Page 100 of Falling For You

The crowd chuckled, but the kind of nervous laughter that came from witnessing something completely unexpected.

All eyes were on me.

I blinked, trying to find my voice. “I, uh…” I stammered.

He took a step forward.

My face burned under the bright lights. “I don’t really know what to say.”

Owen took another step forward as his gaze never wavered. “Then just say yes.”

His words sent a shiver down my spine. It wasn’t just a bid. It wasn’t just a donation for charity. This was about more than that, and we both knew it.

I hesitated for a moment, my heart racing as I stood there in my ridiculous llama costume, feeling completely out of place in this strange, surreal moment.

And then, with the entire room watching, I nodded.

“Yes,” I whispered, though I knew only Owen could hear it.

He smiled at me from across the room.

The crowd erupted into applause, cheers, and laughter, and Millie beamed as she declared Owen the highest bidder of the night.

“That is a lot of turkeys, sir.” Millie chuckled. “Mr. Owen Benson.”

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Violet

When Owen’s eyes locked on mine, a familiar warmth rushed through me. It spread from my chest all the way to my fingertips. He took my hand in his firm grip.

His thumb brushed my knuckles, sending a small thrill up my spine. His expression was serious. The intensity of his gaze told me he wasn’t just making casual conversation.

“I can’t keep pretending this doesn’t hurt,” he said, his voice low and raw. “That my life isn’t better when you’re in it.”

I swallowed hard, the emotion in his voice hitting me in a way I hadn’t expected.

I’d been so wrapped up in my own feelings and my own fears about what we were and what we could never be that I hadn’t fully considered what it had cost him, too.

I smiled softly. His words were clear, like the last puzzle piece clicking into place.

The barn around us bustled with activity. The newly matched singles from the auction laughed and mingled, making their plans for the evening.

The scents of hay and warm cider filled the air, mixing with music playing faintly in the background. But despite the lively atmosphere, all I could focus on was Owen.

A smile crept onto my lips. “How about we go back to my place?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

His eyes softened, and his hands tightened around mine briefly before he released them. “How about I meet you there in fifteen minutes?”

I nodded, the simple exchange feeling like an unspoken promise between us. It was as if this was the moment when we were both choosing to put the past behind us and start fresh.

Just as I turned to leave, Liam appeared at my side, his presence a comforting reminder of home. His easy grin told me he’d seen the interaction between Owen and me and possibly approved.

“So… what’s going on here?” he asked with a teasing lilt, his arms crossed as he eyed Owen with a knowing look.

I rolled my eyes, but nobody could see under my llama head.

“Nothing you need to worry about,” I said, bumping my fuzzy shoulder against his.

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