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She grew brave and looked at him. “And they have?” she asked quietly.
He shook his head. “No. Which is probably why I should leave.”
Dani couldn’t even think straight. He was going to leave? She tried to speak, but no words would come out of her mouth. He stood, his chair scraping on the tile floor. “It was nice to see you, Dani. I’m glad you’re doing well.”
She sat on her chair, frozen, unable to process what was happening until Austin had walked away. The bell rang on the door and broke her out of her state. She jumped up and ran after him. She caught up with him in the sidewalk. “Wait,” she called out, grabbing his arm.
He turned to her, his jaw working. “Dani, I’m sorry. I can’t. I thought I could see you again and be fine, but it turns out that I just can’t.”
“Don’t go,” she said, her voice cracking. She needed Austin in her life. She didn’t know it six months ago, but she knew it now. Her life was dull and gray without him.
There was no one like Austin. He was the kindest man she’d ever encountered. He helped her out of the goodness of his heart. He didn’t want anything from her. He simply helped because she needed help.
She stared up at him, her emotions swelling in her. She had no idea what else to say to him. He was precious to her. She couldn’t have him walk out of her life again. “I need you,” she whispered.
He blinked, his features softening. “If I thought it could work between us…” He didn’t finish his sentence.
“I was wrong,” she blurted out. “I was so unsure of my own feelings. And what I wanted out of life. I didn’t realize I would be so lost without you.”
He reached out and brushed a strand of hair from her face. “I’m still famous. If you date me, you won’t be out of the limelight.”
“I don’t care anymore.” She hadn’t realized how true those words were until she said them. Yes, she still hated the paparazzi and being on camera. But people would stop being curious about them dating after a while.
“You don’t care?” He raised one eyebrow.
“I guess…I mean, I do care. But I care less about being on camera than I do about being away from you.” She was messing this up. The words weren’t coming out right. She shook her head. “I mean…I love you.”
He took a step back from her. “You what?”
She couldn’t turn back now. She had to keep going, or she was afraid she’d lose him again. “Somewhere in the last six months I realized that I had fallen in love with you. And I regret not holding on to you.”
Tears formed in her eyes and her vision blurred, but she had to keep going. “I miss you every night. I thought maybe I could get over you, but it doesn’t seem to be working. I can’t seem to get over you.”
Austin wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close. He bent down and pressed his lips to hers. The kiss was warm and soft. When he broke away, he put his forehead on hers and closed his eyes. “I love you, too.”
She was so relieved that she kissed him again. “I’m sorry I was so mistrusting of you.”
“I understand. You had a lot of reasons to be.” He stroked her cheek.
“I don’t want to say good-bye again.”
“It might be hard, with my schedule, and with the cameras sometimes.” He stared into her eyes.
“I know.”
“But if you’re willing to hold onto me, I’ll make sure you don’t get hurt.”
Her heart swelled. “I’ve learned my lesson.” She kissed him again. “I won’t let go.”
Epilogue
Dani stood at the back of the church, her fingers clutching the bouquet of flowers so tight, she wondered if she were going to break it. Her heart raced, and she took a calming breath. It would be okay. It was a small wedding, in a tiny church, just the way she and Austin wanted it.
Her father walked up to her and stretched out his arm. “It’s almost time. Are you ready?”
She nodded and took his arm. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”
“You sure about this?” Her father motioned to the chapel. “He’s the one you really want?”
