Page 72 of The Proposal (Brides of Beaufort 1)

“Lots of kissing therapy. It’s like exposure therapy, I think. I got used to it, and now I don’t want to let it go.”

I laughed. “Got it. Well, hurry up and get home, that way I can get started on my sessions.”

“I will. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

We said our I love yous and got off the phone, and right when we did, Will and Chase walked outside. Will nodded at me. “Hey, how’s it going?”

I let out a ragged sigh as I scratched my head. “I guess it’s fine. She got offered a job with Paige’s studio to be a choreographer for them full-time.”

Chase and Will both gaped at me, and Will held up a hand for me to high-five. “Bro, that’s awesome. You’ll get to rub elbows with famous people after all. Wait, why are you leaving me hanging?”

I shook my head as he lowered his hand to his side. “She didn’t take the job because of me.”

“What? Why?” Will asked. “It sounds like it would be a good opportunity for her.”

“Yeah, that’s what I said,” I replied. “I think it’s because that’s pretty much what happened with Roxy. She feels guilty that it would happen again. Especially since she knows that whole thing made me feel like there was something wrong with me that she wouldn’t want to stay here and be with me.”

Will gave me a knowing look, like he totally got that. “Oh, for sure. I’d think the same thing. Are you thinking it now, too?”

Chase’s eyes drifted to Will. “Dude.”

“What? I’m just saying that’s what I’d be thinking,” Will defended himself. “But I guess it’s a good sign she turned it down. I’d be worried that she didn’treallywant to turn it down, though.”

“Thatiswhat I’m worried about,” I admitted. “She was pretty clear about wanting to choose me over the job, though. It would really suck if we got to a point where we were engaged or married and she regretted not taking it, but it was too late or something. Know what I mean?”

Chase and Will both nodded, then Will held up a finger. “You know what’s really good for when you’re all up in your head?”

“What?” I asked.

“Skydiving.”

Chuckling, I looked down. “You might be right.”

“Maybe you should come with us to Charleston after all. Shelby can’t be too mad since she wasn’t supposed to get home until Sunday, anyway,” he added.

“Yeah, that’s true. It wouldn’t hurt for me to clear my head. She’ll get it.” I pulled my phone out and shot Shelby a text asking her if she’d be cool with me going with them. She replied immediately that it was fine and she’d be jet lagged and could plan on relaxing. Looking back up at Will, I shrugged. “I guess I’m in.”