Stir Me (Rouse Me 2)

"Yes, and I'd hate to be late to my anniversary dinner. It would be dreadfully embarrassing."

"So it would," I say.

His leans down and brushes his lips against mine. His lips are so soft and sweet, like always, and kissing him feels like home.

I follow Luke upstairs. He tried to convince me we should celebrate our anniversary at the restaurant where we shared our first meal, but I wouldn't hear it. Ryan still works across the street, and I don't want to ruin a year of bliss by running into my bitter ex-boyfriend.

Instead, we're at a secluded restaurant on the other side of the marina. It's close to the water, close enough that we should have a gorgeous view of the sunset. But it's quiet, unusually quiet.

When I get to the top floor, I see why. There's space for a hundred people, but no one is here. Light streams through the windows, bouncing off the clean hardwood floors. There's only one table set up, one table just for us.

My jaw drops. It's perfect. Luke knew I was dreading potential interruptions. Between Model Citizen taking off and my last film winning an Independent Spirit Award, I'm recognizable. Every few days someone stops me to offer a compliment or, if I'm really lucky, a criticism of the show.

But not tonight.

Tonight it's only us.

Luke smiles ear to ear. "I promised you'd like it."

"I never doubted you."

The light from the windows falls over him. He looks so sharp in his black suit and royal blue tie, his dark hair falling in soft waves. He has to wear a suit for work, but he doesn't usually go all out.

"Stop objectifying me," he says with a grin.

"But you look so good."

His eyes pass over my body. "You're not so bad yourself." He leans closer, his fingers on my upper back, his breath on my ear. "You know that's my favorite dress."

"Oh, this old thing?" I ask with put-on coyness. It's a very sexy dress--smooth blue silk that clings to my curves. Especially my chest.

"God damn, Alyssa. You are going to pay for wearing that."

"I'm looking forward to it."

He pulls my chair out for me and sits across from me. There's a candle in the middle of the table and it glows with a soft light.

"I can't believe it's been a year," he says

"Me either."

"It's been the best year of my life."

"But we... took a break," I say.

"No. We got some space. And space is a normal, healthy thing for two people to have."

"Is that right?" I ask.

"Yes." He offers his hand, and I take it. "Even though I hate it."

"You have a business to run," I say.

"But it would be so much more fun to quit and spend my life traveling the world with you."

"You'd get bored."

"Never," he says. "I could never get bored of you."