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“Why is that?”
“Because most women like it when I pay attention to them.”
“I’m not most women.”
“I know.” He grinned at me again.
I glanced over and caught sight of Adelie dancing with one of the groomsmen. I couldn’t remember his name, but he was the tall handsome one with darker hair and skin. River, I think it was?
“You know,” Hawk said. “I’d like to see you again when we get back to Vermont if you’re open to it.”
The song ended, and I was grateful for the chance to step away from him. I needed to clear him from my senses, but the modicum of distance between us didn’t cool the heat in my veins as much as I hoped.
“Thanks, but I don’t think so.”
“Why not?”
“It’s just not a good idea.” He didn’t need reasons or speculations or excuses. He only needed my refusal. If that wasn’t enough for him, then too bad.
“Ella,” he said.
Maybe it was the blend of Ls with vowels, but my name on his tongue sounded like a song. I met his gaze with ferocity in mine, but for some reason, sympathy crept in as well.
My defenses lowered. I inched in again so I could keep my voice low.
A new song started up again, and couples crowded around us on the dance floor, so I meandered toward the empty tables.
Hawk stayed by my side, his attention on me.
“You’re a great guy,” I said, echoing Adelie’s words, “and I don’t think I told you how grateful I am that you were willing to let us fly here and back home with you again. But I’m not staying in Vermont. I’ll be moving.”
“Moving? Where?”
“Away,” I said.
I didn’t want to explain to him about my interest in fashion design or Garcon’s School in New York—or that I wasn’t going anywhere until after Christmas. I was determined to leave Vermont without any ties, not even blue-eyed handsome ones.
“I see,” he said, stepping back. A different expression fell behind his eyes. One that held understanding and just a speck of disappointment. “Can’t blame me for trying.”
My laugh was more to cover my unease than because I thought this was humorous.
He was respecting my wishes in this. I wasn’t used to that, and it meant a lot that he wasn’t pushing the issue.
I’d expected him to. I’d expected him to continue to flirt with me and be as obnoxious as he’d been during the flight here.
Part of me was slightly disappointed, too, and I didn’t understand why. It wasn’t like I wanted him to follow through on his promise. Not at all.
“Thank you for trying,” I said, touchinghis arm. I realized I meant the words. “Really. You’re gorgeous and kind, and you should be with someone who can be where you are.”
The corner of his lips lifted. “Gorgeous?”
“Don’t take that the wrong way.”
“Is there a wrong way to take a compliment like that?”
I smiled at him again. “Is the plane leaving in the morning?”
“In the morning,” he agreed, stuffing his hands in his pockets.
