Running Home to You (The Running Series) by Suzanne Sweeney

tear up the field."  I use every football-related lexicon I can think of in one motivational statement.
    "Juliette, you're right.  My luck hasn't run out.  I still have you, which makes me the luckiest man alive."  He puts an arm around my waist and pulls me in close to him as we continue our stroll down the boardwalk.  I slip one hand into the back pocket of his jeans as we walk and talk some more.  Thankfully, Evan's mood has lifted and I'm once again joined by the joyful man that I love and adore.
    We make it as far as the Steel Pier when Evan's stomach growls so loudly, I swear everyone around us could hear it.  "I guess you heard that?" he asks.
    "Evan, even that sweet old lady over there with the hearing aid could hear that. I guess it's time for us to eat dinner."  When Evan's training, he takes in thousands of calories a day.  We haven't eaten in a while, and my man needs his nutrition.  "What do you have in mind?" I ask.
    "Let's head back to Caesar's.  There's a nice casual sushi bar I'd love to try.  You up for Japanese tonight, baby?" Evan asks as we turn around and make our way back to the casino.  I love sushi, so he gets no arguments from me. 
    We make it back to the casino in record time.
    After dinner, we decide to do some window-shopping at the Pier Shops at Caesars.  We stop in one of my favorite stores, Lush, where I pick out a few bath bombs and Evan actually lets me pay for it myself.  That is a rare occasion, happening about as often as a blue moon.
    When we approach a Victoria's Secret store, Evan insists that I allow him to pick out a few items.  When I try to argue that I really don't want him spending money on me for things I don't need, he argues that the things he's picking out aren't for me, they're for him and therefore, I have no say in the matter. 
    "But Evan, none of those are in your size," I taunt him while he's at the counter paying for the items.  The cashier looks at Evan a little cautiously, raising her eyebrows and shaking her head at the thought.
    "Excuse me?" he looks at me quizzically.  "Oh, you're a real comedian, aren't you?" he teases.
    When we leave the store, Evan looks at me sternly.  "You're going to pay for that little remark young lady."
    "I could think of a few ways you could let me make it up to you when we get home, chief," I tell him in my sweetest voice.
    "Oh, you'll make it up to me later, that's for sure.  But for now, you're going to let me buy something just for you and that smart mouth of yours.  We're going into the next store I spot and you're not going to argue with me, got it?" he warns.
    "But Evan, I don’t ... " I begin to protest, but he stops me with a kiss.
    "No arguments.  Ready?  I've already spotted our next stop.  Let's go, hop to it!" he commands.
    He drags me into a jewelry store.  Not just any jewelry store, Tiffany & Co., of all places.  "Evan, there's no way I'm going to let you buy me something here.  It's out of the question."
    "So, where shall we start?  Earrings?  Necklaces?  Watches?  Rings?" he asks, not even looking at me.
    "Didn't you hear me, Evan?  It's too much.  I don't want you spending your money on jewelry I don't really need."  He's ignoring me completely.
    "Okay then, we'll start with earrings."  He takes me by the hand and drags me to the counter where the most beautiful earrings are displayed.  The moment we step towards a counter, we are greeted by a young sales assistant impeccably dressed and beautifully coiffed.  She greets me with a monotone, "Can I help you," until she spots Evan.  From that point on, I am merely an afterthought.  All attention is given to the handsome man standing beside me.
    "Good evening, sir.  My name is Stephanie.  What brings you to Tiffany's this evening?" she asks.  Her tone has completely changed.  She is now eager and enthusiastic with a smile plastered across her face.
    "We're not exactly sure.  I was thinking about a pair of earrings for my