Page 47 of (Un)Planned

As soon as we were in the car, I turned, an apology already waiting on the tip of my tongue.

But Calla had other plans.

I could barely comprehend it when she launched herself from her seat, sealing her lips over mine. After a moment, she pulled back, resting her forehead against mine. “I’ve never had someone stand up for me like that. Thank you, Theo.”

The relief crashed through me, hating that Calla had felt so alone before now. I took her hand, bringing her knuckles to my lips. “You never have to thank me for that. If I have my way, you’ll never have to deal with anything alone again.”

TWENTY-SEVEN

“Are you fucking serious?”

Alex’s eyes widened almost comically, leaning against the outside wall of the main lodge for support. As her hands flew to her mouth, my gaze immediately darted to her new ring. I had to give Cole credit. The beautifully set diamond band looked like it always belonged on her finger.

Maybe I should have felt bad about pulling my best friend away from her engagement celebration, but I needed to talk to her. All night, my day with Theo had been playing through my head, his words on an endless loop. My entire life, I wanted a partner at my side, someone who’d stand up to my mother on my behalf. While I was capable of fighting my own battles, I was exhausted from having to fight her. Theo stepped in without being asked, saying exactly what I needed to counteract her. If I wasn’t falling for him before, that would have pushed me over the edge.

Alex stared at me, trying to read the emotions on my face. “I can’t believe you’re dating Theo.Theo.” She shook her head. “I have to say, I did not see this coming when you started working for him.”

“Neither did I!” I protested. “This was not part of my plan, Alex. It’s not like I woke up and said, you know what sounds like a great life choice? Developing feelings for my older, much more jaded boss, especially considering I could get fired for it.” I groaned, dropping my head into my hands. “It just kind of…happened.”

Alex laughed. “Yeah, I know exactly what you mean.” She took my hand, leading me over to a porch swing tucked in the corner where no one else could see. She sat down at my side, pulling me into a sideways hug. “Are you in love with him?”

“I’m getting there,” I answered quietly. “But there’s a part of me that’s holding back. And as much as I tell myself it’s because of work, I think it’s more than that.”

“What do you mean?”

“I keep wondering: when will he realize he’s making a mistake? That I’m not worth the risk to his career. Things are going great with us right now, but what if this is all we’re meant to be? Stolen moments away from the rest of the world?”

“What does Theo say about it?”

“He says he wants to be with me,” I sighed. “But it doesn’t change the facts. Something is going to have to give. I can’t be his girlfriendandhis assistant. Eventually, we’re going to have to decide. And as much as I want him to choose me, I also don’t want to be his downfall. He’s worked too hard to lose it all for me.” My lower lip started to quiver. “I have so many questions, Alex, and I’m petrified that it’s going to scare him away. The guy hasn’t been in a relationship since his marriage imploded. What if this is all too much?”

“You’re never going to know unless you ask,” Alex said. “Sure, he might not be able to overcome his fear, but it'sbetter to know that now, before you fall any deeper.” She held me a little closer. “But honestly…I don’t think you have anything to be worried about.”

“What do you mean?”

“The man looks at you like you are his world, Calla. You need to give him a chance to prove your fears wrong.”

“Easy to say,” I say, tucking my head onto her shoulder. “You got one of the good ones.”

“Are you forgetting how much we had to work through to get to this point? Hell, you could have stuck a neon sign over my head, and I wouldn’t have admitted my feelings.” She reached out, lacing my hand with hers. “Sometimes, the only way to get past your fear is to push through. You taught me that.”

As I weighed her words, a brisk knock came from the other side of the porch before Cole came closer. “Hate to interrupt, but do you mind if I steal my fiancée for a little bit?”

“Ugh,” I teased. “If you have to. But I demand joint custody.”

“You always know I loved you first.” Alex pulled me in for a tight hug. “But I think there’s someone else you should talk to tonight.”

Cole arched his brow but didn’t comment. He just took Alex’s hand, pulling her in for a light kiss when she pressed up against his chest. He nodded at me. “Do me a favor, Calla. Get Theo out of his cabin more tomorrow? The guy already called it a night. God knows he’s probably buried himself in emails.”

“Not likely,” I laughed. “I took his laptop charger.”

“Cold, Winters,” Cole chuckled.

As they walked back inside, I considered joining them. It’d be nice to spend some more time with everyone. I’dmissed the town more than I thought I would, and it felt amazing to be surrounded by so much love and comfort. But with Devyn hiding out in her cabin all day and Theo leaving without saying goodnight, I couldn’t bring myself to go back in.

I walked back to my cabin, trying not to let my thoughts run away from me. It was tempting to go to Theo and tell him all about my insecurities, to tell him that I was falling for him and that I hoped like hell he’d be there to catch me.

Peeking over my shoulder, I glanced at his assigned cabin, frowning when I saw all the lights were off. Disappointment furrowed deep in my chest, hating that his absence left such a gaping wound in my heart.

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