Page 72 of More Than a Helping Hand

When I set the bag of souvenirs down, Mom rubs my arm. “What did Anderson want?”

“I forgot this stuff in his truck.” I close my eyes, reining in my emotions. “Thank you for not asking me a million questions.”

“He told me not to.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

“I meant Anderson. He said not to hassle you about your decision.” She picks up my suitcase. “I think you and Bailey should stay here tonight.”

“Sure. I’ll go over to the ranch and pick her up.” I walk outside, then scan the street to make sure Kyle hasn’t gotten any bright ideas about following me.

I’m in this mess because of my decisions. And pushing Anderson away was the right thing to do, but what I wouldn’t give to burrow into him and sob. I was just starting to feel safe.

But my happiness can’t come at the expense of someone else. That’s selfish.

And Anderson is the most selfless person I know. He’d never put himself first. It’s in his DNA to help others.

CHAPTER26

ANDERSON

Tuesday morning, I drag myself out of bed and make it to the mess hall while Ava is still cooking.

“You’re up early. Breakfast won’t be ready for another few minutes, but there’s coffee.”

“Thanks.” I pour myself a cup and glance at the door, hoping the food is ready soon and that I can fill a plate and head back to my cabin before the other guys arrive.

“Do you need me to scramble you an egg? You seem like you’re in a hurry to get out of here.”

“I’m not in the mood for people. I was planning to grab a to-go plate.”

She eyes me a second, then opens the fridge. “I’ll throw together a couple of breakfast tacos for you. There are leftover potatoes from last night. I’ll just add some egg and green chiles.”

“Sounds awesome. Thank you.” I perch on a barstool and sip my coffee.

She checks whatever is in the oven, then drops some potatoes and chiles into a pan. “I’m happy to listen if you want to talk.”

“Not sure I can do that without coming apart, but when I have a better handle on things, I might take you up on that.” This is the most I’ve spoken since leaving the Fields’s house the second time. And I didn’t get much in the way of sleep last night. Those hours were spent running through all the things I wanted to say on the drive back. The words I kept to myself because I didn’t want to make the breakup any harder on Primrose.

If I had anything in the way of painting skills, I could create an exact replica of my ceiling. That’s what I stared at most of the night.

Ava adds eggs to the pan, warms tortillas, then builds three tacos. Before wrapping them in foil, she sprinkles on cheese. “Here you go.” She drops them in a paper bag. “And take that mug. You can just bring it back whenever.”

“I appreciate this.” I stand, then meet her at the end of the counter and wrap her in a hug.

“I hate seeing you upset.” She rubs my back and hugs me tighter before letting go.

“I thought she was the one. And I think maybe she’s afraid I am. But I’ll be okay.”

“Sometimes it’s harder to let yourself be loved than it is to give love. Don’t give up on her.” Ava hugs me again. “You come find me if you need anything.”

“I will.” I pick up my bag of food. “And this will sound corny, but I appreciate your mom hugs more than I can express. Since my mom is gone…” If I keep talking, I’ll start blubbering.

She flashes her warm smile. “You should run along before you make me cry.”

Nodding, I head out the door.

Parker calls out as I open my truck. “Leaving? Aren’t you going to eat?”

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