Page 18 of The One for Me
“So far?” I say the words on a breath.
“He bought an ungodly amount of land and wants to expand our cattle business. It’s a smart move, and if I go, I’ll run that farm.”
He was right that I wouldn’t have gone. I would never go that far. My family is here, and I need to be close for selfish reasons. They may be difficult, but they helped me when I was lost.
“It’s a good opportunity for you.”
Oliver takes my hand. “I think it’s good for both of us. If I leave, then we don’t have to worry about running into each other or any awkwardness.”
The sad part is that I don’t feel awkward around him. I don’t feel sad or hurt. It was a friendship that was always between us. The only regret is that I let him think a life together could be more. Now, I’m going to give him whatever comfort I can.
“Maybe you’re right. I don’t know how I’d feel if I saw you with someone else.”
“I can’t stay when I know Sean is here, Dev. I can let you go because I love you enough to want you to be happy, but I can’t watch it.”
I look into his deep blue eyes and see the pain there. “We’re not . . .”
“Maybe not now. Maybe not in the next six months, but someday, the two of you will be, and I can’t be here. So, I’ve come to say goodbye.”
“Is it wrong to say I hate this?”
Oliver chuckles. “Is it wrong that I’m glad you do?”
I smile. “No.”
“Then we’re not wrong.”
We get to our feet, and he pulls me into his arms for a sweet hug. I’m going to miss him. Oliver has been good to me and for me. There were no secrets or lies. No tawdry meetings in closets or whatever stolen kisses I was allowed.
He loved me in the open.
He loved me for who I was.
And now I have to let him go—for good.
I push onto my toes, and press my lips to his. “Thank you, Ollie.”
My body is tugged forward into a tight embrace.
As we release each other, I turn and Sean is walking up the drive. His hands are in his pockets, light brown hair hanging slightly in his eyes. He wears an easy smile, but I can see the tightness around his eyes as he climbs the stairs.
“Oliver,” Sean says, extending his hand.
Oliver, ever the gentleman, returns the gesture and then clears his throat. “Sean, take care of her.”
Without another word, he walks away, leaving me with Sean, who has a million questions in his eyes.
Chapter Six
Sean
“Devney?”
I need to know what that was. Did she tell him?
“Oliver is leaving for Wyoming.”
I shouldn’t be happy by this. No, I should be sad because Devney looks as though she’s about to break down. Her coffee-colored eyes are soft and glossy. When she cries, I fucking lose it. There’s nothing that breaks my heart more than that.
