Page 36 of Pretending with the Mountain Man
His eyes darken as they travel over me. "Professional enough for your students. Distractingly beautiful to me."
I laugh, feeling lighter than I have in days. "Smooth talker."
The drive to school is peaceful, the mountain roads winding through forests painted with the first hints of autumn color. Malik's hand rests on my thigh, a warm reminder of his presence.
"You don't have to do this," I say as we approach the school. "You could drop me off a block away."
He glances at me, one eyebrow raised. "Is that still what you want?"
I consider the question, the fear of gossip and judgment that drove our fight. It seems smaller now, less significant after facing Jason.
"No," I decide. "I want to walk in with you. I want everyone to know."
His smile is worth any amount of whispers or stares. He parks directly in front of the main entrance, where students andteachers are already gathering for the day. Heads turn as we exit the vehicle, curious eyes tracking our movements.
Malik rounds the Jeep to meet me, unconcerned with the attention. "Have a good day," he says, voice carrying clearly in the morning air. "Dinner at my place tonight?"
"I'd like that." I smile up at him, no longer afraid of who might be watching.
He leans down, kissing me softly but thoroughly, right there in front of God and Crimson Hollow High School. When we part, the whispers have already started, but they don't matter anymore.
"I love you, Melody Washington," he says, loud enough for those nearby to hear.
"I love you too, Malik Harris," I reply just as clearly.
As I walk into the school, head high and heart full, I can feel the stares and hear the murmurs. But unlike before, they don't fill me with dread. Let them talk. Let them wonder. Let them judge.
I've found something worth fighting for, someone worth standing beside, regardless of opinions or obstacles. A man who sees me clearly, protects me fiercely, and loves me completely. A future built on honesty and courage rather than fear and hiding.
And that's worth all the gossip in Crimson Hollow.
EPILOGUE
MALIK
ONE YEAR LATER
"Dad, if you don't make a decision soon, we'll be here until closing." Sage leans against the jewelry counter, exasperation clear in her voice. "It's just a ring."
"It's not just a ring," I correct her, studying the three diamond options the jeweler has laid out before us. "It's a promise. A symbol. It needs to be perfect."
One year. It's been one year since Jason Mills slunk out of Crimson Hollow with his tail between his legs, one year since Melody and I decided to stop hiding our relationship. One year of building a life together that I never imagined possible at this stage of my life.
"She'll love any of them because they're from you," Sage says, softening. "But if you're asking my professional opinion, the oval cut suits her personality best. Classic but not conventional. Like Melody."
I pick up the ring in question, a two-carat oval diamond set in rose gold with smaller stones flanking it. It catches the light, sending prisms dancing across the glass counter. "You think she'll say yes?"
Sage rolls her eyes. "The woman moved into your cabin permanently six months ago. She's practically adopted your friends as her own. She wears your t-shirts to bed and corrects anyone who suggests you're just dating. What do you think?"
Heat rises in my chest at the memory of Melody in one of my shirts, long legs bare, curls wild around her face as she grades papers at the kitchen table. Our kitchen table now.
"Mr. Harris?" The jeweler returns, elegant in her tailored suit. "Have you made your selection?"
"This one." I hand her the oval cut. "Can you have it sized by Friday?"
"Of course." She smiles knowingly. "Special occasion?"
"Our anniversary," I reply. "One year since we decided to make it official."
