He sat back and watched as she prepared to go on stage. She looked a little green around the edges but that radiant smile she’d woken up with that morning still hadn’t left her face entirely.

His smile hadn’t, either, as he recalled the previous night.

She paced nervously and fiddled with the ends of her hair.

“I can’t believe that we leave in the morning. I can’t believe that I am going on tour with Out of Control and Controlled Environment.” She paused to make sure he was listening and understood the gravity of her situation. “I mean, the concert event of the year – possibly the decade – and Robby Black asked me to open up for them. Me! Can you believe it?”

“Of course I can,” he said with an amused smile. He relaxed in his recliner as his eyes followed her path. “You’re very talented and I expect that Robby couldn’t think of anyone better than you to open.”

She stopped to smile at him and it caused his heart to stir. “Thank you, Nathan,” she said as she climbed in his lap. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her temple. “But I’m still nervous.”

“You should be,” he said. “You’d be a bit arrogant if you weren’t.”

She nestled her head under his chin and he squeezed her. “I’m so glad you took the job at Black Records.”

“You’re only glad because I get to go with you on tour,” he chuckled.

“No,” she said as she edged back to look in his eyes. All nervousness and teasing was absent. “I hated you being a cop. I saw too many close calls for my liking.” A shudder shook her and she briefly closed her eyes. “Besides, this job really suits you. You’ve done an excellent job organizing security for the entire studio, let alone this tour.”

“Well, I do like it. I wasn’t sure that I would but it’s actually pretty challenging.” He kissed her softly. “And the biggest perk is that I get go with you and keep an eye on you.”

She rolled her eyes. “Whatever.”

He eased her back in his arms. “So, I was thinking about what to get you for your birthday…”

“I told you no presents,” she interrupted.

“Maybe that rule applies to your family and friends but I know better. I know it doesn’t apply to the boyfriend.”

She giggled and toyed with the top button of his shirt. “Okay, so I’m kind of interested to see what you got me.”

He laughed and scooted her off his lap. “You’re dying to know, admit it.”

“Just give it to me already,” she insisted, hands on hips.

It was his turn to pace as he ran a hand through his hair. He’d practiced this moment over and over but now that the time had come, he was suddenly the nervous one. “Well, I was thinking what to get you. I mean, you’re not the easiest person to shop for, you know.” She rolled her eyes again and nodded. “You have everything –amazing career, great family, wonderful friends.” He stopped to smile impishly at her. “And the best boyfriend you could ask for.”

“I’m not arguing,” she laughed.

He winked at her. “Anyway, I figured out what to get you but I’m not sure if you’ll like it.” He reached behind the clock on top of the entertainment center and retrieved a small box. He tossed it to her and folded his arms over his chest.

Her eyes lit up as a gasp escaped her lips. “Nathan!”

“So, what do you think? Should we just go ahead and get hitched?”

“Yes,” she whispered as she threw herself in his arms. She kissed him frantically as he held her. When she drew back, she smiled, happiness radiating on her face. “Really? Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure,” he said and kissed the tip of her nose. “We’ve been together a year now and I don’t ever want to be with anyone else and I definitely don’t want anyone else ever touching you.”

He plucked the ring out of the box and slipped it on her finger. A couple tears slid down her cheeks as she admired the stone. “Thank you, Nathan.”

He tipped her chin and kissed her. “Thank you,” he said and kissed her again. Her arms snaked around her neck as she pressed her body to his. He groaned, knowing things would get out of hand soon and he’d have to stop her. He’d struggled with this particular problem for the past year but he respected her wish to wait until marriage.

“Nathan,” she said, her voice husky. “I really want you. Please?”

He furrowed a brow. “Beautiful, we’re engaged. We’ll marry after the tour if you want. Don’t you want to wait?”

“No. I love you, Nathan. I don’t want to wait any longer.”

He read the truth in her eyes and took her hand. “Okay,” he said, unable to resist –he wanted her too much.

She flashed him a watery smile and trotted excitedly behind him as he led her to his bedroom. She trembled in anticipation as he shut the door and turned to her. He slowly removed her clothes, admiring the softness of her body as she helped him out of his. He kissed her gently and eased her to the bed...

“Are you ready for this, Kara?” Ryan Stone asked as he perched on the makeup table, waking Nathan from his memories. He grinned at Nathan over her shoulder.

“I hope so,” she said, her voice shaky.

“Don’t worry,” Ryan assured her. “Your man has the place secure.”

“I know that,” she said and Nathan watched her smile widen in the mirror. She caught his eye and he winked. “I’m just nervous. I’ve never played before such a large crowd.”

“You’ll be fine, honest. I can’t think of anyone else better to open up for us.”

Her smile slipped as she clutched her stomach. “Just, don’t talk about it. I’m trying to imagine it’s just some stupid Kids’ Kable thing and not the kickoff for your tour.”

He laughed and squeezed her shoulder. “If that helps.”

“It does,” she said as the hair stylist let her out of the chair. She turned and immediately strode to Nathan. He opened his arms and hugged her. “I think I’m going to throw up.”

“You won’t, beautiful,” he told her. “And if you do, I’ll clean it up.”

She eased back to grin at him. “You’re head of security, Nate, not head of sanitation.”

“Don’t you know by now that I’d do anything for you?” he whispered in her ear. She shuddered and a flashback of their activities the previous night floated in his head.

If she thought she was nervous now, then she should have been in his shoes when he finally relented and took her in his bed. He was scared to death he’d hurt her or ruin the experience for her but it worked out in the end. And waking with her in his arms that morning was something he was looking forward to doing every day for the rest of his life.

“I can’t wait until tonight,” she said as she smiled at him, her eyes loaded with desire.

“Maybe I’m shy and not ready for another…round,” he teased.

She kissed him, wrapping her arms around his neck. “I’ll be gentle.”

He chuckled as Robby Black approached them.

“All right, enough of that smut. Just because you’re engaged doesn’t mean we have to tolerate this,” he teased. He patted Kara’s shoulder. “We’re nearly ready for you. How do you feel?”

She glanced at Nathan, her eyes glowing. “Like a queen.”

A/N: A little longer and more detailed and to be honest - I'm so tired of trying to figure this out. I really hate epilogues. Anyway, hope you like it better. I'm also changing the rating because it really isn't an 'M' story.

Thanks again.