Jett Draven had always been a man for dates—especially important ones. In addition to the present and future, there was always the past to consider. There were several days a year that held importance to Jett, and the more time he spent with Raven, the more days a year he had to mark on his mental calendar.

For reasons—peculiar reasons—he found that he had two anniversaries—technically. There was their unofficial anniversary, which marked the first time he'd taken her out, and the first time they'd kissed.

Then there was their real anniversary, highlighting the day Raven had officially laid claim to his relationship status. It had been a trying day, he recalled, memory reminding him a bit too well of her slap.

But, things had worked out. They were together—officially—almost a year later. And he really couldn't be happier.

He'd had relationships before—as was expected of him. One did not simply turn up the charm if they didn't wish to obtain a piece of arm candy, after all. But Raven was more than that to him. He'd considered, that after Bethany, he'd not date again until he was sure no woman would ever think to cheat on him again—but leave it to Raven to have her way in the situation.

It was with bitterness that he recalled the girl he'd once cared so much for, and comparing her to Raven left a distasteful flavor in his mouth. He reached for the soda lodged in the drink holder as he eyed the red light in front of him. Taking a large swig, he tapped boredly on the steering wheel, waiting for the light to change.

Today was slow, and thankfully he didn't have any obligations to fulfill beyond the goals he'd set for himself. Which, as they just so happened to be, consisted of visiting his favorite museum. He'd have invited Raven if he'd thought she'd been even remotely interested in the new displays, however the last time he'd dragged her there, it had been late—and completely empty. They hadn't particularly gone to see the displays.

The slightest little grin formed on Jett's face as he recalled the evening they'd spent there, just a year ago. It might not have been their official anniversary, but he'd certainly enjoyed it all the same. It was well worth remembering—but then again. So was just about anything he did with Raven.

Sliding the now nearly emptied cup back into its holder, he was growing particularly impatient with the red light. Already it felt like he'd been here forever, and the longer he sat at the light, the longer his mind had to wander.

Briefly, he considered Bethany again, though—nose wrinkling—he forced himself to think of Raven. The Surrounding, for all intensive purposes—had been good for him. If it hadn't been for the Surrounding, he might never have seen Raven again. Might never have gone through those things with her. Might never had fallen in love with her.

For which, Jett certainly wasn't happy with himself.

Love was one of those things—one of those things that made you weak. He couldn't spend all his time thinking about himself and everything that was in his best interest, because he was too busy thinking about her. Everything he did, he considered carefully for her. He'd caught himself—thinking about her. She distracted him. He'd lost sleep for her, just because he missed her.

Raven Moore was his greatest weakness, and Jett Draven was not supposed to have any weaknesses. Not in his book. She held a power over him that no one had—and for as much as he didn't like it, he just couldn’t shake her.

Once, a while ago, he would have loved to break up with her—to just be done with her, before she'd festered her way into his heart. Before she'd become that thing that completed him. He'd been fine before her, he'd told himself—and really believed it.

But now? Now, he didn't know what he'd do without her.

And their legitimate year-long anniversary was coming up, and he had no idea what to do. He'd already gotten her a puppy—what was better than that? A baby?

…Yeah, no.

Jewelry? —Diamonds?

Maybe not diamonds.

But what, then? It had to be perfect. Not that she'd leave him if it wasn't (probably) but it was the thought that mattered. It had to be something good.

There was only one person he really had to ask, and the topic of anniversaries was a sore one. Even if she didn't talk about it, he knew how his mother felt. And he knew that she wanted him happy, but he also knew that she hurt. Not for him—Not for Raven. She loved the two—absolutely adored them. But she had never been the same after her divorce, and the topic of romance was hard for her.

Charmaine would know what to get Raven for their anniversary, if only Jett could work up the nerve to ask her.

Hopefully Raven wasn't expecting more out of today; he hadn't planned to spend it with her simply because he knew that sometimes she needed time for her, and sometimes he needed time for him. Museums were time for Jett, and with a new exhibit, he wasn't missing out on today.

But he hadn't forgotten about the girl—and how could he? The damned red light made him think of her. He'd taken special precautions to make sure that she knew he was at least thinking about her.

A bouquet of roses ought to be arriving sometime soon for her, with a nice little note he'd paid someone to write for him.

It wasn't much, but girls liked flowers. Raven probably would have preferred ruby flowers, but if she wanted a present worth more than a nickel, she'd have to be satisfied with these. Raven was a weakness to more than just his heart, but his wallet, too.

Cars in the other lane started to slow down, and Jett shifted positions in the car, reacquainting the steering wheel with both hands.

There was a jewelry store to the right of him that he'd been trying very hard not to look at—thank you, again, Raven, that was the last thing he wanted to be thinking about on his day out.

When the light turned green, he was all too eager to step on the gas and leave the store behind him.

Unfortunately, he couldn't leave the thoughts of Raven behind as easily.

Even if it wasn't their real anniversary, he'd have to drop by and pay her a visit tonight. Just to see if she liked the flowers. And if she did?

…Maybe they could pay another visit to the museum together.