Page 86 of Clumsy in Love

“I know.” He let her go but grabbed her hand. “I don’t know what to do about that, but figured we’d cross that bridge when we came to it. Finding out how you feel was my first priority. I didn’t think much past that.”

“Well, it’s funny. I came up here to ruminate and had an epiphany. I made a pretty big decision.”

“Oh, yeah. What’s that?”

“I’m leaving Green Valley Falls.”

“But this is your home.”

“Sort of.” She picked at a fingernail. “My parents aren’t here and aren’t coming back. Half the town hates me, which I could get over, but why bother? The house I live in is here, but I don’t consider it ‘home.’ My friends are really the only thing holding me here, and I can always visit. They’ll support me no matter what I do.”

“Your job?”

“Not as fun now that I either have to avoid or deal with Rick every day. I can work any place there’s a state or national park, which is basically anywhere. I’m ready for something new.”

“You sound pretty sure about it.” He studied her as if gauging her sincerity. “Where will you go?”

“I made the decision yesterday and only get more certain as I think about it. It’s time. I haven’t decided where yet.”

“Well, in that case, I know a great big city just south of here.” He winked. “You could stay with me until you find a place.”

“What if that takes a while?”

“I mean…” He shrugged.

Holly did a double-take. “Are you asking me to move in with you?”

He paused. Probably kicking himself for making such an offer on the fly and wondering what to say to get out of it. “What if I am?”

“You don’t think it’s too soon?” she asked. Did he realize the seriousness of what he was suggesting? Would he regret the invitation in the light of day tomorrow? “We met less than a month ago.”

“Tracy says when you know, you know.”

“Tracy’s twenty-two and single,” Holly countered. But her heart rate had ticked up a notch. And surprisingly, it felt more like excitement than panic. “But she might have a point. The idea should terrify me, but it doesn’t.”

“I know what you mean. This is the biggest step I’ve ever taken with a woman. But I’ve learned to trust my gut. And it feels right.”

Holly also believed in gut-trusting. But could a decision this big be made on intuitive vibes? Maybe she should make a counteroffer of staying with him for a trial period. Plan to get her own place in case things didn’t work out.

Or, was it possible she’d found her dream man? Calm, cool, confident, and most importantly, loved her for her, despite her many flaws. He was the one she could trust with her heart.

Deep down, she knew. Sure as the sun would rise the next day. She didn’t need weeks or months to decide. Cole was her future. And just like the decision to leave Green Valley Falls, this also felt right.

“Yes,” she said, turning to stare at him. The firelight bounced off his face, and gratitude overwhelmed her. This is what she’d been waiting for.Whoshe’d been waiting for. “I’m in.”

“Yes!”

“You sure New York can handle me?” she said, throwing another log onto the fire and pushing it around with a stick she was using as a poker. “I seem to bring death and destruction.”

“In the last three weeks, I’ve scared off bears, roomed with a rattlesnake, and ridden a mule deep into the wild wilderness. If I can survive your jungle, you can survive mine.”

She laughed. “True.”

“I have a confession to make,” he said. “I lied before.”

“Well, that was fast,” she quipped, and he chuckled.

“I don’t just think I love you.” He kissed her softly. “IknowI do.”

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