Page 97 of A Very Merry Mistake

“Did you come to Merryville to scout this property so your father could bulldoze everything and build a resort? Don’t lie, Claire. You’re bad at it, anyway.”

“Yes,” I whisper, slamming my eyes closed. “That was the reason. But things have changed.”

He shakes his head. “They haven’t. Your father has already started his marketing campaign, Claire. Get on your fancy device and look. It’s everywhere. There are even construction plans posted.” His nostrils flare, and I can see how ragged his breathing is. “I think you should go.”

I open my mouth to say something, but nothing comes out. I didn’t know my father had announced it to the world. I’d hoped that he would’ve waited to see where things stood.

The rug was ripped from under Jake, but I was standing beside him when it happened. I didn’t know. I want to scream out and tell him. But the truth is I should have.

“Leave!” Jake barks. “If you can look me in the face, kiss me, make love to me, knowing that you would singlehandedly destroy my family’s lives…” I see the hurt on his face. “You’re not welcome here. I don’t want to see you ever again.”

“Jake,” I whisper.

He turns and walks outside, slamming the door behind him. Tinsel takes off running, and I stand there in shock.

My entire body shakes as my emotions overtake me. This is my fault—all of it. I should’ve told him the truth weeks ago. I should’ve been honest with why I’m here. I was hoping I’d never have to explain the truth once this was over, once I decided I wouldn’t purchase the farm.

I immediately text my sister, and she calls me. My hand is shaking as I answer, and I can barely speak. I feel like I’m crumbling to ash, and Jake is slipping between my fingers like dust.

“Oh my God, are you okay?”

“No,” I say, frantically shoving my clothes into my suitcase, trying not to cry. My dream world crashes around me, and I can’t say I expected this today. Not after the time we’ve had. “I was at the highest of highs twenty minutes ago, and now I’m at the lowest low.”

The panic creeps up, and I stand, lifting my hands above my head, trying to recite any facts that come to mind as my sister talks to me on speakerphone.

“Sis?”

“I need a minute,” I barely get out, closing my eyes, tears finally falling down my cheeks.

Jake Jolly’s dad is Santa Claus, and his grandma has snow globes pre-dating World War II.

When Jake laughs hard, the cute little dimple he has on his right cheek pops.

He drinks his coffee with two sugars and a splash of milk, where the color is almost caramel.

He wears glasses when he’s not working because, without them, he’s blind.

All that comes to mind are facts about him, and when I close my eyes, all I see is him.

“I fucked up,” I whisper.

“Claire, it’s going to be fine. I’m sure you can explain everything. He seems like an understanding guy.”

“I can’t,” I admit. “He knows the truth. He knows I knew about him when he offered me a ride. He knows I lied about my name and what I do for a living. And there is nothing that can change that.” I suck in a deep breath. “Can you do me a favor?” I push my emotions down and bury them until I can return to New York. “Please reschedule my January flight for tonight. The latest one you can get at the airport.”

“Anything else?”

“No,” I state firmly.

“You don’t have to act strong, like this doesn’t hurt you.”

“If I don’t, I’m not sure I can survive the rest of the day. I’ll text you when I’m at the airport.”

“Claire—”

I end the call. I don’t want her pity. I don’t want anyone to feel sorry for me. I’ve got enough of that going for myself.

What did Jake tell me earlier today? Every action has a consequence, and this is mine.

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