“A bad connection; he called from a bar. It was so loud I couldn’t hear him.”

“What was he doing in a bar?”

“I don’t know. Something about being with Peter and waiting for his girlfriend to get off work.”

“Whose girlfriend?”

“You sound like a lawyer. His friend’s. Peter’s.”

“Sorry, but I came in here and found you in tears. What am I supposed to think?”

“Just be happy for me.” Jorden sent her roommate a pleading look. Madison was her closest friend, but sometimes she just didn’t get it, or did she? Jorden had to admit—Madison was usually right.

Alex called the next night. His flight would arrive Saturday afternoon a little after four. Jorden couldn’t believe he would be with her a whole week. Seven days seemed like an eternity. For the first few days Jorden was on the top of the world, but by Friday evening her nerves were frazzled.

“Calm down. You’re getting me hyped up.” Madison looked at Jorden as she dried the last glass in the dish rack.

“I can’t help it. I’ll have Alex to myself for a week. Of course I still have to teach, but the rest of the time will be for us!”

“He’s staying here?”

“Is this a problem?” Jorden frowned as she finished wiping off the counter top.

“No. I don’t have a problem, but I worry. You need to be careful.”

“Not this again.” She knew Madison was right. Birth control continued to be a huge problem between them. Alex refused to use condoms and didn’t want her to use birth control pills, and she didn’t have a solution.

“I’m going home tomorrow, so you’ll at least have Saturday night without me here.”

Jorden hugged Madison. “Thank you.”

Saturday afternoon, Jorden left at three thirty to meet Alex’s flight. Time seemed to stand still until she spotted him. He moved with ease through the crowd and when he saw her, a radiant smile erupted instantly. Jorden’s heartbeat quickened as she watched him pick up his pace. He beamed, lifting her upward.

“I can’t believe you’re here!” Jorden kissed him.

“Well I am, and I’m yours for the next seven days.”

Twenty long minutes elapsed between leaving the airport and arriving at Jorden’s place. Small talk kept them busy until they stepped into her apartment. Closing the door sent Jorden and Alex into their own private world.

Early Saturday evening, Alex drove Jorden’s car to Amore’s for dinner. Antonio spotted them as they walked in. “What a nice surprise. I haven’t seen you two in a long time. Have you tied the knot?”

“Not yet—next summer.” Alex grinned.

After an enjoyable meal, Alex reached for Jorden’s hand and touched the bracelet he had given her. “How about next August?”

“Next August?”

“Have you already forgotten?” Alex teased. “Our wedding.”