“Do I need to get on one knee?” he asked with a hopeful grin. “I suppose I didn’t do that the first time.”

Suddenly, Claire stood and backed away. She moved so fast that Tony feared she would trip and fall. Finally, with her eyes still large, she said, “No, I’m not ready for anything like that.”

He looked back at the ring in his hand and asked, “No, never—or no, not yet.”

Kneeling before him, Claire appeased him, “Tony, slow down. I told you that I like the dating thing… we never did that. Please don’t push too hard. In the last week, we’ve survived a major game changer. I think we need to proceed with caution.”

He reached for her left hand and slipped the diamond ring onto her fourth finger. Of course it fit: it was hers. With a mischievous smile, Tony explained, “I just wanted to make sure it still fit.”

Removing the platinum engagement ring, Claire placed it back in his hand and closed his fingers around it. “I appreciate the offer. Don’t make me give you a definite answer. If you do, you won’t be happy. Let’s be content with what we have—for now.”

Reluctantly, he accepted the ring and her touch. Instead of replying, he took her hand and kissed each finger, one by one. Kisses became suckles as he tenderly caressed her with his lips and tongue. Slowly, he moved up her arm until he was at that spot between her neck and collarbone, the one that produced goose bumps. Between kisses, he confessed, “I’ve made some bad decisions… and done some things in my life that I regret… but without a doubt… what I regret the most… is divorcing you.” He searched her emerald eyes for any sign of hope. “If you tell me there’s hope, that one day you’ll be Mrs. Rawlings again—I’ll wait.” As his lips roamed her moist body, Claire’s eyes closed, and moans replaced words. It wasn’t the answer he wanted, but it was the response he loved. “May I get you out of this wet suit, Ms. Nichols?” he emphasized her name.

She heatedly answered, “Yes… and Mr. Rawlings… there’s always hope.”

Though times had changed, they both knew the staff wouldn’t intrude. It wasn’t until later, when both of them were again covered by bathing suits and Claire napped while Tony reapplied her sunscreen, that anyone came to the deck to announce their impending meal.

Tony reminded himself that it was the right thing to do, as he kissed Claire good-bye, saw her disappear into a car, and watched Eric drive away towards Rawlings Industries’ private airport. Although he wanted to accompany her, Tony feared that once he was at the airport, he’d want to fly with her. Then, once in California, he wouldn’t want to leave without her.

Only five days.

It was his new mantra, until it was four, then three…

Trying to concentrate on work and catch up with Roach and Andrews on all things private detective, Tony heard his phone buzz and checked the text message. It was from Claire:

“THANK YOU FOR A LOVELY WEEKEND. I’M SO THANKFUL I WAS ABLE TO ATTEND THE WEDDING.”

Tony responded:

“I HOPE THAT WAS NOT THE ONLY PART OF THE WEEKEND YOU ENJOYED?”

Seconds later, Claire replied:

“I BELIEVE THERE WERE OTHER PARTS TOO. BUT SINCE YOUR PLANE IS MOVING, I NEED TO TURN OFF MY PHONE—CAN’T ELABORATE.”

Grinning, he sent one more message, hoping to catch her before her phone was off:

“OH, BUT HOW I WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO ELABORATE!”

He waited. When she didn’t respond, Tony knew that Claire was en route to California.

Five more days!

Simultaneously, Tony carried on another text conversation with Phillip Roach. Interestingly, it was occurring between where he was and where Claire would soon be—Palo Alto:

Anthony Rawlings (AR):

“WHAT NEW INFORMATION DO YOU HAVE RE: BREAK-IN?”

Phillip Roach (PR):

“BUILDING SECURITY TO SEND ME ENLARGED IMAGE OF PERP—WILL FORWARD AS SOON AS I RECEIVE. NOT CLEAR ENOUGH TO BE USED WITH RECOGNITION SOFTWARE.”

(AR):

“SEND VIA E-MAIL, EASIER TO ENLARGE ON MY END.”

(AR):

“MS. NICHOLS WILL ARRIVE PALO ALTO AFTER 6:00 PM, PST. KEEP HER IN YOUR VIEW UNTIL SAFELY RETURNED TO HER CONDO. ARE YOUR SENSORS IN PLACE?”

(PR):

“YES, SIR. MS. MCCOY JUST EXITED UNIT.”

(AR):

“SHE IS GOING OUT OF TOWN.”

(PR):

“HER FLIGHT PLAN IS FOR LOS ANGLES WITH RETURN FLIGHT THURSDAY.” Phil obviously wanted to show that he knew what was happening.

(AR):

“KEEP ME CONSTANTLY APPRISED.”

(PR):

“YES, SIR.”

Sitting behind his large mahogany desk, Tony tried in vain to read the documents on his computer. The words entered his mind and disappeared before he digested their meaning. His gaze fluttered between the ultrasound picture Claire had left and the clock in the corner of his monitor. Finally, his cell phone sounded and vibrated upon the smooth, glossy surface. Hastily, he swiped the screen—1 Text Message Claire:

“JUST LANDED. THANK YOU AGAIN FOR EVERYTHING. I SLEPT THE ENTIRE FLIGHT… VERY COMFORTABLE WITHOUT ALL THAT RECYCLED AIR!”

He smiled at her cheekiness. Maybe the recycled air was a stretch, but he’d undoubtedly preferred to have her in Iowa as opposed to California. Nevertheless, they’d made progress this weekend. They both knew it. His phone sounded and vibrated again—1 Text Message Phillip Roach: