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“How about we go to your apartment first so you can get clean clothes, then we can go for a breakfast burrito on the pier. After that, I’ll help you pack and drive you to the hospital to see Lynn.”

I try to swallow the knot forming in my throat. “That sounds perfect.” But my voice cracks.

He turns me to face him. “What’s wrong?”

I can’t lie to myself anymore, and I can’t delay the truth to him either. “Yesterday, when I called Lynn’s mom, she said they are coming today to see her.”

Those beautiful sky and sea eyes search my face. “I take it Lynn's leaving with them.”

Tears fill my eyes. “Yes.”

“And you’re leaving, too.” It’s not a question. He knows.

“I have to. I can’t let her go back and stay here.” The tears fall freely now. “I wish I could, but I can’t.”

He nods and releases a heavy breath. “I understand.”

“We’ll stay long enough to answer any questions you or the chief may have, but then we’ll go back to New York.”

He wipes at my tears and kisses my forehead. I want to break into a thousand pieces. The cage of his arms is the only thing holding me together now. I wish I didn’t have to leave, but I’ve known all along we would end like this.

Chapter63

Avalon

I should be happy,excited even. This trip is the pinnacle of my life’s work. But I’m adrift, following the current because that was set for me months ago. Spending three months in Greece assisting with a dig is something I’ve wanted to do for years. And this is a real chance to be a part of it. Firsthand discovery, right along with the archeological team. I should be riding the high, but instead, my feet are lead weights I dragged to the airport and through customs, and finally onto the business class section of British Airways flight 1642.

The dreamer in me wants to exit the plane, run through the airport like the heroine in a movie, get into my car, and drive back to New Hampshire. Then, I’d tell Jake I’m there to stay. But that town holds too many terrible memories, and even if we were all safe in the end, I don’t know that I could live there. It’s been four weeks since I last saw Jake, and I couldn’t go back to see him again after we left. Phone calls and texts are a poor substitute for building and maintaining a relationship. As much as Lynn says she’s okay and seems to be completely recovered, there are times when I see a flash of fear in her eyes—fear I have never seen before—and I know she’s right back there, in that hole zip-tied to a chair.

The realist in me wants the plane to take off, so I can recline my seat, close my eyes, and sleep all ten-plus hours of this overnight flight. Perhaps with the aid of a large glass of wine.

The seat next to me remains empty for now, and I hope it stays that way. I’m not in the mood to be pleasant or social. I keep my gaze locked on the window and avoid making eye contact with the other passengers. In the aisle, someone adds their luggage to the overhead compartment. Damn it. I guess I’ll have a seatmate after all. How rude would it be if I raised the wall between us right now?

The person takes the seat next to me. “I’ve never been to Greece before, but I’m looking forward to it.”

My heart stops and my breath locks in my lungs. The man’s voice sounds like Jake. Jesus, am I hallucinating his voice now? I dare not look. I dare not hope. It’s impossible.

“I’m hoping to find a guide to help me get around. Do you know anyone?”

I turn slowly, moving my head toward the man and hoping against hope that Jake’s sitting next to me and yet not believing it is possible.

Mismatched blue and green eyes greet mine. “Hi.”

“Jake?” My heart is a wild thing trashing about in my chest.

“Ava.” He smiles, his gaze searching my face.

I reach for his hand. “What are you doing here?”

“Heard Greece is beautiful this time of the year.”

Tears prickle my eyes, and I realize he’s not joking. “Jake!”

He leans closer to me and cups my face in his hand. “There’s this woman I fell madly in love with. She opened my eyes to an entire universe I didn’t know existed. She gave me peace and a part of myself I thought was long lost.”

“You love me? And you’re going to Greece with me?” There’s no holding back the tears now.

“I do. I was always going to follow you. Even when I fought myself because I was so set in my ways and petrified of leaving everything I know behind.”