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“I told you, Javier said he wants to make sure I see this in person.”
“You did, and—”
“And we’re moving quickly to make sure we complete this renovation. I think we can open Monday next week.”
“Wow, in like, ten days? I knew things were going well, but that well?”
“We should be able to do it.”
I stared at him, not sure how to reply. Did I call bullshit? Or act like I didn’t suspect something more was happening? “Well, if you need to go to Miami, I hope it will be a good trip.”
“Thanks.” He sighed and pulled me into a tight embrace. “I’ll be back in a few days.” My hair muffled his voice. “And I’ll be counting down the days until I see you again.”
I wasn’t sure about that. Not with him being so elusive with me. Plus, a lot had happened to us in the span of about a week, and...I don’t totally know this guy.Sure, he seemed nice, charming, and oh-so-irresistible, but I’d been down similar roads with other men in the past. It always started out so strong, so fierce, so happy. But inevitably, reality always showed through. It always served as the best disinfectant. The men I had crushes on or liked at the beginning of a relationship always let me down, and many of them did so in the first few weeks. Whenever I looked back on it, I could always pinpoint a moment when the headiness of attraction gave way to the disappointment of reality.
That was probably happening now.
“I hope you have a good trip,” I said, and it was all I could manage. Even in his embrace, I was sure Robert was hiding something, sure he was about to let me down in an epic, nuclear way. Better to prepare myself now than to waste time letting him into my heart. The less I cared, the less painful it would be.
“I’ll text you while I’m gone.” He broke the hug.
“I hear it’s a great town. Hope you have the chance to enjoy it while you’re down there and you get a feel for what it’s like.”
“I’ll take plenty of photos.” He gave me a soft smile. “Now, if you don’t mind, I have to go home and pack.”
“That’s fine.” I moved to the front door and yanked it open. “I’ve got a few things to do before opening too.” Then I added, “We have a couple of bites on some of the first editions I’ve had trouble selling. People saw the video andGood Morning USA, and they want more.”
“That’s fantastic news.” He stepped forward and gave me a quick peck before walking out of the store.
I didn’t let the kiss linger. I was already in shutdown mode, and if I let him get too close to me, if I made our goodbye too languid, that would do nothing for me and would only make things worse. No, it was better to start building my walls immediately.
“I’ll see you later,” he said, and if he was onto me, his comment gave no indication.
“See you later,” I replied, and as I watched him descend the steps, the moment felt like the end of something.
And it probably was.
