Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Was Brandon captivated by my beauty?

I'd always thought his heart was as tough as his exterior, immune to such charms. But it seemed the old saying about men had some truth after all.

Even though I knew I had Brandon's attention, I deliberately ran my fingers through my wavy hair.

His eyes darkened, and his face seemed colder. I couldn't figure out why his mood shifted, nor did I care to guess.

I cut straight to the chase. "So, are you going to agree to my proposal, Mr. Howell?"

"What?" His gaze had already shifted away from me.

I chuckled.

I hadn't blacked out. Did he?

But I knew he hadn't. He was just being coy.

Temporarily," I repeated what

immediately. His gaze was

I noticed the Ferris wheel

that Chris had planned to propose to me. Could it

any unusual activity on

then, Brandon spoke, "What do you mean by

dies down. After that, we go back to being nothing." I felt a pang of guilt as I said this. After swallowing hard, I rephrased my explanation, "We won't actually be dating. It's just for show to make Chris think

feeling awkward. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for Lisa's urging last night and Chris'

my hair, and I brushed it aside before continuing, "Because you're the most

I hesitated.

marry me and having feelings for me, but saying that now might make him

I smiled sheepishly. "Nothing."

were going to say I've mentioned wanting to marry you and having feelings for you, right?" he bluntly stated what I couldn't bring myself to say. Realizing he understood everything, I dropped the pretense and looked at him directly. "Yes. So, will you

my heart raced, and I began to feel nervous. After a few seconds, my face started to flush. Was this a silent