Page 110 of Hideaway Heart

Finally, he kissed the top of my head. “Did the dress not fit?”

I laughed and hiccupped at the same time. “No. It fit fine.”

“So what’s this about?”

Tell him now, I thought.Just say it. Be brave.

I took a deep, shaky breath. “I’m worried about what will happen when you leave.”

“You’ve got nothing to worry about. The cameras work perfectly, and Marius is familiar with the system. Your alarm system is working, your doors are all secure, your staff all passed background checks. I did ask your landscaper about getting a taller fence for around your pool, and he’s going to work on that. When it comes time for your tour, Marius is going to hire a couple more guards. You’re safe, or I wouldn’t leave you.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

His hands stilled on my hair.

“Just listen for a moment, Xander, okay?” Leaving my head tucked beneath his chin—it was easier if I didn’t meet his eyes—I spilled my guts. “I know what I’m about to say sounds crazy. My life and business and family are here in Nashville, and your life and business and family are up in Michigan, and trying to make something work between us would be hard. We’d always be saying goodbye to each other. I’d miss you all the time.”

“I’d miss you too,” he said quietly.

“And it’s not just the distance between Nashville and Cherry Tree Harbor. In a few months, I’ll be on tour again, and the separation might feel even worse. I mean, I’ve got trust issues. I’ve got deep-seated insecurities that have nothing to do with you and aren’t your fault. It would be hard.”

“The separations would be hard.”

“Plus, we’ve only known each other a few weeks. Maybe what I think I’m feeling isn’t really what I’m feeling. Maybe it’s just that the sex is so good. Maybe it’s just that I trusted you so fast and so completely. Maybe it’s just that I feel so damn safe when I’m with you, and I’m scared to lose that feeling. I don’t know what I’m saying...” I pulled away and looked up at him. “I just know I don’t want to say goodbye.”

His eyes were smoky and serious. “Then fuck it. Let’s not say it.”

My heart stumbled over its next few beats. “What?”

“Let’s not say goodbye.”

“You...you mean it?”

“I mean it. I feel the same way you do. And I agree—all those reasons you listed why this might not work are valid. The distance and the time apart won’t be easy. But I can’t walk away from you without a fight.”

“You can’t?” Tears filled my eyes, and I snuggled back into his warm, solid chest.

“Fuck no. I don’t know what you did to me, Kelly Jo Sullivan, but I kinda like it.”

“Does it feel like you’ve been hit with a hundred million volts?” I asked instead.

He laughed. “That’s exactly what it feels like.”

“Good.” I squeezed him tight. “So what do we do now?”

“I’m trying to figure that out. I’m wondering if I should ask Austin and Veronica if they can cover Buckley’s opening.”

“No!” I leaned back and placed my hands on his chest. “No way. You’re going back up there to open that bar yourself. I will not have it any other way.”

He frowned. “I have some concerns about the—”

“Xander, no. This relationship doesn’t mean we stop following our dreams. I refuse to be the reason why you were not there the night Buckley’s Pub opens its doors. Did you book a flight?”

“Yes. For Thursday morning.”

“Good. You’re going to be on that flight, and that’s that.”

He quirked his brow. “Now who’s bossy?”