Page 121 of Until You

Lanie glanced down at her clasped hands on the table. “Yeah.”

“And you leave next week?”

“Next Wednesday.”

His chest hurt. He didn’t want to lose her, but he didn’t know how to stop it. “Do you need help moving your things? I can go to Atlanta with you and look for an apartment.”

She glanced up at him with tear-filled eyes. “I think it’s better if we end it before I go on Wednesday.”

He blinked, sure he’d heard her wrong. “End it? You’re going to end this because of what I did?”

“No. I’m upset, but I’ll eventually get over it.”

“Then why do you want to end it?”

“I don’t want to end it, Tyler, but I’m moving to Atlanta.”

“So? There are plenty of direct flights to Atlanta. I can come see you. You can come see me.”

“No.” She shook her head. “Long-distance relationships don’t work. I’d hate to see us die a slow death of resentment or, God forbid, lack of interest.”

“Then work there until you can find something in Kansas City.”

“I can’t do that,” she said in dismay. “Aiden’s counting on me. If I work for him, I’m committing to his business.”

“For how long?”

“I don’t know. Three years? Ten? Maybe forever.” She gave him a sad smile. “So you see why this won’t work. If I move to Atlanta, I’m committing to it, which means I have no intention of leaving. And since you’re settled in Kansas City, a relationship is impossible, because I don’t want to only see you a few days every month or so for the rest of my life.”

“Who says I’m settled in Kansas City?” he asked.

“You’re the most settled person I know. You can’t move. You’re needed here, and I see no reason to draw out the pain of an inevitable break-up. Better to get it over with as soon as possible.”

“No,” he said, shaking his head. “I’m not a partner in my firm. I can move.”

“What about your friends? Your brothers?”

He shrugged, but deep down, he didn’t want to leave Eric. His brother needed him.

“See?”

He reached across the table and covered her hand with his. “Don’t end us yet. Give us some time to figure it out and make it work.”’

She remained silent but nodded. He was taking that as a yes.

“You’re the first woman I’ve ever loved, Lanie. I don’t want to lose you.”

“I don’t want to lose you either.”

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