Page 101 of Surviving Love
“Billy.”
I bugged my eyes. “Billy? Everyone disliked Billy.”
“Exactly. Why do you think I took him to the final two with me?” He chuckled. “The TV audience didn’t like him either.”
“Jack, you wonDevious Island!” I laughed loudly. “Unbelievable.”
“Do you see now why I keep telling you not to worry?”
I nodded, although my smile wavered. “But you still live in Colorado.”
“For now, yes.” He grimaced. “I needed to see how you felt about me before I made any permanent decisions.”
“What does that mean?”
He brought my hand to his lips. “It means, since you were receptive to me, I’m buying a house in California.”
“But… what about Colorado?”
“I’ll still keep my place there because I plan on dragging you there for vacations.” He smiled. “But my home base will be here. Near you.”
“Is this really happening?”
“It’s really happening.” He smiled at me.
I smiled back as warmth ebbed through me.
My journey of self-discovery had brought me here. I’d thought everything was over for me, not so long ago. But that horrible car crash had led me here. to this very moment.
To Jack.
My throat closed with emotion, and I found it difficult to breathe.
I’m fine. Just breathe slowly. I’m not going to die.
I’m going to finally live.
EPILOGUE
(Six months later)
“So you’re Jack.” My mother looked Jack up and down as he entered her home, taking in his blue flannel shirt and jeans.
“I am.” Jack radiated confidence, not seeming the least bit intimidated by Mom.
“You don’t look like a millionaire,” she said.
He smiled. “Thank you.”
She laughed. “Mason said you were cocky.”
I winced. “I didn’t say that. She’s making that up.” I probably had said that to Mom many times when I’d first returned home from the show. But things were different now with Jack. I didn’t need her causing any trouble.
Jack shrugged. “To be honest, Mrs. Brenton, I was extremely cocky when I first met your son. I enjoyed pushing his buttons.”
“It wasn’t like I didn’t do the same to him,” I said.
“I was worse. I can admit that.” Jack smirked. “But I always thought he was cute. Even when I was making his life hell, I thought he was adorable.”
