* * *
"Hello handsome!" Maddy enthused, opening her front door to find
her beloved outfitted in his Sunday best. But it was her favorite
accessory-his signature, radiant smile-that took her breath away, in
spite of the huge arrangement of fresh roses he held in his arms.
"Hey beautiful!" As soon as she closed the door behind him, he
gathered her into his big, strong embrace. How was it possible that every time
he saw her, she was even more desirable?
"Mmm, those flowers smell wonderful!" she exclaimed as she
accepted the bouquet.
"You look gorgeous, sweetheart," he remarked joyfully, taking in her
appearance. Her sexy dancer's legs were set off nicely by the filmy,
ethereal hem of her halter dress, which also showcased her porcelain
smooth back and elegant neck.
"Thank you," she whispered, before reaching up to join his lips in a
sweet kiss. As always, time seemed to stand still.
"Uh, baby," Maddy giggled, extricating herself long enough to speak,
"I'd better get these into some water."
She took him by the hand and led him into the kitchen where she
quickly scurried around for just the right vase. A moment later, the
crimson blooms stood proudly on her glass dining room table, adding a
contrasting splash of color to the French vanilla walls and pastel décor.
"Perfect!" she declared with satisfaction.
"Like you," he added softly, taking her hands in his. Gazing up at
him, she saw an extra twinkle in his eye.
"Kenny, what's going on? I'm getting the distinct feeling there's
something you're not telling me."
"Who me?" His tone was playful as he silently looked forward to the
moment they'd both been anticipating for what felt like an eternity.
"You're not even going to give me a hint are you?" She teasingly
poked him in the chest until he suddenly pulled her close to him.
Kissing the top of her head, he promised, "All things in good time,
sweetheart. Trust me."
* * *
Ken and Maddy settled into their private corner table in Arturo's
Tuscan Room. The award-winning restaurant had long been on her list of
South Florida places to experience someday, though she hadn't dreamed
she'd ever share her first meal here with Ken. The romantic sounds of
distinctively Italian music filled the air, along with the mouthwatering
aromas of familiar cuisine. Glancing around the room, Maddy noticed
some of the city's most well known citizens sampling everything from
flavorful veal scaloppini to creamy tiramisu, dressed in their finest
designer duds.
While she relished the opportunity to dabble in some rare decadence,
she couldn't help but suspect this was no ordinary evening. And when
Ken asked their server to bring them a bottle of Asti Spumante, her
curiosity was further piqued.
"So what are we celebrating? I mean, beside you and me." A slow
smile spread across her face.
"Sweetheart, isn't that enough?" He pretended to be insulted.
"C'mon, you know it is Kenny. But there's something else going on
that you're not telling me. I can feel it!"
"You're right, I'm not telling you-yet." He winked at her.
"Ugh! You are such a tease!" He just smiled before shifting his
attention to the establishment's impressive menu.