Page 34 of An Engagement Pact

I peer at him, searching for any sign of resentment or reluctance. There is none.

He’s really an incredible guy.

I smile at him and reach out to touch his arm. “Okay. That sounds good to me. Thanks.”

He grins. “Thank you. You’re good to drive home?”

“Yeah. I’m good.” I find the energy to climb out of the car and walk around to the driver’s seat. By that point, Dan has gotten out too. He stands beside the door as I get in.

“Have a good night, Vicky. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

For no good reason, I blush. “Okay. See you then. Have a good night too.”

It takes some effort, but I manage to get it together enough to start the car and pull out of the parking spot.

Dan is standing and watching as I drive away.

Six

IWAKE UP THE NEXTmorning excited and fluttery.

As fluttery as I’ve ever been in my life.

If it didn’t make me so incredibly nervous, it would be intoxicating.

But feeling this way is not smart. Or sensible. Or safe. If I don’t want to be dealing with a broken heart or crushing disappointment, I really need to rein in these feelings and make sure I’m understanding this situation as temporary.

People do it all the time. Have fun for a short time, knowing it can never be permanent. That it’s for the best.

I can do it too.

Otherwise I’ll have to call the whole thing quits and miss out on a hundred-thousand-dollar windfall.

I really don’t want to do that.

As I take a quick shower and get dressed, I give myself a firm mental lecture, and I’m in a better, stronger emotional state when I head downstairs, grabbing a cup of coffee in a travel mug before heading out to walk Oscar and start my day.

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