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

didn't respond immediately. His gaze was fixed on something in

gaze, I noticed the Ferris wheel had reached its

Chris had planned to propose to

squinted, trying to spot any unusual activity on the

then, Brandon spoke, "What do you mean

I felt a pang of guilt as I said this. After swallowing hard, I rephrased my explanation, "We won't

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

and I brushed it aside before

I hesitated.

now might make him

I smiled sheepishly. "Nothing."

and having feelings for you, right?" he bluntly stated what I couldn't bring myself to say. Realizing he understood everything, I

at me silently. Under his gaze, my heart raced, and I began to feel nervous. After a few seconds,