Page 106 of If We Never Met

"You're scaring me a little."

"Sorry. I don't think your mom is in danger. The crazy woman is clearly after Mark."

"And we need to know why," she said with new determination in her voice. She called her mom. For a moment, she thought it was going to voicemail, but then her mom's voice came across the line.

"Hi, Keira. What's up?" her mom asked, a light note in her voice. Nothing sounded wrong. That was a good sign.

"I was wondering if you're almost home. I really need to talk to you."

"Is something wrong?"

"Not wrong, just concerning. I know you're out with Mark, but I have to speak to you. It's important."

"What's this about, honey?"

She searched wildly for a reason that might make sense. As her gaze lit on Dante's attractive face, she had her answer. "It's about Dante. He's leaving sooner than I thought, and I need your advice."

"Okay, well, we were heading back anyway. We picked up a pizza if you're hungry. Mark was hoping you might be around."

"Great. He's welcome to come in and stay for dinner. I just need a few minutes with you alone, if he doesn't mind."

"Of course not, and I'm glad that will work out. I've wanted us all to sit down together."

"See you soon." She looked at Dante. "Sorry I mentioned you. I needed an excuse."

"I figured."

"They're on their way back from picking up a pizza. They'll be here soon."

"Good. I'm going to stay."

She nodded. Their eyes met, their gazes clinging together, unspoken words and emotions flowing between them.

"Why were you avoiding me today?" he asked.

She sucked in a quick breath. She wanted to evade the question, but he wasn't going to let her get away with that, so she decided to be honest. "I think it might be better if we didn't see each other anymore."

"We had a good time last night. We have a good time every time we're together."

"But our time is ending, and frankly, I'm not handling it very well."

His gaze softened. "Keira, I know this is difficult."

"It is, but it shouldn't be. I went into this knowing it was a short-term thing, a summer fling—fun, easy, and forgettable."

"I never thought it was going to be forgettable."

"Well, it turns out it won't be, at least not for me. I got too emotionally involved, and I know myself, Dante. It's not going to get easier the more time we spend together. We should just smile and wish each other well."

A cloud of dark shadows filled his gaze. "I'm here until Saturday. Do you really want to waste the time we have left?"

"I do and I don't. I've been conflicted all day, which is why I didn't text you back. But now that you're standing in front of me, I know the answer."

He met her gaze and his lips tightened. "And the answer is we're done."

"Yes. I had a good time with you. The only regret I have is that we don't have more time. But I'm really glad I sat down at your table and thought you were my date."

"Me, too. I wish you'd change your mind."

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