Page 12 of Dashing for Love

He doesn’t hesitate. “That’d be nice.”

I tamp down the flare of excitement that always rises at the chance of being alone with Matty.Remember James. James, James, James.

I clear my throat. “Great!”

We start walking, and Matty asks, “How’s the job going?”

“Good. Finally starting to write articles that have a bit more heft to them than the regular gossip JJ’s so fond of, and that’s nice.”

“I’m sure anything you do is an improvement over whatever JJ’s got going on,” he says, smiling over at me. “You’ll be jet-setting all over the state and country before long, doing heavy-hitting pieces that change hearts and minds.”

The compliment warms my entire body, but I make myself wave it away. “I’m just glad to finally put my degree to use.”

“What kept you from it?”

I blink up at him. “I’m not sure anyone’s ever asked me that.”

“No one?”

“Well, I take that back. Willa did.”

After a beat, he prompts, “You gonna answer me?”

I shrug. “It’s hard to explain, but I guess the easiest way to put it is I didn’t feel like I was ready. I felt…young, you know? Maybe it was running after you and Willa all those years,” I joke.

“You’re only two years younger.”

“Right,” I hedge. “But still. Lucky is such a small town, and four years at college in the same state only goes so far to help a girl with personal growth. And I know what people think of me.”

Matty stops, and the expression on his face is very much Concerned Older Brother.

I hate it.

“What do you mean, you know what people think of you?”

I can’t look at him. “Same way they always have. I’m the blond, the airhead, the opposite of Willa. You know.”

He frowns. “No. I don’t know.”

I release a frustrated sigh. “Forget it.”

“Goldie—”

I shake my head. “Seriously, drop it. I don’t even know why I’m all up in my head about it. It’s fine.” I force a smile and a laugh. “I promise.”

He doesn’t look convinced. “No. You are perfect. You are unafraid to beyou.And that’s…that’s worth being proud of. Anyone who has ever made you feel like you’re anything other than phenomenal is an asshole.”

I suck in a breath.What?

He blinks, seeming almost startled at his own words. With a jerk of his chin, he turns and starts walking again.

I close my mouth and fight back the unexpected wave of emotion that threatens to overtake me.

He turns back to where I’m rooted to the spot. “Goldie?—”

“I should go.” I step back from him, needing to breathe air that isn’t Matty Brodigan. “Sorry.”

“Don’t apologize.” His voice is soft as he gestures at me. “If anything, I should apologize for making you uncomfortable.”

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