Page 36 of The Charm of You

“One minute.” Edward digs into his jacket pocket and retrieves his leather wallet, telling me, “I’ll take care of this.”

“What are you…” My confused gaze bounces between the two men.

Austin’s icy glare causes more goose bumps along my skin than the night chill, and it only worsens when I realize what Edward is doing.

“This should be enough to cover the ride, plus a little extra for yourself.” To my mortification, Edward hands Austin a few bills.

He thinks Austin is my driver, like he works for Uber. As if this town offers such a luxury.

I grip Edward’s arm and clear the ball of horror from my throat. “He’s not?—”

“That’s mighty kind of you, Eddie,” Austin chimes in.

“It’s Edward, actually,” he corrects him.

“You know what? This ride’s on the house for our very special homecoming queen.” Austin pins his sarcastic, tight-lipped grin on me before he spins on his heel and stalks toward his truck. As he reaches it, he waves and calls out, “Good night, Eddie.”

“It’s Ed?—”

The slam of the truck door cuts him off, not that it would’ve done any good, anyway. Austin’s pissed, and he has every right to be. The list of things I need to explain and apologize for to that man is getting out of hand. Why can’t I ever get anything right with him?

I have plenty of explaining to do with Edward first, though.

“Why did you tell him you’re my fiancé?” I hiss and drag him into the house by his arm.

“Well, you haven’t officially accepted my proposal, but you will.”

I drop his arm like it’s on fire, and the sting of his assumption pricks my skin.

“Caroline, you and I are meant to be together. It’s why I’m here. I’m ready to start our lives as an engaged couple.” He squeezes my hands between both of his, bringing us closer together, and my chest tightens. “I already had plans to be here, and of course, the guys at the office sent me off with a bang. I told them not to make a big deal, but they couldn’t help themselves. It’s a big engagement.”

“Wait.” I yank my hands from his. “You told everyone we’re engaged?”

“I did. I couldn’t help myself. I’m so?—”

“Edward, I never said yes. It’s mine to say. You don’t get to say it for me to other people.” With both hands on my head, I spin in circles, my mind and heart racing. “What were you thinking?” I ask as frustration furls in my stomach.

“You’re going to accept,” he says again, and it’s more confident than before, as if I have no other choice.

My frustration uncoils into something else entirely, and anger filters into my bloodstream. “I’m not,” I clip. “I’m sorry, but I’m not going to marry you, Edward.”

“Baby, I think you’re confused.” He reaches for my hand, but I pull away.

“Stop calling me baby. I hate that.”

“Since when? What has gotten into you?”

I purse my lips and square my shoulders, digging deep inside me for the strength I know resides there. A strength I haven’t tapped into for a while, if ever. “You don’t listen to me. We do what you want to do. You had plans for us to move into your apartment, but we discussed alternatives. We eat at your favorite restaurants. We shop at the stores you deem appropriate and expensive enough. You don’t compromise, and that’s what a relationship involves. It’s not one-sided, Edward.”

For once, he slinks back, and his confidence retreats along with him.

“I know a lot of it is my fault too, and I’m sorry. I went along with everything you wanted because it was easy and comfortable. It felt good for a while. But I don’t want any of that anymore.” I hang my head. “And I don’t deserve to be on the pedestal you’ve put me on since we first got together.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I was fired last week. That’s what I was trying to tell you the night you proposed.” I sigh with relief. It’s finally out there to one more person. I’ve been keeping it a secret for what feels like an eternity, and the release of pressure from telling Edward is like I’ve let air out of a tire.

Relief fills the empty space.

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