“How can you ask me that? I’ve been crazy about you since day one.”
“Good to know because I’ve been under your spell since I met your beautiful blue eyes. And for the record… I like you too.”
“You do?”
“How can you ask me that?” His eyes bore into mine. “I’m sorry I walked out on you, darlin’. I needed some fresh––I guess I should say, polluted air.”
I laugh.
He joins me.
“In any case, I needed time to think… about us,” he says.
“That doesn’t sound too good.”
“As much as I like you, Carina, I don’t want to come between you and your family. I’m grateful for Jenkins and April, but they aren’t related to me by blood. You have a large family, and if they think there’s someone better out there for you… I’ll step aside––”
“Rhett––”
“I can’t be someone I’m not, babe. New York City is a trip of a lifetime, but I don’t see myself ever living up here. My home is in Summerville. I don’t expect you to choose between your family and a man.”
“Ugh.” I let out a long breath of frustration.
“What?” His expression is pained.
“You’re doing exactly the same thing my parents and brothers keep doing.”
“What do you mean?” Confusion veils his eyes.
I give him an incredulous look. “You’re robbing me of the chance to make my own decisions. I’m a grown ass woman. I should get to decide whoIwant to be with.”
“I’m not who they want for you––”
“You’rewho I want for me.” I set him straight.
His gorgeous green eyes widen, but he doesn’t speak. He stares at me, almost baffled by my revelation. “Carina, I––”
“You’re not the only one who’s been doing some thinking. My old self would’ve called Mani panicked, crying, confused. I didn’t do any of those things. I sat here and mulled over the conversation I had with my mom and then the conversation we had. I already know my decisions are going to change my life––”
“Family comes first, babe.”
“Family is supposed to support, not dictate. Surely not at my age.”
“I don’t want them to hate me or you to resent me later.”
“Here you go again.” My arms go flying in the air before dropping against my thighs in a loud thump. “I may have been powerless and naïve in my relationship with Stefano, but thank God, those days are behind me. I’m wiser now and I’m not afraid to stand my ground.”
“Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”
“Maybe this is just a fling for you––”
He cradles my face in his hands. “Hell no.” His answer is solemn. “If this was a fling, it would’ve been done with a long time ago.”
I lower my eyes. “Really?”
“Look at me.”
I obey his command.
