“No, Ryan - stop. Just stop… please,” I whispered.

He breathed out a heavy sigh. “Then why are you so upset?” he asked point blank.

I just huffed in frustration.

“You asked me to trust you. That goes both ways.”

“Ryan, stop. That’s not why I’m mad. I just hate how the media embellishes the truth with lies. I wish they wouldn’t say that kind of stuff about you,”

I sighed. I couldn’t bring myself to tell him the true reason I was upset.

He laughed softly. “Tar, you know it’s not true.”

I knew why he didn’t want me exposed, but at the same time I wanted to be by his side, supporting him. Maybe if the world knew he had a girlfriend they wouldn’t speak lies. Maybe if it was me in those pictures… maybe if he just announced on the morning show that he was dating someone instead of denying it… “I know it’s not true. I’m trying. It’s hard not to be a little jealous when you’re pictured on TV with someone else,” I murmured.

“Well if you’re done being upset,” he said, unruffled, “I was wondering if you might like to put on one of your new dresses tomorrow night.”

Saturday could not come fast enough. I made arrangements with Marie and Pete to take care of things and I was glad that I didn’t have entertainment booked for the evening. Cory was working tonight with Marie, so the bar was covered.

Ryan had offered to send a car for me, but I didn’t want to have to explain it or raise anyone’s suspicions – especially the paparazzi’s. I gathered that he wanted our evening to start off with a certain level of class, but he sided with me to keep it more secretive. We agreed that I would drive to meet him at the same parking lot behind the textile mill where I had once dropped him off, and we would go from there.

I slipped on my new blue dress over a matching blue strapless lace and silk panties set. The dress had delicate straps with rhinestone details where the straps met the satin top, which accentuated my curves. I decided against the nylons and opted for bare legs and high heels. It was cold outside; my dress would be hidden for a while under a dress coat until we got to wherever we were going. My big reveal would have to wait. Our destination was dinner, but I had no idea where. That too, was a secret.

When I arrived at the lot, there was a black sedan with tinted windows waiting for me. As I parked my car, a man I did not know came to my door and opened it for me.

“Good evening, Ms. Mitchell. My name is Richard. Mr. Christensen has requested that I keep your car secured until you return.” He held out his hand for me as I exited my car.

“May I have your car keys, please? Your car will be delivered here upon your return,” he assured me. “This way please.” He motioned for me to follow him to the sedan.

Richard held the sedan door open, and as I peered inside, the back seat was empty - all except for one long-stemmed red rose. My eyes flashed back to Richard; I was completely confused and I hoped he would give me an explanation. He smiled and motioned with his hand for me to get in the car.

There were two men sitting in the front seat; the driver and a larger man who I assumed was security, although he was dressed in a suit.

“Good evening, Ms. Mitchell,” the burly man greeted me. “My name is Anthony. I will be escorting you safely to your destination tonight.”

“Good evening, Anthony,” I replied. “It’s nice to meet you.” My mind wandered with thoughts of where I could possibly end up tonight. Where are they taking me?

We drove south along the coast for almost an hour until the car turned towards the ocean. The sedan entered a marina and stopped along the docks where several large yachts were moored. It was then that I realized for our first official date, Ryan chartered a yacht. Unbelievable I thought to myself as my personal bodyguard opened my door.

“This way, please, Ms. Mitchell.”

We passed several huge yachts; they seemed to get bigger and bigger as we approached. I watched carefully where I stepped for I was navigating the wooden dock in high heels and I was afraid to get a heel caught between the planks.

Anthony directed me to a slip where we turned to board a stately yacht named the “Day Dreamer.” It was beyond magnificent. The rows of windows were black as night and reflected the waves that rolled into the docks. My heart was pounding with nervousness and excitement. I hadn’t even seen him yet and this was by far the best date I’d ever been on in my life.

I crossed over the gangway to board the boat and as my eyes lifted I saw Ryan standing there in the moonlight, waiting for me. He reached out his hand to take mine; he had the most beautiful grin on his face.

“Hey you,” he sighed then softly kissed me. I just smiled and shook my head at him in disbelief.

“What do you think?” he asked with a smirk on his face.

“This is unbelievable!” I breathed out. “I’m speechless!”

“Let’s go in where it’s warm.” He led me by the hand through the ornate glass doors. Inside the closed cabin the lights were slightly dimmed, casting a beautiful hue on the marble and glass interior. The parlor was more elaborate than any five star hotel could ever hope to be.

The tapestries and décor were all shades of brown and rust - so warm and inviting. Lush floral arrangements of roses and lilies adorned the tables and the air was perfumed with their scent. Soft, relaxing music played over the sound system.

“Can I take your coat?” Ryan asked, stepping behind me.

I slowly unfastened the buttons; Ryan’s hands slipped the wool off my bare shoulders. He handed my coat to an awaiting steward who disappeared quickly from the room.

I did a slow turn to face him.

“You are absolutely stunning,” Ryan said softly.

He was wearing a dark suit and a white button-down shirt. It was the first time I saw him dressed up. He was freshly shaven and wearing that cologne that always intoxicated me.

“You’re quite breathtaking yourself!” I smiled back to him.

He ushered me towards the center of the yacht where a magnificent staircase led to the upper and lower decks. Gilded mirrors and artwork hung from the walls. We passed an ornate bar and a small galley on our way towards the bow of the yacht.

The front salon was decorated in hues of blue and beige, with two semi-circle sofas dominating the central area. The entire room was clad in windows allowing a panoramic view of the moonlit ocean.

Overlooking the bow was a magnificent mahogany dining table set elegantly with two place settings. Real silver, crystal stemware, white chin a with an exquisitely tall bouquet of fresh flowers in the center; it was all too perfect.