Page 129 of Love to Hate You

Perhaps too deep for me to battle on my own.

“Okay,” I sigh.

“Okay?” His eyes widen.

“What do you want me to say?” I shrug as a calmness settles over me and gives me a composure I didn’t think was possible. But I’m grateful for it all the same. “Do you want me to argue with you? To try and convince you that we should be together?”

Slowly he shakes his head. “No.”

There is a wealth of sadness in that word.

Carter twists his hands until they’re able to clasp mine. The fist that had been clenching my heart for the last two weeks loosens.

Just a bit.

Just enough for me to breathe again.

This isn’t the way I wanted our relationship to end, but it’s for the best.

“I care about you, Carter. More than I’ve cared for anyone else.” I keep my gaze trained on his, wanting him to accept the sincerity of my word. “I hope you realize that.” Before he can formulate a response, I add, “But I won’t beg you to be with me.”

With our hands clasped, I close the distance until I can press my lips against his. He opens willingly, surprising me again. My tongue slips inside his mouth to mingle and dance.

This is goodbye.

When I pull away, the sorrow filling his eyes tells me he understands that as well.

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