Page 99 of The Sweetness of Life

“Yeah, you’re probably right.” My eyes skip to the direction the three of them walked off in, but I don’t see them.

“Want to move outside with me? It’s a little quieter out there,” Zach asks.

“Okay.” I give him a small smile and resist telling him I would go anywhere just to be near him.

Walking out onto the terrace, my breath leaves me. I didn’t forget how beautiful this view was, but seeing it again, it’s so much more than I remember.

I scan across the countryside, taking in each of my favorite places: the overlook, the back orchard where the beehives are, the barn, and lastly, my cottage. The memories here feel like a lot more than what occurred over only two weeks, and elation fills me at the thought of more—many more.

A breeze skims across the terrace, lifting my hair, which he gently tucks back behind my ear and out of my face. My skin warms from his touch as he settles in closer to me.

“Did you miss it?” he asks quietly.

When I turn, I find him leaning against the railing, watching me. “Yes, but not as much as I missed you.”

He releases a breath filled with apprehension and anticipation, and he blinks slowly as he opens his eyes with a calm confidence. Zach isn’t the type of man to give up on something he wants, and I find that determination and drive incredibly attractive.

“How are you?” he asks, stepping closer, lightly grasping my fingers with one hand and running his thumb over them.

“I’m good . . . better now.” My cheeks heat and his eyes brighten at the emotion. “I didn’t take the job.”

His fingers tighten around mine and his throat moves as he swallows. “Why not? I thought that was your dream.”

“Well, my dream has always been to have my own show. This isn’t that. Do I think this is an incredible opportunity? Yes. Would it help my career? Maybe, but I don’t know. What I’ve realized over the last couple of weeks is that dreams can change, and that’s okay. Starting when I was thirteen, I was by myself every night until I left for college. I think a big part of that dream was wanting to escape the life I had. Now, though, I love the life I have. I’m surrounded by friends I adore, I’m part-owner of a restaurant that is amazing, and I’m not ready to leave that. There will be other opportunities, and this one just isn’t it.”

“I see.” His face is unreadable, but the tension in his jaw fades.

What I don’t tell him is that a week after he came to Charleston, Meg and I had a heart-to-heart where she broke down and cried. We’ve always been so supportive of each other’s dreams, and it never occurred to me how much me leaving would impact her. Truth is, after almost ten years, it would impact me greatly, too.

“Shelby!” I turn to see Mr. Carothers walking our way, smiling as if he’s won a prize. “Great news!” He claps a hand on my shoulder as he continues, “I talked to my friend, Dale Lawler. He’s a producer for our network channel, and after reviewing the video clips and your two assignments for the magazine, your blog, and the reviews for your restaurant, he’s very interested in hearing your pitch ideas for a show.”

What?

My eyes dart to Zach, who’s looking at me with an innocent expression.

“I’m not sure I understand what you’re talking about,” I say to him, confused.

He looks from me to Zach and then back to me.

“You didn’t tell her?” he asks Zach.

“Nope. I wasn’t sure of her upcoming plans and didn’t want to get her hopes up. I figured we’d wait and see.”

“Get my hopes up about what?” I ask Mr. Carothers.

“A couple of weeks ago, Zach mentioned you had on-air aspirations and some great ideas for a new network show. June and July are our pitch months, so if you’re interested, now’s the time.”

My mouth falls open; I can’t tear my eyes off of him.

He can’t be serious.

I glance to Zach. He smiles at me and nods.

Oh my God! He’s serious!

“I’m definitely interested,” I squeak out, barely able to form the words.

“Great! And I also happen to agree with Zach—you’d be great on screen. I’ll e-mail you Monday with more details.”