"Brian tell me, please." Manda begged. Brian was taking her out for their anniversary but he wouldn't tell her where. He shook his head, "nope." "Come on Brian, if you don't tell me I don't know what to wear." "Wear jeans and a T-shirt and bring a sweater because it may get cold." She flopped down on the couch and started to pout, "you are no fun." "I know," he said with a laugh kissing her on top of the head, "now go home and let me get ready." "I don't want to Nick and Amanda are over there, I swear they never even stop to breath." Brian started laughing.

"Nick," Amanda gasped pulling away from him. Her face was flushed and her eyes were bright, " I need air." Nick sighed, "okay, but I'm not letting you go." She smiled at him "I didn't tell you to did I." He squeezed her tight and nuzzled her neck. She giggled and swatted at him playfully. "Jeez, do you two ever quit." Manda asked when she walked in. "Nope," they answered in unison. Manda laughed and rolled her eyes at them. "where's Brian?" Amanda asked wiggling out of Nick's grasp. "He's at home getting ready for tonight. He won't tell me where he's taking me, Nick do you know?" "Oh no you don't," he exclaimed, "you two aren't going to get it out of me." Amanda turned to Nick with big puppy dog eyes, "Please Nicky for me," she begged. "Nope, I promised Brian." She walked over to him and kissed him softly on the lips, "please Nicky."

"Oh, you two are ruthless aren't you," Brian asked from the doorway, "I figured you were going to try and make my buddy spill the beans." he said as he grabbed Manda by the waist and pulled her to him. "Yah and it would have worked to," she told him, "if you hadn't shown up." He tickled her and turned to Nick, "so what are you two doing tonight?" Nick grinned at Amanda, "we are staying in." "Oh really, well we'll be sure to knock when we come home." "Better idea," Manda said, "why don't I stay at your house?" "Works for me," he said with a grin. Nick was smiling too and Amanda was trying not to blush.

Later that evening around 7:00 Brian came over to get Manda. He had a picnic basket in one hand and he offered her the other. Smiling she gently placed her hand in his and followed him to his jeep. She climbed into the passenger seat and put on her seatbelt. He placed the basket in the back and climbed in. He pulled out the new Brian McKnight CD he had purchased just for the evening, put it in and started the car. Then he pulled away from the curb and headed towards the beach. He turned to Manda, "I hope you like picnics and dancing in the moonlight." Manda looked at him with love, "anything to be with you Brian." He reached out and took her hand and brought it to his lips and kissed it softly.

Amanda and Nick watched through the window and waved good-bye to their friends as the pulled away. Nick turned to Amanda, " the house is empty and we have to the whole night to ourselves." She turned to him and slipped her arms around his neck, "lets go upstairs." He scooped her up in his arms and took her into her bedroom. He set her down so she was standing in front of him and ran his hands through her hair. "Amanda tonight is going to be so special," She looked up at him, "Nick I don't know if I'm ready to go all the way yet." "I know sweetie," he whispered affectionately, " I just want to be with you, I want to hold you in my arms and kiss your lips, and tell you I love you. Whatever happens will happen naturally, but as long as we are together everything will be all right." Then he reached down and tilted her chin towards him and their lips met in a long passionate kiss.