Page 48 of Ice, Ice… Maybe?

“I’m half-tempted,” she confessed, not bothering to look away from him. “Today was not the greatest day.”

“No, it certainly was not – but it’s over and infinitely better now.”

“Thank goodness.”

“And I get to kiss my favorite girl, plus, I lose the ‘whiskers’ tomorrow,” he smiled ruefully, lifting a hand and flicking a finger knowingly at his stitches.

“Awww, man,” she chuckled playfully. “I was just getting used to that.”

“I could grow a beard?”

“And hide that handsome face? I think not.”

“Oh good – because I cannot grow a beard,” he laughed, pulling her close again. “It comes in all patchy, and I look like a man with a bad case of parvo on my face.”

“Travis… dogs get parvo - not you!” she laughed easily, meeting his dancing eyes.

“Okay, not parvo – but just as bad.”

Becca stepped back slightly, smiling and feeling so much better, linking her hand with his as she drew him further into the apartment. Travis showing up was an unexpected treat and honestly the highlight of her day. If every day started with a small dose of his smile and ended with it – she felt like she could do anything.

“Do you want a soda or some iced tea? Should I be pumping you full of healthy stuff, like some sort of carrot juice or…”

“Oh gosh no,” he chuckled and shook his head. “I should probably go though, in case we still have reporters watching us from a distance. I wouldn’t want word to say that I was here all night – especially not when I’m getting along with your family, whom I will be seeing Wednesday night at the game. You are coming – for sure?”

“I couldn’t stay away,” she smiled proudly. “You had better wear that new mask in the photo.”

“I promise.”

“Tell Theo and Gerry to watch out for you, not start a bunch of crap either…”

“That might be a little harder,” he grinned – only to have his smile fade a moment later. “Did you think any more about what I said regarding that property? Do you want to go see it together or talk about it some more with a realtor?”

“You were serious,” she whispered in amazement, realizing that he wasn’t laying the groundwork for some pipe dream for her to tackle – he intended to be a part of it just like he’d mentioned. “You really meant it?”

“I want to support your dreams,” he began, taking her other hand in his. “And there is no reason our dreams can’t run along the same line, you know? I want peace and a place to escape with you. You want independence and a chance to do something of your own. We could work on things together, take it one step at a time, and…”

“I’m not sure where I’d even begin,” she interrupted, searching his eyes as her mind raced in disbelief. He was so sweet, and this was all so unbelievably surreal. They were discussing a future. “We’re talking about us… being an actual ‘US,’ Travis.”

“I kinda like the idea if you think you can put up with me.”

“Do you think you can put up with me?”

“Effortlessly,” he chuckled, winking at her. “Just think about it, and we can talk Wednesday.”

“What about tomorrow?”

“I’ve got a few things to handle and need to talk to my uncle about something. I called him on my way here and delayed it until tomorrow.”

“Oh?”

“Yup. Apparently, things are serious for him and his girlfriend.”

“That’s wonderful,” she smiled. “I’m so happy for Davy.”

“Me too, honestly – but I do need to get going. See you at the game – and I’ll have jerseys waiting for everyone if you can text me your family’s sizes.”

“Oh boy,” Becca laughed, stepping forward to hug him once more before he left. “You know, you’re never going to shake any of us being so perfect like this.”

---