Jane and Bingley (Countdown to Christmas Book 8) Read Online Free PDF Page B

know,” he said quietly. “It just hit me, I’m actually here at La Caille with the most beautiful woman in the world—and I began to wonder how such a thoughtless person could be as lucky as I am.”
    She looked down as she felt her neck and cheeks redden, having no idea how to respond to him. Where to start? “You’re not thoughtless, and I certainly wouldn’t say I was the most be—”
    “Beautiful person in the world? You only say that because you can’t see how you sparkle compared to everyone else. You honestly can’t see yourself.”
    If he didn’t stop, she’d turn as red as the lobster tails he’d ordered.
    “And you’re wrong.” He leaned forward. “I am thoughtless. I’m completely stupid. And I ask myself constantly how you could forgive me as well as you have.”
    Here it was. That confession she knew he’d give. She dreaded hearing why everything stopped, his real reason for leaving—reminding her that at any time, he could decide she wasn’t enough again. Her heart clenched, and one hand braced against the linen tablecloth. Her mouth dropped open slightly, but she couldn’t say anything. She had no words.
    It didn’t matter. Charles wasn’t done by a long shot. “I need to apologize for ending this—us—and taking off to New York, and basically leaving you hanging with the lamest excuse of not wanting to try a long-distance relationship.”
    “Charles—”
    He shook his head. “No, I need to get this out there. Just a minute and then we can talk, but first, please let me genuinely apologize for my mistake. I could blame several different things, but honestly, I was scared. The error is mine, and I own it. If I’d listened to my heart, this never would’ve happened. Had I been man enough to accept how I really feel, I’m certain you and I would be having a very different conversation over this dinner.”
    He reached over and tenderly held her hand.
    “Jane, I love you. I know that now. I wasn’t sure before, but without you, I’m completely miserable. I can see in your eyes that you doubt me, but I will prove it to you. And if one day down the road, you’re able to see past my faults and still find that spark we once had, then I’ll celebrate.” He took a deep breath. “However, no pressure. If all we ever become is friends, I’ll be forever grateful for whatever time I get to spend with you.”
    Her mind was whirling with a thousand questions—what did he mean, if he had listened to his heart? Was there something more to the story? But her questions were drowned out by the frantic beating of her heart.
    “And Jane, forgive me for the way I acted at your sister’s wedding. Honestly, I was frightened. I knew I didn’t deserve you. And when I first saw you, leaning over whispering something to Eliza and then laughing, I started to shake. I’m not kidding—my knees actually began to tremble. I had no idea the effect you had on me until that moment, and I needed time to compose myself. What I didn’t realize was that I’d taken too much time and had hurt you again before I’d even had a chance to make up for the past.
    “I’m stumbling over my words. I don’t think men in general were meant to actually communicate with women.” He grinned. “No, I’m serious. I think we mess up so much that God probably intended for us to be mute just so we wouldn’t be so impolite. Except Eve probably begged for Adam to have a voice, thinking she honestly wanted his opinion, and ruined it completely for the rest of you.”
    She raised an eyebrow. “So, are you implying Eve is to blame for the ridiculous things men say?”
    He leaned back and put his hands up in front of him. “See what I mean? We aren’t supposed to talk.”
    Jane chuckled as the waitress walked over with their bread and cheese. “You certainly do keep things exciting. And what girl doesn’t love a little drama?”
     
    After the dinner course was over and she’d eaten all she could, and they were