Page 67 of More Than a Pretty Face

“Okay?”I’m not sure what to expect, but since she is leading with that kind of line, it shouldn’t send her into a panic when I say it later.

“I knew who you were the very first time I saw you at Joji’s.”

All the words I rehearsed disappear, and I can only blink.Why didn’t she say something sooner?

“I didn’t mean to keep it a secret, but I’d seen Daisy’s videos.She and I met right after I moved to Stadtburg, and in her posts, your smiling face always captured my attention.When I met you at Joji’s, I wasn’t sure how to tell you that I’d seen you in her feed without sounding weird.But I think that’s why I let my guard down with you.Because of that connection.I’d seen you in her videos, so I felt like I knew you a little.”Her cheeks are red as she rubs a hand on the front of my T-shirt.“You were my favorite, and when I saw you at Joji’s, I had a tiny fan-girl moment.You might’ve noticed.”

“The pause?”I want to laugh, but she’s so serious.Her big secret isn’t much of one.Not compared to what I’m planning to say.

She nods.

“I was your favorite, huh?”

Her cheeks flush, and she bites her lip, then immediately stops.“Now you’re just making fun of me.”

“Nope.I’m flattered.And whatever the reason, I’m glad you gave me a chance.Really glad.”I give her a quick kiss.

Grinning, she swings her feet into the truck, and after closing her door, I run around to the driver’s side.When I climb in, she’s gazing at an earring on my center console.There is no longer a smile on her face, and all I can think about is the red lipstick her ex had in his car.

“Jasmine, I’m not sure where that earring came from.Mason was digging around in my truck for a rock.He must’ve left the earring in here by accident.Maybe.I don’t know.”I’m grasping for an explanation because I have no idea how the earring made it into my truck.

Without responding, she continues to stare at that earring.

“I’m not seeing anyone else.I haven’t had any women in this truck besides you for over a year.”Desperation adds a quiver to my voice, but I work to control it.“Please believe me.”

She swings open the door and slides out.

I clench my jaw, wishing I could rewind time.But she’s too important for me to just sit here.I’ll work to make things right.Whatever it takes.

Determined to spill my guts about how I feel, I jump out of the truck and run after her.“Jasmine, please.Talk to me.Or at least listen to what I have to say.”

When I touch her arm, she blinks at me as if snapping out of a stupor.“Sorry.”

“Please don’t say that.There’s something you need to know.”

She reaches for the door handle, and despair strangles my heart.But then she reaches back, and her hand touches mine.That small action fills me with hope.

“We need to talk.”

Those words blast that hope to smithereens.

---