Page 24 of The Minx and the Mountain Man

The truth of her words crashes over me like a damn avalanche. She’s right. I’ve spent my whole life keeping people at a distance, believing that if I never let anyone close, I’d never have to feel that gut-wrenching kind of loss again.

But Sadie already left. And it hurts like hell.

I love her.

I shove a hand through my hair and let out a rough breath. “Damn it.”

Dottie smirks. “Took you long enough.”

I glance at the door, at the snow coming down harder outside. “She’s at Annie’s?”

Dottie nods. “For now. She was talking about leaving town, but Annie convinced her to stay until the Valentine’s Day dance.” She gives me a pointed look. “That gives you exactly two days to pull your head out of your ass and do something about it.”

My heart kicks up. Two days. I don’t just need to tell Sadie how I feel—I need to show her. I need to make it clear that she belongs here, with me. That she’s not just some temporaryarrangement. That I love her, and I’m done being a damn coward.

The Valentine’s dance. That’s where I’ll do it.

I grab my coat and shove my arms into it, barely stopping to button it up before I head for the door.

Dottie calls after me, “Go get your girl, Reid.”

I don’t even hesitate. I’m done letting fear control me. I need Sadie. I want Sadie. And this time, I’m not letting her go.

Chapter Fifteen

Sadie

The town hall is glowing with soft, romantic lights twinkling red and pink decorations draped from every rafter. Music drifts through the air, a slow, easy melody that has couples swaying together on the dance floor. Laughter and chatter fill the space, warmth and love all around me.

And yet, I’ve never felt more alone.

I tug at the hem of the dress Annie lent me, resisting the urge to yank it down farther. It’s shorter than anything I’d normally wear, a flirty little red number that barely skims mid-thigh, and every time I move, I swear I feel a breeze. Annie called it perfect. I call it a wardrobe malfunction waiting to happen.

Still, I agreed to come. One last night in Pine Hollow before I move on. I tell myself I’m not waiting for him. That I’m just here because I promised Annie. Because I needed one last night to say goodbye. Because it’s better than sitting alone in the cabin, staring at my half-packed bags, trying not to break down.

But deep down, I know the truth. I am waiting for him. Even though it’s been days and I haven’t seen him. Even though he hasn’t come after me, he hasn’t tried to change my mind. Even though I know better than to hope. Hope is what got me into this mess.

I wrap my arms around myself, shifting my weight from foot to foot as couples dance around me, their laughter and softkisses a painful contrast to the ache in my chest. The town hall is beautiful tonight—strings of twinkle lights casting everything in a warm glow, paper hearts hanging from the ceiling, the scent of cinnamon and chocolate filling the air.

I should be enjoying it. I should be soaking in this moment, making memories before I leave Pine Hollow behind. But all I can think about is him. Does he even care that I’m leaving? Did I ever mean anything to him at all?

“Sadie, you look miserable.”

I startle as Annie appears beside me, handing me a pink fizzy drink. I force a smile, but it wobbles. “I’m fine.”

She snorts. “Liar.”

I let out a breath, staring at the condensation on my glass. “I guess I just thought…” I shake my head. “Never mind.”

Annie tilts her head, her expression soft. “You thought he’d come.”

I squeeze my eyes shut for a second before forcing them open. “It doesn’t matter. I leave tomorrow.”

“You don’t have to.”

I swallow hard. “I do.” Because staying here, waiting for something that will never happen, will only break me more.

Annie sighs but doesn’t argue. “For what it’s worth, I think he’s a fool.”

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