Page 74 of Meet Me in the Blue

“Thank you... I mean, wow… Really,I appreciate it, but I’m not looking to—”

“Don’t sell yourself short. Let’s see what we see,” he said. And shoved his phone in his pocket. “Do you guys have plans for dinner? We could meet up later.”

“Um…” Stunned by the entire conversation, I hadn’t noticed Rook had let go of my hand. “Yeah… we—”

“We planned on staying in,” Rook said, his tone too quiet. “But thanks.”

“No problem. I guess I’ll see you back in Washington, and I’ll let you know if Dale hears anything.”

“Thanks,” I said. “And send me whatever I need to sign so the team can use those photos.”

“Already did.”

Zach left with another, “see you later,” and Rook and I made our way outside in a weird stagnant silence. Flurries and fat flakes started to float down from the gray sky above us, and I zipped up my jacket, scowling at the traitorous precipitation. My fingers were instantly cold, and I wanted to reach for Rook’s hand again, but he had his phone out, likely looking for a nearby ride.

“Anything close?” I asked and he pocketed his cell with a long exhale.

“Three minutes.”

“Not too bad, we shouldn’t freeze to death before then.”

Rook cracked a smile, and the heaviness in my chest became less distinct.

“Just so you know…” I said. “I don’t want a job at a big sports magazine.” He turned to look at me, the concern in his eyes cutting me open. “I don’t.”

“Luka…” He swallowed and turned to stare out into the street. A couple of cars honked their horns, the snow falling even harder as I waited for him to speak. “You heard what he said. You’re wasting your talent working for the newspaper. And he’s right. I see you... how excited you were yesterday and today. You were in your element. How happy will you be taking shots of the bay every day, and Main Street and cupcakes for the rest of your life?”

“I tried, Rook. I did. I did the magazine thing in Portland, and then L.A. and I wasn’t happy. I’m happy atThe Herald.” I held his hand. “I’m happy with you.”

He faced me again, lowering his eyes, and rubbed his thumb into my palm.

“I can’t be the reason, Luka… You’ll resent me later. You have to mean it. You have to be sure.”

“I’m sure. Christ, Rook.” I lifted his chin. “Why are we fighting over a hypothetical job offer?”

“We’re not fighting,” he said and swept his lips over mine. “We’re having a discussion.”

“It feels bigger than that.”

“I don’t want to be the reason you throw away an opportunity.”

“I’m pretty sure I’m capable of making my own choices. I told you. I can take pictures anywhere.” He wiped the snow from my shoulders and pulled me into his chest, placing a soft kiss to my forehead. “I will always choose you, Rook. End of story.” I snuggled into his arms, partly to hide from the wind, but mostly because he needed to know I wasn’t going anywhere. I refused to make the same mistake again.

ROOK

THE RAIN WAS MORElike a mist as it seeped through our clothes, the muddy water staining our legs and backsides as it whipped up from our bicycle tires. I never liked playing in the rain much. It was cold and my fingers were numb, but Luka was thrilled, hollering and shouting at the sky as we made our way down the steep hill behind the Village Market. The park wasn’t much farther, and I would have turned around and headed home if I was with anyone else. But Luka loved the rain even though he’d said he hated it not more than three minutes ago when the clouds had rolled in. He did that a lot, said he hated or loved something when he really didn’t, and I wasn’t sure why. I thought maybe it was because he was still getting to know me, or sometimes just to make his mom mad about one thing or another.

“That was amazing.” He was out of breath, rain dripping down his face. “Want to do it again?”

I curled my cold fingers and stared up the huge hill, dreading the hike back up, but when I turned back to tell him we should head home, I found him smiling so big it made me smile too.

“Sure. Sounds like fun,” I said and realized maybe Luka wasn’t the only one good at twisting the truth.

• ••

“Sorry I’m so late,” Luka called out, and the jingle of his keys sent Maribelle running toward the front door. I lowered the heat on the stove and stirred the mixture of meat and peppers I’d been cooking as Luka crooned at the dog. “Hey, baby.” I had to laugh at his high-pitched tone. “Did you miss me?” Luka and Maribelle made their way into the kitchen, Luka all smiles and sweet talk as the dog jumped and circled his legs like he’d been away for days when he’d only been gone since this morning. “Hi.” He snuck his arms around my waist, drawing my back to his chest and kissed my cheek.

“Hey.” I snuggled deeper into his hold. “Did you stop at your mom’s?”

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