Page 67 of Dare Me

The restaurant they’d chosen was a seafood place up near Beaufort that was right on the water. On the weekends, there was live music and an arts and crafts festival. The plan was to eat and then maybe dance before walking around and taking in allthe vendors. It was such a simple thing, and yet she couldn’t wait to go.

Her phone dinged with a text, and she was mildly surprised when she saw her brother’s name on the screen.

Liam: Hey! Where’ve you been, kiddo?

Chuckling, she wanted to type, “Wouldn’t you like to know?” but figured that would be childish.

Arianna: Super busy with work! What about you? Haven’t seen you at the last few Sunday dinners

Liam: I’ve been making up for lost time and visiting friends on the weekends. I’m heading to Virginia Beach in a few minutes, but wanted to see if I could take you to lunch on Monday?

“Aww…how sweet is this?” she murmured.

Arianna: I would love that! I usually go from 12 to 1. Will that work?

Liam: I’ll make sure it does. See you then!

Arianna: Yay! Have fun this weekend! xoxo

Putting her phone down, she said a silent prayer of thanks that her brother was making it so much easier to stay undetected for as long as she had. “Hmm…maybe I should treat him to lunch,” she laughed, but immediately decided against it. And while she was mildly curious about why he suddenly wanted totake her out, she seriously loved that he was reaching out to spend time just the two of them.

It didn’t make him less of an overprotective pain in the butt, but he was still sweet.

At 6:30, Will knocked on her door and he looked positively yummy.

“Hey, beautiful,” he said as he walked in and kissed her. “How was your day?”

“It was fantastic,” she replied as she reached for her purse. “And I have been thinking of our date all day, so…can we go?”

Will simply chuckled and held his arm out for her and together they walked down the stairs to the Jeep. “Fantastic, huh?” he asked as soon as they were seated.

“Remember a few weeks ago when I was sending out resumes all over the place?”

He nodded.

“Well, three of them reached out and are actively pursuing me! Can you believe it?”

The look he sent her showed he wasn’t nearly as excited by the news.

“I’m not considering any of them,” she quickly explained. “It’s just nice to know that I could have the jobs if I wanted them.” Sighing, she went on, “When I was looking and wasn’t getting any offers, it made me feel like there was something wrong with me. I realize I’ve only been out of school for a year, but…still. I’m good at my job and graduated at the top of my class; you would think that would be enough to at least warrant an interview.”

“If you’re happy, then I’m happy.” Then he grinned at her. “Were you even tempted by any of them?”

That made her chuckle. “If I hadn’t gotten the raise this week, probably. But knowing what I do now about the real costof living here, I think I’m seriously doing better financially by staying here.”

They drove in silence for several minutes.

“Is that the only appeal to staying? The financial aspect?” he asked.

While not the most romantic moment, Arianna couldn’t stop herself from blurting out her feelings. “No, it’s not the only appeal,” she said to him. “The biggest appeal to staying here is you, Will Jameson.” She paused and reached for one of his hands and gently squeezed it. “I love you and I want to be where you are.”

Arianna wasn’t sure what she was expecting, but the fact that Will stayed completely silent certainly wasn’t it. She felt a little sick to her stomach and cursed her impulsive nature.

I should have waited until dinner.

Or…after dinner.

Or…for him to say it first! GAH! What is wrong with me?

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