“Not as pretty as Nantucket, though,” Nick teased her.

“Of course not! It could be fun, though.”

“If you’re there, it will be fun.” He leaned over and kissed her, and she melted in his arms.

“Okay, what do you want to watch next?” she asked as she pulled away and reached for more popcorn.

“Surprise me.” He didn’t care what they watched. He was just happy being on his sofa, eating popcorn with Bella. He wished this was their normal, everyday life and not just her vacation. Once her time here was up, would she still feel the same way? He knew that he would. His feelings grew stronger every day and it had taken him totally by surprise, at first. He didn’t know if she felt the same way, though.

“You’re still spending time with Nick?” Bella’s sister sounded concerned. Bella had kept her secret to herself until now, not wanting to jinx anything. And because she was afraid her sister would be the voice of reason and tell her she was making a mistake.

“We’re not just spending time together. I really like him, and I think he feels the same way. If he was in L.A., I think we’d be an official item.”

“You’re not in L.A., though. You’re on vacation—in fantasy land—not the real world. You only have a few more weeks until you have to leave. I just hate to see you get hurt when it ends.”

“I know. I wish it didn’t have to end. I mentioned having him come visit me. Nick has some vacation time he can use, and he liked the idea.

“Sure, but that would be his vacation. Still not real. What happens after that? I’m not trying to be a Debbie Downer, just thinking realistically. You live in two very different worlds. And do you really want to drag him into the craziness of the media in your world?”

Bella was silent for a moment. The media was the worst part of her job and she hated to inflict them and their lies on someone she cared about.

She sighed. “He’d hate that.”

“I just don’t want you to get your hopes up. Why not just enjoy the time you have left on Nantucket and don’t expect anything more?”

“I know you’re right. But I’m already pretty attached. I hate the thought of leaving here and saying goodbye.”

“Well, the more attached you get, the harder it will be. Maybe try and slow things down a little?”

Bella laughed. “It’s much too late for that. And I don’t want to waste any of the time that I do have left. We’re together constantly. It’s pretty intense already. But in a good way. I think you’d really like him.”