Page 71 of Heartbreaker

I nestle closer and we stand there for a few seconds, staring up at the night sky. It’s snowing harder now, probably an indication it’s time to go back inside, but it’s so pretty I can’t make myself move.

“It’s midnight,” he whispers, glancing at his watch.

“And snowing,” I say, tilting up my face expectantly.

He doesn’t disappoint.

His lips find mine with a sweetness I’ve never felt from anyone.

How is this guy real?

And how am I supposed to go back to reality when this snow-filled fantasy is over?

The snow finally stops falling,plows come to clear the roads, and by day six, it’s time to go. I woke up nestled in Royal’s arms again this morning, we had breakfast together, made love in the shower, and now we’re on our way to the airport.

I don’t know where the time went.

Or what’s going to happen next.

And I’m a little afraid to ask.

But I have to.

I’m going home to Nashville—for the first time in over a month—and he’s heading to L.A. Our paths likely won’t cross again unless we make plans.

“Royal?” Our fingers are twined between us in the car driving me to the airport.

“Yeah, babe?”

“Am I going to see you again?”

He’s quiet for what feels like a long time.

So much so my heart starts to sink.

I was prepared for disappointment—but not how bad it actually feels.

“Is that what you want?” he asks after long seconds ticked by. “I’m not good for you, Jade. I’m not good for anyone.”

“Says who?” I shake my head. “You don’t scare me, Royal Ewing.”

“But I should.” He turns his head, his eyes searching mine. “I’m broken. Scarred. And surly as fuck. Why would you even want this?”

“You’re also handsome and talented and strong. Most people would have given up after what you went through—but you’re still here, writing music, supporting your friends, and being theworld’s best uncle to a little girl who worships the ground you walk on. Childrenknowwhen someone is inherently bad. So Frankie wouldn’t love you the way she does if you were.”

Something akin to gratitude flickers behind his eyes, and then he does what he always seems to do when he wants to avoid an emotional conversation?—

He kisses me.

And I let him because…well, because I like it. Because I know it’s not a sexual deflection so much as a way for him to show me what he’s not always able to articulate.

Feelingsare hard for Royal.

I discovered that pretty quickly, so now I have a better handle on what he needs from me.

Assuming he wants to see me again.

We’ve arrived at the airport and the car is slowing down, which means I need an answer, one way or the other. It will hurt—a lot—if he doesn’t want to see me again, but now that I know what he’s been through, I’m not going to add to the stress in his life.

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