Page 17 of Snowed In With the Grizzly

Not when the clock is ticking, counting off my last three days of freedom.

And my father can’t even leave me alone to enjoy it. He keeps bugging me to call him. I told him there’s not enough reception to connect a call—which is true—but it won’t keep him off my back for long.

I’m walking behind Jaxton’s big, broad figure, stepping in the tire tracks left by his truck earlier this morning. Snow drifts sit waist high on either side of the road, and the wind is whipping up again, but his bulk protects me from the worst of it.

My stomach is churning, and I’m full of guilt for not telling him the whole story of what I’m doing here. He was so kind when I spoke about my grandma, and now I feel like a fraud.

What was I doing asking him to kiss me, when I was promised to another? I feel like we’re getting closer by the minute. Heck, I’m already falling for him. But none of this can happen. Because in three days’ time, I’m going to drive out of his life, and he’s never going to see me again.

The last thing I want to do is tell him the truth. I want to enjoy these last three days with him. Throw caution to the wind. Lose my virginity to him.

But I feel like I’m betraying him. He deserves more than that. A lot more.

My heart sits heavy in my chest.

And I know that when I tell him the truth, he’ll leave.

I walk fast to catch him up, already fumbling for the key in my pocket.

“Jaxton…” I push open the door and as soon as we’re both inside the cabin, I turn to face him. I open my mouth, but the words won’t come.

The good-natured curiosity on his face kills me.

“I’ve got something to tell you,” I rush out.

He frowns, worry shadowing his handsome features. “What is it, Rowan? Are you sick or something?”

I shake my head, swallow hard.

“The reason why I came here is because in three days’ time, I… I’m—”

Darn. How to explain what my father has done to me to a normal person?

“Take your time.” Jaxton reaches out and squeezes my shoulder with his massive paw. I almost knock his hand away. It’s too much. He’s so kind, and I don’t deserve it, one bit.

“I’m going to be married—” I blurt out at last.

Not strictly true. Who knows whether my new owner will want to legally marry me, or just keep me as his property?

“Married?” Jaxton’s handsome face fills with horror. “B-but… we kissed. You wanted me to kiss you—”

Oh, god. Now he thinks I’m a cheater as well.

He turns on his heel and shoves the door open. “I’ve got to go,” he mutters, stumbling outside.

“Jaxton, please—” I cry. But he doesn’t stop.

Shit.

My throat convulses as I watch him stride down the snowy path.

I can’t let him think of me like this. I can’t stand it.

I rush after him, tripping over my feet.

“My father sold me!” I wail.

“What?” He spins around.

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