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In reality, I haven’t missed a thing. I know exactly what’s happening. I’m just scared to death. Scared of getting hurt again.
After the bubble show, I introduce Kira to Joss, and then we take a long walk on the beach. Morgan didn’t want to leave Slade’s arms, which never happens. It only serves to confirm my belief that either Slade has no faults or I have imagined him. He’s too perfect. There has to be something wrong. With my luck, he’s probably a serial killer with a great personality.
I can see Slade in the distance playing with Morgan in the surf. I can almost hear her gurgling laughter from where I stand.
Once again, real life trumps fantasy. He really is good with children. After watching his bubble show, I already knew that. Why am I surprised?
Kira has turned serious on me and is no longer making innuendos or jokes about Slade. “I like him, Marin. He seems genuine.”
“He is. Everything about him is so real. He is who he is, and he doesn’t apologize for it.” I hesitate. “Listen, I didn’t talk about his looks because the thing I noticed about him first was the kind of man he is on the inside.”
“Truth?”
“Mostly.”
“Ha!”
“That’s what’s important, you know?” I defend. “Especially after the Blu debacle. I need to know there are good men out there. Keep in mind, I’ve only been here a week. Plus, I came here to get over another man. It’s not exactly a recipe for romance.”
“He’s being respectful. Another thing I like about him. Besides, any man who can charm Morgan is a winner in my book.”
I remain quiet.
“What’s holding you back, Marin?”
I scoff. “What’snotholding me back? Only a thousand things. The truth is, we don’t have that kind of relationship. He’s just doing his job, being good to a guest at his bed-and-breakfast.”
“He’s never hinted at anything more?”
“I mean, a little, but notreally.” And yet, there’s something. I just don’t know what yet.
“He doesn’t need to. It’s obvious, staring you right in the face.”
I stop and turn to her. “Are you serious?”
“I am. He likes you. I can tell by the way he looks at you.”
I’m so unsure, tongue-tied and shaken. We keep walking, and I change the subject. “Have you heard from Blu?”
“Not a word. No one has.”
“I really did love him, you know?” I did. But not anymore. He killed my love the moment he left me. The murderer.
“I do.”
“Even so, I can’t stop thinking about Slade. He’s taken over my mind after knowing him for one week. What kind of person does that make me?” I ask, letting the words rip from my soul.
“Human. Blu left you. He doesn’t deserve your loyalty, nor do you owe it to him. You’re free to do what you want.”
I kick at the sand. “I have one more week here. I can’t fall in love with someone in one week.”
“Aren’t you already a teeny bit in love with him? Tell the truth.”
I feel my cheeks pinken. “Yes. In an insta-love kind of way. That’s not true love. Still, what’s not to love about him? He’s just so…”
“Perfect?”
“Not just perfect. I think he could be perfect for me. There’s a difference.” I let out my breath heavily. “I don’t know what to think.”
