Page 63 of A Fall to Remember

Shelby reached for his arm but stopped herself at the last moment. “Pete, I get it. You don’t need to propose, but I don’t think you realize how lucrative this is going to be. You’re not going to need a day job. This will become your full-time job.”

“I don’t want a new job. I’m perfectly content with my current situation.” Did she not get it? Couldn’t she see he was totally into her? Not Lacy.

“But I’ll be able to arrange to send you to Milan and Madrid. Paris. Rome. You name it.”

“I don’t want to go to any of those places, especially not with Lacy. I’m sorry. I can’t fake it. I told you I’d get through tonight, but this isn’t going to work.”

Shelby looked like she’d been punched in the gut. “What do you mean, get through tonight? I thought you were super into Lacy. You both seem very smitten.”

Pete sighed. She was leaving tomorrow. It was now or never. If he had any chance with her, this was his last shot. “No, I’m dying here. She is not my type.”

“She’s not?” Shelby chose her words carefully, as if she didn’t trust them.

Was it his imagination, or was that relief on her face? He didn’t want to hope, but should he? Could he?

“No.” He inched closer. Their faces were nearly touching. He could smell her minty breath and a touch of sunscreen on her skin. Heat surged through him. He needed to kiss her—now. He wanted her in his arms.

“Wow, you’re a good actor.” Shelby’s voice quivered slightly. “I honestly thought you were kind of into her.”

“Into Lacy?” He felt his throat swell. He wanted to kiss her so bad. Should he do it? “No. Not my type.”

“What is your type? I can find you someone else.” Shelby took a tiny step closer, too.

Their faces were so close, he could feel her breath on his cheek and see her heart beating against her chest. “I like women from rainy states. Rainy, dreary, gray states. I’m attracted to women who are willing to be vulnerable, who can cry in front of me.”

“Oh, you like criers, huh?” She grinned.

“Especially beach criers. They’re the best.” He couldn’t help himself. He reached out and cupped her chin. Then he leaned down and kissed her softly, tenderly. For a minute, he thought she might pull away, but instead she grabbed his hair and kissed him harder.

48

JIM

The bonfire would have been perfect if it weren’t for Miranda being so upset with him. “The only thing I have is my word,” Jim said, trying once again to convince her that the proposal flub hadn’t been staged. It was a happy accident, and he had no clue why Shelby thought it portrayed Miranda in a poor light. Had any of them read the comments? “I would never do anything to jeopardize your trust. You have to believe that.”

“I want to. It’s all confusing right now.” Miranda fought back tears.

Was this it?

Had he ruined things?

Why had he posted the video?

He never imagined it would blow up like this. Flames lapped nearby as giant logs were added to the fire. The beach smelled like woodsmoke and the sea. He had envisioned dancing with her and cuddling in front of the roaring bonfire tonight. Not this. Never this.

“Will you look at the comments, please? People love you. They think it’s so sweet. There’s not been a single mention of the video being faked. I don’t know why Shelby has taken such a hard line. That’s between her and me, but Miranda, let me lay out all my cards tonight. I’m attracted to you. I know it sounds like something a teenager might say, but I’m falling for you. I want to know you more. I want to see where this might go, because I believe we have a real shot at love. I’m willing to give this a serious try if you are.” He had to fix this. He couldn’t let her slip out of his hands. Not when he had just found her.

Miranda hung her head, wrapping her arms protectively around her chest. “A few hours ago, I would have said yes without hesitation. I do believe you when you say you didn’t do anything to make me look bad, but maybe this is for the best. Maybe we need to take a beat. Take a breather. It’s all been so fast and a whirlwind. I’m having trouble determining what’s real and what isn’t.”

“This is real. This—us. This is real, I promise,” he pleaded, already knowing he’d lost.

“I want to thank you for an incredible experience. It’s been a weekend to remember.” She paused, glancing at the flames lapping toward the stars. The scent of woodsmoke wafted through the air, mingling with the sound of the band and happy laughter. “It’s been a fall to remember, but I need some time. I need to let all of this sit for a while.”

“Okay.” Jim wasn’t going to force her.

Miranda sighed heavily, kissed him on the cheek, and turned and vanished into the darkness. That was it. Poof.

Gone.