40 oz to Freedom

[Anastasia Rade]

She could see how that could be frustration. It would irritate her to no end and in a way it kind of reminded her of her life as a slave. He had always been watching her and counted the minutes it took her to make him a sandwich. She got that they had to keep track of employees but couldn't it just be like use scan cards or something?


"Can I get you anything else?" The waiter asked as he came to their table to take away the plates. "We have a fabulous desert menu if your interested." Ana was temped for a split second but she was really looking forward to sharing some cake with him at the cosy little diner she had discovered. "No thank you, just the check and my box to go." There was no way she was forgetting the to go box. Nodding the waiter left to go get the check.

"Sounds like a plan," she smiled happy [member="Orick T'ane"] didn't want to end the night either. "I'll navigate for you when we get back in the car. It's right across from where I'm staying which is how I found it." A girl had to eat after all and it looked cosy enough for Ana to give it a try. She could write a report on the Republic later as she had more pressing matters she wished to attend to.

The evening thus far had been magical and she couldn't imagine it getting any better. Cake in a quaint little diner though was pushing that limit it was cake after all. "What is your favorite kind of cake or I guess baked good?" Ana had decided it best to go back to lighthearted questions. She didn't want to talk about grimm things if she could help it. Plus it would be good to know was the best treats to stow away on his ship for him. Give him something to remember her by.

 

[Orick T'ane]

[member="Anastasia Rade"] wasted no time getting rid of the waiter again, he tried not to smile at that, she was thinking like he was, anything that wasn't the two of them was a distraction tonight. They seemed to just click and it was wonderful. He knew he wold have to be faster when the waiter returned, he had told her he would treat her to dinner and he was going to make sure that she never even saw the check. She was his guest, and by the way the night was going he figured that was the lat time he would think of her as such, but she wasn't going to pay for anything at all." I have found that chocolate is the best kind of cake, it's simple and decadent, yet rich and fun as well."

He nodded as she offered to be his navigator, a position he wouldn't mind her fitting into at all. " That's perfect, you point and I drive, we are going to make a great team, Ana." he enjoyed the way her name just rolled off of his tongue, it just felt natural to use it and he sure enjoyed the familiarity of it. He hoped that he got a more time with her in the near future, the idea of them being a team, in anything at all was one that made him smile. Team , couple, it's all semantics in the end. His thoughts were interrupted by the return of the waiter, who had the check in hand. Before he could even drop the small datapad on the table, Orick snatched it up.

Making sure to slip his cred stick into the small slot and give it back to the waiter before Ana even had a chance to see the total. " Thank you sir, I hope you two had a wonderful evening here at Ruuto's, and I hope to see you both again very soon." the waiter said as he placed a small bag with a box inside on the table.

Smiling as the waiter walked off, Orick turned back to the lovely lady that had kept him company all evening," Well that was a great meal, and the company was even better." He said, knowing that she was feeling the same thing, they seemed to be in sync with hoe the evening was going, and he couldn't wait for the next part of the night to begin. " Is there anything else you would like to while we are here, or would you like to continue on to desert?"

 

[Anastasia Rade]

Before she could even object to him paying for two meals for her the card had been swiped. That was alright though, she would have the chance to repay him on Mandalore. Ana already had a few places in mind that she had to take him besides Oyu'baat which was a given. There was also no way that she was going to make him stay in a hotel. Her home was plenty big for the two of them and it gave her the opportunity to show off and cook for him.

Ana also had made a mental note of his love for chocolate. She could make make many different flavors but for him Ana would zero in on the chocolate. These things were good to know and she didn't wish to bring up anymore bad memories for him. This evening was lovely and she didn't want to ruin it with ghosts of the past.

The casino had seemingly gotten more crowded as they had eaten. As much fun as they had here she wanted to go somewhere a little more quiet. She knew that this diner should be just that. They could even slide together on one side and snuggle as they had some cake. "Let's go get desert," she smiled getting up from the table and grabbing her bag.

[member="Orick T'ane"]

 

[Orick T'ane]

He saw her reaction to him picking up the check and chuckled slightly, he didn't expect anything less from her. She seemed like the type of woman that was fine with being pampered, but not to excess levels. He would enjoy finding out just how far he could push treating her before she began to openly object. He didn't feel that he had to pamper her, but he wanted her to feel special. He smiled as he stood taking her on his arm as they had done several time tonight.

The trip back through the casino was much quicker than the first trip, the flashy lights and the games held no interest for them any longer. The casino had gotten very busy since they had arrived and there were a fee times they had to wait as a group of people crowded around one table or the other. Once they were outside it was just a matter of flagging down the small valet and getting his hover-car brought up for them. " I hope that my tour of Alderaan has met with your approval, Rally Master." He asked in a playful tone. She seemed to genuinely enjoy her evening and if he was reading her right, which he was sure he wasn't, she would love to do it again.

The car arrived promptly and the small twi'leks once again held the doors open and helped them into the car. " Alright navigator, where are we headed?" He asked [member="Anastasia Rade"] as the two valets closed the doors.

 

[Anastasia Rade]

"Very much so," she smiled at him taking his arm as she gave him a gently kiss on the cheek. Ana had been all giggles and smiles tonight on their tour of Alderaan. Acting all foolish just like a teen girl whom had been asked to prom by that guy she had been crushing on all year. He didn't seem to mind though and unless she was mistaken had been acting in a similar manner himself. I don't think I'll be putting this in my report though." This was a night for them to remember not Mandalorian forces or her brother. She much rather he meet him face to face first or Ana tell him not a report. I can only hope that my tour of Mandalore will live up to this." Right now, Ana wasn't sure that anything could.

She wasn't fantastic on directions here because this was her first trip but Ana was willing to give it a shot. She knew the name of the diner and what street it was located so that ought to help. Once they got closer to the city she would probably be able to give step by step directions. "It's called Ruby's diner and it's the heart of the city across from Omni hotel on 10th and main. So first you'll want to head back towards the city." She stated leaning back in her seat. Ana had faith that he would be able to get them to the city with no problem at all. If they were lucky the dinner wouldn't be that crowed and they would have the place to themselves. "Do you need help getting back to the city? I have a map." Ana was always prepared even when she was going out all dressed up fancy.

[member="Orick T'ane"]

 

[Orick T'ane]

Her slight gentle kiss sent thrill through his body, she was gentle but not weak in her movements, and it was fascinating for him to watch. She mentioned her reports and he wondered how long she would be allowed to remain within the Republic. he wasn't sure how long the alliance would last and the thought of that filled him with dread, but he pushed that thought out of his mind, he didn't want to ruin his wonderful evening with those types of thoughts. " As long as you're the one giving me the tour, I know it will be amazing." He replied, not caring how goofy it sounded.

He did know the place [member="Anastasia Rade"] was referring to, he had never been there, but he had passed it before, as well as her hotel, but he wasn't about to tell her that. He wanted her to show him the way, mostly because he didn't want her to feel like she wasn't helping, they were a team. He smiled as he turned the car back to the city he was turning more towards the main part of the city as he began to slow the car a bit, " Alright, which way are we going, navigator?" He was enjoying the fact that he could be playful around her, he knew that she was all business when it was time to defend her people, but she had let herself relax with him tonight, allowing him to see a side of her that he would always see, no matter who tough she needed to be.

 

[Anastasia Rade]

They were so far working together well as a team. They had gotten to the city but now was where the real test began, navigating their way through the city. Pulling out the map she opened it up to find the diner which was easy enough to find as she had circled the hotel. If they could work to find the little diner together as a team there was no saying what they would be like as a couple. The thought alone brought a smile to her face as she thought of that. The signals had she had been getting from him told her that would be something that he too would like.

"You'll want to turn left at the next light. Once you turn keep going till you get to D street and turn right onto that." She paused as she drew her finger along the route she was telling him making sure that she was telling him the correct way. While getting lost somewhere with him sounded fantastic the downtown of this planet wasn't where she wished it to happen. "You'll take the next right onto 10th, drive a few minutes and you should see the huge Omni hotel. You can't miss that and right across the street is the diner." She would of course repeat herself as they arrived at each of the different steps. Ana had wanted to give him an overview of where they were going and how they would arrive at their destination. She didn't expect him to remember it all but Ana wouldn't be surprised if he did.

Ana wondered if when [member="Orick T'ane"] was planet side it was normally here or at the Capital. She had the feeling that she would be visiting whichever it was a lot just so that she could see him. His superiors she doubted would approve much vacation time for him or many trips to Mandalore. They would get suspicious and the last thing she wanted was to get him into trouble. Ana had no issue coming hereto see him when he was "home". She kind of doubted though that he called an Republic world home.

 

[Orick T'ane]

He turned the hovercar onto the streets and followed the streets back towards the major intersections, where the traffic increased a bit, but didn't slow their travel down any. the trip wouldn't be too long. The streets were beginning to clear out the farther they got from the casino, there were fewer lights on the streets and even fewer people. Orick glanced down at the clock and noticed that it wasn't too late, but it was late enough for most regular people to be at their homes. He was glad for the fact that he didn't have a life like that, he didn't always like how end lived, but at least it wasn't a droning dull life. That would have killed him faster than any Sith lord could have.

" Gotcha, left at the next light, D street, right, 10th street and diner." He fired off the directions back at her even as his body was turning the car onto the street she mentioned. He was following the course she set exactly, knowing where the hotel is doesn't hurt either. He knew it wouldn't be long until they reached the small diner and he was looking forward to the atmosphere that it would provide. At this time of night there shouldn't be much worry of it being busy and loud. The turns melted away quickly and before either of them knew it, they were sitting outside of the small diner. The streets were empty but because of the hotel the area was well lit and patrolled by security, so it was a safe area to stay in.

He looked over at the diner and smiled, it was the perfect place, just the kind of place that would have the perfect slice of pie. He opened the door to the hover car and got out of it quickly. He deftly moved around to the other side and opened her door for her, holding out his hand for her to use while she stepped out. " Madame," He smiled brightly as he waited for [member="Anastasia Rade"] to step out.

 

[Anastasia Rade]

Just as Ana thought he got the two there with no problem at all. She didn't even have to repeat the instructions for him they were that good. It seemed as such that they had passed the first test, they could navigate together without fighting or getting lost. They had also gotten here rather quickly which was something she would never get used to. The streets of Keldabe were always hopping no matter the time of day. She liked that about her city, never a dull moment. Someone was always getting into a fist fight with someone else over something stupid. It never lasted long and they always made up but it is always entertaining all the same.

"Thank you," she smiled as she took his hand as she got out of the car. Ana wasn't used to being pampered or treated like a princess but she wasn't going to complain. She rather liked it at least for tonight and tomorrow she could go back to kicking butt. Taking his arm once again they entered the rather empty diner and went in to pick a seat as the sign Ana was happy it was dead as that meant they could get some privacy away from the crowds. They hadn't really had that luxury at the casino because that place had been quite packed.

Letting go of his hand she scooted into the booth that they had picked out and motioned for him to sit next to her. Grabbing a menu she glanced down at the desert section to see what the options were. This stop really wasn't about the pie even though it was good. It was more or less about spending more time with him rather than just calling it a night. They were having too much fun and a guy like him didn't come along very often. She wanted to cherish the time they had together because she knew soon they would both be off fighting separate wars.

[member="Orick T'ane"]

 

[Orick T'ane]

The smile on her face as she took his arm was almost enough to make him stumble as he began to walk, that was how amazing her smile was. He regained his composure as they walked into the small diner, he saw the small Yarkora cook behind the counter top in the back. The waitress was what Orick thought was a Falleen, but he wasn't going to ask if she was or not. He nodded to both of them as [member="Anastasia Rade"] guided them to a table and slid into the long booth.

She motioned for him to sit next to her and he smiled as he sat down on the booth, giving her enough room to move and not feel smothered by him. She had the menu in hand and he leaned over a bit so that he could get a glance at it as well. " Alright, you're the expert on what's good here, what do you recommend?" He was just close enough to her to look at the menu and not too close that she would feel weird.

He was happy that she had chosen this place, it was nice and empty and it was the type of place that he could sit and just enjoy her company without having to worry about how long they sat there or how much they ordered. The waitress choose this moment to walk over, " Welcome to Ruby's diner, I'm Sanja, your waitress tonight, our special this week is a Shuura fruit pie. Would you two like to start with some Caf?" She asked wit ha smile on her face.

Orick looked up and smiled at the waitress, " I think two cups of Caf sounds like an excellent idea." He turned to look at Ana quickly as the waitress walked off, watching as she looked the menu over, noting all of the cute accents of her face.

 

[Anastasia Rade]

"Well, last night I tried the cherry pie which was really good. The waitress even put a dollop of whip cream on top. The night before I munch on some cheesecake while looking over my reports." She spoke as she pointed to each item on the menu as she talked about it. "I was thinking on the way over here we could share the massive chocolate cake with ice cream that they have. The other day I saw a couple splitting it and it looked good." Ana spent a lot of her downtime here as the last thing she wanted to was stay cooped up in her hotel room. Naturally she also had to get dessert as well. "Unless you were thinking of something else." She was just fine splitting something else too everything here was good. The fruit pie special kind of sounded really good too.

It wasn't until she turned to face [member="Orick T'ane"] did she realize how close he was to her. Ana didn't not like it nor was she in the least bit uncomfortable. It was just that she hadn't been this close to anyone for a very long time nor had she felt this comfortable around someone so quickly. Ana enjoyed being close to him and the feelings she felt from it. The meaning of these feelings was something she wanted to explore and see where they led.

Before the couple had decided upon what it was they were going to order the Sanja returned with their caf in hand and placed a cup in front of each of them. "Are you ready to order?" She gently smiled at them taking out a datapad to write the order down for them. "Could we have have a few more minutes? Thank you." Ana replied back looking up from the menu. "Of course, take your time. I'll be back in a few." Sanja stated as she turned to leave them back to reviewing the menu.

 

[Orick T'ane]

He was thinking about something else, he was lost in the closeness of her eyes and wasn't able to answer her for a few seconds, his only thoughts were of how beautiful she looked. Blinking after a few seconds he answered, " I think that the cake and ice cream sounds great, you're the expert on baked goods." He replied, not really caring what they ordered, because he was more concerned with her company than the food they ate.

She was sitting almost as close to him as she was when they were dancing and he couldn't help but smile at her, He was sure that he looked goofy as he did, but he hoped that she would understand that was the effect she had on him. He hoped that she had the free time to spend the day with him again, even eating in the mess hall would be a wonderful experience if she was there. He really did enjoy the closeness of her body, not for anything but the comfort that it held. He felt completely at ease with her, and he felt that he could tell her anything and she would understand. Her life had been a hard one, and she didn't judge him for his decisions. She listened and smiled and didn't feel sorry for him; and with how bad her life had been, he felt bad for even mentioning his problems.

He Smiled at [member="Anastasia Rade"] as she told the waitress they needed more time and tilted his head a bit," We do need a few minutes, I think that I saw something in your eye." He says as he leans in close and gives her a gentle, soft kiss on the lips. It only lasts a couple of heart beets before he leans back a bit," I think I got it," he says wit ha growing smile.

 

[Anastasia Rade]

"I don't know, you might want to get a better look." She smiled as she leaned forward to gentle kiss him again. It seemed now that they were both spouting off cheesy lines but Ana didn't care. She enjoyed being close to him and the kissing so if silly lines got her that Ana would go for it. Even after tonight she knew that she at least had him tomorrow for a tour of his ship which she was pretty excited about. If things continued like this with him she could see herself needing to rent an apartment here so that she could see more of him. Ana had freedom to do something like that while she knew he didn't and she was alright with. The key would be finding out where he was stationed planet side. Thoughts such as those were her getting ahead of herself and for now she wouldn't or rather she would try.

The waitress had passed by a few times to see if they were ready to order but didn't stop to ask. Sanja would leave the two lovebirds alone for the time being. It seemed as if they were too enthralled with each other to have even looked at the menu. She though it was cute to see young love and she was in no hurry so it was alright. "Ready to order," she stopped to ask the moment that it looked safe to. Turning her attention away from her date for the moment to the waitress. "We would like the chocolate cake with ice cream and two forks. Thank you." After typing in the order Sanja left them to go put it in leaving them alone again.

After putting the menu away Ana sighed happily as she leaned her head against [member="Orick T'ane"] shoulder as her hand reached for his. When she was around him Ana felt like nothing else in the galaxy mattered. All her cares and nightmares seemed so far away. The best part was she could tell by his actions that he felt similar to her. Having such feelings reciprocated was amazing.

 

[Orick T'ane]

He couldn't help but smile into the kiss, the night was about as perfect as it could be. she was special in a way that he had never seen before and he was worried that they would spend a lot of time on opposite sides of the galaxy fighting different wars. She had a lot more freedom of movement to visit him that he had. His orders would lock him into a very strict area of movement, but he wasn't going to make her come visit him every time they wanted to have a night out. He would have to find a way to get lost and end up near where she was at. He had spent enough years as a smuggler to manage it at least once before he was reprimanded.

He looked down at her as she lay her head on his shoulder, he gently wrapped his arm around her and pulled her closer. she was warm against his side and he could smell the faint fragrance that she had used with her shampoo. he softly kissed her on the top of her head, not caring what everyone would them would think. He couldn't wait to show her the Ranger tomorrow, it was for him what her armor was for her, a symbol of the trials he had survived.

The waitress returned at this moment, placing a large plate with a huge slice of chocolate cake on it and two huge scoops of vanilla ice cream. " Here you guys go, enjoy. " She said as she put two spoons on the table, she smiled widely and gave [member="Anastasia Rade"] a coy wink as she walked away.

Orick smiled, pretending not to notice the wink as he placed his other arm around the front of her, holding her in a soft hug, " I wonder how long we can sit here before the ice cream melts." He adds, not really caring about the food at the moment

 

[Anastasia Rade]

"I could spend the rest of the night just like this." She sighed happily once again as the waitress set down the desert in front of him. It looked good but she was quite happy were she was wrapped up in his warm loving embrace. Each of his gentle touches sent shivers running down her spine. He also smelled rather nice though she couldn't be sure if that was his normal scent or his cologne. It didn't matter either way as she rather liked it and it had served to draw her closer to him as her hands wrapped around him.

She picked her head up slightly letting her eyes met his. [member="Orick T'ane"] had these dreamy eyes in which Ana always seemed to get lost in. This man was something else. "Let the ice cream melt," she lightly smiled bringing up one of her hands to gently caress his cheek. If people were watching them she cared not at the moment. It was just them. "We can always order more. It's not what's important." The desert was a coverup to spend more time with him. She softly stated before leaning in to passionately kiss him on the lips. She would never tire of doing that.

Anything else she chose to do would be done in private. Ana didn't much care what people around them thought but at the same time she didn't wished to give them a show. He probably could agree with her on that one.

Pulling back from the kiss her heart still racing from it she leaned her head against his forehead not saying a word for the moment just smiling.

 

[Orick T'ane]

He smiled at her comment, it was an appealing idea. It wasn't often that anyone came across someone they just clicked with. He had never experienced it before he met her, she was the type of woman that wars were fought over, that men died to protect, empires had burned for the type of kisses he had received from her this evening. And in the end she was here, in a small diner in the middle of nowhere, having cake and ice cream. " I like my ice cream a bit soft anyway," he replied to her decision to letting it melt, and then she kissed him, and the food wasn't the only thing melting.

Melting into her kiss, melting into her gentle lips, he was lost in the moment and it felt like he was trapped in time forever. He wanted this night to last forever, to just take her to his ship and fly into unknown space, just the two of them and nothing to ruin their perfect moments. the reality of the world was going to crash down on him in the next few days, but who said he needed to worry about ti tonight. Tonight was about her, and giving her a memorable night.

[member="Anastasia Rade"] pulled back from the kiss and all he could do was smile, he couldn't find a word that could compare to what had just happened. he just sighed and let the warmth of her body against his sooth him. He pulled his left arm free and grabbed a spoon of the table and scooped up a little bit of the cake and the ice cream onto it. He leaned back just a bit so that there was a bit of separation between them and as she looked up he would move the spoon towards her.

 

[Anastasia Rade]

The galaxy was a cruel mistress just as Ana felt she found her prince, happiness it would only be a matter of days that he would have to leave. It wasn't by choice of course but he would be off fighting some stupid senate made war. She would be off fighting her own little war as well. The thought of running off to some deserted island together leaving the rest of the galaxy crossed her mind more than once. Run off together and live happily ever after in that cottage in the middle of nowhere. It wasn't realistic, if she just disappeared Azrael would search the whole galaxy high and low for her. She couldn't do that to him besides Ana wanted to share her happiness with him. Running away may not work but perhaps they could go on a vacation to that deserted island sometime.

None of this was something that she was going to worry about tonight but before he did leave Ana would. Tonight though she would set that aside to focus on the important things The cake and ice cream and of course this magical evening with him. Just when she thought things couldn't get any better they did, being here with him was perfect.

As his hand left her to pick up the spoon she lowered the one on his cheek as her faced turned to watch him pick up some cake and ice cream. Ana at first thought he was going to try it himself but was surprised to see the spoon head her way. Leaning forward she opened her mouth just enough so he could feed her the cake and ice cream. Pulling back from the spoon, after having licked it clean, Ana licked her lips a little to get any crumbs off. "umm, this is really good. You have to try some." He grinned at him as she reached over grab a spoon herself to scoop some of the desert up for him. "Your turn," she giggled with a smile as she brought up the spoon for him to take a bite. The young woman wasn't sitting on his lap but they were sitting so close Ana might as well be. Honestly she would have been however the table made that quite difficult either was she was having a blast. It was nights like this that made everything worth it.

[member="Orick T'ane"]

 

[Orick T'ane]

Orick smiled at her again, that's all he felt like doing when he was with her. She seemed to bring out the part of him that wanted to be a better person. He stared deep into her eyes and the world around them disappeared. He was here and she was wit hhim, and nothing else. Just the two of them enjoying desert together. He was just a man, not a Republic officer with duties and responsibilities and she was just a woman, and not the sister to the leader of the Mandolorians nor the envy from her complete culture to his.

Just two people enjoying the time they have together, lost in their own world. He laughed as she fed him the cake and ice cream, his smile was visible around the spoon as he slowly licked the spoon clean. He could feel her closeness and everything about her was alluring, she was sexy in a way that transcended just psychical attraction. He felt a connection that dragged his soul into the light, it felt like he had met 'the one'. He didn't believe in love at first sight, but maybe he could believe in this connection.

"What time am I picking you up tomorrow?" He asked, not really wanting this night to end but knowing when their time would continue tomorrow would make the rest of the evening that much better. He had every intention of picking uer up when she was free. He wanted to make sure they got as much time together as they could before they left to go their own ways.

[member="Anastasia Rade"]

 

[Anastasia Rade]

She couldn't help but smile and giggle a little as she watched him lick the spoon clean. Ana had gone for another spoonful as she heard his question. It made her have to pause for a moment to think. She had nothing of importance going on tomorrow so he could come pick her up whenever he was free or ready. The only thing she needed time to do was take a run, shower and eat breakfast. After that she would be ready for a fulfilled day with him which she was excited for but at the same time she didn't want tonight to end.

The Rally Master had been debating asking him to stay with her for tonight if for nothing else just to snuggle and not be alone. They had this undeniable chemistry and he made her feel like she never had before. Every touch, kiss sent shivers down her spine and left her wanting more. The other thought that she been mulling about in her head was kissing him goodnight and seeing him the next day. The night was perfect just the way it was. Ana could wait, he was worth the wait.

"How does 9 sound? It gives me plenty of time to get my affairs in order." She wasn't sure what or if he had anything going on tomorrow. If he did though Ana had a feeling he would clear his calendar for her. "I could also meet you at base since that's where your ship is." Perhaps she would be lucky enough to get a tour of the ship the Republic gave him as well. It wouldn't mean as much as the Ranger but she had to imagine it was still something he was proud of. Taking a bite of the cake and ice cream concoction Ana awaited [member="Orick T'ane"] answer.

 

[Orick T'ane]

He watched as she giggled at him and that made him smile even brighter, something as simple as her giggling was such a melodic sound. Everything he knew about her was wonderful, even the bad things, because it helped make her who she was today. He couldn't help but wonder what was going on behind those beautiful eyes. What were the things he was doing right, what did he need to fix, he wasn't sure he would sleep much tonight, after he dropped her off for the night he had a lot of work to do to fix up the ship. Even after he cleaned up, he would spend most of the night thinking about how amazing this night had turned out. Sleep would come when he had nothing else to do, tomorrow he would be too busy hoping that she was having a good time to worry about sleep.

What's she thinking about, I know she's enjoying the night, and I'm sure she's excited about tomorrow, but what are my chances of seeing her for longer than a couple of days from now. He let those thoughts drift away as she answered his question. He nodded and chuckled a bit, "Your affairs, huh." He cocked an eyebrow at [member="Anastasia Rade"], wondering what affairs she needed to get in order.

" 9 works for me, I will pick you up promptly in front of the hotel. I have no intention of missing even a second of the time we have together, and you meeting me is time that's too valuable to squander." He smiled at her and leaned in to give her a quick kiss on the cheek. " I'm sure you would agree with me on that point." He wasn't totally sure of it, but he was feeling very confident, with a woman as beautiful as her by his side, it was hard not to be confident.