The sexy black dress isn't suitable for horseback riding, so I find myself in another clothing store. In the dressing room, Madi tries on a few equestrian-styled outfits; high boots, long sleeves shirt, and pants. The first one is Beige, the second is all black, and the last is all white. Honestly, all of them look great on her.  

"I'm thinking about the white one, but the black one is so slimming." She debates with her hand resting on her chin. "What do you think?"

I forgot about this part of dating. The second opinion from the boyfriend. "Both are sexy, but the white one brings out your hair."

"Okay, Mr. Stylist." She smirks. "I'll go with that one. I'll get a body shaper, so I look snatched."

"I like the loose fit...trust me, I've seen enough women in undergarments."

Her blue eyes roll. "Of course, you have you dog."

"I accept that title. The CEO of dogs. It has a nice ring."

"It does." She winks while stripping out of the black one. Her jiggling love handles turn me on. There's throbbing between my legs. Madi wiggles into the white pants. I ogle at her buttocks through the mirror, sliding into the pants one at a time. The shirt exchange waters my mouth. Her cute little breast cupped into a heart shape. I swallow and hold my breath. "Okay, I'm ready." 

"Scissors or doggy style?" My voice simmers.

Madi flips her hair back like a Victoria's Secret model. "Both."

"Alright." I stand from the bench. "Let's get to it."

"Okay, get on your knees." She points to the floor.

"Oh...it's not gonna be that easy, Bunny."

"It will."

"It won't."

"Will; two times infinity squared!" Madi sticks out her tongue like a kid. "I win."

"For now." I open the dressing room door for her.

"Forever...you mean." She pecks my lips on the way out. 

The open field is an ultra-green paradise, especially with both of us wearing white on matching horses. Madi has a strong country-girl vibe in her cowboy hat. We glow like fallen angels under the beaming sun. I've been bull riding and dirt bike racing, so this shouldn't be difficult. I tug the lease, so the horse trots forward. I spot her mimicking me. "You're copying my style now." 

"No...I just happened to do the same thing at the same time you did."

"Hmm mmm...right."

"I got my own style." She tilts her wide-brim hat like a gangster. "Gallop." She says softly, moving her hands to the horse's wither. I spot her squeezing her legs gently against its body. Her horse takes off down a gated path surrounded by rolling hills. I have no choice but to copy her technique. It looks like she did some studying for this. 

I love how she's bouncing on the horse's back, bent forward and dominant. Her caramel hair whipping the air. I tap my boots against the side of my horse to catch up. She hears the hooves kicking off the ground and turns to glance at me. Madi is even more beautiful than she was last night. It's the all-white getup. She's radiant...once again, she's an angel. Too impossibly gorgeous to be mine.  

The fiery blue eyes of hers awaken an earthquake within my spine. The mischievous grin tops it off. Madi repeats the word and technique to outpace me. Her horse zooms around a winding pavement. She glances back at me to tease me. This moment is so picturesque...as if I found heaven. As if I found the peaceful afterlife everyone speaks of. This is the time to ask her.  

We play chase through the endless field. The fresh earth scent of grass and sun-roasting flowers breeze the air. The smell of maple mixes in. The field would make an amazing dessert if brought to life. Madi never lets me pass her up, only to catch up so she can leave me in the dust. We race down the curvinghills, past farms, and into a meadow.  

The horses slow down to a walk. Madi cockily sneers at me. "I win again."

"No...I let you."

"Just admit it."

"Only after we go skydiving."

She shakes her head. "No skydiving."

"Don't be a scaredy cat."

"The only way I'll get in the sky is if there are walls closing me in." The horses lead us to a lake circled by purple flowers. Madi hops down and strokes the horse's nose, then leads it to the water. I dismount and do the same. The lake is as still as a stone and only ripples when the animal's tongues dive into it. She tangles her fingers through both of their lush manes. She has the largest smile I've ever seen. "I don't want to leave. I love Paris." 

"We can check the honeymoon destination off the list."

"Do we have to go?" Her eyes plead.

Aww...I wish we could stay. My empathy overflows...her bummed expression drops my stomach. "Maybe next time, there's business to handle, not just mine. Your studio needs finalizing."

Her eyes droop. "Right." Her dreariness can't be hidden. "I guess next time."

"We still have tonight." I lift her chin and kiss her. "Okay?"

"Okay," she repeats with a lighter tone.

"We'll have lobster and stroll the city as long as you want."

Madi smiles. "So...until 3 am?"

"Why 3 am?"

"I never stayed up past midnight, so I wanna be a rebel."

"3 am it is."

I'm thinking I should wait until then to ask the big question. But 3 am is pretty late. This field should be the right place, but it isn't giving me the sign. I'll know when the place is right. I wouldn't second guess; I'll just ask naturally. As wonderful as this moment in paradise is...it isn't right. I don't want to force it to be.  

MADISON

Tonight's restaurant is within the Effie tower. Red, purple, and yellow club lights theme the interior. The Panoramic View blows away the country paradise we rode through this morning. 

The lobster dinner is so deliciously juicy. The lemons add a tangy sourness to the spicy meat.

"Hmm!" My mouth orgasms.

"That's what you've been missing."

"I thought I was missing the other type of meat." I eye his crotch.

Jace holds his breath. "You can't do that in public."

"I just did." I chew to one side to fuck with him, so my jaw is poked outwards. "This is insane, though!"

"Just let me know if it gets too crazy. I have a waiter standing by with an Epipen in case you're allergic."

"What?"

"The same as last night. A seafood allergy is the most common one."

I stop chewing. "Okay...now I'm scared."

"Don't be."

I over-evaluate the senses of my body, my breathing, and my tightening throat. "Why did you even tell me? Now I'm on edge!"

"Relax...it's best that you know what's going on if it happens."

I sit down my knife and fork. I breathe deeply to calm myself. "Can we change the subject?"

"Sure." He observes me as I drink white champagne. "Let's talk about your studio."

"Oh, perfect. I got so much done, but I want your opinion."

"Alright, I'm all ears."

"So, I'm thinking about including my last name in the title."

"The biggest businesses in the world are built on names. So far you're on track."

"But it sounds cheesy to me."

"I'll be the judge of that, don't worry; I'll be honest if it's bad."

"Okay...so I came up with three. Hart Studio. Hart Shop Studio. Hart Beat Studio." I clench my teeth. "Be honest."

"Hart Studio is ideal; company names should never be too long."

"Yeah, the other ones suck; that's why they're last on the list."

"See, you're already thinking like a pro." He gives a supportive smile. I go down the list I manually etched into my mind. The logo design options. Music symbol. Tap shoes. Dancing figure. Jace suggests using all three. The employee qualifications. Dance school degrees. Dance experience. Ages 21-65. Must reside in California. He agrees with my standards, including my $25-an-hour payout. "Wow, looks like you're all set to go." 

"I am. I even found a few property lots." 

"We should scope them out."

"Sounds like a plan, man," I say coolly. "Still...I'm not loving the name. What if Dorian helps me out with it?"

"That can be arranged. We can knock that out this week."

"Okay." I peer down at the chopped lobster. "Is it safe to eat?"

"Yes, if you were allergic, you'd look like a balloon by now."

"A balloon you'd want to pop." I crack comically.

Jace sniggers at my odd joke. "I guess...but wouldn't that kill you?"

I stab a piece and bring it to my mouth. "Hmm...that's a good question." 

After dinner, we stroll the brick-paved streets of Paris. The city is alive, lit up by lights as far as the eye can see. The side restaurants are packed inside and out. I'm shocked that there aren't any fans or press bomb rushing us. It's odd that we just get looks of recognition, nothing more. Pedestrians rush in and out of shops as if a tech wiz isn't present. "You weren't lying about Paris being respectful towards celebrities." 

"No...it's so surreal right?"

"So weird..."

A man plays a Hohner accordion in the middle of the street. Jace steers me in their direction. His hand in mine. The short black dress blows in the soft breeze. I feel so spicy. I know Jace is loving it. "Acceptez-vous la demande de chanson?" He asks the man.

"Oui."

"Mélodie déchaînée."

"Bien sûr, Sir Harrison." The performer contorts the accordion of the instrument while simultaneously playing the piano. An airy, slow song eludes both ends. The melody is angelic...and strangely familiar. I've heard it somewhere before. I'm guessing Jace had the same song played last night at dinner. But something tells me I've listened to this song far before that. But where?  

Something shades out the moon. I look up at a hot-air balloon. A pure white one with a red fire at its center. The music is so perfectly composed to its gradual landing. My eyes attach to the air glider like a hypnosis patient. I've never been on one. I'm afraid of heights...but this music is weakening that phobia. I glance up at Jace with childlike wonder. He smirks adorably. "Are you sure? I thought you needed walls to feel safe in the air?" 

"I do," I speak tranquilly. "But...I think I'm meant to get in. I don't know why."

"Does it feel like faith?" 

"I think so..." I step toward the balloon. My stride is uncertain yet persistent. I'm scared of being in the sky. I dismissed skydiving this morning because of phobia. So why am I doing the opposite now? What's this odd comfort in my soul? There's a reason I have to go in...only I don't know what it is.  

JACE

As soon as I saw the hot-air balloon, I knew. I wanted a sign. I got one. The view of the shining city will be picture-perfect. We'll be on top of the world in our own little bubble. This is better than I hoped for. I didn't even have to plot to get Madison inside the basket due to her fear of heights. I wonder if she sensed my motive. Did our minds connect?  

I make my way toward the balloon, where my bunny is. Its fire is low. The ticket collector exits it and paces to us. He unravels the admission papers. As he begins to break off two, he recognizes me. He's starstruck. "Jace Harrison! Oh, il n'y a pas besoin de payer." He offers a free ride, which I suspected. 

"Merci." I thank him.

The man hustles to hold open the basket door. "Merci, Monsieur."

"Merci," Madi says softly. She steps inside, never taking her eyes off the smoldering fire. She's anxious; she jumps when the door closes. "Would it be wimpy if I changed my mind?"

"Please don't," I plead. "You'll love the ride."

"How do you know that? It could be liquid courage that wears off as soon as we go up." She stresses. "What if it crashes?!" Her voice raises an octave.

"Breathe. We won't crash; you're doing great."

"So, you know how to steer this thing?" 

"I'm sure it's simple." I lie. I don't know how to fly it...I'd rather not admit this. I'll learn as I go. I'm sure it's no different from steering a jet pack, which I've flown. Release propane to rise. I spot a valve. I test this out before I'm assured. The balloon raises a few inches. I was right. The wider the valve is held; the more heat rushes the balloon upwards. I gradually release the metal exhausts, so we don't skyrocket upwards. It's just like cruise control. If we dip too low, I'll apply short bursts to keep us from setting ourselves and others on fire.  

I'm proud of myself for not being seen as a dummy in front of my soon-to-be wife. The balloon steers above the golden city at a steady rate. I pull at cords, which I believe dictate the direction. There must be a rotating mechanism to swerve from danger. I'm correct. I yank to rotate towards the Eiffel tower. 

Madi takes hold of my free hand. "I hate how calm you are right now. I'm losing it."

"Just focus on the sky, don't look down."

"I'll try," she says shakily. I prep the rest of the way up. The balloon climbs a thousand feet at a time. I plan out what to do once we're in the sky. No way am I dropping to a knee. I'm thinking about parking the floater once we're high enough to embrace her from behind. The ring is in my left pocket. I can reach it slyly without her noticing. "What are you thinking about?" Madi wonders. I guess I got too quiet and too focused. 

"Nothing, just enjoying the moment."

A few minutes pass. I estimate the balloon to be about 2 miles from the ground. Ten thousand feet. That should do. I decide to let it hover here. I tie the cord into a knot. Paris glows like fireflies below. An enchanted city. Madi takes quick peeks down, too afraid to look for too long. "It's okay." I try to pull her to the railing. 

"No..." She backs away.

"Trust me; you're safe." I grab her hand and stand her before me. Madi clutches onto the railing. The pulse from her hand is hectic. "It's okay." She watches the sky; her fear hasn't eased. My arms embrace her midsection. "Look down."

"I can't..." Her heart beats rapidly.

I have to calm her down. I kiss below her ear, then say, "breathe with me." my chest gradually extends against her backside. Madi's jagged breaths slow but are still anxious. "Try closing your eyes." She does so. "Breathe." We breathe in union. I follow the rhythm of the wind. Light gusts inward for a few seconds, then out. The meditation resumes for a minute before her chest calms. I'm glad when her heart rate stabilizes. "Feel better?" 

"A little."

"Open your eyes."

Her hands roughly grip the banister. "Okay."

"Now look down."

She sucks in a breath before leaning her chin down. "Oh, no...this is too far up!!!" Her back straightens with alertness.

"Relax."

Madi exhales. "Okay, I'm relaxing." There's a hoarseness in her voice. She needs to be brave for me a little bit longer.

"I love you. You're safe here because I love you." I repeat the words I said during the thunderstorm on the island. It has the same pacifying effect on her.

Madison's hands loosen from the rail, her back unhinges from its tight form, and rests against my chest. She turns her head to kiss me. "I love you too."

I slyly swipe the giant ring from my pocket. My bunny doesn't notice. Her oceanic eyes are on mine. Too tangled and captured to register the motion. The moonlight magnifies her gaze. Her irises are pale fire. I'm too bewildered to make the next move. She's locked me in place. I smooch her eyelids, then her mouth. I can't help but kiss every inch of her face. Her brows, hairline, the crease of her eyes. Her tiny nose and cheeks. Her chin. I'm losing track of my plan. I collect myself and cunningly expose the ring below her waist. "Look down." 

"I don't think that's a good idea." She croaks nervously.

"Please," I beg. "For me." 

Her eyes search mine for a moment, then stare down at the gold city 2 miles below. "It's so beautiful." She smiles. "Wow, it looks so tiny from here!" Madi exclaims.

I raise the ring from her waist up to the banister so she can see it. She double takes...not expecting the proposal. She gapes at the ring, her mouth drops. "OH MY GOD!!!" Madi hyperventilates. The rock-sized ring stuns her. Her blue eyes triple in size. She sniffles, covering her mouth.

I take hold of her left hand and slip the masterpiece ring on her wedding finger. "Will you marry me?" Tears drop from her eyes. Madi tries to say yes, but gets too choked up. Her mouth moves, but only sobs come out. She's too overwhelmed to say the one word. Aww, my bunny.  

I peck her lips slowly. Her tears dampen my cheeks and lips. Her sweet breaths catch in her chest. Madi's voice is lost. Verbally, she can't say yes, but physically she does. Her eyes scream it. She switches around to face me. Her soft lips trace my neck, her hands push me down to the floor. What is she doing?? I didn't expect this. 

Madi climbs atop me. I watch her unzip the hot black dress and pull it down. Her breasts are bare underneath. They're more beautiful than I thought they'd be. High and perky. Petite and mouthwatering. All the blood rushes from my brain to my cock. I lose function. My mind's a zombie. I'm a drooling caveman. My fiancé yanks my chin to meet her breast. I smooch her nipples. Madi sighs, "yes." Finally, she said yes.  

I vigorously batter my mouth against her protruding nips. Madi wiggles out of the dress. Turns out she doesn't have on underwear either. "Take me." She demands in a horny plea. "Please take me now." Every ounce of hunger she has goes into the words. 

"You can't handle it raw."

"I can," she replies hoarsely. "I'm ready."

Well, fuck... How can I tell her she's not ready? She wants it, so do I. "We need a bed. Let's go back to the hotel."