Free Coming Up Daffy by Sandra Sookoo

why did she always need to open her mouth and mess up what might be a good thing? But the hurt lingering in his eyes tugged at her heart. “I’m sorry. There’s no reason for me to be snarky and ugly.”
    â€œYou’re right. There’s no reason.” He threw his fishing rod to the ground and then headed down the shore line. Thanks to his long legs, he’d covered a fair distance in no time.
    Well, I deserve that.
    When Mark didn’t slow or even return, Alice shoved all her insecurities from her mind. It wasn’t his fault she had bumps in her road. “Mark, wait.” She chased him down. He kept going. “Mark, please.”
    He stopped but didn’t turn around. His shoulders slumped and he hung his head as if the thought of talking with her depressed him. “What?”
    â€œI’m sorry.” Her chest ached as she realized she genuinely felt contrite. Alice scurried around until she faced him. She put her hands on his shoulders and stared until he met her gaze. “Really, I am. I guess falling in the lake just put the period at the end of a crappy week, but still, that’s no excuse for how I acted.”
    â€œThen why did you do it?” He whipped off his ball cap then shoved a hand through his hair.
    Oh man, his curls are every bit as darling as I thought! Alice tamped the thought. Now wasn’t the time to wax poetic about a guy’s hair. She took a deep breath. It wasn’t as if things could get any worse. She’d pretty much hit rock bottom. “I was just mad that you seem to have your life together and you’re enjoying it, despite the not knowing, while I don’t. I’m out of control even though I’ve planned a clear path. I worry all the time that I’m a failure, not only in the business world but in my personal one as well. My plan isn’t going well.”
    â€œYou’re not a failure.”
    Alice went on barely aware he’d said anything. “Have you ever felt as if everyone you know is savvy? Or that people in your age group have way more success and they’re doing stuff you only dream of doing?” She released him in order to walk the shoreline. Contemplating the gentle waves did nothing to calm her mind. “I always thought I’d be better off at this age than I am, you know? I mean, I’m not married, I don’t have kids.” She heaved a sigh as another round of silly tears threatened. Sweet fancy Moses, is this what it feels like when someone’s biological clock acts up?
    â€œI don’t even have a dog, Mark.”
    â€œWhy not?” His soft question sounded directly behind her, low and as sensual as a caress in the dark.
    Alice spun to face him. “Because my dad doesn’t like dogs.”
    â€œWell, you live in the house too, and besides, you’re a grown woman. You have an opinion.”
    â€œI do.” Her pulse accelerated. Having him so close almost made her forget how cold she was in the wet clothes. “Anyway, I apologize. I hope you’ll forgive me for losing it back there.” Please, please, please don’t think I’m not worth a second chance!
    â€œThere’s nothing to forgive. We all get hot under the collar at times. Don’t believe me? Try living with my grandma.” He winked as he lifted her chin with a finger. “And, for the record, I don’t think you’re out of control. In fact,” he closed the small distance between them until their bodies barely touched, “you’re the most perfect person I’ve had the pleasure of knowing.” His eyes sparkled with humor while his grin warned her of mischief.
    Butterflies did acrobatic maneuvers in her belly. Oh wow, he’s going to kiss me. Then her mind put up an Out to Lunch sign as Mark pressed his lips to hers. She laid a palm against his chest and let her eyes flutter closed. Kissing him felt like the times as a child when she’d