Should I help?

I looked up with a smile. “What surprises do you have that you don't want the others to know?”

It was thrilling just thinking about it.

He hooked his arm with mine, winking. “You will know when we get there. Before the others realize we are gone for long, we will be on our way back. Don't you think it will be fun? Like so much fun.”

“Yup. It will be fun, but not as fun as it would have been had the others been with us.”

“Can't I have you to myself?” He frowned. “Must we go out with the others?”

“That's not what I mean.” I smiled at my pouting mate. “It's always good to spend time alone with you. I'm just feeling for the others. They will know we ditched them. Don't you think?” I looked up at him with a smile. "But it's good. We will spend the time together. I bet it will be thrilling."

“That's wonderful!” He grinned, looking like I said the word he had been dying to hear. “I will make sure you don't regret doing this.”

I smiled at him, my eyes cringing at the side as I watched him.