Page 92 of Unforgettable

“Okay. One lemon drop. One.” I hold up my finger so they know I mean it. I need to get up early tomorrow and have a clear head.

When I turn to look at Danny, he tilts his head toward the door. “So we don’t have to listen to that godawful singing at the same time?” he says.

“Sure.” I walk outside, wrapping my coat tighter around me. “What’s up?” I ask once the doors close behind us. The music still bleeds through the windows, but it’s not nearly as grating as inside.

“I just wanted to check on you. I…felt weird about the way I quit, and then with Ledger gone this week…I guess I wanted to see if you’re okay.”

“Oh. Yeah, I’m okay. It’s been really busy without Jamison here, but I’ve been handling it.”

“Like you always do,” he says, smiling.

“Like I always do,” I repeat. “Are you considering staying? I had no idea you wanted to quit…”

“I didn’t want to quit,” he says. “I thought I’d be working at Landmark Mountain for the rest of my life…hopefully one day running the resort more than I am now, but…” He lifts a shoulder and leans against the glass of The Dancing Emu. “I want to talk to you about something…”

He turns to face me, his head still leaning against the window, but he takes my hand and it’s like he pulls away the blinders from my eyes and his because I suddenly see what Holly and Jamison…and Granddad always said about Danny.

I take a step back. “Oh,” I whisper. “Danny…”

“I want you back, Scarlett. You know I’ve never stopped loving you,” he says earnestly.

“I did think you stopped…in that way,” I say, panic jumping to my throat. “We decided…it was best.”

“I never wanted that. I thought you’d come back to me once you saw how right we are together.”

“We’re friends. We’ve always been friends…”

“I’ve always felt more,” he insists.

“Danny, I really—I have feelings for Jamison. Strong feelings,” I say, unsure of how much to say.

“That guy’s not cut out for Landmark Mountain,” he says, his forehead creasing with his frustration. “You really think he’ll stick around? He’s already out of here, and during our busy season too. What makes you think he’ll stay?”

“I like that he’s with his family when it’s important. That’s where he should be right now. And I don’t know if he will stick around or not,” I admit. “I just know my feelings.”

He scoffs. “You barely know each other. And I heard you’ve hated each other for most of the time he’s been here. You don’t know what you feel. You can’t possibly, not yet…”

That makes me see red a little bit, but I try to hold onto what little patience I possess.

“I broke up with you before I ever met Jamison because I knew I didn’t feel the way I should,” I tell him. “We weren’t in love with each other, Danny. And my feelings for Jamison…they’re…different…stronger.”

I don’t add the rest—than what I felt for you—but judging from the way he stands straight and the coldness that creeps into his eyes, I think he knows exactly what I’m saying.

“I’ve never wanted to hurt you,” I whisper. “I thought we were on the same page this whole time.”

“I’ve been in love with you for as long as I can remember. I was just waiting for you to come to your senses,” he says, putting his hands on his head and then letting them fall on his hips. “I’ve been so stupid.”

“Don’t say that. You’re not stupid. You’ve never been stupid. I’m so sorry, Danny.”

The ragged look he gives me makes me feel like the worst person alive. I should’ve listened to what everyone said about him.

“Well, don’t make the same mistake I have. If he’s the one you want, you better lay it out for him and hope that he’s straight with you in return.” He takes a deep breath and adds, “You’re not that great at seeing what’s right in front of you.”

CHAPTERTHIRTY-SIX

HEART TO HEART

JAMISON

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