Page 121 of Faking the Shot

“Ains?”

“I… I’d like the Teahouse salad please.”

“I’ll have the salmon.”

“Excellent choices, can I say.”

No, this wasn’t an excellent choice.

She felt so uncertain about so many things, not least the guilt that she felt right now. She had manipulated Zac as much as Baden had manipulated her. She lowered her head.

“Ainsley? Did you want anything else?”

So much. Her aunt to live. The planning permission granted. A career she actually wanted. An agent who understood her and chose jobs she could believe in. Zac.

She closed her eyes.

“Thanks, but I think we’re fine,” Zac murmured.

“I’ll get some more water for the table,” the waiter said.

“Thanks.”

She peered across the candle to where Zac eyed her with concern. “Ainsley, what’s wrong?”

Finally, the moment of truth. She swallowed. Swallowed again. Still couldn’t find enough moisture so drank her entire glass of water in one go.

His lips curved to one side. “Careful. I don’t want you to drown.”

But if she drowned then she wouldn’t have to say, “I’m sorry.”

“Hey, it’s okay. I know you’re tired and life has been a little crazy lately.”

So crazy. But, “That’s not it.”

“Ains.”

Was it better to break up before their meals were served or after?

As if to help with that decision, the waiter returned with a basket of bread. Zac offered it to her but she declined. He drew out a piece and buttered it.

“What happened to Mr. Clean and Green?”

“I suspect I might be needing some carbs tonight.”

And she would be needing chocolate.

A tinkle of laughter, and “Oh yes, of course I’ll marry you!” drew her attention to a nearby couple who were hugging, no, kissing so enthusiastically it brought a blush.

She half-smiled at Zac, and he half-smiled back, as if recognizing that was the exact same kind of kiss they’d shared during the first seconds of this year.

“Congratulations,” various voices called to the happy couple.

“We’re getting married!” the woman said.

Zac sipped his water. “Luc Blanchard is planning to pop the question to Bailey tonight.”

“Hopefully not in his little green shorts.”