Those words cut the deepest. “What do you mean?”
Darius faced her. “You ran to Trinity Falls to get away from your parents because you were too afraid to tell them to stop meddling in your life. What will you do if they disapprove of our relationship, move to Kalamazoo?”
Why was he saying these things? “You’re not being fair.”
“You’re not the only one with parent issues, Peyton.” He repeated her words. “I can’t be in a relationship with someone who lies, including lying by omission. I can’t live with someone who keeps secrets.”
“Darius, our relationship isn’t any of their business. I make my own decisions now.”
“You ran away from your parents and your fiancé rather than standing up to them.” Darius crossed to his coat closet. “What if we had a disagreement? Would you discuss the problem with me or run away?”
“I would discuss it with you.” Her voice shook with outrage.
“I wish I could be sure of that.” Darius pulled open his closet and yanked out his coat.
“Where are you going?” Peyton’s panic spiked.
“I can’t be in a relationship where there’s no trust.”
Peyton was desperate. “Darius, I broke up with Bruce before you and I became serious. My engagement didn’t have anything to do with you.”
He stared at her for several silent moments. “That’s where we disagree.” Darius crossed to his front door. “When I return, I want you out of my apartment.”
He left without looking back, closing the door softly behind him.
Peyton stared at the door in shock and dismay. What had just happened? Tears started slowly, then flooded down her cheeks. How had she made such a mess of this? And how could she possibly fix it?
CHAPTER 23
“This will be a New Year’s Day you’ll always remember.” Alonzo locked his front door and escorted Doreen into his family room after midnight.
Doreen was wound up. She wasn’t the least bit tired, even though she hadn’t slept much on New Year’s Eve and had gotten up at the butt crack of dawn New Year’s Day. Her day officially had started at nine o’clock in the morning with her inauguration, the culmination of a goal she hadn’t known she’d had. Then there was the meeting with her new staff and luncheon with the town council members.
New Year?
?s Day had ended with the mayor’s inaugural ball. She and Alonzo had stayed until after 11:00 p.m., dancing and mingling with their guests, including Ean, Megan, Jackson, Audra, Darius, Ms. Helen, Peyton, and Vaughn. Members of the Trinity Falls Town Center Business Owners Association and the town council also were there.
“It’s been a memorable day.” Doreen tracked Alonzo’s movements as he settled beside her on his sofa. He was so handsome in his black suit and silver tie.
“Was it what you’d hoped for?”
“It was better because you were there, sharing it with me.” Doreen lifted his arm and wrapped it around her shoulder. She snuggled against his side, breathing in his scent, soap and shaving cream.
Alonzo’s chuckle sounded in Doreen’s ear. “I enjoyed your company, too. But it’s nearly midnight. You should get to bed. You have another long day ahead of you.”
“In a minute.” Doreen sat up. She took Alonzo’s left hand in both of hers. “There’s something I want to ask you first.”
His coffee-colored eyes searched hers. “What is it?”
“Alonzo.” She cleared her throat. “Alonzo, you proposed to me more than a month ago—”
Alonzo interrupted her with a self-deprecating smile. “Thirty-five days ago, but who’s counting?”
Doreen’s chuckle wobbled with nerves. “Yes, well, I wasn’t ready then. But I’m ready now.” She found and held his gaze. “I’m in love with you, Alonzo Lopez. Paul will always be the love of my past. But you’re my present and my future. Will you marry me?”
Alonzo was silent for so long. Should she repeat her question?
“Your hands are shaking.” His statement wasn’t either of the responses she’d anticipated.