“I guess…” I tuck a strand of hair behind my ears, though it’s futile in this blistering wind. “Sure. Give it twenty-four hours.”
It’s not enough time, but my heart is too eager to deny him. It’s fluttering in my chest like a bird, ready to take flight into the misty sky.
He has a speech planned. Just for me. Even after everything I’ve done, he doesn’t seem to have given up on me.
He takes a step in my direction, and his tall form hovers over me. “And after I’ve thought about everything, after I’ve delivered my speech, you’ll tell me what it is thatyouwant. Can you promise that?”
I frown. “I already told you?—”
He shakes his head. “No. You never once mentioned what you want. I was dying to interrupt and ask.” His hooded smile makes my belly grow warm. “But I won’t force it out of you if you want me to think first. I should probably give you that same luxury—to consider how you really feel about me.” He frowns. “God, Amy. You’re shaking. I shouldn’t have made you stand out here in the cold.”
“That’s not why I’m shaking.” My voice is faint.
He lifts his hand and brushes his big fingers over my cheek. “I’ll tell you how I feel tomorrow in my closing speech. And you’ll tell me afterward. Deal?”
I shut my eyes and allow myself the sweet pleasure of leaning into his hand. “Deal.”
CHAPTER 31
Amy
An electric hum of anticipation sizzles through my veins as I sit close to Serena in the stands, and she squeezes my hand. My heart’s a drumline against my ribs.
Any minute now, Tristan will make his appearance and his speech.
It’s all I’ve been able to think about. Ideas of what he might say this evening were woven into my dreams last night. I couldn’t remember the words, but their lingering impact on my emotions has made one thing starkly clear.
I want him to tell me he loves me because I lovehim.
The last twenty-four hours wiped out all my denial. I’ve loved him for weeks. Since that one-on-one date when he delivered his “fake” confession and told me he’s wanted me desperately for years. That he hid his feelings because I was cold to him. Could it have been true?
A cold hand grips my heart. I could be deluding myself because I’m so desperate for him to return my feelings. I’m almost certain he wants me, but is it enough? As experienced ashe is, he might tire of me in a matter of days. My heart would shatter again before it even had the chance to heal.
It’s worth it, though. I’ve had my heart broken twice in my life, and I lived through it both times.
Maybe I’ve lived more fully because of it.
Eight girls stand in a line on the field wearing their fancy homecoming dresses. Though it's difficult to read their expressions from this distance, there's a languorous aura hanging over the group.
The rumors that Tristan is picking me despite my recent withdrawal from the competition have probably circulated. The film crew often drops hints on their social media to generate buzz.
I doubt Tristan has changed his mind about giving me that scholarship. He didn’t seem the slightest bit moved by my request to give it to someone more deserving.
The thought of knocking ten thousand dollars off my student loans ought to make me euphoric, but I’m too consumed by the real prize of this competition.
Tristan.
He’s worth so much more than a ten K scholarship. His worth is infinite.
My heart flutters when Tristan's tall form emerges. He walks up the stands, and his eyes lock on mine, but his expression is hard to read.
Is he nervous? He's used to public speaking, and he’s always so calm, almost bored. I've envied his ease in large groups of people.
When he makes it to our bleacher row, the people on our right scoot away. He walks on the narrow plank and crouches down next to me.
"Hey, my Amelia.” His voice is soft, almost lost in the cacophony of the stadium. Those bright-blue eyes are warm andinviting. "Would you mind coming to sit in the front row? I saved a spot just for you."
The request, simple and unassuming, catches me off guard. When I glance at his chest, his breathing is rapid. Damn, he really is nervous. A flicker of affection warms me.
