Once they arrived at the restaraunt, they were led to an elegant table with a centerpiece of fresh tulips. The linen looked to be of the finest fabric and the china was some of the most exquisite china she'd ever seen.

"Alex what is this place, it's fantastic!" Topaz declared excitedly.

"I hoped you'd like it. The food here is amazing." He grinned at her, taking her hand in his and giving it a light squeeze.

"I do. I do." She responded with a slight grin. There was a small dancefloor to the left, and several couples were out there swaying to the slow groove the band was playing.

Aj noticed her looking at the dancefloor and offered his hand to her, "Wanna dance?"

"We don't have to if you don't want to." She replied, eyes downcast.

"There's nothing I'd rather do right now than dance with you." He said charmingly, taking her by the hand and walking slowly to the tiny dancefloor. He pulled her in close to him and they began to sway to the music. She laid her head on his chest and inhaled his masculine scent.

"Topaz?" Aj asked, looking into her eyes. A serious expression on his face.

"Yes?" She lifted her head from his chest, and met his gaze with her own.

"Do you believe in love at first sight?"

The question totally threw her for a loop. Was he implying what she thought he was implying? No. No way. She must be imagining things.

She thought carefully before speaking, "I, well...I suppose it could happen. When two people feel really connected to one another, I guess it's possible."

Aj looked down at her, " I think it's happening to me...I think I am falling for you."

Topaz stood there staring into those beautiful brown eyes and suddenly tears began to fall down her cheeks. How could he love her? If he knew the truth, he'd never want to see her again.

He reached out and wiped a tear off her cheek, "What's wrong?"

"Alex, there are so many things you don't know about me, and we barely know one another. How can you honestly say that?" She sobbed, trying to gain some distance from him.

"I can say it because I feel it. We connected. Can you stand there and tell me that you don't feel the same way?"

She knew that her answer would be no. She loved him. Since the time they had made love 2 years ago. But they had no chance for a future together, and it killed her inside to hear those words from him. She knew that in the end, he would get hurt and she didn't want that to happen.

"What happened to taking things slow Aj? This is spinning out of control..." She started.

He silenced her with a kiss so gentle it nearly took her breath away. "Let go, Topaz. Let your heart feel whatever it wants to feel."

"You don't understand....Alex. I...I...can't."

He stared at her with a look of hurt and confusion on his face, "Why not? What is holding you back from loving me?"

She could hold it in no longer, she had to tell him, "I have cancer, Aj. I'm dying."

next