Page 51 of The Cinnamon Spice Inn (Maple Falls #1)

FORTY-FOUR

ZACH

The sheets were slightly tangled around Zach’s waist, but the comforter was pulled high. His arm instinctively reached out for Madison—her side of the bed was empty but still warm. He took comfort in that, knowing she’d slept all night by his side.

He closed his eyes, imagining she’d just slipped off to the bathroom and would be back any second. His thoughts drifted to all the lazy, perfect ways they could start the day—wrapped up in each other, breaking in the bed properly, stealing a slow morning just for them.

The idea sent a rush of heat through him. He was already halfway hard just thinking about her smile, her soft skin, the way she curled up against him.

Zach was still fantasizing about what other surprises the morning could hold when he heard her voice coming in through the cracked window outside.

Jo, she was talking to Jo. She sounded surprised and excited at the same time. His brain struggled to catch up, still groggy from sleep, but the words “plated” and “hell of an offer” woke him up like a zap of lightning.

Zach lay frozen beneath the covers, staring up at the ceiling as her conversation continued. His gut dropped.

Of course. A job offer. The city. Her old life calling her back. It was like watching her slip away all over again—this time from twenty feet outside the window.

He fisted the sheets tighter, trying to get ahold of his thoughts. Just because she had a job offer didn’t mean anything.

Don’t be an idiot , he told himself. Maybe it’s not what you think. Maybe it’s nothing. Maybe she’ll turn it down.

But he couldn’t shake the ache settling in his chest. They hadn’t talked about their future, not really.

And if Zach was being honest, he hadn’t really believed she would stay this time, despite what Liam had said.

That’s what pissed him off the most. He knew this wasn’t anything long term, yet he couldn’t help but get wrapped up in his fantasies whenever Madison was around.

Damn fool , he thought. I should probably get it tattooed on my forehead after this.

Zach pulled the covers up to his chin and stared out the window, forcing his breath to stay steady. Give her space , he thought, trying to convince himself. Don’t push. Let her figure it out first. She’ll talk to you.

Moments later, he heard Madison’s footsteps on the porch and the soft creak of the farmhouse door as she slipped back inside. She was moving quickly around the space, gathering her things.

Zach closed his eyes, pretending to still be asleep, wondering if she was going to even come in and say goodbye.

When her truck started in the driveway, he had his answer.