“Justin!!” Gabby exclaimed.

It was just after 3:00 and Justin and Adam were standing in the pick-up line outside of Gabby’s school.

“Hey Gabby Bug!” Justin replied grinning.

He was a bit nervous but was trying not to show it.

“Mommy didn’t tell me you were coming with Uncle Adam.”

Justin blushed and shuffled his feet a bit.  He really didn’t like keeping things from Chloe but she couldn’t know about this, not yet.  Not if his plan for the proposal was going to work.

Fortunately, Adam came to his rescue.

“Your Mommy didn’t know.  You and Justin have an errand you need to run, a really important errand…”

Gabby’s eyes widened.  “Oh!  Are we going…”

Justin grinned bashfully and nodded.  “Yeah. You up for it?”

Immediately Gabby took her backpack off and thrust it at her uncle, then reached for Justin’s hand.

“Let’s go!”

Adam and Justin both laughed.

“I think she’s up for it!” Adam teased.

“Looks like it.”

Meanwhile, Gabby had grabbed Justin’s hand again and was now trying to pull him down the sidewalk. 

“C’mon! Let’s go! We don’t have much time! My bedtime is in FIVE hours, AND I have to have dinner, take a shower, brush my hair and my teeth, set out my uniform for tomorrow, read books…”

Justin laughed and allowed himself to be pulled away.

“I’ll have her home way before bedtime.” Justin called to Adam.

Adam just laughed and shook his head, slinging Gabby’s backpack over his shoulder.

“I’m not worried.”

Justin chuckled nervously.  “Well, I’m glad one of us isn’t.”

“You’re in good hands.  Gabby won’t steer you wrong.”

When they entered the jewelry store Gabby’s jaw dropped.  Her eyes were wide with excitement, her jaw just as wide as she gaped at her surroundings.

“Wow! It’s just like in mommy’s favorite movie…or one of them…”

Justin looked to Gabby.  “What’s your mommy’s favorite movie?”

“Sweet Home Alabama.”

Justin nodded and smiled.  Gabby was right, this was just like the movie.  In fact, they were in the same shop and the scene in front of them was exactly the same.

  “And the other?”

Gabby grinned.  “On the Line!  What does “Dee Nee Ro” mean?”

Justin laughed and covered his face with his hand momentarily.  “Oh boy! Umm…it’s a joke…we were being silly.  C’mon, let’s go pick out a ring, shall we?”

“Yes!”

For at least the next hour Gabby and Justin combed through the shop carefully examining nearly every ring.  There was only one case left and Justin was getting nervous they wouldn’t find what he was looking for.

He was looking for something simple, yet elegant.  Something that wasn’t too overpowering.  He also wanted something a little non-traditional.

“May we see that one?’ He asked pointing to a ring on the top shelf of the last case.

The Jewelry store clerk, an older woman, probably in her late 40’s or early 50’s nodded, smiled and retrieved the ring without a word.

The ring he’d asked to see was a 1 carat, square cut halo diamond engagement ring with an alternating rose gold and diamond twisted band.

It fit his criteria perfectly but he wanted to know what Gabby thought.

“What do you think Gabby?” Justin asked nodding to the ring.

Gabby grinned.  It was obvious to Justin that she was trying very hard to be respectful, polite and contain her excitement in public.  Her grin was one of the biggest he’d ever seen.

“I LOVE it!” Gabby exclaimed.

“Do you think your mommy will like it?”

“YES!!”

“I think this is the one.” Justin said, smiling at the clerk.

“Does it come with a pretty box?” Gabby asked seriously.

“Yes?!” The clerk replied, her expression puzzled but polite.

Gabby could tell by the clerk’s expression and the one on Justin’s face that she needed to explain.  Like her mother, details were important.

“In the movies the guy always has a ring in a pretty box…”

Both Justin and the clerk smiled and nodded but Gabby wasn’t finished with her explanation.

“And…well…mommy will need somewhere safe to put it when she is at work…she doesn’t wear jewelry to work…not even the ring my daddy gave her.  Not because she didn’t want to, but because she didn’t want it to get lost or stolen…AND…you can’t wear a ring with surgical gloves…it rips them.”

“Let me guess, your mommy is a doctor?”

“A surgeon.” Gabby corrected.

The clerk’s smile grew and she nodded then proceeded to produce one of the signature Tiffany blue ring boxes from inside the case.

“A surgeon!  Wow! Well then, in that case, will this work?” she asked Gabby showing her the box.

Gabby grinned.  “PERFECT!”

***

It was the perfect ring, or so he hoped and Justin was beyond excited.  However, he wasn’t ready to propose quite yet.  Some of the finer details still needed to be worked out.  In the meantime, he had Valentine’s Day to look forward to. 

History aside, Chloe was excited about Valentine’s Day as well.  As promised, Justin had taken care of her travel plans.  Justin had taken care of pretty much everything.  It was not at all what Chloe was accustomed to.

Chloe was up early that morning.  Not at as early as she normally had to get up for work but still early.  Adam was already awake and getting ready for the day when she stepped into the kitchen, her carry-on duffel bag over one shoulder and her purse over the other.

“Wait?! You packed clothes?” Adam teased before taking a sip of his coffee.

Chloe made a face as she went to the cupboard for a coffee mug.  Justin was sending a car to take her to the airport but it wasn’t due to arrive for a few more minutes.  She had time for a small cup of coffee.

“It’s not like we are going to be holed up in the hotel the whole time. He does have two shows to do.”

“Right. Right.” Adam smirked.

“Whatever! I don’t have to explain myself to you.”

Adam chuckled and nodded.  “No.  You certainly don’t.  All teasing aside…I want you to have a really good time.  You deserve it.”

Chloe smiled, lifting her cup to her lips.  “Thanks.  You too.  I hope you and Derek have a wonderful time together, and thanks for taking Gabby to school for me. Don’t let her forget her Valentine’s box and the treats for her classmates.”

“Got it! No problem.  Mom said she would pick her up after school.”

“Yeah, I will pick her up Saturday when I get back to town.”

“Did you go say “goodbye” already?”

Chloe smiled wistfully and nodded.  This would be the first time she would be leaving Gabby for this long EVER.

“Yeah.”

Adam gave Chloe a reassuring smile.  He knew this was the one part of the trip that Chloe was struggling with the most.

“Gabby will be fine.  She will be at school for most of the time you are gone and when she isn’t Mom and Dad will be spoiling her to death.”

“I know…it’s just…”

This time it was Adam that made the face.  “Stop!  This is good for you…for both of you.”

“I know.”

Adam grinned.  “Good. Go! Have fun!  Just don’t do anything I wouldn’t…”

Chloe smirked.  “That’s not saying much.”

Right then the doorbell rang.  Chloe’s car had arrived.

Adam and Gabby walked her to the door.  Gabby was dressed and ready for school, her backpack already on her back, her Valentine’s box and treats tucked safely inside.

“Have fun mommy! Give Justin a hug for me.”

Chloe smiled and hugged her daughter.  “I will.  Be good for your uncle and for Grandma and Grandma.”

“I will.”

Adam just shook his head and grinned at her.  “Go!”

“I’m going.” Chloe said stepping out of the Brownstone and onto the steps.

The chauffer was standing next to the car, waiting to take her bag and help her inside.  Chloe rolled down the window and waved as the car pulled away from the curb.  Only once the car turned the corner did she direct her attention to her surroundings. 

It was your typical chauffeured car, leather seats, privacy glass, darkened windows.  Giggling a bit Chloe leaned back into the seat.  She was still trying to wrap her head around what was happening.  She closed her eyes briefly, trying to take it all in but when she opened her eyes again her eyes fell on the cupholder in front of her.  There was a Starbucks cup and a note on top.

White Chocolate Mocha, right? Can’t wait to see you

Love,

Justin

Chloe giggled again and took a sip.  She hadn’t even made it out of New York yet and already her Valentine’s Day was better than any other she could remember.

The ride from the Brownstone to the airport was quick, or at least it felt quick.   She’d barely made it through a third of her coffee when the car pulled to a stop on the tar-mak at La Guardia.  In front of her, a private jet was waiting.

Chloe felt her heart jump into her throat.  This was not at ALL what she’d expected.  A member of the flight crew was already waiting next to the stairs leading up to the plane.

Immediately upon stepping out of the car Chloe retrieved her phone from her bag and snapped a photo then sent a text to her brother.

The text consisted of a photo of the plane and a caption that simply read “Holy SHIT!”

Adam was in the middle of a meeting when the text came through but he managed to discreetly check his phone and send back a quick reply.

Adam: Nicely done Timberlake! Enjoy it girl!

Giggling to herself Chloe returned the phone to her purse and started for the stairs.  The chauffeur had already handed off her duffel bag to the flight attendant.

“Welcome aboard Dr. De Luca.” The captain said as Chloe stepped through the cabin door.

“Thank you.”

Once inside the plane Chloe’s heart jumped again.  The inside of the plane was gorgeous.  Plush, cream colored, recliner seats, a big screen television, large windows and there in front of her seat, a beautiful breakfast spread.

Chloe couldn’t help but blush and giggle as she took her seat.  On the table in front of her, next to her breakfast was another note.

I wasn’t sure how you did on planes so I opted for something light.

Counting the hours until I see you.

Love,

Justin

Her breakfast consisted of fresh fruit, yogurt and granola and a Mimosa with a slice of orange hanging from the rim of the glass.

“Can I get you anything before we take off Dr. De Luca?”

Chloe blushed and looked up at the flight attendant.  She was smiling down at Chloe.  It made Chloe blush more.  She was still trying to get her bearings and convince herself she wasn’t dreaming.

“No, thank you.  I’m ok.”

“If you need anything please don’t hesitate to ask.  It’s a 6-hour flight to Vancouver.  We should be getting there about 4 p.m. local time.  A car will be waiting to take you to the hotel to get settled once we land.”

“Umm…thanks.” Chloe managed to reply.

“My pleasure Dr. De Luca…”

“It’s Chloe…please…I’m off duty for the next three days.”

The flight attendant smiled and nodded.  “Understood.  We should be taking off in about five minutes.”

“Thank you.”

Once the flight attendant stepped away Chloe turned her attention back to her breakfast.  She hadn’t been on a plane since her honeymoon and nearly ten years had passed since then.  Truth be told, she wasn’t sure how she was going to do on the flight so she appreciated Justin’s attention to detail.

Five minutes later they were taking off as scheduled.  Chloe felt her stomach lurch a bit but once they reached cruising altitude, she was fine.  Smiling, she leaned back against the seat and tried to maintain her giggles.  This trip was definitely going to be one to remember. 

Shaking herself a bit Chloe opened her eyes and turned her attention to the food in front of her.  She typically didn’t eat much for breakfast so this was perfect.  Chloe took a sip from the mimosa then reached for the spoon.  After several bites of yogurt, she took the opportunity to look around. 

It really was a nice plane.  Very comfortable.  The remote was on the table.  She took it and turned on the television.  A movie had already been cued up to play.

Chloe made a face and then hit the button on the remote to start the movie.  Her eyes widened as the opening credits and the music began to play, her jaw dropping as the two figures on the screen came running into view.

“What the hell? How did he…”

The movie on the screen was “Sweet Home Alabama”

Chloe had her suspicions but rather than make a fuss she decided to just go with it.  Giggling, she took another long sip from her glass and sat back in the chair.  If Justin had gone to all this trouble, the least she could do was enjoy it.

About halfway through the movie Chloe drifted off to sleep.  When she woke up again the flight attendant was bringing lunch.  A chicken salad sandwich, a cup of creamy tomato basil soup and a pickle on the side.  It was delicious.

Just a few more hours and they would be landing in Vancouver.

Chloe couldn’t help but smile and look out the window as they made the final descent into Vancouver. The city did look very pretty from this vantage point. Her stomach lurched again as she felt the wheels of the plane hit the runway and the butterflies in her stomach did summersaults as the force of the plane pulled her back in the seat. 

After a brief stop at Customs Chloe was escorted to a car waiting for her outside the airport.  Minutes later they were pulling up to the Valet at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia. 

The driver helped her from the vehicle and Chloe stepped out on the curb, her eyes traveling up to the top of the building.  From the outside, it was a beautiful hotel so she could only imagine what the inside looked like.

Chloe tipped the car driver then followed the Valet who was carrying her bags into the hotel. 

“Good afternoon, how can I help you?”

Chloe bit her lip nervously and looked at the front desk clerk.  Justin hadn’t given her any further instructions on what to do once she got to Vancouver so she was going to have to figure this out for herself.

“Umm…well…to be honest, I don’t know…I hope so…”

“Do you have a reservation?”

“Umm…” Chloe stuttered.

“What’s your name? Do you have some I.D.?”

Chloe blushed and reached for her purse.  “Yes, yes of course…the name is Chloe…Chloe De Luca…Dr. Chloe De Luca.”

Chloe retrieved her Driver’s license from her purse and handed it to the clerk, then waited patiently while the clerk typed something into the computer.

After several agonizing minutes of waiting the hotel clerk looked up again and smiled.

“Yes.  Here it is.  I have you booked in the Rosewood suite for two nights.”

At hearing the clerk’s words Chloe couldn’t help but let a small laugh escape her lips, but quickly corrected herself.  Meanwhile, the clerk was giving her a curious look.

“I’m sorry, please forgive me. I am not laughing at you.  The Rosewood Suite…yes…that sounds lovely.”

“Perfect, I’ll have our Concierge show you to the room.  Here is your key as well an extra for your “guest.”

Chloe blushed and took the card keys from the clerk’s hand then giggled slightly as the clerk winked at her.

“Enjoy your stay.”

“Thank you.”

The butterflies in Chloe’s stomach began to surge again as she waited patiently for the Concierge to open the door.

Chloe gasped as she stepped into the suite.  The word “beautiful” did not do it justice.  Truthfully, words couldn’t describe what she was feeling right then.  Spoiled indeed! 

Quickly, Chloe tipped the Concierge then held her breath until the door shut behind him.  She was alone.

Her eyes darted around the room taking in every inch of the space.  In front of her, a spacious living room that featured a seating area as well as en-suite bathroom and a dining area.  Every flat surface in the room was adorned with bouquets of roses and there were rose petals scattered across the sofa, floor and leading a trail to the master bedroom. 

In that moment Chloe realized Justin had recreated a scene from the movie.  It made her smile immediately.

The master bedroom was just as, if not more beautiful than the living space. Inside the room, a king size bed, also covered in rose petals.  A HUGE master bathroom connected to the room complete with a walk in, fully tiled, rainforest shower, a large soaker tub, dual sink vanities and a separate toilet area.

However, Chloe’s favorite part of the suite was the rooftop garden terrace.  It had a STUNNING view and featured a plunge pool and a fireplace.

Chloe couldn’t help but snap a few photos and send them to Adam.

Chloe: made it to Vancouver.  Currently admiring the view

Moments later Adam’s reply popped onto the screen.

Adam: DAMN! 

Chloe giggled then quickly typed her reply. 

Chloe: My thoughts exactly

Adam: GO! Enjoy! I’ll talk to you soon

Chloe smiled and tucked her phone into her back pocket then proceeded to the master bedroom.

Her duffel was already at the foot of the bed. There were rose petals all over the bed as well as the couch and chair in the room.  On the coffee table, a bouquet that mirrored the one Justin had sent for her birthday, complete with a card.

Chloe giggled as she lifted the card from where it was resting amongst the flowers and carefully opened the envelope.

A rose for every moment I thought of you today.  Relax.  Get ready.  A car will bring you to the arena as soon as you are ready. 

Love,

Justin

He’d quoted the movie and Chloe couldn’t help but notice. 

It was Valentine’s Day and the first time Chloe would be seeing Justin in over a week, almost two weeks, meaning she had decided to dress up a bit more.  Nothing too crazy, but definitely an occasion to wear something a bit nicer than jeans and a t-shirt.

Smiling to herself, Chloe grabbed her bag and headed for the bathroom to get ready for the show.  She was dressed and ready to go in record time. 

When she looked into the mirror Chloe couldn’t help but giggle.  Given that she spent the majority of her waking hours dressed in scrubs or a lab coat and business attire, this was a HUGE deviation from the norm, but even she could admit she looked pretty good.

Her makeup, for the most part was natural, except for hint of a smoky eye and a bit darker shade on her lips.  Her hair had just the slightest curl.  Her top, a sparkly emerald green tank top with a plunging V neck line, paired with a leather jacket that she would definitely ditch in Justin’s dressing room before the show.  Her pants, black faux leather and on her feet a pair of black leather, ankle boots. 

Once she was ready to go Chloe stuck the hotel card key, her ID and a debit card in her pockets and headed for the door. 

Before Chloe could blink, she was following Eric, Justin’s guard, through the backstage halls of the arena.

Eric had mentioned that Justin was in the shower when they first arrived so rather than just sit in the dressing room Chloe opted to find the Craft services table in the hopes there would be something left to eat.  Lunch on the plane was hours ago and she had been so excited about seeing Justin and getting ready for the show that she really hadn’t had dinner.

Several of the Tennessee Kids were mingling about but Chloe kept to herself.  She didn’t want to disturb their “pre-show” routine. 

Chloe was piling some cheese and crackers onto a plate when a vaguely familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.

“Yeah, sorry, there isn’t much left.  Some of us tend to over indulge a bit before the show, especially when the spread is good.”

Chloe turned to look to her right only to be greeted by a pair of chocolate brown eyes and a warm friendly smile.  She recognized the woman as one of the back-up singers.

“It’s ok, this is actually more than I typically get at work so I’m good. It’s Nicole, right?!”

The woman smiled and nodded.  “Yes.  That’s right.”

Chloe blushed a bit and bit her lip.  “Thought so.  I’m still trying to remember everyone’s names.”

Nicole laughed, her laughter lighting up her face.  “How’s that going?”

“Umm…well…I’m still struggling with a few of the band members but I think I have everyone else memorized.”

“It’s an admirable goal.  I know he appreciates it.”

“Well, I know how much he loves all of you.  You’re like family, so I thought it was worth it to make the effort.”

Nicole smiled at Chloe, and it was a genuine smile.  Chloe knew that much immediately.  On all accounts, based on the little she did know Nicole was very sweet.  Definitely someone worth getting to know, especially if Chloe continued to date Justin for any length of time.  More importantly, she knew that making friends outside the walls of the hospital might actually be good for her. 

“You are family too.  You and your daughter, whom by the way is absolutely ADORABLE.”

“Thanks.”

There was a bit of an awkward pause but it was extremely brief.

Nicole eyed the plate of cheese and crackers then grinned up at Chloe.  “It’s Valentine’s Day, you’re on vacation, calories don’t count, right?”

Chloe giggled and made a face.  “Umm, I guess not. Why?”

“C’mon, follow me.  Justin splurged on a frozen yogurt bar.  To be honest, I think it was because he knew you were coming, or maybe he was craving frozen yogurt.  Either way, I’m not complaining.”

Chloe laughed and followed Nicole around a corner.

“What happened to “gluten free?!”

“He cheats sometimes.  Not a lot, but every once in a while.  I think tonight might be one of those exceptions.”

Minutes later Chloe and Nicole were happily indulging in cups of frozen yogurt.  Chloe’s cup was filled with Cookies and Cream frozen yogurt with Heath bar pieces mixed in.  Nicole had a much smaller cup of vanilla with chocolate and caramel syrup poured over the top.

“Protecting your voice?” Chloe asked nodding to Nicole’s cup.

“Yeah…can’t have too much…”

Chloe nodded knowingly.  “Yeah, I know…the dairy…”

“Oh, that’s right, you’re a surgeon…”

“A trauma surgeon, so I don’t work on vocal-chords much but I know enough.”

“So I’ve heard.”

Chloe blushed furiously.  “Do all of you know…I mean…do all of you know what happened that night?”

Nicole gave Chloe a reassuring smile, her eyes softening as she spoke.  “No. Not everyone, but there is a core group that know.  What you did…jumping out of your car…saving his life…WOW! Just wow!  I could never…”

Chloe giggled nervously and bit her lip.  “Well, as I told him, I could never do what you do.  Seriously! Your voice …and I do mean your voice in particular is INCREDIBLE!  Your rendition of Lauryn Hill…probably one of my favorite parts of the show!”

“Hey now! I heard that!” Justin exclaimed as he approached.

Chloe and Nicole both laughed and turned towards Justin.  He was smiling, a great big cheesy smile.

He put an arm over each woman’s shoulder and hugged each of them as soon as he was close enough to do so.

“BUT…I happen to agree!” Justin said, still grinning.

“Thanks.” Nicole replied smiling.

“No thanks needed.  I see you found the frozen yogurt.”

Chloe giggled.  “I had help.  We decided it was a better dinner option than cheese and crackers.”

Justin chuckled and nodded, reaching for Chloe’s hand.  “Agreed.  And it’s Valentine’s Day so calories don’t count.”

“Exactly!” Nicole laughed.

“Mind if I steal her away?”

Nicole smiled knowingly and nodded.  “Not at all.  I need to go get ready for Sound Check anyway.”

Nicole then turned directed her attention back to Chloe.

“We’ll chat again later?!”

Chloe grinned.  “Definitely!”

Once inside the dressing room Justin locked the door then pulled Chloe close.  He slid his arms around her waist, pulling her to him, then leaned his head against hers, allowing his eyes to flutter closed as he breathed in her scent.

“I missed you!” Justin whispered quietly.

“I missed you too.”

Justin stood there for a long moment just holding her to him, his arms wrapped around her waist, their foreheads touching, reveling in the closeness. 

Chloe sighed and allowed herself to relax into him.  She’d been waiting for this moment all day.

“How was the flight?” Justin asked as he pulled away slightly.

Chloe smiled and bit her lip.  “Good.”

Justin chuckled.  “Just good?”

Chloe giggled and pulled away a bit more.  “You spoil me. The coffee, the plane, breakfast and that suite…OH MY GOD!”

“Nice?”

Chloe’s eyes grew wide.  “You haven’t seen it?”

“Not yet.  We rolled into Vancouver late last night.  I slept on the bus.  Actually, I tossed and turned on the bus…I was too excited to sleep.”

Chloe nodded.  She understood his dilemma.  “I couldn’t sleep either…I mean…I was in surgery until late so there is that.  We were SLAMMED yesterday, but even when I got home, I couldn’t sleep, but I did take a bit of a nap on the plane.”

“Comfy, isn’t it?”

Chloe giggled.  “Very.  Although you’ve now ruined any future flights for me.  I am not going to want to fly commercial ever again.”

Justin laughed and shook his head.  This little vacation was all about spoiling her so hearing that she’d enjoyed herself made him extremely happy.

“Well, it is my jet…”

Chloe laughed at his statement, letting her head fall back a bit.  It made Justin blush.  She really was gorgeous when she laughed and the way she was dressed, it was giving him a thrill and making him think and feel things he shouldn’t this close to show time.

“You look…AMAZING by the way…”

“Thanks. You do too.  Don’t get me wrong…I’ve always appreciated the “Suit & tie” look from the 20/20 tour but THIS…the jeans…the t-shirt…sexy and comfortable…I love it!!”

Justin grinned, pulling her close again, their noses touching.  “Mmm, yeah?”

“Yeah.” Chloe replied, her voice dropping to a whisper.

Justin took that as his cue, his lips closing over hers.  His hands were at her waist, his fingers grazing the skin where the hem of her shirt met the waistband of her pants.  Chloe sucked in a breath when his fingers met her skin, but there was no move to stop him.  She had been dreaming of this moment for weeks.

Justin deepened the kiss, groaning against her lips as he pushed her back against the door.  They kissed, rather intensely for several minutes until a knock on the other side of the door snapped them both back into reality.

“You ready for Sound check, J?”

Justin let a grumble escape his lips as he pulled away causing Chloe to giggle.

“Yeah.” Justin grunted.  “Give me a minute.”

Chloe just giggled more.  “Now, don’t get grumpy…I promise, we can pick this up later.”

“Pinkie promise?!”

Chloe laughed and nodded then reached for his face, rubbing off the lipstick that was now smeared across his stubble with her thumb.

“Sure.”

Justin reached out, returning the gesture but allowing his fingers to linger on her face for a moment before grunting again and quickly adjusting himself.

“C’mon.  You can see what Sound Check is like.”

Chloe nodded and smiled then allowed herself to be lead through the intricate hallways and corridors leading to the stage.  When they reached the arena floor everyone else was already in position. 

“About time!” One of the band members teased.

From the stage, Nicole looked down and gave Chloe a wink and a smile. 

“Cut the man some slack, it is Valentine’s Day and Chloe is in town.  Like you wouldn’t do the same if your lady was here.”

The band member chuckled a bit and nodded.  “Touché, well played Nicole.  Nice to see you again Chloe.”

“Thanks.” Chloe said blushing.

The fact that EVERY single person on stage was so welcoming was not lost on Chloe.  Justin really did have the BEST team. 

Sound Check was fun to watch.  Chloe loved seeing how everyone interacted with one another and how they supported each other throughout the show.  It was almost like watching surgery.  Every single person had their part to play and everyone had their moment to shine. 

After Sound Check it was back to the dressing room for a bit.  Chloe sat with Justin and they chatted a bit about casual things; the tour, her work, Gabby, Adam and Derek.  It was nice to catch up and just be in the same room together.

Soon, it was time for Justin to get ready to take the stage and Chloe to find her spot. 

“It’s Valentine’s Day…I can’t promise I won’t sing to you a bit more tonight.” Justin said grinning at Chloe.

“I can’t promise I won’t enjoy it a bit more tonight.  Are you going to give me a Timber-touch too?!” Chloe teased back.

Justin laughed and shook his head as his eyes went a bit wide.  The thoughts running through his head right then would definitely make Chloe blush.

“A what?!”

Chloe laughed a bit more and bit her lip.  “Apparently, it’s a THING!  It’s when you touch a fan’s hand while you are singing.  I overheard someone call it that at Madison Square Garden.”

“It sounds dirty!!!” Justin chuckled.

Chloe giggled and made a face.  “Well…”

Her expression made Justin laugh more.  Given the discussion he was feeling a bit flirty. 

“Hmm…how about we save the “Timber-touches” for later…at the hotel…”

“Ok, now it sounds dirty!”

Justin grinned devilishly.  “So, you’re saying you don’t want one…or three…”

Chloe put her hands on her hips and gave Justin a look.  It was a playful, mischievous look but it was still a look.

“Did I say that? Did those words even come out of my mouth?”

“No.” Justin chuckled.

He absolutely loved this side of her.  True, he loved every side of her, but this confident, flirty side of her definitely ranked high on the list.

“Then I guess you have your answer, don’t you?”

“Guess so.” Justin smirked.

“It’s time J.” Eric called from the other side of the door.

“I’ll find you.” Justin said before popping a kiss on Chloe’s lips.

“You better.” Chloe replied.

Moments later Chloe was standing on the arena floor in the Friends & Family section with security just a few feet away. 

The lights went down and Chloe felt her heart stop and her breath catch in her throat. She loved watching Justin perform.  Watching him in his element, doing something that gave him such joy made her heart happy.

As promised, Justin devoted a lot of his attention to her throughout the show. 

During “Man of the Woods” He sang the line “I brag about you…” to her just as he’d done in New York.  When he sang “Higher, Higher” he found her in the crowd and sang at least three bars, his eyes never straying from hers.

“Mirrors” was the highlight.  He moved about the stage, interacting with fans but he found ways to let her know that he was singing to her.

Midway through the show, just before the “campfire” section Chloe heard someone say her name.  At first, she thought she was just being paranoid, but out of the corner of her eye she saw two girls looking in her direction.

It was loud, and hard to hear but she could just make out what they were saying.

“That’s her! That’s Chloe De Luca! She and Justin are dating.  She was at the Madison Square Garden show, with her daughter and two guys.  The rumor is she’s the one that saved his life the night of his motorcycle accident.”

Chloe sucked in a breath and diverted her attention back to the stage.  Apparently, Adam had it right, the fans knew about her. 

Then, to the complete surprise and shock of everyone in the arena, including Chloe, the melody changed and Justin started to sing “Morning light.”

Shockwaves shot down her spine as he sang the first part of the song.  He sang, danced around and reached out to fans, grabbing their hands as he sang.  Meanwhile, Chloe couldn’t help but notice that he was making his way towards her, inching closer with each note.

Then, before she even had time to process what was happening, he stopped in front of her, reached for her hand and sang:

Cause I’m in love with you

Laying here in the morning light

And all I wanna do

 is hold you tight

Just one more night

If the fans didn’t know about her before, they certainly did now, but truthfully, she didn’t care.  She was totally in love with him.  She was 100% certain of it in that moment.

Now it was nearing the end of the show.  Justin was just moving into the last song, “Can’t Stop the Feeling.” About a third of the way through the song a guard signaled that it was time to move.  Security wanted to beat the crowd and right then, Chloe was more than happy to oblige.

Quickly, Chloe followed Security across the crowded arena floor and backstage.  They stopped briefly at Justin’s dressing room to collect her jacket then headed for a secret exit that was inaccessible to anyone not involved with the tour.  As soon as the door opened a blast of cool Vancouver night air hit Chloe causing her to shiver slightly.  A car was already waiting and Chloe thanked the driver as he held the door for her.

“Mr. Timberlake will be joining us shortly.” The driver said once he was in his seat.

Chloe nodded then smiled.  “Thank you.”

Without another word Chloe leaned her head back against the seat and closed her eyes.  She was trying to soak it all in.  The flight, the hotel, the show.  Justin had gone out of his way to make sure that this Valentine’s Day was memorable for all the right reasons, and it wasn’t even over yet. 

She didn’t know how long they sat there, the car idling in wait, but after some time she heard the door open and felt the seat beside her shift.  Someone was sitting next to her.  Then, just as she was about to open her eyes, she felt a hand on her thigh and his voice echoed in her ears.

“Hey Beautiful…you asleep?”

Chloe pushed herself up to sit then turned her head towards him.

“No.  Just trying to process everything.”

“Need any help?”

Chloe smiled and shook her head.   He was looking at her, that cute smile on his lips, the one she couldn’t get enough of. 

“Maybe once we get to the hotel.”

Justin grinned, then signaled the driver they were ready to move.

Given that the hotel was less than a mile from the arena it was a short trip but neither said much until they were safely tucked away inside the hotel room.

“Wow!” Justin said as he surveyed the room.

Chloe giggled and nodded.  “You did good.”

“I had help.” Justin said, blushing with embarrassment.

Chloe smiled then popped a kiss on his lips.  “I get it.  You are a busy man.  I am not complaining one bit.  In fact, I’m going to wager a guess that this was at the very least, all your idea, so really, just the thought does count.”

Justin grinned.  “You’re cute…did you know that?”

“Cute?!” Chloe replied making a face.

Justin chuckled at her expression.  “Yeah, “cute.” Not “cute” like I want to pinch your cheeks but “cute” like I want to push you up against a wall…again!”

“Again?! Do you mean like you did earlier, in your dressing room…”

Justin’s eyes were glinting now. 

“Something like that.”

Chloe giggled.  “Hmm…well…”

Justin laughed then leaned into her a bit, letting his voice drop low.  “How about we get a shower, get comfortable, then we’ll see about the wall…”

Chloe nodded then allowed herself to be led towards the bathroom.  Once inside, Chloe’s hands went to the hem of his shirt while his went for the button on her pants.  Eyes locked on each other and hearts pounding they both made quick work of removing the clothes off each other, letting them fall in heap at their feet.

With the rainforest shower streaming down on them Justin pulled Chloe to him, capturing her lips in a kiss.  His tongue found hers easily and for a long time they just stood there, underneath the warm water, kissing.

“Not sure I have the energy for a repeat performance of the last time we did this.” Justin whispered.

Chloe giggled and nodded then pulled away slightly.  “I’ll let you finish…washing up I mean…”

“K.” Justin said popping a kiss on her lips.

Chloe washed up quickly then stepped out of the shower, wrapping a towel around her and a 2nd around her hair.

After getting out of the shower Chloe found her way to the sink.  She washed the make-up from her face with a bar of the hotel soap and a washcloth.  Next to the sink was a cupboard with two big, fluffy, white robes inside.  She put one on then set the other out for Justin to find.

With her hair freshly combed, the towels hung to dry and her robe in place Chloe proceeded out to the garden terrace.  Immediately she noticed that the fireplace had already been lit and there was bottle of champagne in a bucket of ice on the patio table closest to the fire.

Chloe smirked softly and shook her head.  Justin really had gone all out.  There wasn’t a single detail he’d missed.  Not one.

The champagne and the fire momentarily forgotten Chloe stepped to the edge of the terrace, letting her legs and her waist press up against the concrete as she looked out at the Vancouver skyline.  It was close to midnight so the streetlights were on, illuminating the city below but they were on the 12th floor so there was little chance of anyone seeing her.

Even from the opposite side of the terrace she could feel the warmth from the fire on her back, but the cool breeze coming from the night air still colored her cheeks. 

Chloe sighed happily, pulling the robe tight and closed her eyes.  This was what true happiness felt like.

As soon as Justin got out of the shower, he found the robe.  Quickly, he dried himself off with a towel then slipped into the robe.  He combed his hair and brushed his teeth then went to find Chloe.

He couldn’t help but smile when he saw her.  She was standing out on the terrace, her back to him, a matching robe tied around her.  She looked peaceful.

Quietly, so as not to startle her Justin stepped out onto the terrace then moved to stand behind her, slowly slipping his arms around her waist and burying his face in her neck.

“Aren’t you cold?”

Chloe smiled and shook her head, turning in his arms to face him. 

“No.”

“What are you doing out here?”

“Just thinking.”

“About?”

Chloe blushed, thankfully, because her cheeks were already pink from the night air, she didn’t think he noticed.

Or did he?

There was something about the way he was looking at her.  It was almost as if he knew something she didn’t.

“You. Me. The future.”

Justin had to fight to smother a smile.  He knew things, things she didn’t, and keeping those things quiet for the next couple of weeks was going to be harder than he initially anticipated. 

“And what are your thoughts telling you…about the future I mean…”

Chloe blushed more, and as she looked up at him, she was sure he could tell.

“I’m not sure…not yet anyway…”

“No?!”

“No.  Why?”

“No reason…I just like knowing what goes on in that brilliant mind of yours.”

Chloe laughed and shook her head.  She wasn’t buying it.  Her gut instinct was telling her something was  up.  However, she wasn’t about to spoil things by overthinking. 

“Hmm…well…right now I’m thinking that couch in front of the fire looks awfully cozy.”

Justin grinned.  “Sounds good to me.”