Surprisingly, the spa package Mark purchased for me was perfect. He booked me a hot stone massage, which was amazing and really worked out the tension I had not realized was there. He also got me a mini facial. By the time we met up for dinner, I was completely relaxed. He even stayed true to his word and did not work once that night.

We tried an upscale restaurant the lodge had, and it was truly amazing. Mark teased that the only way to please me was a five star kitchen. It wasn't true of course; I just had a love for food. We had finished dinner and were relaxing in the hot tub where I finally had his attention. The moon's glow illuminated the water, and the blue pool lights underneath gave the night an ethereal feel. There were only a few people enjoying the pool, so it was quite intimate.

"It is so beautiful tonight. I love how we can see all the stars out here."

You could never see stars in the city like you could in the open country. The stars out here made you feel like the night sky was filled with magical things like fireflies and diamonds. At least, that's what I used to think as a kid--that fireflies danced in the sky to light up your way, shining alongside diamonds that sparkled with such intensity, you could never get lost.

Too bad I still did.

"It is a bit too quiet for my liking. But I'm definitely loving my view." His eyes trailed over my chest. He reached out to trace my bikini top, his hand grazing the top of my cleavage.

"Do you really not like the country that much?"

"I can appreciate your love for it. But, no, I'm not a big fan. I prefer city lights over night skies and hearing cars and music in the background over crickets any day. It's what I'm used to. All of this," he waved his hands around, "does nothing to interest me. Now the city, especially the city with you in it, is my kind of lifestyle."

I smiled, appreciating his honesty and sentiment. "Thank you for today. I've enjoyed having your attention tonight. I finally feel like we are celebrating us."

"I'm glad. Five years together is something worth celebrating. I can't believe it's been over six years since I have worked at your dad's company."

"It's not exactly Frank's company." I emphasized Frank's name, hating when people addressed him as my dad.

"Yeah, but might as well be. He's been loyal to the company and has worked his way to the top. I'm ready to step in beside him."

"I am sure you will. You have come a long way already." I scooted closer, and he placed his arm around my shoulders.

"You are right, and you have been at my side witnessing it all. Frank knew what he was doing when he introduced us."

"Is that so?" I arched my eyebrow and placed my hand on his thigh underneath the water.

"Damn straight. You have been exactly what I needed." He copied my movements and ran his hand up my bare leg. "This hot tub is fun and all, but I can think of a better way to celebrate."

"Oh yeah, and what way is that?"

He grinned before placing a kiss on my lips.

"I'm glad you asked." Standing up, he pulled me out of the water with him, and guided me back to our room.

***

I awoke the next morning completely excited. I had booked Mark and I a couple's horseback ride, and I could not wait. Getting back on a horse was the main reason I wanted to come all the way to Wyoming, and it was what I was most looking forward to. In fact, I had not been able to shut up about it.

I jumped in the shower, letting Mark get some more rest. The ride wasn't until later that day, so we had time. I decided that after my shower, I would order us room service for breakfast. I was craving a stack of pancakes and bacon, and afterward, I figured I would lounge around and read. A relaxing morning sounded nice until it was time to go. I just hoped I had the patience to wait without annoying Mark from my overexcitement.

Stepping out of the shower, I wrapped myself in a fluffy towel and wiped the fog from the mirror. I grabbed my toothbrush and brushed my teeth. Then, I proceeded with my face care regimen. When I heard Mark get up, I turned on the blow dryer to dry my hair. After dressing, I walked out of the bathroom to see Mark already on the computer.

"Good morning, I thought I would order us some breakfast." I headed toward the phone.

"Sounds good. Just get me an omelette and bacon."

When I was done ordering, I walked over to him sitting at the desk on the computer and rubbed his shoulders. He seemed tense. Maybe we could do another massage together later. I leaned in to give him a kiss on the neck and glanced at the computer screen.

"What are you doing? Already working? I thought my spa day by myself yesterday was so that you could take the rest of the time here off."

He stiffened under my hands. "Grace, did you really think I was not going to work the rest of the week? I got the work done that I needed done for yesterday, so that I could spend the night with you. And I did." He leaned away from my touch, and I dropped my hands.

"I thought you had said you were going to try to get what you needed done, so that we can enjoy the rest of our time here? Not just for the night."

"Well, as you can see, that obviously did not happen. I have a lot to do. Your dad sent me a proposal that I need to come up with a pitch for."

"When did Frank do that?"

"A couple days ago."

"Well what was all that time spent doing when I was having my massage and facial?" I was pushing it; I knew I was.

"Seriously Grace!? I was working on other shit." He pushed the chair back and stood up.

I backed up and sighed. I knew this was a losing battle. I hated when he got that angry. It was my fault for getting him so worked up.

"I'm sorry. I know you have a lot on your plate. It's fine. Take all morning to work. We don't have to be at our ride until two."

"What ride?" He looked over at me as he pulled a shirt on over his head and walked back toward the desk.

"What ride? The ride I have been talking about. The horseback ride I booked for us. I mentioned it again last night at dinner. It's at two."

"Yeah, I am not going to that. I will be working on this the whole day."

My heart dropped to my stomach. I wanted to scream and cry. Instead, I just stood there watching him get back on the computer like he didn't just pull the rug out from under me.

"Mark--"

"Look, if you're going to try to make me feel guilty, then save it. I have enough pressure on me as is. You should know that."

He turned to face me when I didn't respond. He stood up and walked toward me, grabbing the sides of my arms. It wasn't comforting. In fact, it burned.

"Look, I'm sorry you wanted to go. If you still want to, then you can go on it by yourself. You can let me know all about it when you get back."

"But it's a couple's ride."

"You paid for it right?" I nodded and he continued. "Then they can't say you can't go just because you are by yourself. So go. Have a good time. You'll like it more that way. I won't be slowing you down on the ride with my no experience." He cupped my chin and placed a chaste kiss to my lips.

I shrugged my shoulders and mustered up a half smile, trying my hardest to keep the tears forming behind my eyes to stay there.

"Yeah, you're right. I'll go. I am sure it will be fun by myself."

He winked. "That's the spirit." He patted me on the shoulder and looked past me when he heard a knock on the door. "That should be our breakfast. Why don't you go grab my wallet, and I'll treat you to it." He gestured as he sat back down.

I paid for the breakfast, throwing in an extra large tip, and handed Mark his food as he sat by himself at the desk. I quietly ate, although my appetite had pretty much been lost, then slipped out of the room unnoticed, desperate for some distance. I doubt he noticed anyway.

Poor Grace, right!? I hate when I am excited to do something with someone and they don't care or see how big of a deal it is to me.

It's clear horses are something Grace holds dear. Who else loves horses? I had them growing up, but not anymore.

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