“You’re much more than that to me.” She went still, and he wondered if he’d picked a bad time to get into this. But he’d come too far to back out now. He took her hand, and she looked up at him. Her lips were slightly parted, and he took that as encouragement. “I love you, Annie.” That was as plain as he could make it. He tipped her chin up and bent his head. Her kiss tasted of garlic and tomatoes. And longing. Her arms came around him, and he tasted the love on her lips.
Then it was over. Annie tore herself out of his arms. “Don’t,” she said piteously. She put her hands over her face.
“What’s wrong Annie?” He tried to pull her hands down, but she turned her back to him. Her shoulders heaved.
“Just forget it,” she said. “I couldn’t bear to disappoint you.” She jumped to her feet and ran toward the house.
“Wait, Annie!” Mano fumbled to his feet and tried to go after her, but Wilson dashed from under his feet and tripped him. He fell to the sand while the mongoose ran nimbly after Annie. Mano groaned when the back door slammed. No one had ever accused him of understanding women.
Twenty-three
Annie propped her chin on the top of Wilson’s head. He seemed to sense her agitation, because he didn’t struggle to get away but curled against her chest and nuzzled his nose into her neck. Her tears dripped onto his fur. What was wrong with her? Mano would think she was crazy to run off like that. She loved him so much it hurt, but she couldn’t give in.
He deserved someone beautiful, someone he could be proud to be with. She remembered the one date her sister had fixed her up on, and how the guy seemed embarrassed to be seen with her. She wasn’t pretty and vivacious. She glanced at her bare feet, and the scars made her cringe. The thought of Mano someday being sorry to be with her made her mouth go dry. Better to cut it off now. If Annie didn’t know Mano better, she’d think he was teasing her. But he seemed sincere.
There was a tap on her door, and Wilson wiggled out of her grasp and ran to the door. He pawed at it and growled. Annie thought about not answering. She wasn’t in the mood to talk to any of her family. She glanced at her watch. It was after nine.
“Annie? It’s me.”
Fawn’s voice was a welcome relief. “Coming,” Annie called. She went to the door and unlocked it, then stepped back to allow her friend to enter. “What are you doing out so late?”
“I was coming home from Bible study and wanted to ask how your talk went with Gina.” Fawn’s eyes widened when she glanced into Annie’s face. “What’s wrong?” She lowered her voice and shut the door behind her.
At her friend’s sympathetic voice, Annie’s tears flowed fresh. “Mano says he loves me,” she whispered. She covered her face with her hands and turned away.
“And that’s cause for tears? What on earth is wrong with you?”
“I should have known even you wouldn’t understand. You’re beautiful.”
“So are you.” Fawn grabbed Annie’s wrists and forced her hands down. “Mano isn’t the kind of man to say something he doesn’t mean. You’ve loved him for years. You should be rejoicing.”
“He deserves someone beautiful and talented. Someone who will be an asset to him.”
“And you’re all that. You’ve let your father’s attitude color your perceptions too much. A real man isn’t looking for an ornament but a partner to love.” She gave Annie a slight shake. “Your outward beauty will fade, but your lovely character will bloom. You’ve got a caring spirit that is appealing to everyone, Annie. You just don’t see it. The man who marries you will be getting a real treasure.”
Annie began to smile. “You’re prejudiced.” She wished she could believe Fawn. Mano was so handsome and wonderful, but Annie loved him too much to saddle him with someone undeserving.
“Maybe a little. But it’s true.” Fawn plopped on the bed. “So what did Mano say? Dish, girlfriend.”
Annie laughed. “I can’t talk about it.” Her cheeks burned. “He was very romantic though.” It was best not to even think of what he’d said, how love had radiated from his eyes and voice.
“Ooh, I love romance.” Fawn glanced out the window. “Is he still out there?”
Annie shook her head. “I heard him drive off a little while ago. He probably thinks he’s had a lucky escape.”
“You’re going to go see him tomorrow and tell him how you feel.”
“I can’t.” Her palms grew sweaty at the thought. “He’ll forget all about me soon.”
“No, he won’t. You’re going even if I have to go with you. You’re being completely unreasonable. If a man like Mano tells you that he loves you, you’re supposed to believe him. I don’t understand why you put yourself down so much. You’re just as lovely as Leilani, just in a less flashy way.” Fawn stood and dragged Annie to the mirror. “Look at yourself. Shiny black hair, large beautiful eyes, slim and shapely. And you’re even lovelier on the inside.”
Annie didn’t see it. She saw a small, nondescript woman with no redeeming features.
“It’s all your family’s fault,” Fawn said angrily. “I’ve never once heard your dad compliment you. Tomi never has either. We women base too much of our worth on what the men in our lives seem to think.”