He set down his fork, his eyes locked on mine. “I meant it, Grace. I wasn’t trying to manipulate you or trap you or make you feel like you had to say it back. I just thought it was about time I stopped simply thinking it and finally said it. If you don’t—”

His voice faltered, and everything changed. Suddenly he was just this regular guy trying to tell the woman he loved how he felt, and bracing himself for the possibility that she didn’t feel the same way. My heart ached for him, for the risk he was taking and the effort he had put into making this night so amazing.

“If you don’t love me, or you’re not sure, that’s okay.” His eyes flickered down and back to mine, nervous. He was nervous.

My eyes stung. Tears pooled and blurred my vision, then spilled to my cheeks. His face clouded with uncertainty and—was it possible?—fear. I wanted to reassure him, calm him, but nothing came out. He came beside me, knelt, and gently smudged the tears from my cheeks with his hands. “Its okay if you don’t, Grace.” There were tears in his eyes.

He was crying for me.

JACK

SHE WASN’T SAYING anything, and I didn’t know what to do. I’d never felt so helpless—or such a fool. I’d jumped the gun, read her completely wrong. She didn’t love me, she didn’t want to be here, I had ruined everything.

Her hands came up and took mine from her face. They were cold, trembling. I held them tightly, afraid if I let go she’d jump up and run out and leave me. Please, God, don’t let her leave me.

“I’m afraid you’ll leave me.” Her voice quivered, her eyes were bright with unshed tears. My mind raced, searching for reasons that would cause her to think like that.

“Why? Why would I ever do that?”

“I’m not a star. I’m not beautiful.” Words tumbled like a landslide. “I’m average and regular, and I’m not a celebrity. I’m not cut out to live the way you do. I’m not glamorous or fashionable or rich or used to being around people who are.” She pulled her hands from mine; I was too stunned to respond. “But you’re surrounded by women every day who look like goddesses, and women throw themselves at you. I can’t compete with that, Jack! I can’t be like them! And you’ll get sick of me and leave me for one of them.” Her voice faded to a whisper, and she looked suddenly stunned, as if she couldn’t believe what she had just said. Then her shoulders shook, and she covered her face with her hands.