Page 100 of Tight Spot

“What are you doing here?”

“I hurt you a week ago, and I want to fix it.”

He rocked back on his heels while I swayed on my legs again.

Was it possible he was even more attractive? His hair was down, that sexy curl to it that came from letting it air dry naturally. He filled out his black T-shirt perfectly and the jeans he wore might as well have been painted onto his legs, especially his thick thighs. His arms were behind his back, hands must have been clasped together.

My throat grew warm, and my hands turned sweaty with nerves.

“I don’t understand.”

Because I didn’t. He wanted to walk away with my blessing? With making sure I wasn’t hurt?

I scanned the crowd, brows tugging in. Everyone stood exactly like he did, except Misty was grinning, shifting her weight from foot to foot like she was about ready to jump in the air but trying to contain herself.

“Last Friday, you wanted me to tell you that you meant something to me. Wanted me to show you that I care about you, and I froze, couldn’t do it because I wasn’t sure I was the man you should take a chance on. Wasn’t sure I could be that guy you needed.”

Butterflies swarmed in my stomach, and my heart squeezed painfully inside my chest. “Dawson.”

“Did some thinking this week, talked to some people who helped me get my head on straight.” He gestured with a tip of his head, and Eden and Cole were both at his back, grinning broadly. A man I didn’t know but who had Dawson’s exact hair color and eyes stood next to Cole.

His dad? I flicked my gaze back to Dawson.

“I’ll explain my dad being here later, but right now, there are more important things to say to you.”

“Okay….” My head was still spinning.

He stepped toward me slowly, giving me time to back up. Little did he know, if I moved, I’d probably collapse.

“What are you doing?” I asked when he stood at my side, both of us, together, now facing the crowd in front of us.

“Meredith,” Dawson said.

She came forward, blew me a kiss and then pulled out a sign she’d been hiding and holding behind her back.

Every time you laugh, I feel a joy I’ve never known.

“Oh my god,” I whispered.

“There’s more. Sloane?”

She stood next to Meredith, did a quick little curtsy, and brought another sign out from behind her back.Your smile reminds me of sunshine and warm summer days.

I swallowed a thick lump of cotton in my throat and settled a hand to my chest to slow my racing heart.

“Misty,” Dawson said.

And another sign.

He went through them all. Every single person held a sign…for me, and without having to say a word or explain all the things Dawson liked about me.

The way other people smile when you talk to them, and you don’t notice it. You make everyone you meet feel like their best friend.

The way you downplay your awards and success but talk up everyone elses makes me see how humble you are.

You’re incredibly talented with your job, and your passion inspires me.

I like that you love to read…especially love what you read… ;-)

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