Page 70 of Wild Love

I wondered if Chance would have any more insight into Scarlett. She set herself apart from her family and even me. She demanded certain things but would never ask for my heart or a house. It was like she was intent on being unattached forever.

Should I get deeper with her, knowing there was an end? It was going to hurt when she left, and I wasn’t sure if she'd feel the same way.

The next week we spent at rehearsals in the evenings. I watched the kids practice when I had breaks, but otherwise, I helped Mac and his brothers, Tyler and Sam, build the sets of trees and mountains that would be the backdrop for the entire play.

"I've never made anything so elaborate for a kids' play before," Tyler muttered.

"You've never made a set at all," I countered.

Tyler's brow furrowed. "Why is this one so important to you?"

"He's infatuated with the director," Mac unhelpfully pointed out.

I lowered my voice. "Chance doesn't know, and I'd appreciate it if you kept it quiet."

Tyler raised a brow. "That's never a good idea."

He'd kept his relationship with my youngest sister, Kylie, a secret. "This is different."

Tyler chuckled. "That's funny coming from you because it's exactly the same thing. You're keeping it a secret, and it's his younger sister."

And Chance was protective, just like me and my brothers were. "She doesn't want a commitment, so what's the point in upsetting him. It can't lead anywhere."

"Still?" Mac asked as he hammered the branch so that it was attached to the rest of the tree.

"Nothing has changed for her." And I was afraid it wasn't going to. I fell in deeper every day, but I wasn't sure where she stood.

Mac frowned. "I don't know what to tell you."

"It's not a big deal." I'd pretend like it didn't matter because I didn't want to admit that I fell for a woman who I couldn't have.

Mac gave me a concerned look but let the subject drop. We refocused on the sets and, by the end of rehearsal, set up the first tree and mountain range behind the kids.

When Scarlett dismissed the kids to their parents, she came over to us. "This is amazing. I didn't expect anything this elaborate. I think we could keep this and use it for future plays."

"Plays someone else will direct?" I asked.

Scarlett frowned. "I'm sure you can find someone."

I was so tired of her not getting it. How important this relationship was to me. How special she was as a person. At thesame time, I wouldn't hold her back if she wanted to leave. It sucked all around.

"I appreciate the hard work you're doing. It's going to be amazing," Scarlett said to us.

I didn't want to stick around. I stalked off stage, hoping for a moment to myself. A few seconds later, Scarlett asked, "Is everything okay?"

I shrugged. "Why wouldn't it be?"

Scarlett wrung her hands. "It seems like you're upset about something."

I put away the tools, knowing Mac would ensure they were secured in his truck. "Maybe I'm tired of whatever this is."

Scarlett's eyes widened. "You don't want to spend time together anymore?"

I shook my head, my stomach tightening. "I want more. More than you're willing to give."

Her expression was pained. "You knew I was leaving."

"I know." She'd never promised me anything more than what we had. If I wanted more, it was my fault. I was demanding something she never intended to offer.

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