Page 20 of Promised Cowboy

Not even a little.

But I say, “Yeah. I think I’ve gotten what I came for. It’s time to move forward.”

He doesn’t argue.

Which almost makes it worse.

“I’ll stay through the weekend,” I add. “But then I think I need to go.”

Wyatt nods slowly, eyes steady. “Does Colton know?”

“No.”

He says nothing.

Which says everything.

* * *

I don’t go to Silver Creek.

I think about texting him.

I don’t.

That night, I sit on the porch and stare out at the moon until it blurs.

And the whole time, one thought won’t leave me alone:

This doesn’t feel like moving forward.

It feels like running away.

Chapter 12 - Colton

I don’t see her truck at the house, and my chest tightens.

It’s stupid to hope. Wyatt already told me she was planning to leave after the weekend. Didn’t know where, didn’t know what for. Just that she was going.

I’ve been walking around with a hollow feeling in my chest since he told me.

But tonight, something feels different. Like the wind’s changed. Like maybe I still have time.

So I drive.

Straight to Shadowbrook, straight down that winding gravel road, past the barn where she used to sneak out with me after chores. Past the paddock where I taught her to ride. Past the old tree swing she used to dare me to jump off when we were kids.

And there she is.

Sitting on the porch alone, a blanket wrapped around her shoulders, her hair pulled back in a messy knot like she gave up on pretending.

She hears the truck before she sees me. She stands when I park. Doesn’t run. Doesn’t smile.

Just watches.

I climb the steps slow, like every footfall might shake the answer loose from her chest.

“You leaving?” I ask.