Page 35 of Midlife Wolf Captured My Heart

Sadie nodded. “I have thought about it. I wouldn’t be able to see him as much as I like, but at least I could be able to see him some of the time. It would be something.”

“That is true. On the other hand, though, is that something that you could be okay with? Long-distance relationships can be hard for anyone. It would be even harder for shifters because we form such strong bonds. Being away from each other can be draining.”

“I know. Part of me thinks, like I said, that having him sometimes is better than nothing. Another part says that I should just cut ties because trying to do a long-term relationship would just be prolonging the inevitable.”

Talia put her hand over Sadie’s, comforting her. There was nothing Talia could say that would make her feel better.

Sadie took a deep breath. “The easiest thing to do is to let it play out. Dakota will leave, probably sooner than later. I won’t have to make a decision. I know that sounds like the coward’s way out…” Her voice trailed off.

“It’s not the coward’s way out. I do think that you should talk to Dakota and at least bring up the idea of having a long-distance relationship. Together you can discuss the pros and cons and maybe come up with a plan that will work for the both of you.”

Tears prickled Sadie’s eyes. “I know you’re right, but the idea of talking to him is terrifying. I would have to admit how I feel about him, which would kind of break our deal of having a casual relationship while he’s here and it ends when he leaves.”

“What do you have to lose?”

“I could lose the rest of the time he’s here in Angel’s Creek.”

“From everything you’ve told me about Dakota, I know he’s a good man. Give him a chance to decide the course of your lives. Who knows? He might be having the same thoughts.”

Sadie nodded. “You’re right. I’ll think about it.”

The bell rang and Sadie jumped up. “I’m so sorry. I took up your entire planning period with my problem.”

“No worries. That’s what friends are for.”

Sadie went back to the library and forced herself to focus on the kids, ordering books, and her other tasks. The final bell rang and she helped herd the kids out to their buses and cars. When most of the kids were gone, she walked back to her office and sank gratefully into her chair. Between classes coming in to pick up books and kids needing help finding resources, the library had been very chaotic.

Sadie’s phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and her heart sank. It was from Billy. With a tired sigh, she read the message.

Please, I deserve a second chance. We were good together. I know that I can make you happy.

She looked at the message, frustrated. Without responding, she blocked his number. Something inside of her told her that this wasn’t the end of the situation.

After finishing up some paperwork, she grabbed her purse, clocked out, and then headed to the parking lot. Her heart sank when she saw Billy leaning against his truck. As soon as he saw her, he walked purposely toward her.

His face was red and the vein in his neck was throbbing. “Is it true that you’re seeing a man who is the same age as your father?”

She crossed her arms over her chest and stared at him. “Yes, I am, and it’s absolutely none of your business.”

“It is my business. Pops is the reason why you won’t give me a second chance.”

She growled in the back of her throat. “Listen to me carefully because I’m only going to say this one more time. We are not the same people we were. When we dated, we were in high school. We were children. I know that I’ve changed. I’ve grown up and matured. I assume that you have as well. You’re in love with a memory – someone who doesn’t exist anymore. You need to leave me alone.”

Billy’s jaw clenched and his face turned red. “You’re wrong. You’ll come crying back to me when that old man breaks your heart.”

He stalked away and Sadie let out a long, shaky breath. She really hoped this would be the end of the situation but a nagging doubt in the back of her mind told her that it wasn’t the end of the story.

“That looked intense,” Talia said, walking up behind her.

Sadie whirled around, startled. “You saw that?”

Talia nodded. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I guess so. I just don’t understand why he can’t let go. Girl, it’s been six years. We both agreed that it was over. Now, suddenly, he’s back and wants to pick up where we left off. What would he have done if I was married with a passel of cubs?” Sadie’s frustration was evident in her voice.

“You would have had a man to back you up, so he wouldn’t have tried. Since you’re single, you’re fair game. Some guys just can’t handle the word ‘no,’ especially since you don’t have a ‘real reason’ in his mind, for not agreeing to go out with him. Some guys just can’t let go.”

“It’s not just guys, though,” Sadie mused. “Remember the math teacher, Jennifer, who was dating the ELA teacher, last year. She literally stalked him for six months after they broke up. That’s one of the reasons why her contract wasn’t renewed.”

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