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Tarryn

W hen I see the blue sky, my stomach sinks. It means Traeger’s going to take me home. The last six days have been the best of my life. And call me crazy if you want, but I’ve fallen in love with the big grump. Though, he hasn’t been grumpy lately. In fact, he’s been chatty and fun, and so very attentive. He’s shown me exactly how I deserve to be treated. And I don’t want this to end.

“Rain stopped,” he says, coming up behind me. It sounds like the grumpiness is back in his voice. “Guess, it’s time to take you home.”

“Wow.” I turn, feeling my stomach sink further. “I didn’t realize you wanted me gone that bad.” It’s like he can’t get rid of me fast enough. And here I thought there was something building between us.

Kelsey would be shaking her head at me, thinking I’m the most na?ve person on the planet for believing this man could fall in love with me.

“It’s not about what I want, doll. You’ve got classes and a life to get back to, and I’ve got shit that needs to get done. It’s time for us to quit messing around and get back to reality.”

And there goes that future I was imagining. I pictured it perfectly. Me rocking our baby on the front porch while he’s out chopping wood. He’d come in for a break and kiss my forehead, telling me he’s the luckiest man in the world.

“I guess I’ll go pack now.” I turn as a tear slips down my face, hoping he didn’t see it fall.

“It’s for the best, angel.” His gruff voice hits my back. “It was never going to work between us.”

But it could’ve if he wanted it to. He just doesn’t.

“Once you’re back in your routine, doll, you’ll realize you’re better off. And I promise you’ll forget all about me.”

He’s wrong. But there’s no sense in arguing. I’m not going to beg the man to love me.