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“I thought I had to choose between Fallon and the book,” I answer honestly, then bite my lip. “I thought maybe you just gave me the book deal because you wanted to get back with Fallon and it gave you a reason to be here.”
Amanda gives me a strange look, then shakes her head. “Jen, no. You got the book deal because you’re good. Because you deserved it.”
My heart hammers. “Oh.”
“You should have told me you were interested in Fallon, Jen,” Amanda says, giving me a sad smile.
I huff. “I didn’t want to jeopardize the book deal. But now I’m wondering if I wasn’t just scared of my feelings for him.”
Amanda gives me a kind smile. “Well, either way, I’m happy for you.” She points a finger at me. “But I’d better get recognition in every award acceptance speech you ever make. Don’t forget who signed you up for this competition in the first place.”
Grinning, I incline my head. “I won’t. Thanks, Amanda—for everything.”
She smiles, then excuses herself to go talk to Heather Brennan. I watch her go, feeling lighter than I did before. Amanda gave me the book deal because I’m good. Plain and simple. Not only that, but she doesn’t care if Fallon and I are together—which means there really is no reason for me not to jump into his arms and tell him how I feel.
But as I scan the room, I don’t see him anywhere. Dorothy appears at my elbow and sweeps me into another conversation, and soon there’s no time to think about my feelings for Fallon.
When the impromptu afterparty on set starts to wind down, Candice announces that all are welcome to come to Four Cups to continue the festivities.
Eyes landing on me, Candice arches her brow. “Bring the trophy,” she commands.
I cringe. “Um, the NDAs? I don’t think I’m allowed to announce the win yet.”
Candice releases a long sigh. “Fine. Bring yourself and Fallon, and I guess that’ll be enough.” She winks, heading for her car.
Scanning the room for the big, bearded, dark-haired man who made this all possible, I find myself wandering out the barn doors to the fresh air outside. Dusk has fallen, the sweet scent of summer lingering in the air. The grass under my feet is soft as I wander toward the guesthouse.
I find Fallon sitting on the front steps of our guesthouse, flicking seeds at a trio of crows near the base of a tree. Planting my hands on my hips, I tilt my head. “You’re just encouraging their misbehavior now.”
Fallon throws another handful of seeds, then meets my gaze. His face looks…sad.
I pause. “Are you okay?”
Fallon lets out a long sigh and tosses the rest of his crow food, then stretches up to his full height. “I’m good. Just needed a bit of quiet.”
“I get that.” Closing the distance between us, I make to give Fallon a hug—then pause when he turns his back.
He opens the guesthouse door, not meeting my eyes as he heads across the room to take his suitcase from the closet.
He’s packing already? We don’t need to be out until tomorrow morning.
My footsteps echo on the wooden floorboards, the trophy dangling from my fingertips. “Candice invited us all back to Four Cups for an afterparty. You want to drive over together?”
Fallon pauses his movements, an old, worn tee clasped in his hands. “You go ahead. I’ll meet you there.”
“It looks like you’re getting ready to leave.”
He shoves the tee into his suitcase. “Just packing my stuff, Jen.”
I place the trophy on top of the dresser and cross my arms. “What happened? Aren’t you happy? We should be celebrating.”
Fallon turns to face me, his expression unreadable. He gulps. Then, as if he’s sick of holding back, walks over to me with three long steps. His palms sweep over my cheeks, thumbs brushing my skin. “I’m so proud of you, Jen. You deserve this win.”
“We deserve this win. It’s as much mine as it is yours.”
“We both know that’s not true.”
My brows lower. “I don’t know what’s going on, but I don’t like it. And I’m not leaving until you tell me what’s up.”
