“And?”
She raised her chin, and looked him in the eye. “I’m marrying Clarence.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
All the air left Michael’s lungs in a rush. His stomach clenched, and he shook his head to clear his hearing.
“Did I hear you say you’re marrying Clarence?”
Heidi nodded.
His jaw tightened. “Is this a joke?”
She shook her head.
He reached for her, but she pulled away, and stood. “I have to leave now.”
“Are you kidding me, Heidi? Do you honestly think you can walk in here, state your intentions, and then leave?” He shoved his chair back and leaned against the counter, arms crossed.
If possible, Heidi grew even paler. The dark circles under her eyes resembled dual black eyes.
“I don’t understand. Can you please explain to me why you allowed me to make love to you, then decide to marry someone else?” His voice rose at the last few words.
She lifted her chin, although he caught tears shimmering in her eyes. “It’s for the best.”
“How do you figure that?” He barely got the words out, all the liquid in his mouth having dried up.
“My parents were right. My time here was merely an adventure, but now I need to do the right thing.”
“And marrying that lecher is doing the right thing? For who?”
She shook her head, her lips in a tight line, and rose.
He ran his fingers through his hair, and paced. “What did he say to you last night?”
“Not much.”
He moved in front of her, and rested his hands on her shoulders. “Heidi, you’re lying, but I can’t figure out why.”
Heidi shrugged his hands away, and backed up. “I’m not lying. After having dinner with Clarence last night, I realized the life he and my parents planned suits me better.”
Michael edged her chin up with his knuckle. “Look me in the eye, and tell me this is what you really want.”
Her throat worked for a moment, before she whispered through cracked lips. “This is what I really want.”
He wrapped his arms around her, placed his lips on her temple, and whispered. “What about us?”
Heidi pulled away from him, and fumbled with her scarf. “There is no ‘us,’ Michael. I’m engaged to Clarence, and I’ve never made a secret of it. I’m returning to Oklahoma City-today-to plan my wedding.” She looked up at him, her chin trembling. “My adventure is over.”
Before he could say another word, she turned and whipped the curtain aside, then left.
****
Shaky fingers covered Heidi’s mouth as she raced to the door, tears coursing down her cheeks. Her tears turned to sobs as she yanked the door open and fled to the street. She charged blindly, down the boardwalk, not even aware which direction she took.
She’d hurt him. The pain and misery in his eyes would torture her forever. The same eyes that had darkened with passion when they’d made love. The eyes that looked at her with warmth and caring. But she’d had no choice. Those same eyes would turn to coldness and disgust if she didn’t marry Clarence and he sent the letter to the newspapers.
After wandering around for a while, she took note of her surroundings. Her tears had ceased, but the ache deep in her chest had not. Like a piece of metal to a magnet, she’d been drawn to Michael’s house. The small yellow and white clapboard house seemed to mock her, reminding her she would never be its mistress. She followed the stone path from the street to his front door.