Page 33 of Promise Not to Fall for the Rich & Famous

He wasn’t, and he gave her the guilty-as-charged smile to prove it. “Just twice a week,” he said. “I usually clean up after myself most of the time. They just do the mopping, vacuuming, that type of thing.”

The Q and A continued as they hovered marshmallows over the flames, the back and forth rhythm like a game of ping pong. But amidst the conversation, Gage stayed focused on his desire to set things straight. She’d made her fears known, hadn’t she? Even if it was in a playful way, Carly revealed her concern that Gage wouldn’t want her after he filmed the show. And he hadn’tsaid anything to reassure her either. All he’d done is play it off with a lame joke.

It might seem silly, but Gage had already considered what barriers lay between them, and there didn’t seem to be a whole lot: they’d keep their relationship on the down-low during his time at the Palm; Carly would finish out her summer there while he took off to Maui; and then they could settle into life back in California once they were through. Carly teaching, Gage finishing school, all while living just a half hour apart.

Easy. Unless she really was hung up on the idea that he’d soon be gracing the big screen like his old man. He hoped she’d focus more on the fact that it’d be a one time thing and not let it get in the way.

As their evening came to a close, Gage shuffled slowly through the bungalow toward the front door, Carly by his side. The view was just as it was from the deck, moonlight pouring over the rippling water. That same silver light poured in through the windows, lighting Carly’s face as he spun to look at her.

The urgency was back now, hot and tight in his chest. He needed to let her know that he was interested in her. Really interested. He needed to assure her that he would never leave for some Hollywood pursuit.

Throat tightening, Gage locked his eyes on hers. He took a few backward steps, pulling Carly back to the spot where he’d leaned against the wall and kissed her when he arrived.

Carly put her hands up at either side. “Here,” she said in a whisper. “Put your palms on mine.”

Gage did as she said, eyes fixed on Carly’s as her warm skin met his. He could hardly fathom the intense emotion that rushed in. It seemed to ignite a fast-burning fuse in his chest, the wick growing shorter with each and every breath.Tell her, Gage. Tell her how you feel.

He glanced at their joined hands. Hers looked small and delicate next his, and for whatever reason, he loved that too. “I think,” he said, shocked that the sentence was actually working its way to his lips. Was it too soon? Would he scare her away?

“You think what?” She blinked, slipped her fingers through his, and curled them around his hand.

Electricity pulsed through him at the contact. So deep it nearly took his breath. “I think I’m falling in love with you.”

Carly’s eyes widened. Her fingers tightened reflexively around his hands.

Say something.Anything. No, not just anything. Say you feel the same way.

She parted her lips, readying to speak, but then bit her bottom lip instead.

Panic shot through him. Maybe she didn’t feel the same. “I’m sorry,” he blurted. “I didn’t mean to…it’s too soon…” He looked down at the floor as his face filled with heat.

“No, don’t be sorry. ” Carly loosened her grip, freeing her hands in time to run one through her hair. “I’ve just got a lot going through my head right now.”

Gage glanced up hesitantly, dreading what he might see in her eyes. Now it was Carly’s turn to look down, head shaking absently.

He stifled an inner groan.Please, letme rewind the last thirty seconds and hit delete.

Carly licked her lips. “I reallylikeyou, Gage. I just…”

Like?

She lifted her chin to meet his gaze, a world of pain brewing in the depths of her eyes, visible even in the low light.

His heart clanked out of rhythm, the erratic beats like firecrackers in his chest. It felt as if he’d peeled back a layer, was looking past what he already knew about Carly and into a place she kept hidden. For good reason, maybe. Yes, there wasdefinitely a part of herself she was hiding from him. Yet as dark and undiscovered as that part might be, Gage wanted to know about it. Wanted to know everything about her.

“I just,” she finally said. “I have some stuff to sort out in my head, okay?”

Gage wasn’t sure what she was asking for. Could only hear one dreaded word repeating in his mind again and again like the clash of a gong—like. Like. Like.It was nearly as bad as the friend word.

Somehow he managed to eke out anokayin reply.

Carly backed away and pulled open the door for him. “Thanks for tonight.”

His stomach clenched as he noticed moisture well in her eyes. “Thankyoufor dinner. See you in the morning.” But would he?Please say she won’t have that Marcus guy step in and take her shifts.

She offered a small nod, which hopefully meant she would be there, and not catching some flight to get away from him. He’d come on too strong, he was sure of it.

Gage forced himself to step out into the night. As the door shut behind him, he glanced at the sky overhead in time to see a fresh blanket of clouds drifting over the moon, dousing its glow completely. He couldn’t help but fear that a similar thing might happen with Carly. This new, beautiful spot of light—one who’d taken his life by storm—here today, out of sight tomorrow.