Page 44 of Ariana's Hero

“Mylegsaregoingto be sore tomorrow,” I groan, tempering it with a smile. “I used to be in shape, but now… I need to start exercising again.”

Cash frowns a little, his brow furrowing. “You’re fine, Ari. Morethan fine. And you couldn’t exercise before…“ He trails off, then looks at me fiercely. “I think you did amazingly while we were hiking. You put some of the guys at the station to shame.”

It’s sweet of him, but my weeks off while I recovered have not helped my stamina. The sex though… “I can think of another way to get exercise,” I tease, and his frown disappears.

Eyes lighting up, Cash grins. “I was going to suggest jogging together, if you really wanted to do something, but I like that idea muchbetter.”

“Well, there is that giant bed in our room…”

Our server appears by the side of our table, placing two drinks in front of us. “The Mohonk Campfire for you, miss. And the Hennepin for you, sir. I’ll have your desserts in just a minute.”

Once the server leaves, Cash takes my hand across the table, stroking his thumb across my fingers. “Have you enjoyed it here so far?”

I take a sip of my drink and look out the window for a second, admiring the view—pinpricks of light spotting the mountains, the unspoiled sky filled with a swathe of stars—before looking back at him. “Yes. I’ve loved all of it so far.”

“Maybe you should get a massage tomorrow,” Cash suggests. “Take some time at the spa.”

“Maybe. Or we could go ice skating. Or swimming.” I don’t really want to spend time awayfrom Cash getting a massage. “The indoor pool is really nice. Although—“ I smirk at him. “I’ll have to fend off all those ladies again.”

Cash in a bathing suit is very nice to look at, and I’m definitely not the only one who noticed. Like that cougar who was chatting him up when I came back from the bathroom.

Not that I’m worried about Cash doing anything inappropriate. He’s honest and loyal to a fault, and I knowhe would never cheat on me.

Cash starts, “You know I would never—”

“I know. I’m just teasing.” I give his hand a reassuring squeeze. “I don’t mind them admiring you.”

We’re interrupted by the server again, this time with our desserts. My tiramisu looks incredible, but now I’m eyeing Cash’s chocolate cake. “Maybe we should share,” I suggest, still staring at the decadent-looking chocolate confection.

“That’s fine. I had a feeling we would. But first—“ He fusses with his pants pocket, and a moment later his hand comes out, clasped around something. “I wanted to give you something.”

“Somethingelse?”

“Well. Yes. I haven’t really had a chance to get you any gifts.”

I laugh. “Um. Cash. Look where we are. That’s a gift. And you’ve gotten me clothes. What about that North Face jacket?”

He shakes his head. “Ari, I bought you that jacket because the one you had was ancient and had literal holes in it.”

“I didn’t know I had moths in the closet,” I defend myself, chuckling. “I hadn’t worn it since Chicago, and that was four years ago. It’s not like I needed winter coats in Atlanta.”

“I know, hun. And I was happy to buy it for you. But that was something you needed. And this trip? This is for both of us. I want to give you something just because.” He reaches out his clasped hand and encloses mine with it, dropping something sleek and cool inside.

“I know the box would make for a better presentation,” he explains. “But that wouldn’t fit into my pocket. And I was afraid if I waited until we got back to the room, I’d forget. Because as soon as we get back there…“ His eyes darken. “I’m peeling your clothes off and ravishing you.”

Yes, please.

But the gift, first. I open my hand and clap my other over my mouth in shock. “Cash.”

“I just thought—“ He swallows. “Well, I told you before that you’re in my heart. That you always have been. So…”

It’s a stunning heart pendant accented with diamonds on a delicate silver chain. Not too large, understated enough that I can wear it to school, but fancier than anything I’d ever buy for myself. “It’s beautiful,” I whisper, tears welling up.

All of this—it’s more than just a man trying to romance a woman. This ismyCash, doing whatever he can to make me happy amid all the surrounding chaos.

Cash gets up and comes around behind me, fastening the necklace around my neck. He kisses my nape, and chills rush down my spine, but it’s a goodfeeling. “I can’t believe it took us this long to finally come together,” I say, mostly to myself.

Back in his seat, he leans across the table and takes my hand again. “I know. I always felt something for you… not just attraction, although I thought you were stunning. But I knew I could fall for you easily.”

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