What Happens In Vegas.... Lauren Dane

love you. And I want to marry—”

      He’d fucking said it!

      I covered my ears and jerked from his touch, uttering a na-na-na chant to make any seven-year-old proud.

      Jack had come here in his moment of need, much the way I’d relied on him after my father’s death. I wanted to be his comforting shoulder, as he’d been mine. But I couldn’t do it at the cost of what he was asking. I couldn’t even allow him to finish his proposal, for fear I’d listen to my heart and respond in the affirmative.

      “Get out!” I screeched. His crumpled look wouldn’t allow me to stick with the harpy tone. I uncovered my ears and softened my voice. “I’m sorry, Jack. I know you’re a great catch, but I don’t want to be the one who catches you. I don’t do relationships and not even you can change that. Just go. Please.”

      I thought he would try to change my mind—he’d never been one to give up easily—but Tony’s death had obviously taken all the fight out of him. He didn’t say another word, just turned and walked out my door.