Page 68 of Denim & Diamonds

He nodded.

I’d thought the outside was impressive until I walked into the house. I walked over to the biggest stone fireplace I’d ever seen. “You built this all by yourself, too?”

“Collected all the stones from around the property. It’s been put to good use already since the place doesn’t have heat yet.”

“Can we…make a fire?”

Brock caught my eyes. He stared for a few seconds before nodding and looking away. “I have cedar logs piled on the side of the house. I’ll be right back.”

While Brock worked to collect the wood and start the fire, I wandered around in awe. On the front side of the house, large windows framed views of the forest. In the back, they showcased a giant lake. It made the inside feel like it was part of the outside, giving the cabin a sanctuary-type feel. It was so peaceful, I almost forgot I’d come to say goodbye.Almost.

Brock set a few sweatshirts in front of the roaring fire. “Best I can do.”

“I can’t think of anything that would be better.”

We sat side by side on the floor for a long time, staring into the fire in silence. My insides were in turmoil. I’d come to say goodbye, yet my heart never wanted to leave.

“Why did you come to see me tonight, Red?”

I turned to face him, but he kept staring into the fire. “I’m leaving tomorrow. I couldn’t go back home without saying goodbye.”

“No? Why is that?”

I took a deep breath. “Because I’ve fallen for you, Brock.”

“Funny way of showing it.” He scoffed and shook his head. “I’m pissed at you, Red. You didn’t even try to fight for us. I thought I meant more to you than that.”

I tasted salt in my throat. “I’m sorry.”

“What for?”

“Everything.”

“I’d rather you fight than apologize.”

“How am I supposed to fight for us when we don’t live in the same world? You love it here, Brock. Look at where we are this very minute. You’re building your own home log by log, and I have a company to run in New York City and a board of directors to convince I’mnot a crackpot.” Tears streamed down my cheeks, and my voice broke. “I can’t ask you to give this up for me any more than you can ask me to give up my life for you.”

Brock had been keeping his distance, but he turned to face me and wiped my tears. After, he took me into his arms and held me tight. I felt him all around me—his scent, his touch, his love. And it made me want himinme. I looked up and kissed him. “I want you so much.”

Brock wrenched his mouth away. “I can’t. I can’t make love to you and have you run out on me and never come back. I’m too angry.”

“Then don’t make love to me.Fuck me.Fuck me with all the pent-up anger you have because I’m leaving you in the morning.”

His eyes darkened. I thought he was going to break, but instead he stood. “I can’t do that to you. I won’t hurt you.”

I shot up and grabbed his hand. “It’ll hurt menotto ever have you. I want you so much, it physically hurts.”

Brock’s jaw clenched.

My heart pounded. I felt desperate, desperate enough to shrug the flannel from my shoulders and pull my dress over my head.

Brock’s eyes dropped to my red lace bra and panty set and darkened to almost gray, though I couldn’t be sure if it was from anger or desire. But it didn’t matter. I wanted him. Ineededhim.

“Please…”

For a few heartbeats, I thought he was going to tell me to get the hell out of his house. His jaw was rigid, and I could practically see steam billowing from his nose. But then he spoke.

“Turn around.”