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“Or maybe—” Before she could complete her statement, Shane crushed his lips over hers, claiming his prize.
Euphoria.
There was no other way to describe the way Shane made her feel when she was with him. The world managed to fall away and with it all her cares and concerns. It was just the two of them, forever being entangled with the other.
To anyone else, her thoughts might have sounded a little crazy. But in her heart, she couldn’t deny that they had a shot at being with each other for the rest of their lives.
She shoved her hands into his hair, pulling him closer and kissing him more fervently than before. Theirs was a kiss full of promises.
While the future didn’t have any guarantees, at this moment it didn’t matter. They could work out anything if they did so together.
Shane was the first to pull away. His face was flushed, and the haze in his eyes gave her all the evidence she needed to know how he felt about her. She threaded her fingers through his hair in an attempt to get it under control just a little bit before she left him. When it refused to cooperate, she let out a laugh.
“I think you’re out of luck. People are definitely going to talk.”
“Let them. They can assume away.” He leaned down and kissed her forehead. “I’ve got what truly matters right here and no one can take that away from me.”
She rested her head against his shoulder, reveling in everything that had happened over the last several weeks.
Crazy didn’t begin to cover it.
And now, she knew without a doubt that she had something she had to take care of before this relationship continued on its projected path.
* * *
“I’msurprised you finally agreed to meet with me.” Marc gestured toward her house from where they sat on the porch steps. “And at your home, no less. I get the feeling you have something important to tell me.”
Eloise wrung her hands in her lap. Why did this seem so difficult? She was happy with Shane. She didn’t need anyone else in her life. And yet she couldn’t shake the feeling that she was doing the wrong thing. She glanced up at Marc and forced a smile. “I need you to stop calling me—stop flirting with me.”
His eyes narrowed, and he turned away from her slightly.
“I know it doesn’t make sense. We started off seeing each other quite a few times in a short amount of time and then I ghosted you.”
“Yeah, you did. I guess I should have gotten the hint. Is it something I did?”
She stiffened, her hand landing on his knee as if the gesture would offer him some comfort. “No, of course not. It’s just that… I’m seeing someone.”
He shot a look at her, full of pain she hadn’t expected.
“This has nothing to do with you and everything to do with me.”
“Does he treat you right?”
“I—what? Of course he does. He makes me very happy.”
Marc studied her, and she squirmed beneath his gaze. Finally, he let out a sigh, shaking his head. “Does Shane know who this is? Would he be able to vouch for the guy?”
Eloise gnawed on her lower lip. “Actually, yes.” She should just tell him. What harm could it do? “Because it sorta… is… Shane.”
Marc gave her a sharp look but then just as quickly schooled his features. “You’re dating Shane.”
She nodded. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to lead you on. It just sorta happened.” She reached out and squeezed his forearm. “But you can’t tell him I told you. He doesn’t want anyone to know yet and it’s just better this way. Please don’t say anything.”
Marc’s brows creased. “I guess I can’t say I’m surprised. Shane is a catch.”
Her small smile returned. “Yeah, he is.”
“Does that mean we can still be friends?”
