Page 131 of Loving You

“Especially when you’re having fun,” he adds. “Which, I wanted to thank you for introducing me to Cherry. I know you two have a past, so I hope this isn’t weird.”

I smile but hold back my laugh. “Not at all.”

“Good, because she’s amazing, and I had no idea I’d start this summer as some lovesick puppy over a woman who didn’t want me only to end it with a woman I’ve fallen so head over heels in love with. It was unexpected, but we’re headed to Paris next Friday, and I can’t wait to make memories with her there. Hell, I think I’m going to ask her to marry me.”

“Seriously?” There is no hiding the shock in my voice.

He nods. “Yeah. Crazy, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, but good for you,” I say and slap a hand on his shoulder. “I’m happy for you both.”

“Thanks, and I’m happy for you and Quinn, too,” he says quickly. “It broke my heart when she ended things. I couldn’t stand the thought of her being alone, but she was very convincing that was what she wanted in life. But now she’s found you, and her views on life have clearly changed so I’m happy for her.”

“Yeah, me too.”

His words hit me right where it counts. It’s like I was meant to come here for a warning of what will happen if I ask Quinn to stay.

Silence settles between us long enough for me to order food and a soda for me and Henry. What’s the point in asking Hudson for advice now? Danny told me what I already knew.

Danny clears his throat, and just when I think he’s going to say goodbye, he surprises me.

“I swear I’m over it, but tell me how you did it.”

“Did what?”

“Convinced her to stay. To change her life and pick you.Traveling has been the love of her life for so long that I truly did believe she wouldn’t let someone else in. But she did with you, and I just want to know how.”

I swallow the lump in my throat and stare at my drink.

I didn’t do any of those things, and he’s absolutely right. Traveling is the love of her life, because if she felt even an ounce of what I feel for her, she wouldn’t want to leave.

I can feel his eyes on me, so I turn and give my best fake smile.

“It’s sort of like you said, this summer didn’t go the way I expected. It went better. When you know, you know, right?”

“I guess we both just needed to find the right one.”

“Yep.”

“Well, see you around Miles. I have a hunch Cherry and I will be back next summer.”

“See you around, Danny,” I say and wave as he leaves.

Hudson comes up at that exact moment, that same wrinkle between his eyes that he had weeks ago in my garage.

“You were listening, weren’t you?”

“Yeah. What are you going to do?”

I sigh and scrub a hand over my face. “I don’t know.”

And that’s the truth. I know what I want to do, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right thing to do or what Quinn would want to do, too.

I’mon the living room couch when Quinn gets home later that night. Her smile at the sight of me makes my head race and my blood turn hot.

It’s like my body has this radar when she’s near and it comes to life the moment I see her.

“Hi,” she says and then stalks toward me.

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