Page 77 of Edinburgh Escape
He nodded. “I have no choice. I’m not fit for a relationship with anyone.”
“I get it.” Maggie backed away. “You aren’t as into me as I’m into you, but you can’t just come out and say it.” She squared her shoulders. “Thank you for coming to my rescue. You did your job. Making love with me was probably just a perk, or worse...a responsibility to keep the client happy. Either way, you’re off the hook. I won’t bother you anymore. You can go on with your life, and I’ll go back to Montana.”
Maggie stepped into the room Callum had shared with her and made the sweetest love with her. She met his gaze. “Goodnight and goodbye.” Then she closed the door.
Chapter 16
Maggie lay awake all night, stewing over Callum’s rejection. As much as she wanted to stay the rest of the two weeks and get to know her brothers, she couldn’t remain in the house where she’d made love to Callum and fallen in love with the big jerk.
He was leaving with Ace the next day. She couldn’t stay in a house filled with memories of him after he left. She’d be so depressed she’d be horrible company for Ewan and Bryce. They had gone through enough that they didn’t need to have her hanging around, making them sad, too.
She might as well go home. If she could leave before Callum, she wouldn’t have to experience that empty, lonely feeling of a place that had been full of him and suddenly wasn’t. Okay, that sounded crazy, but it was a thing.
Rather than lie in bed, crying over a man who obviously didn’t feel the same about her as she felt about him, Maggie gave up, got up and packed.
By the time dawn peeked over the horizon, she had gathered her belongings and showered and changed into her travel clothes—a pair of leggings, a stretchy T-shirt and a long, warm sweater. She draped her overcoat over her arm and carried her suitcase down the stairs, careful not to make a noise and wake anyone in the house.
Rather than exit through the front door, she decided to go through the kitchen and out the back to avoid running into anyone.
As she passed the sitting room, she paused and peered into the darkened interior.
Callum sat on the sofa near the fireplace, his feet propped on the table in front of him and his head leaned back against the carved wood frame of the seat as if he’d fallen asleep sitting up, trying to stay awake.
Were his nightmares so bad he didn’t want to go to sleep?
Maggie pressed a hand to her chest, feeling his pain, knowing she could do nothing to ease it. Not as long as he pushed her away, refusing to let her help him in any way.
She couldn’t help him if he didn’t want to be helped. It wasn’t as if they’d known each other long. He hadn’t committed anything to her. He’d said from the beginning that nothing would come of a relationship between them.
Then why did she feel like she was abandoning the man? That she was running away from helping him work past the PTSD that plagued his dreams.
Maggie had to remind herself that he didn’t want her help and that he would be leaving that day anyway, probably going with Ace to Zurich, where the Brotherhood Protectors International was based.
She’d always wanted to go to Switzerland. Maggie sighed. She’d have to save her money and make that trip alone. Callum wasn’t interested. He wouldn’t be waiting for her.
Hiking her backpack over her shoulder, Maggie gave Callum one last, longing glance then moved on, down the hall, heading for the back door.
As she passed through the kitchen, Cook stepped out of the pantry, nearly scaring her to death. She pressed a hand to her chest and laughed. “I didn’t think anyone was awake yet.”
Cook eyed Maggie’s suitcase. “Are you leaving?”
Heat filled Maggie’s cheeks. “I need to go home to Montana.”
She gave Maggie an accusing look. “Lord Drummond and Master Bryce will be disappointed you didn’t stay long enough to say goodbye.”
“I left a note on the dresser in my room. It explains everything. I don’t like long, drawn-out goodbyes.”
Cook crossed her arms over her ample chest. “What about Mr. McCall? He went to the trouble of rescuing you from the Russians. Doesn’t he deserve a face-to-face goodbye?”
Maggie’s mouth twisted into a grimace. “Didn’t he tell you? He’s leaving today. I’m just leaving sooner. He won’t miss me.”
Cook’s eyes narrowed. “You’re running away.”
Maggie shook her head. “No. I just know when I need to go home. I don’t belong here. My life is in Montana, teaching preschool children. This was just a nice vacation where I got to meet my brothers.” Her eyes filled with tears. “I really hope Bryce feels better soon. He’s such a beautiful and brave little boy. And I hope Ewan gets through the probate period without any issues. I told him in my letter that I want nothing from the estate and that it should go to the rightful heirs: Ewan and Bryce. I only wanted to meet them, not take anything from them.”
“Ewan never wanted any part of his father’s estate,” Cook said. “He was so very happy to know he had a sister. One more person to share the burden of his father’s legacy. He was really happy when you arrived. And Master Bryce...he loves having a sister. Even if she’s a grown woman. You’re one more person to love. That little boy has a heart so big, he fills it with all the people he loves without running out of room.” Cook sighed. “Please reconsider and stay.”
Maggie’s eyes filled with tears. “I love Ewan and Bryce. I always wanted siblings, and I’m happy to know I have them, but I can’t stay. I don’t belong here. I belong in Montana. I’m sorry, but I have to go.” Before I fall apart and beg Callum to love me. She wanted to say that and almost did.
