“No. That’s impossible.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m in love with someone else,” he said simply, his words piercing at my heart. “Someone wonderful.”
He looked down at me with love-filled eyes, and it took every ounce of Jedi mind control not to throw myself into his arms right then and there.
“This person you love,” I said slowly. “What is she like?”
I could hear the smile in his voice, even as it sounded like he was holding back tears. “She’s very smart for one thing. And she cares more about the truth than getting ahead. She’s a loyal sister and daughter, even when she doesn’t feel like it. She is a bit afraid of motorcycles but is brave enough to ride anyway. She loves to dance to eighties music and has all of Depeche Mode’s bootlegs. And she’s convinced John Hughes is a better director than Fredrico Fellini.”
“Well, I’m sure this Fellini guy has his strong points, too, but you got to admit, Sixteen Candles is a tough act to follow.”
Jamie laughed, dropping his hands to my waist and pulling me close. “This girl I love, she makes me laugh and she makes me cry. She’s my muse. She encourages me to follow my dreams.” He dropped his mouth to my ear. “I got a new agent,” he whispered. “And he’s very excited about the manuscript proposal I sent him.”
“Oh my God!” I looked up at him, bursting with pride. “That’s so awesome! Congratulations.”
He looked down on me with loving eyes rimmed with tears. “I couldn’t have done any of this without you, you know.”
I dropped my eyes to the ground. I didn’t know what to do. He took my chin in his hand and tilted my head to look back at him.
“I know I’m asking a lot,” he said earnestly. “I know it’ll be hard at times. But I will do anything to ensure that things work out between us. Anything.”
“But …” My mind was blanking with all the practical reasons I knew I should be resisting more. “But I’m moving to LA. I can’t stay here, you know.”
“I’d never ask you to,” Jamie said, sounding astonished that I’d think he would. “But I called some buddies at my old production company. They just won a contract with an LA-based reality show—‘Who Wants to Marry a Movie Star.’ It’s at least six months of shooting work.”
“And after that?”
“I’ll find something else,” he said sincerely. “I’ll make it work—whatever it takes.”
“But I don’t want you to rearrange your whole life … because of me—”
“Don’t you get it?” he asked, shaking his head. “I don’t care. It’s worth it. You’re worth it.”
My heart fluttered at his words. He thought I was worth it. No one had ever said those words to me before. No one ever made sacrifices like this for me before. And now it was my turn to make a sacrifice for him. To trust him. Believe him. Give him a chance.
“You mean that?” I asked, my one last question before accepting the idea that perhaps all my dreams really could come true.
“With all my heart.” He pressed a hand to his chest to emphasize his point.
“Well …” I realized my whole body was trembling as I made my decision. “I guess we could … you know, give it a try.”
His face lit into a bright smile and his whole body seemed to sag with relief at my words. Then, he threw his arms around me and pulled me close. I rejoiced in his familiar scent tickling my nose. I’d missed this. I’d missed him.
“You won’t regret this,” he murmured in my ear. “I won’t let you down. I love you, Madeline Madison.”
“I love you, too, Jamie Hayes.”
And then he kissed me. And somehow, as he pressed his lips against mine, sending my pulse racing in the way that only he could do, I realized he could be right. This could actually work.
And hell, if not, I guess I could always pitch a “True Love That Kills” piece at the next Newsline story meeting.
It’d probably get great ratings.
About the Author
Mari Mancusi used to wish she could become a vampire back in high school. But she ended up in another blood sucking profession—journalism—instead. Today she works as a freelance TV producer and author of books for teens and adults. When not writing, Mari enjoys traveling, cooking, goth clubbing, watching cheesy horror movies, and her favorite guilty pleasure—videogames. A graduate of Boston University and a two time Emmy Award winner, she lives in Austin, Texas with her husband Jacob, daughter Avalon, and their dog Mesquite.
To Contact Mari:
Website: http://www.marimancusi.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bloodcovenvampires
Twitter: marimancusi
Email:
[email protected] For More Information on First Kiss Club books: http://www.firstkissclub.com
For More information on Mari’s Blood Coven Vampires series: http://www.bloodcovenvampires.com
Mari Mancusi, Love at 11
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