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so I could go to some hotspots in the world.”
    “Arabic?  That’s unusual.  Let me guess – your CIA boyfriend talked you in to it.”
    “He thought it was a good idea.  You have to admit that the news coming out of the Middle East shapes the entire world.
    “So you’re going to be a foreign correspondent?” he asked as he checked his watch.
    There was a time when she knew exactly what she wanted, but not anymore.  “I did have a job lined up with the CIA, but as you know, all of that recently changed.  I’m taking the summer off to reevaluate my goals.  I want a clear head before I make any life changing decisions.”
    “Waiter,” Brian discreetly called.  The waiter came over to the table.  “How much longer?”
    Stephanie was surprised.  Was he trying to end their date this soon?  She tried not to show her disappointment.  “How about you, Brian?  What do you do in your spare time?”
    “When I was in Denver, I went skiing every chance I had.  I’d like to go back this winter.  I also used to cycle through the mountains.  It was a rigorous workout with lots of wonderful scenery along the way.  I’m an avid Ohio State football fan, and I like most sports.  After football, I like hockey best.”
    The food was served.  Brian was attentive to her every need, but she noticed that he kept checking his watch.  “Everything is wonderful,” Stephanie remarked as she feasted on jumbo pan-seared scallops.  “Your mahi-mahi looks good, too.”
    “It’s some of the best I’ve had.  I’ll send my compliments to the chef.  Actually, would you believe that Columbus has a great seafood restaurant?  The menu changes twice a day depending upon what is flown in.  My family and I went there while I was on leave.”
    “Wow, who knew the Midwest had fresh seafood?  I’m sure it’s wonderful.”
    “If you are ever in Columbus, you should go.  Would you like to see a dessert menu?”  He glanced at his watch again.
    “This will do it for me, thank you.  Besides, I can’t help noticing that you keep checking your watch.  Are you in a hurry to leave?”
    “I’m sorry, Stephanie, but I do need to cut our date short.  I have to be at the hospital early in the morning.”
    Stephanie’s heart sank with disappointment.  Her dad had already told her that no one had to make early rounds the next morning.  Brian was lying to her.  The date was over.
    Brian paid for the meal and then he helped Stephanie from her chair.  He slipped his arm around her waist and led her to the car.  “I hope you’ll let me make this up to you.  I’d like to see you again.”
    Stephanie was guarded.  “The rest of my summer is really busy, but thanks anyway.  Dinner was nice though.  I enjoyed getting to know one of my dad’s subordinates.”  She hoped he felt the dig.
    Brian’s head reared back with surprise.  He stopped walking and turned her to face him.  “What’s wrong, Stephanie?  Did I say something to upset you?”
    “The night is still young, Brian, and Dad told me that no one had to make early rounds tomorrow.  So if you don’t want to be with me, why not just say so?  I don’t like being lied to, and quite frankly, I’m ready to go home.”
    “First of all, I don’t lie.  Secondly, I was on call today and I had an emergency surgery.  I’m sure your dad didn’t know about it when he told you the schedule, but even more importantly,” he said as his face softened.  “I do want to be with you.  Do you have any idea how much I wanted to kiss you the other night?”
    His honesty soothed her.  Thankfully, she had jumped to the wrong conclusion.  “If you still want to,” she said, “I’ll let you.”
    Brian pulled her close and slowly moved toward her mouth.  “I want.”  He tenderly embraced her face and kissed her.
    His kiss electrified her senses.  “Brian,” she said with an embarrassed grin.  “My summer just opened up.”
    ***
    Brian turned onto her