as she pressed herself against him again, smothering him with another kiss. They clung to each other, letting their bodies express the tide of emotions that surged through them, the things too strong, too hard to describe with mere words. Slowly their kiss gentled, their lips caressing each other. Todd finally pulled away, but only by a couple of inches, his hands still wrapped around her back.

"Can I show you the ring now?"

"Yes." Allison beamed at him.

Almost reluctantly, he pulled one arm away from her to snatch the box from the plate.Allison wriggled around, so her right side was leaning into him as he popped the box open.

"It's beautiful..." The main stone was about one carat in a brilliant-cut, with three tiny stones arrayed on either side for a total of six smaller stones.The band itself looked vintage, with lots of twists and curls, almost a tiny architectural framework connecting the bottom of the band to the top, the elaborate lattice of white gold curling around the stones. "I love it. It's perfect."She turned her head up and kissed him again.

Truthfully, she would have been happy with just about anything he wanted to give her and wouldn't have complained if it had been butt ugly, but she truly loved this ring. She loved the old-fashioned look, the intricate band, the fact the stone was noticeable but not overpowering. Todd wrapped his arms around her and slid it onto her finger, and Allison found herself blinking back more tears. The ring fit perfectly, the silver color bright against her skin.

"Now," Todd said into her ear, supporting her left hand with his, so they could both admire the ring on her finger. "I got the truffles so we could easily choose to stay here or go home."

"Home," she said in a husky voice. There was no way dessert could possibly hold her interest now. "Take me home."