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“I can definitely relate to that.”

“My assistant handles all the new talent. The only ones I really get involved with anymore—at least on the travel end—is Shaughnessy. They’re all really good friends, and I just prefer taking care of their arrangements because I know them all so well.”

“That’s really nice, Mick. I’m sure they appreciate it.”

He shrugged. “So, what do you think about our itinerary? Did I manage to hit everything?”

“I still can’t believe you got all of that accomplished while I packed up at the hotel,” she murmured.

“Like I said...”

“I know, I know.” Looking at her phone, she couldn’t help but shake her head in wonder. “Hmm... okay, we land in Memphis and are going directly to Graceland. The tour should take five hours, so that’s most of the day. We’re staying overnight before taking off tomorrow at ten and flying to Arizona for the Grand Canyon.” She grinned when she saw that part of the plan. “A helicopter tour with a picnic lunch, including champagne. That sounds very decadent.”

With her hand still in his, Mick kissed her wrist. “I’m not sure how well turkey sandwiches go with champagne, but I figured it was worth a shot.”

Laughing softly, she scrolled. “Then we’re taking a short flight to Vegas and staying at Nobu.” Pausing, she frowned. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard of that.”

“It’s part of Caesar’s Palace,” he told her. “Close to everything.”

“Oh, okay.”

“What’s after that?” he prompted.

Laughing again, she looked at him. “I thought you planned this.”

Another shrug. “I’m just enjoying listening to you go over it. Come on. What’s next?”

“We’re staying for two days? How come?”

“There’s a lot to see, and I thought you might want to see a show or two. We’ll look at the schedule and you can pick.”

“After that, we head to California and... your place.” She gave him a sexy grin. “Three days for Hollywood and Malibu and seeing where you live. I think that could be very interesting.”

“It’s not nearly as interesting as you’re imagining. Trust me.” Leaning in, he kissed her cheek. “Then we’re off to San Francisco for two days and I threw in a day in Napa. Riley Shaughnessy’s brother owns a resort there, and it’s magnificent. I thought you might enjoy it.”

“Ooo... I’m sure I will.”

“And after we’re done being grown-ups who go to wine tastings, we’ll head to Anaheim and run around like a couple of kids in Disneyland.” Another kiss. “Then we’ll finish our two-week whirlwind back in Malibu, before you have to head back to the lab.”

Resting her forehead against his, she moaned. “You know I’m not going to want to go back to work after all this.”

“Yeah, but it will be short. You’ll have off for the holidays, won’t you?”

She nodded with a sigh. “I got a lot of grief for taking my vacation time now, when I was going to get almost a month off for the holidays, but like I told you last night, I desperately needed the time away.”

They both fell quiet for several moments.

“Can I ask you something?” he whispered.

“Of course.”

“What happens if this little break from reality doesn’t help?”

Pulling back, she looked at him like he was crazy. “What do you mean?”

“Look, we all need to get away sometimes. That’s a given. But what are you going to do if it’s more than just needing a break? What happens if you go back and nothing’s changed and you’re still miserable? I’m not trying to be pessimistic, but...”

“No, I know what you mean, and I guess I haven’t allowed myself to think about it. In my mind, this is going to be exactly what I need to sort of refresh and reboot,” she reasoned. “After all, it’s not like I’m looking to change careers. This is what I do.”