Page 101 of Take the Plunge

He squeezes my knee. “I think you need to base your decision on the research topic that excites you the most. Ignore everything else for a moment. What makes your heart quiver?”

“Aside from you?”

Jett sucks in a sharp breath. “I make your heart quiver?”

I lift my head. “Uh, yeah. Did you miss the part where I said I was in love with you?”

He smiles. “No. I didn’t miss that part.” He clears his throat. “Which research topic makes your heart quiver?”

“I’d like to investigate how the deer population affects the habitat and other wildlife. I can do that at Humberhead Peatlands. It’s the closest option, so it’s probably the most sensible.”

“I sense a but.”

“I could do the same research topic at Forge Valley Woods, but it’s farther away.”

“Is there a reason to pick one over the other, aside from distance?”

“The landscape differs. Humberhead is wet woodlands and bog. Forge Valley Woods is one of the best examples of mixed deciduous woodlands in this part of England. It’s also closer to the coast. It’s part of the North Riding Forest Park. Near Scarborough. It’s such a beautiful area of the country.”

Jett is staring at me again.

“What?”

“Your eyes.” He smiles. “They’re so beautiful when you get excited about something. They sparkle as if they’re reflecting a thousand stars.”

“Aww, that’s so romantic.”

Jett takes my empty burrito wrapper, scrunches it into a ball with his, and then holds my hand. “It sounds like you want to do your research in Forge Valley Woods.”

“I think I said Humberhead Peatlands.”

“You did. But your eyes really lit up when you were talking about the other place. Forge Valley is, what, seventy miles away?”

“Yeah, about that.”

He squeezes my hand. “Mostly on A roads. So it will take about an hour and a half to get there by car. I can handle that.”

I wince. “That would be a three-hour round trip for you, Jett. I can’t ask you to do that.”

“You’re not asking. I’m offering. Besides, maybe we could get a room in a hostel and explore Scarborough one weekend. Or go up the coast to Whitby.”

“Or down the coast to Flamborough. The birdwatching is amazing there. Not that there would be any puffins in October. Are you sure?”

“Positive.”

“Thanks, Jett.”

“I didn’t do anything.”

“Yes, you did. I’ve been going around in circles with this decision, and you helped me figure it out in half an hour. You’re amazing.” I sigh happily. I am so in love with him it almost hurts.

Jett kisses my hair. “Well, in that case, you’re welcome.”

“Can we forget about my research proposal for the rest of lunch?”

“Of course. Anything you want.”

“Anything?”