Page 44 of Wicked Cowboy
Why wasn’t it pitch black right now?
He swallowed. “I don’t want to hurt either of you. I know marriage can be a long time of unhappiness and Chelsea needs to be safe.”
“I guess,” I said and kicked a rock out of my shoe. “I don’t fully get why you changed on her.”
He pointed to the door. “Look, we’ll figure out semantics tomorrow. You’re welcome to stay as long as Chelsea needs you here.”
I backed away and took the phone out of my back pocket as he walked forward. “It’s late. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
We’d returned my rental. He turned toward me, but I used an app and called a car. Luckily, I had two minutes and not forty that it takes to get to town.
I had my wallet and my phone. The clothes inside didn’t matter and I could ask to send my things… when I was clear.
He returned to me and asked, “Where are you going?”
I put my phone in my pocket. I needed to get out of here and figure out my next move.
In the morning, I’d make decisions.
I trembled. “Hotel, I guess. I need to clear my brain and I can’t do that here.”
“Don’t,” He said as I heard my phone beep.
It must be my ride.
I grabbed his hand. “Let the driver in. It’s for the best. For both of us. I’ll see you tomorrow morning for breakfast.”
His muscles were tense. For a moment, I wasn’t sure what he’d do. Touching him was painful because I wanted to melt for him.
This wasn’t good. I let him go.
Being invisible was what I needed, but I’d not sleep in a bed in his house ever again.
If we were over, we were over.
As the car stopped, I hopped inside and refused to look back.
Soon I’d be in a hotel room and be able to breathe and cry my heart out with these tears.
If I looked back, I’d start now. So I held my sniffles and kept my head up.
Chapter 15
Carter
I stared at the car that drove off and my gut twisted. It was like I was being pelted with bullets all around me again. Training had me hold my position until backup arrived, which had been far too late for any of my unit.
And I’d been all alone.
As the dust of the car settled, the ache in my heart robbed me of feeling any ease.
What I’d just said physically hurt. But Ridley had to know the truth. Hopefully, I'd stopped her before she had half the feelings I had for her.
Nothing stirred near me now and I slumped my shoulders and intended to go to my room, not that I’d be able to sleep.
However, as I closed the door, my father stood In front of me, his face white.
He stared behind me and asked, “Who came? Where’s Ridley?”
