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“Well, I don’t want to sell to him,” I say, my voice full of panic.
Smith locks eyes with me. “I don’t want you to sell at all.”
My breath catches in my throat and I know I should look away, stay firm. But inside, I feel my resolve slipping away.
“Stay, Elise.”
I bite my lip, my hands trembling. “I shouldn’t, Smith. Harry is right—you shouldn’t settle for me. You’re a great guy and you deserve more.”
“What? Is that what this is about? Your tool bag of an ex?” He shakes his head, then jumps up in one fluid motion, grasping my hands. “Because your kids are right here, I’m not gonna rail on their dad, but do not buy into his garbage for even one split second.”
I blink, hot tears pricking at my eyes, my chest squeezing hard. Smith swipes his hand down the front of his jeans then cups my face.
“I’ve never felt like this about anyone before. I don’t care about your past—all I’m interested in is the future. I came to tell you that I want my future to be you. Us. Together.”
“Smith,” I breathe, gazing up at him. “I want to say yes. To you, to the house, to Seaglass Beach…”
“Then say it, Elise. Say ‘yes.’” He smooths his thumb across my cheek and my heart opens up for the first time in a long time.
I know deep-down that being with Smith—this gorgeous, kind, wonderful man—is a risk I’m willing to take.
“Yes.”
“Yes?” Smith asks, a slow smile spreading across his face.
“Yes,” I nod, smiling right back.
He kisses me, soft and slow on the lips, traffic flying by.
“This is crazy,” I murmur into his mouth, still smiling.
“Nah. This is right. I’m falling in love with you, Elise.”
My heart skips in my chest at his words. “Honestly, I feel the same way.”
“Let’s not waste any more time then. While I’m fixing this tire, call Kayla and tell her the deal is off. If that’s what you want.”
I nod. “Absolutely. But I do have to go back to Atlanta. The kids need to finish the school year, and I’ll have to work out an updated custody agreement.”
“Do you need back-up?” Smith asks, cracking his knuckles.
“No, but thanks. I have a bulldog of a lawyer. He’ll get it worked out for me. Then as soon as they finish school, we’ll head back to Seaglass. It’s only two months.”
“Two months too long. But I do have a house to renovate, so that should keep me busy.” He winks and I laugh, my entire body light.
“I can come down when I don’t have the kids. You know, to check up on the contractor, make sure he’s doing the work.”
Smith chuckles, pulling me in by the hips and kissing me again. I relax into his strong body, safe and secure.
“Thank you,” I say, gazing up at him.
“For what?”
“For believing enough in me—in us—to take a risk.”
“You’re a risk worth taking.” He laces his fingers in mine and in that second, standing on the side of the highway, I can see our entire future stretching ahead of us and it’s good. So, so good.
“I can’t wait to be home. With you,” I say memorizing the exact color of his eyes, the outline of his jaw.
