I looked back down at the list, focusing on the one thing that made something stir inside of me. The whole “marrying” someone had me conflicted, but at the same time, it made perfect sense. Was that why she said it wasn’t worth it? My eyes drifted to her left hand, my heart thumping with sudden velocity. There was no ring on her finger. What the hell?
“A bucket list… for before you get married?”
Fallon’s tongue darted out of her mouth, licking her lips. She nodded her head feverishly and then grabbed her untouched beer, and I watched her chug the entire thing, her throat bobbing up and down.
“Easy there,” I said, pushing her hand away from her mouth. “We’re just talking. I’m not judging you.”
A harsh laugh fell out of her mouth. “How can you not be judging me?! This makes me look crazy!” She snatched the notebook out of my hand and slapped it down on the bar, causing Guy to look over at us briefly. I shook my head at him, indicating that everything was fine.
“Can I ask you something?”
Fallon turned her head over to me and gave me a slight nod.
“Why did you come back here?”
“I already told you. I needed an escape.”
I stared at her, keeping my face even. I knew I would get her to crack eventually. I could see the truth written all over her pretty face. I could see it the second her eyes landed on mine several minutes ago. How long will she avoid the real answer?
Fallon blurted, “Thanks for making that guy leave… although, you probably didn’t have to hit him. Does your hand hurt?”
I barked out a laugh. “First, stop changing the subject. Second, we make a great team. I appreciate you telling him my fist would hurt. It didn’t work, but it was a nice attempt. And my hand is fine.”
She blew more air out of her mouth and turned her gaze to all the bottles lining the wall.
“Why did you come back? And don’t even try saying for an escape. There are tons of places around our little town to escape to, and I’m guessing there are tons of towns in between Oak Hill and wherever you live, too.”
Fallon swallowed, realizing that this was the one secret I wasn’t going to let her keep.
“I came back because…” Fallon paused, clenching her eyes shut.
I chuckled. “I’ll make it easy for you, Fallon. You came back here for me.”
Her wide eyes shot open, her long, dark eyelashes fanning the skin below her eyebrows.
“I’m right, aren’t I? You came back here for me. That’s the only thing that makes sense. It’s okay to admit it. I know I’m a good kisser.” A cocky grin crept along my face.
I loved that I was affecting her. She wiggled in her seat, crossing her legs.
“Yes. You’re right. But it doesn’t matter, and I probably shouldn’t have come back here.”
I took another drink of my beer, trying to push away the sting of her words.
“Because of this?” I wiggled the notebook out from under her hands and pointed to the title:
OPERATION “LIVE MY LIFE” BEFORE BEING WHISKED OFF TO MARRY DEREK FOR ALL THE RIGHT REASONS
“That’s exactly why.”
I was completely intrigued, and confused, and out of my goddamn mind.
“Let me help.”
Fallon pulled back, face twisted. “What?”
“Let me help with your little… bucket list.”
Her face stayed the same: furrowed brow, pouty mouth. “You want to help me… after reading that?”