Hadley forced a polite smile.

“Mr. Gomez, there’s no need to tell me all this…”

Ellis met her eyes and paused. They were both adults. Neither of them needed the full sentence to understand what the other meant. Still, he didn’t back off.

“What I just told you is the basic stuff,” he continued.

“If there’s anything else you’d like to know, feel free to ask. I’ll answer honestly.”

“Mr. Gomez…” Hadley faltered, lost for words. She didn’t know what to say or where to begin.

“Hadley.” Ellis stepped closer and said with quiet finality, “I’ve thought about this for a long time. I really like you and want to be with you.” Hadley’s breath caught and she stiffened.

She had her suspicions, but hearing him say it outright still threw her off balance.

Ellis looked at her with an unwavering gaze.

“I mean it. I’ve thought this through before bringing it up. I’m asking you, sincerely, to consider seeing me. I’m also hoping this leads to marriage. If things go well between us, I don’t want to drag it out too long. I’d rather we get married sooner than later…”

Each word hit Hadley like a wave. She couldn’t keep up. Was he really talking about marriage now? What in the world was going on? Where had this taken such a sudden turn? They’d only met a handful of times. How had something this surreal happened right in front of her?

“Mr. Gomez…” Hadley mumbled, her mind wading through thick fog. Just as she opened her mouth to respond, a voice called from inside the house.

“Hadley?”

It was Eric. He stepped outside and started walking toward them.

Since Hadley had her back turned, she didn’t see him right away. Ellis did. He spotted the man first and took a small step back.

“I think you need time to think it over, so I’ll leave now. Goodbye.”

Without waiting for a reply, Ellis turned on his heel and walked off in quick strides.

Fresh stories here gα?ησν?s?c?m

Hadley stayed rooted in place. Her eyes followed his retreating figure until he disappeared around the bend. Then she laughed. It was funny. A little absurd, too. What had just happened?

Eric stopped behind her.

“Hadley?”

Hadley turned to face him. Eric gave her a quick once-over and noted the sportswear and light sheen of sweat.

“You went for a run?”

“Yes,” Hadley replied with a nod, then stepped through the door.

Eric followed her in. A slight frown formed on his face as he thought about the man he’d seen speaking with her. He hesitated, but curiosity got the better of him as he asked, “You know Ellis Gomez?”

“What?” Hadley stopped and glanced back.

“Yes. Sort of. Why do you ask?”

“Just curious.” Eric fell silent for a beat, then continued, “He’s not from Srixby. He was just transferred here recently. You two seemed to be chatting pretty well. Have you known each other long?”

Hadley shook her head.

“No. We’ve only met a few times.”

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