Chapter 42

forty-two

BEN

Nearly two hours later, I stared through the windshield of the SUV Daniel had rented. With sweaty palms and a heart that was beating out of control, I knew I had to tell Daniel how I felt about him. But how do you start a conversation that could change your life forever?

Daniel looked in the rearview mirror. "I'm surprised I recognized so many people at Dylan and Alex's wedding."

My friends would have called me a scaredy cat, but it was a relief to talk about something that didn't involve our hearts. "Between Pastor Adam's church, the general store, and Candy Lane, you'll see most people who live here. Did you enjoy Jonathon's fudge?"

Daniel smiled. "I did. It was a great idea putting it inside the table favors."

"We did something similar for Paul's wedding. Jonathon wants to use raspberry marshmallow inside his table favors, but we think it'll be too sticky."

"When is he getting married?"

"In March of next year. Thanks for coming back to Sunrise Bay. You probably had a million other things to do."

"Nothing that couldn't wait. Besides, I was looking forward to seeing you and catching up with Pastor Adam." Daniel turned into my driveway. "I'm beginning to feel more at home here than in Manhattan."

I bit my bottom lip. If I was going to tell Daniel how I felt about him, I wouldn't get a better time. "Is that a good thing?"

"I hope so."

I took a deep breath. "I hope so, too. I think I'm falling in love with you and I don't know what to do about it."

Daniel's foot slammed against the brake.

I lunged forward. My seat belt dug into my chest and left me breathless.

"Are you all right?" he asked.

"I'm fine." I unclipped the tight seat belt and turned toward Daniel. "I'm sorry I blurted out how I feel, but I didn't know what else to do. You're going home soon and?—"

Daniel released his seat belt and lifted his hands to either side of my face. "I'm falling in love with you, too, Ben."

As Daniel's lips met mine, all thoughts of what would happen next disappeared. I wanted to be part of his life, to find a way to make what was happening between us stronger and more real.

His lips teased and cajoled, taking me as high as the stars shining in the sky. In one crazy, heartfelt moment, I knew I'd remember this kiss for the rest of my life.

With trembling hands, I pulled Daniel close, desperate to feel the heat of his body pressed against mine. His deep groan made me bolder, more willing to put my heart on the line and be part of his life.

Daniel pulled away. "Don't go anywhere."

Before I could work out what he was doing, Daniel jumped out of the SUV and rushed around the vehicle. Opening the door, he pulled me into his arms and pressed me between his body and the SUV.

With a contented sigh, I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and kissed him until I was breathless.

I had no idea how long we stayed locked in each other's arms, but there would never be enough time to show Daniel how much he meant to me.

The sound of an engine cut through the still night air.

I buried my head in Daniel's shoulder as the headlights of another vehicle found us. I had no idea what my guests in Acorn Cottage would think but, for the first time in my life, I didn't care.

After they'd gone, I rubbed my nose along Daniel's jaw, grinning at his sharp, in-drawn breath. "I feel like I'm in high school," I whispered.

Daniel wrapped his arms around my waist and smiled. "It's just as well we aren't. Granddad would have grounded me for life if I'd kissed someone like that."

I looked up. "When did you realize you were gay?"

Daniel brushed his hand along my jaw. "I can't remember a time when I didn't know I was gay. My family accepted my life in the same way they did Owen's. I think it was harder on Owen than me."

"In what way?"

"The kids in high school weren't exactly open-minded. When I didn't stand up for myself, Owen made sure they knew it wasn't okay to pick on me."

Looking at the man in my arms, it was hard to believe anyone could be cruel to him. "I'm glad Owen was there to look after you."

"The worst thing about my little brother is that he takes more care of everyone else than himself. His last girlfriend walked all over him and scarred him for life. Have you dated many people?"

I leaned against the SUV. "I didn't date anyone until I was twenty-one. My first boyfreind was Robert and he'd just graduated from the Otis College of Art and Design. I thought he was amazing."

Daniel's eyebrows rose. "What happened to him?"

"He decided he liked accounting graduates better than art students." I returned Daniel's smile. "Breaking up with him was the best thing that ever happened to me. I created a new jewelry collection based around my broken heart."

"Do you always look for the silver linings?"

I thought about Daniel's question, about the choices I'd made in my life. "I guess I do. Life's too short to focus on negative things." I rested my head against Daniel's. "What do we do next?"

Daniel gently stroked the side of my face. "I know what I'd like to do, but it isn't a good idea."

"Why?" I looked into Daniel's eyes. In their depths I saw the calm, focused strength of a man who knew what he wanted. And right now, he wanted me.

"Not that long ago I signed a contract for my company to work with you. I need to keep my personal and professional life separate, at least for now."

"I'm confused. How will we do that if we're in a relationship?"

"With great difficulty." Daniel held my hands. "I can't be your contact person at Wilson Enterprises, Ben. I have a manager called Jacqueline. She has a lot of experience in the jewelry industry and will be able to help you more than I can."

A heavy weight settled in my stomach. "Does that mean you won't call me as often as you were?"

"It means when we call each other, I won't be reminding you about deadlines and all the other things that go into producing a collection. I promise I'll do everything I can to make what's happening between us work. I love you."

I hugged him close. I didn't know what the future held for us but, as long as we loved each other, it didn't matter.