Chapter 7
AJ went over to Cassie and questioned, "Did my dancing with your daughter chase her from the party?"
"Oh no!" Cassis assured him. "She told me when she said good night that I should be dancing with you, not her. I clearly have a very smart daughter."
"Yes you do," he agreed with a chuckle.
They danced several more dances together before the party started to break up and most everyone headed to their rooms. He looked into her eyes and requested, "One more dance please?"
"As many as you would like."
"I think we are going to meed a lot longer than a week for that Cassie," he whispered.
"How much longer AJ?" she asked breathlessly.
"We could be talking years. Do you think that is possible?"
"Before I answer that AJ I need you to understand that although I have traveled all over the world and loved every minute of it, my life is here, my children, my work, Grayhouse. Is that going to be a problem?"
"Not in the least. Since I retired I am free to be anywhere so if that means here in Middleton that is just fine with me."
"In that case years sounds perfect to me."
"Good."
Cassie stepped out of his arms and said, "Why don't you get the lights while I turn off the music and lock up?"
AJ agreed and went around the room turning off the lights. He and Cassie met at the bottom of the stairs and they climbed hand in hand. Moments later they stood in front of the doors to their rooms.
Stepping forward AJ took Cassie into his arms and told her, "I hate to take time away from you for something as boring as sleep."
"There was a time not so long ago that I would have just skipped the sleep but with a teenage daughter and a house full of guests…"
He smiled gently at her and said, "I understand that completely. May I have a kiss to hold me over until morning?"
Her smile warmed his heart, "I would like that very much."
Their lips met tenderly at first and then heated up as they drew closer together. Cassie linked her arms around his neck and sighed with pleasure as the kiss deepened.
When they parted there was a concerned look on her face. Instinctively he wanted to relieve any worries she might have so he asked, "Cassie what is it?"
"AJ my feelings for you are growing deeper by the hour and I just wanted to be sure that when you were talking about spending years together that I completely understood you. Are you willing to move to Middleton so we can be together?"
"Yes Cassie. I'm not afraid to tell you that I am falling in love with you. I'm looking forward to meeting your step children and one day to introducing you to Francesca."
"That sounds wonderful AJ, and I wasn't afraid to tell you that I love you, I just thought it might be too soon to talk of love. But it is getting late and we should probably get to bed. However, I would like one more kiss before saying good night."
"You can have as many kisses as you would like Cassie," he told her as he once again took her in his amrs.
"Good night AJ," she whispered when their lips parted.
"Good night Cassie," he whispered back.
They parted with lingering looks, both of them eager for the morning to arrive.
Waking at his usual time AJ dressed in his running clothes and quietly headed out of the house. His run through and around town was interesting and he reminded himself to ask Cassie if there were any good running trails that she could recommend.
Going in the back door he planned to get some water before going upstairs for a shower and a change of clothes. He was surprised to find Grace alone in the kitchen. She was busy making coffee when he walked in.
"Morning Grace," he said as he reached for a glass that was on a shelf near the sink. He filled it and took a long drink.
"Morning AJ, looks like you had a good run."
To Be Continued…