Page 46 of Comeback
“I hope you’re not mad at me for snooping into your past,” she said.
“I’m not. Actually, it makes what I wanted to ask you a little bit easier.” I reached for her hand, our fingers interlocking. “Emma, I wanna ask you something crazy.”
Her eyelids fluttered uncertainly at me. “Oh, um—okay?”
“What if I told you that I’m tired of Bayfield, and I wanted to move somewhere else. Would you come with me? You and Mackenzie?”
Her mouth fell open with silent laughter. “Wow, Jack. I don’t know what to say.” She looked at me, an audiblegulpas she tensely swallowed. “Move to where, though?”
“Anywhere. You pick. Anywhere no one knows us.”
“When?”
“The sooner, the better.”
“Jack …” she trailed off.
I stared at her, waiting for her answer.
Well?
Chapter 20
Emma
I stared into Jack’s ice blue eyes, imagining our life together.
He said we could moveanywhere,and after seeing how he lived, I was finally ready to believe the things he told me. So, where did I want to go? The Bahamas? Hawaii? Costa Rica? My mind conjured up one exotic locale after another, always some beach paradise. I could picture Jack and I falling deeper into love as we aged, our bond only growing closer. Jack would only look more sexy and distinguished as he aged, with soft lines etched into his handsome face. I’d age gracefully myself, of course. I could see Mackenzie turning into a beautiful, confident, and powerful young woman herself, free to do and pursue whatever interest she wanted …
“Well?” he asked.
I could picture our fantasy future all I wanted, but a voice in the back of my mind would not be quieted—it only grew louder.
I did notwant to let Jack down. More than anything, I didnotwant to lose this man.
But I barely know you,I thought as I stared into his hope-filled eyes.
Ihatedmyself for thinking it, but that was exactly what I thought. I couldn’t do it—not when I had to watch out for Mackenzie.
“Jack,” I panted, stalling for time. “You have no idea how badly I want to tell you yes.”
“So say it,” he said, his eyes glimmering. “Just say ‘yes.’ ”
“I can’t,” I stammered, “but I’m not saying no, either.”
“What are you saying?”
“I’m saying, as much as I want to say yes … I can’t rush into something like that.” I paused. “Every decision I make, I have to make with Mackenzie’s best interests at heart. You know that, Jack. I’ve told you that several times now.”
“Oh.” He looked crestfallen.
“Damn it, Jack.” I pounded my fist against his solid chest. Not that I could hurt him. “Why’d you ask me that so soon?”
“I’m sorry.” He stroked my hair. “Did I ruin it?”
“No … you didn’t ruin it. I just wished you hadn’t asked. I hate to hurt you.”
“I’m not hurt. But …”
