Page 54 of Georgia On My Mind (Southern Promises)

“I promised I would get it back for you.”

Staring up into his face, she was tempted to run her hand across his chiseled features, but she held back. “You sure did. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

They stood in awkward silence as one of her castmates walked by. “See you at the party!”

“Yeah, see you there.” She looked at Hart again, not knowing what to say.

His shoulders slumped, and he offered a smile tinged with sadness. “Seriously, I’m very proud of you.” He reached out and squeezed her shoulder, his touch sending a jolt of electricity through her body. “Have fun at your party.” His eyes crinkled as he offered one last smile before he started to walk past her in defeat, which sent a bolt of anger through her.

“That’s it?” Her voice was laced with irritation as she whipped her head around to watch him go. He was so standoffish and subdued. This was not the same Hartford Parker who took complete control of a situation. Perhaps she had destroyed him after all.

“Gia…” he started. When he turned around, he tilted his head, and it took every fiber of her being not to catapult herself into his arms. “I don’t want to keep you if you have somewhere to be. You were amazing tonight, and you need to celebrate this milestone. I don’t think it’s the right time for us to hash everything out. Enjoy the moment.”

Nodding, she waited for him to say more. When he didn’t and started to leave again, she couldn’t take it anymore. She grabbed his arm, forcing him to turn sharply. They were within inches of each other, his brown eyes soft and melancholy in the light.

“Don’t leave,” she whispered, her voice cracking with emotion. “I don’t want you to leave.”

His brow furrowed as he searched her face. Finally, he relented, pulling her into his chest. She wrapped her arms around him and held on for dear life. She didn’t want to let go—not ever. He was the one.

“Do you love me?” His whisper was anxious in her ear, and she nodded aggressively. “You do?” Pulling back from her, he held her face in his hands, looking intently into her eyes. “Say it.”

“I love you, Hart.” She watched him close his eyes and exhale.

“Say it again.”

“I love you.”

He pulled her forward and peppered her cheeks and forehead with tiny kisses as she repeated the words over and over.

“I love you. I love you. I love you…”

He pulled back a final time, and she could see tears glisten in his eyes. “Oh, Hart. Don’t cry.”

Instead of replying, he smashed his mouth against hers, his tongue passionately prying the seam of her mouth open, his love rushing in like river rapids. He wasn’t destroyed. With three little words, she had brought him back to life.

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