Page 130 of Pretty Vengeance

“I’d still want to go to law school. Maybe I won’t end up in politics, but?—”

“You’ll go to law school for sure. I’ll see to that. And you might become a politician, too. I’m just saying there’s a bigger risk that people won’t accept you. Or vote you in if you’ve got a dark albatross around your neck.”

“Welcome to my whole life.” Grinding my teeth, I try to tug my wrists free.

Jamie holds them tighter, unwilling to let me go. Which is as reassuring as it is unnerving.

“Your family will accept me, though, right?” I fire the question at him as though it’s an accusation that they’re about to betray me. “Because I wouldn’t be the darkest dark sheep now.” My tone is defiant.

“By comparison, you’re Snow White, Sauce. And of course, they accept you. That part’s done.”

“You know…” My pulse slows to a jagged thump in the back of my throat. “Today was the best family day I’ve ever had. The entire time I felt like I could be myself and enjoy myself. Other than being kidnapped and dragged to a shady motel, it was pretty much perfect.”

A startled chuckle escapes from low in his chest. “Right, okay. I’ll keep the abductions to a minimum.” He tips his head down, so our faces are closer. “I’ll take a kiss if you’re ready to give one up.”

“You don’t deserve it.”

“Aye, I know. But you may as well get used to that.” His lips brush mine. “Come on.”

Rising onto my toes, I kiss him.

Our tongues tangle together, and he pulls my body flush with his until I’m breathless.

“Well, that’s a silver lining.” Licking his lips, he nods, his blue eyes trapping mine. “To hell with regrets when there’s this.” He releases my wrists, rubbing my back for a second before he steps back. “Ready to leave this shite place, Cranberry Sauce? Because I want to take you to bed, but not this one.”

“I’ve been ready.” A relieved smile emerges as I gather my purse and phone. “That’s another beef I’ve got with War. He couldn’t spring for better than this? If he’d gone for just one more star, it would’ve doubled the rating.”

Jamie laughs and shakes his head as we go outside. “Don’t doubt War’s decision-making. He chose here because he could pay cash, and the guy at the desk wouldn’t ask questions when War gave a fake name for the register.”

“Hmm.”

“Not convinced, huh?” Jamie opens the passenger door of the Camaro.

I slide inside. “Not unconvinced. Just still annoyed about being toted about like baggage.”

“Right. Understood.”

With the radio and the heat blasting, he drives back to Coynston. When we arrive in town, however, he doesn’t take the same route to his cousin Scott’s that Ash did. Instead, Jamie drives to the top of a hill and pulls onto the shoulder. The pretty town glitters below, including the town square with its ferris wheel.

“Zip up your coat, Sauce. I want to get out for a minute.”

“Always outside in the freezing cold.” My voice is mock annoyed. “What is with you?”

“I like fresh air. And I want to show you the view.”

The view? At nearly midnight on a winter night? He’s lost his mind.

After I climb out, he uses his phone as a flashlight to guide me down several stone steps to a gazebo that’s on a hillside platform. During the day, I’m sure it’s lovely, but this…

Once we step through the arch, motion-activated lights threaded through the woodwork flick on. It’s magical.

Looking around, my reluctance fades. Jamie turns me by the shoulders, so I’m facing him, with the town and hill still in the periphery.

He tucks his phone away and steps back. “Sawyer, I’ve got a question for you.” When he lowers himself to one knee, my breath catches.

There is no way.

Jamie pulls out a white box. “Will you stay with me come hell or high water?”