Page 105 of The Summer We Made Promises

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” He seemed to have to catch his breath, shaking his head. “Work.”

“Work?” She touched his face, her heart folding. “What happened?”

He blew out a breath, squeezed her again, and held her long enough for her to feel his heartbeat settle.

“I found him.”

She drew back, searching his face. “And?”

“I followed him into a warehouse and got into a…scuffle.”

“Peter!”

“It’s fine, it’s fine. Just twenty minutes negotiating with a lunatic and his gun.” He huffed out a breath. “My back-up came and we got him in cuffs. In the aftermath, they took my phone for evidence. The case is closed.”

She pressed her hands to her mouth. “Are you okay?”

“I’m better than okay, Viv. When you know you’re one finger flick away from death and it doesn’t happen? Yeah, I’m good.” He pulled her closer. “I don’t want to live what’s left of this life without you, though, Viv. I love you.”

She felt her jaw loosen, heard the echo of every independent thought she’d just had, and stared at him.

“But you were going to break it off tonight,” he finished with a humorless laugh. “Remember, I read people for a living and your face—and heart—are an open book.”

“Peter, I?—”

“It’s fine, it’s fine. Danny’s a great?—”

“No, no, you’re wrong,” she insisted. “It’s not Danny. I’m not going to see him. We’re done and over, not that anything ever started, but I spelled it out for him—the answer is no. I swear.”

Relief lowered his strong shoulders, but his brows drew together in a doubtful look. “But we’re done and over, too?”

She took a moment to lean back and look up at him, gathering her thoughts. Old Vivien would have thrown her arms around him if only to help a man who’d just faced death. She’d have caved and rationalized and started planning their future.

And while that option appealed on one level…it was still wrong. New Vivien—a woman who didn’t let her moves be dictated only to please other people—would not do that. New Vivien would be firm, honest, and kind.

“Peter, I’m not ready to fall in love again,” she whispered.

He searched her face, silent.

“I adore you. And not just like a brother or a friend. You have always been my weakness, my crush, and my favorite and most dependable person. I don’t want to stop being together, but I can’t say I’m in love…yet. I’m not ready for that. I’m not ready for you to move here just for me.”

He nodded very slowly, relaxing his hold on her slightly. “You’re right, of course. I’m running on adrenaline and hope. Oh, and the chief sweetened the deal. I’d be an idiot to say no.”

“You’re staying in Destin?” Inexplicably, her heart soared.

“I might. I mean, no pressure on you, Viv, I swear. But I like it here. I like the families—since I don’t have one of my own. One son wants to stay in Gainesville, and the other would like to consider Destin PD when he finishes the academy. This is really starting to feel like home, and not just because you’re here.” He smiled. “I guess there is magic in Destin like everyone says.”

She let out a sigh. “I’m glad you found a home and family here and I don’t want you to leave, but…”

“But you want to be on your own.”

“For a while,” she said.

He shook his head. “You’re so right. The ink is barely dry on your divorce papers and I’m rushing you. We’ve known each other for thirty years, Viv. What’s another…whatever it takes.”

“That’s just it, Peter. I don’t know what it will take.”

He brushed her hair back, cupping her face. “I don’t, either, but you take what you need. That wasn’t an adrenaline-fueled confession of love, Viv. It was real. I love you and I’m here for you, but I’m also able to give you whatever space you need. No more dating. No more golfing. No more pressure.” He leaned down and kissed her forehead. “But, man, I’m glad you ditched Danny.”

---