Iscariot

Sun is shining and so are you.

"Hey, Dr. Anderson." A playful male voice called her. Surprised, Mika looked up from the horse she was checking, one hand resting on its side to keep its attention.

"Andrew." Her green eyes lit up and she flipped her long black braid over her shoulder, pleased as she stood and faced the man leaning on top of the stall's dutch door. Dressed casually in his blazer and khakis, he stood up straight as well, proud to surprise her. His hair messy from the wind, he looked adorable.

"Hi, sweetheart." He cocked his head with a smile.

The horse nosed her pocket and Mika jumped, both her and Andrew laughing at her reaction. "Titus," she sighed at the gelding and reached in to grab the small baggie of apple slices she always carried. Knowing he wouldn't give up until he had his treat, she poured them all out on her palm to let him nose them. The horse daintily picked them up with his velvety lips, while Andrew happily drank in the sight of her. Brushing her hand off on the back of her jeans, Mika gave the horse a final pat and stepped out the stall half-door.

"Or should I call you Dr. Lewis?" Andrew moved back just far enough to give her the room to close it before pulling her into his arms. His brown eyes danced as he saw her shy expression.

"Not yet." She hugged him as he held her close and nuzzled her hair much as the horses tried to.

"Mmmm, but soon." He stepped back from her. "Graduation is Sunday and a week later, we'll be on our way to the exotic shores of Bora Bora as Mr. and Mrs. Ace Lewis." He tossed his sandy brown hair dramatically and flashed her his goofy grin.

"Yeah." The thought thrilled her. "I can't wait."

"Neither can I." He took her hand and gave her a spin, moving up behind her to give her a squeeze. "Sand, surf, you in a bikini," he whispered in her ear.

"Is that why you're here early?" She wasn't expecting him to drive down to Champaign for another two days.

"I couldn't stay away. The company is doing well; Matthew can easily handle it. Not to mention there was this." Andrew pulled a white business envelope from his blazer pocket and held it in front of her. Suddenly Mika stepped out of the circle of his arms, her smile changing to a worried frown. "Let me guess, you want me to read it," he chuckled.

"Would you? I'm nervous."

"Practically a doctor and a little old letter makes you nervous?" He teased.

"Veterinarian, and yes it does. So open it," she commanded.

"Alright." He smiled indulgently. "But a kiss first. I haven't seen you in weeks."

"One." She agreed with a smile, stepping in and tilting her head up to his as her eyes slid closed.

You are so beautiful. Andrew studied her for a moment, his heart skipping a beat. A couple more weeks and life would be perfect; she would be a permanent part of him, his other half, come home. He slid his fingers into her long black hair and caressed the back of her neck, hearing her delighted hum as he brought his mouth down on hers. The kiss wasn't nearly long enough for either of them, but it held a lot of promise for the coming evening.

"Read, Mr. Lewis." Mika murmured against his lips. With a pained sigh, Andrew let her go and slid a finger under the envelop flap, tearing it open. Mika moved back once more to watch him as he read, his expression serious and making hers worried.

"Hmm." His response was non-committal and he slid the paper back into the envelope and back into his pocket.

"Well?" She chewed her bottom lip.

"Huh? Oh, you wanted me to read it out loud to you?" He feigned surprise and she gave an exasperated moan, slapping his shoulder as he laughed. "Alright! Alright!" He snatched her wrist and pulled her to him again, kissing her pretty pouting lips. "Your residency at Tempel Farms has been approved, Miss Anderson," he whispered, excited for her. "You'll be working with the Lipizzans."