Page 13 of Connecting with the Mountain Man

Because I’ve been waiting. Hoping. Silently holding out for something that was never mine to begin with. And if that wasn’t bad enough, RuggedRoots—the one good thing I thought I had going—ghosted me too. I haven’t checked my email since last night. Can’t bring myself to see the lack of response sitting there like a final nail in the coffin of my pathetic little heart.

God. I sound ridiculous. But Ilikedhim. Whoever he was, he made me smile. His words felt like company on the loneliest days. And now he’s gone. Just like that.

“Mary,” I say, voice tight. “Take the front. I need a minute.”

She doesn’t move right away.

“Eden—”

“I said I’m fine.”

It comes out too sharp, but I don’t take it back. I can’t.

I’m already slipping toward the hallway, needing space before I do something humiliating.

Like cry.

I can’t believe I’m holding back tears over Silas Matthewsanda faceless man who doesn’t even want me. I’m not this girl. I don’t pine. I don’t sit aroundwaitingfor men to notice me. But damn if I’m not halfway to breaking that rule. I hear Mary sigh behind me, but she doesn’t argue.

“Yeah, okay. I’ll cover.”

I nod, slipping through the door before I can change my mind. And as I step into the hallway, the ache sinks lower. Because no matter how hard I try to shake it, one thought keeps circling back, gnawing at the edges of my heart. If Silas hadher,and RuggedRoots decided I wasn’t worth waiting for, maybe I really am nothing to either of them.

Chapter 5

To: SugarDust

From: RuggedRoots

Subject: Re: Did I do something wrong?

SugarDust,

You didn’t do anything wrong. This isn’t about you.

It’s me.

I’ve got some things I need to figure out. Some stuff I’ve been avoiding for way too long, and I’m starting to think this was never the right path for me.

You’re… great. Honestly. I’m not just saying that. I hope you find someone who can give you everything you deserve. I mean that.

Take care of yourself.

–RuggedRoots

To: RuggedRoots

From: SugarDust

Subject: Re: Re: Did I do something wrong?

RuggedRoots,

Don’t do that. Don’t be nice about it. You don’t have to sugarcoat this for me. I can take it.

I appreciate you trying to let me down easy, but let me tell you something—I was already a lost cause. I’ve been pining after the same man for years. And it’s not even some noble, unrequited love thing. Nope.

It’s my brother’s best friend.

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