Sharks (12 page)

"Hi," Jacob stepped forward. Lilly jumped and stared at him with an expression that seemed to say, I forgot you were coming.

Bentley rose and extended his hand. "I'm Bentley and you are Jacob, I assume," he said, politely and so very charming it gave Lilly a grin from ear to ear the likes of which Jacob had never seen before.

Lord, but his manners were impeccable. He did come from old money. "Yes," Jacob said, still astonished at what he saw in front of him.

Jacob turned his attention to Lilly. "We have to talk," he repeated, wondering once again how such a turn about took place. Bentley, jeez.

"Is it private?" Lilly queried, twisting her hair into a bun then letting it fall back down.

"Yes, no, not exactly." He felt like a school boy at his first recital.

"Then Bentley can stay."

"Of course," Jacob said as he pulled out a chair to sit down. He motioned for a waiter and asked for a beer.

"Well," Lilly said.

"You look as if you have seen a ghost." Jacob waited, his fingers thrumming the tabletop.

"I have had several surprises today. I must admit I'm not sure I am up for another one, but it's apparent from your hasty arrival and the expression on your face, I should brace myself."

"I couldn't tell you this over the phone."

"Whatever it is I suppose you couldn't." Lilly's voice sounded stilted and insincere. Something Jacob had rarely heard from his honest friend. Of course he'd never given her reason to sound that way.

"You had to disrupt her life and come to Paris," Bentley said with a protective gesture, his hand clenching.

Jacob's gaze studied Lilly then Bentley.

They are a couple, but I don't think they even know it yet. Do I feel happy for her? Of course I do. Amanda always told you Bentley was no real risk and that Lilly had been infatuated with him the moment she set eyes on him in Davis. They just had a rocky start. Warmth grew inside Jacob. He didn't think he needed to feel guilty about abandoning Lilly. She had someone who loved her enough to never give up on her.

"Lilly," Jacob began. "I have asked Sara to marry me."

Chapter Six

April 1, 2012

"OMG, it's a beautiful day," Lilly said, looking skyward at the Eiffel Tower.

"You are more beautiful than I could ever say." Bentley bussed a light kiss on Lilly's forehead before shielding his eyes to stare at what had caught Lilly's attention.

"It's been one year."

"One glorious year."

Lilly's heart beat erratically. She didn't understand how she had never seen this loving and so very caring side to Bentley. A week ago they had spontaneously decided to return to Paris. Lilly had eagerly jumped on the idea. Paris was her favorite place, and she thought of it as the most romantic city in the world.

"You have been terribly secretive. Just what are you up to?" Lilly asked, snuggling close to Bentley who had a protective arm around her.

"Time will tell the entire story. For now, I just want you to relax and take a very much needed vacation."

"Enjoy and relax. Hmmm… that shouldn't be too hard," Lilly said.

"Yup."

"I think I can do that."

They strolled down the street with Lilly wondering every step of the way what Bentley had up his proverbial sleeve. Yet she did feel carefree and she wanted to enjoy everything this week. They were going to catch the train and go to Versailles. She loved the romanticism and the notion this was the Queen's country home.

They ended their trip in the small town outside the castle where the train stopped and bought an umbrella then strolled toward the castle.

"When did you decide I was okay?" Bentley asked taking her hand in his and giving it a gentle squeeze.

"Hmmm…" Lilly put one finger to her lips as if thinking.

I'm falling in love.

The year without sex had been harder on Lilly than Bentley. She'd almost given in to her resolution several times. At first she had been sure Bentley wanted the relationship for sex and she was doubly sure he would leave her heartbroken after they tumbled into bed together. Wow, so she'd persevered hoping beyond hope he wanted her because of who she was not what he could get out of the relationship.

He had been so patient. She would tell him today that she wanted the relationship to change from platonic to lovers.

The grandeur of the place was incredible, gorgeous and drop dead opulent. No wonder the starving people rebelled.

"Lilly…"

"Hmm…"

"Are you hungry?" Bentley asked with a smile.

Hungry for you.

"Ravenous."

"Let's find a romantic little café in town." Bentley steered her to an arch that was decorated with pictures and gold. "But first," he said as he began to kneel.

"What are you doing?"

He placed one of her hands in his and reached inside his coat then brought out a small velvet covered box. Her heart skipped a beat and she swallowed hard. Lilly had a sudden need for air.

He looked up at her, a curious expression on his face. "Lilly, will you do me the great honor of marrying me?"

She felt the world tilt and spin crazily. It was, after, all April first. No, he would do this to me. Insecurities popped into her head. "A-April Fools?" she queried softly. Please don't let this be a joke.

"What? God, no! Why would you think?"

A crowd began to gather. Tears threatened to spill. "It's just, Jacob and I always played jokes on each other today."

"I'm not Jacob. Lilly, will you marry me?" he asked again.

"Yes, oh yes."

A cheer rose up behind her and Bentley slipped the ring on her finger.

"It has taken so long to reach this point but today, Lilly, you made me the happiest man alive. I love so very much."

"I love you more."

About the Author

Christine Young

[email protected]

Born in Medford, Oregon, novelist Christine Young has lived in Oregon all of her life. After graduating from Oregon State University with a BS in science, she spent another year at Southern Oregon State University working on her teaching certificate, and a few years later received her Master's degree in secondary education and counseling. Now the long, hot days of summer provide the perfect setting for creating romance. She sold her first book,
Dakota's Bride
, the summer of 1998 and her second book, My
Angel
to Kensington. Her teaching and writing careers have intertwined with raising three children.  Christine's newest venture is the creation of Rogue Phoenix Press. Christine is the founder, editor and co-owner with her husband. They live in Salem, Oregon.

The Gift is part of

A Valentine's Anthology

Sharks

byAnnChristine

Will Lily and Jacob, best friends forever, find love or will they discover friendship is not enough for a relationship to take the
final
 
step
into marriage.

The House on Berkley Street

by
K. J. Dahlen

When Serenity is asked to find the truth in a forty-year old tragedy, someone in the town of White Oak, Texas doesn’t want the truth told. Can they stop her before she finds out what they have kept hidden for so long?

The Placebo Effect

by
Solstice Stevens

First, there was the poison. Then, there was a four story jump and the basketball hoop.
Jessamyn
Hamhill’s
life has been one validation attempt after another . . . until now.

Available at Rogue Phoenix Press

www.roguephoenixpress.com