It had been one of the greatest relationships of her life, however short lived. For the last few months of her senior year Danielle was blissfully happy, and in love with one of the greatest guys she had ever known. She took his virginity, and, in turn, he helped her loosen up and enjoy life more. But they grew apart over the summer and decided to part ways amiably. After driving her home for the last time in awkward silence, he pulled into the driveway and turned to her, “You know, in five years when you’re out of college and I’m rich, I’ll give you a call.” She forced a smile and climbed out of his car and waved him, and her amazing relationship, goodbye.

She moved on, finished college, and enrolled in medical school. Throwing herself into her work made it easier to forget him…but not quite. Which is why the message came as a complete surprise to her. It was after an especially hard day at school when she heard his voice on her answering machine, causing her to freeze in her tracks.

“Hey Danielle, it’s Tom. Just calling to let you know that it’s been five years. Call me back.” As he listed his number, she slowly walked towards the phone, called him back, and made plans for Saturday night.

She was sitting on her bed and strapping on her heels when her doorbell rang. She quickly glanced at the mirror. She had chosen a flowy black dress that dipped low, hugged her figure, and fell just above her knee. Strappy black stilettos added an additional three inches to her short frame, and makeup accentuated her large blue eyes and high cheekbones. Tucking a stray blond curl that had fallen from the clip behind her ear, she took a deep breath and opened the door.

Standing on her welcome mat and holding a bouquet of purple roses was Tom.

“I hope purple is still your favorite color,” He said with a goofy grin. “If not, I have my florist on standby with a dozen pink, yellow, and red ones.” With a laugh she took the flowers.

“Actually, it still is my favorite. And these are beautiful, thank you!” She put them in a vase, grabbed her coat, and locking the door behind her, followed Tom to where he had his limo waiting.

As they drove to the restaurant where he had reserved a quiet table, he brought her up to speed on his financial success, which stemmed from a very successful chain of hotels. The latest one had just been constructed in downtown Boston, only twenty minutes away from her school. When they reached the restaurant he opened her door for her, pulled out her chair, and poured her wine. Danielle was floored by how little he had changed, and how much she was still attracted to him. The chemistry that had existed between them five years ago sparked once again. Every time their fingers would brush or he caught her gaze and held it, her heart would begin pounding. He pretended not to notice, and the conversation flowed easily, though she did shift uncomfortably in her seat when the topic turned to her love life.

“I haven’t really dated anybody since we broke up,” she admitted with a blush. “I just haven’t had the time, what with double majoring in bio and psych, and applying to Med school, and…why are you looking at me like that?”

He stared at her innocently. “Looking at you like what?”  She reached out to gently slap him but he quickly grabbed her