Chapter 48
JIM
The bonfire would have been perfect if it weren’t for Miranda being so upset with him.
“The only thing I have is my word,” Jim said, trying once again to convince her that the proposal flub hadn’t been staged.
It was a happy accident, and he had no clue why Shelby thought it portrayed Miranda in a poor light.
Had any of them read the comments? “I would never do anything to jeopardize your trust. You have to believe that.”
“I want to. It’s all confusing right now.” Miranda fought back tears.
Was this it?
Had he ruined things?
Why had he posted the video?
He never imagined it would blow up like this. Flames lapped nearby as giant logs were added to the fire. The beach smelled like woodsmoke and the sea. He had envisioned dancing with her and cuddling in front of the roaring bonfire tonight. Not this. Never this.
“Will you look at the comments, please? People love you. They think it’s so sweet.
There’s not been a single mention of the video being faked.
I don’t know why Shelby has taken such a hard line.
That’s between her and me, but Miranda, let me lay out all my cards tonight.
I’m attracted to you. I know it sounds like something a teenager might say, but I’m falling for you.
I want to know you more. I want to see where this might go, because I believe we have a real shot at love.
I’m willing to give this a serious try if you are.
” He had to fix this. He couldn’t let her slip out of his hands. Not when he had just found her.
Miranda hung her head, wrapping her arms protectively around her chest. “A few hours ago, I would have said yes without hesitation. I do believe you when you say you didn’t do anything to make me look bad, but maybe this is for the best. Maybe we need to take a beat.
Take a breather. It’s all been so fast and a whirlwind.
I’m having trouble determining what’s real and what isn’t. ”
“This is real. This—us. This is real, I promise,” he pleaded, already knowing he’d lost.
“I want to thank you for an incredible experience. It’s been a weekend to remember.
” She paused, glancing at the flames lapping toward the stars.
The scent of woodsmoke wafted through the air, mingling with the sound of the band and happy laughter.
“It’s been a fall to remember, but I need some time.
I need to let all of this sit for a while. ”
“Okay.” Jim wasn’t going to force her.
Miranda sighed heavily, kissed him on the cheek, and turned and vanished into the darkness. That was it. Poof.
Gone.
What had started as magic had ended as fast in a flash.
In one mistake.
And it wasn’t even a mistake. He stood firmly by the fact that the video was perfectly on brand for Miranda. But clearly the damage had been done.
She lost trust in him.
There was one way he could earn it back. He just hoped it wasn’t too late.