Page 81 of Here and Now
“That’s not a no.”
“It’s not a yes.”
“I’ll take it.” He steps closer into my space. “Do you want to know a secret, Penny?”
I’m not sure if he means about him or this mythical town thing, but I nod anyway.
“Come with me.”
Miles extends his hand again, and I let my fingers entwine with his, doing exactly as he asked, following him like a moth to a flame, hoping I don’t end up burning my very fragile wings.
We walk down the path, and then he pushes a few branches aside, allowing me to walk through.
When I do, my jaw drops. “This is ... incredible.”
There is a beautiful waterfall that has a pool at the bottom before going to a few smaller falls. There are trees around both sides, and the way the moonlight glints off the water is ... so pretty.
Miles’s voice is soft as he says, “Welcome to the Ember Falls.”
“They’re amazing.”
Miles chuckles. “Now, they have actual magical powers, or at least that’s what the legend says.”
“There’s a legend?”
“All small towns have them,” he says with a grin.
“Please, do tell then.”
He shakes his head. “I’m afraid I can’t do that.”
I purse my lips. “Umm, why is that?”
“You have to be dating someone in the town to know the legend. People with permanent addresses can know of them. I think I’m breaking some town laws by actually showing you, but I plan to just blame Lachlan, so I’m not worried about it.”
I laugh, crossing my arms across my chest. “Do you all have meetings about this?”
“Monthly.”
I turn back to the falls, wondering if they’re warm or cold. “Can I touch this magical water?” I ask.
“Again, that’s only once you at least agree to date someone who lives here.”
He’s relentless, and a part of me loves it. “I see. So all the single people in the town can’t touch the water?”
Miles grins. “Well, those of us who were raised here get a free pass.”
“I wonder if Everett would be willing to go out with me,” I tease.
Miles doesn’t seem to like that. Fire flashes in his warm green eyes, and he steps to me. “I don’t think he would.”
“No?”
“No.”
“Why is that?”
“Because you know how I feel about you.” He steps closer. “You can go out with any man you want, but know that I won’t give up on you. I’m going to show you that I’m the only man worth your time, sweetheart.”
