Page 100 of Crash and Burn

"If that's all?" I asked.

He didn't say anything, lips clamped tight, turning white with the pressure.

"I'll see you later, then." I made a pivot on my heel and turned my back to him.

"Wait."

Grant reached out and took my hand. I froze. He gently turned me back to face him. The desperation in his eyes had changed. I caught a hint of fear, but beyond that was a stony determination.

"Don't leave," he said. "Please."

"Did you not hear anything I just said?" I asked, exasperated.

"I did," he replied. "I heard everything. And now I have something to say, too."

"Oh, so now you have something to say?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Yes." He tightened his grip on my hand, so strong but still so gentle. "I don't want you to leave. I don't want you to leaveme."

He inhaled slowly, his chest expanding and releasing as he breathed out through his nose, looking a tad calmer after having taken that breath. When he finally spoke, the words struck me like a blow to the chest.

"I don't want you to leave," he said. "Because I love you."

Time stopped.

Grant said it. He'd said the words.

He loved me.

I'd been waiting months, years, to finally hear those words fall from his lips. I'd dreamed about it happening so many times. I'd envisioned this moment over and over again, playing it in my head like I was re-watching my favorite scenes in a movie.

It was everything I could have hoped for. It was everything I'd ever wanted.

And yet...

"I love you, too,” I told him.

His face lit up like a thousand watt bulb.

I pulled my hand from his grasp.

"But it doesn't change anything,” I continued.

The expression on Grant's face was shattered.

"You chose another woman over me," I said. "I don't know if that's something I can get over so easily."

"But—" he interjected with a desperate, wild look in his eyes.

I shook my head and turned my back to him. I couldn't stand seeing him so hurt, but...

"I'm sorry, Grant.”

32

Iheaded straight to the exit, intending to leave immediately. I didn't know how long I'd be able to hold in the tears.

Evan stepped out in front of me from nowhere, stopping me in my tracks.