Page 125 of The Perfect Distraction

In the end, Colton ordered for them, already having learned what she liked.

After the waiter left, he said, “I know we have a lot to talk about, but how about we wait until after dinner?”

She nodded, feeling calmer after her outburst.

They settled in and enjoyed the ambiance of the restaurant as well as the delicious food. First, they shared a prime rib dinner with all the trimmings: baked potato, salad, and cornbread. Then they split dessert—a decadent slice of chocolate cake.

When they left the restaurant, Beth assumed they would head straight home, but instead, Colton pulled into the parking lot of Sunset Park, which overlooked Little Traverse Bay.

“Do you think you can walk across the grass in those heels?” he teased as he gave her a hand out of the car.

She’d splurged on a pair of navy-blue pumps to match her dress, and they were higher than what she usually wore.

“On second thought…” And without further ado, he scooped her up into his arms and carried her across the grass.

“I could have walked,” she said even though she loved being held by him.

“But then I wouldn’t have had an excuse to hold you,” he said, gently setting her down on a wooden bench overlooking the bay.

“You don’t need an excuse,” she said softly as he sat down beside her.

Lacing their hands together, he said, “So, where do we start? There’s so much I have to say, but I’m not sure where to begin.”

“I have some things to say too.”

“Man, I hope what you have to tell me is along the same lines of what I have to tell you.”

She opened her mouth to speak, but he kept talking.

“Never mind. I’m getting ahead of myself. You go first.”

Their exchange reminded her of when they’d first started dating. But now they shared such a deep connection that she felt like she knew what he was thinking and feeling. She prayed that she was right as she began to speak.

“I’ve been doing a lot of thinking these past several weeks, and I’ve also been doing some research.”

“Research?”

“Um-hmm. I’ve been checking to see if there are any teaching jobs available in the area.”

Colton’s eyes went wide. “Go on.”

Swallowing nervously, she continued. “There aren’t any openings right now; however, there will be a few positions available next year.”

“You’re serious?” He clutched her hand a little too tightly, and she winced. “Sorry. I just can’t believe it. You’re really considering moving here—permanently?”

When she nodded, he let go of her hand, cupped her face, and kissed her long and deep, letting her know without words how he felt about her news. When he pulled back, they were both breathing hard, and even though the sun was starting to set, they only had eyes for each other.

“This is amazing! I can’t believe it. Are you sure this is what you really want?”

“Yes,” she said without hesitation.

Letting go of her, he threaded his hands through his hair and said, “But what about your family? I don’t want them to think I stole you away.”

“You didn’t ask me to do this, Colton. I decided this all on my own, and my family will support me no matter what. Although, if you wouldn’t have liked the idea, I would have been seriously mortified.”

He laughed. “Not like it? Are you kidding? I love it, and I love you.” And then he kissed her again as if they were at home instead of at a public park.

Before they got too carried away, Beth pulled back and said, “What were you going to tell me?”