Page 59 of A Cowboy Sugar Cookie Kiss
“Instead of the people who live in this hellhole.”
“That’s not fair.” I fold my arms over my chest. “I’ve worked my whole life for this break.”
“Then take it.”
“There was never any doubt I wasn’t.”
His slow nod breaks my heart. He doesn’t understand this is as hard for me as it is for him.
“I guess our vacation fling comes to an end.” He closes in the space between us. His strong hands cup my face. Gentle. Like I’m a cherished gem. “I’ll miss you, Maggie. I’ll miss you so goddam much.”
I grasp his hands. “Shower with me.”
His eyelids drop closed. His deep breaths lift his chest. When he opens his eyes, his pain radiates off my own. “I wish nothing but the best for you.” He kisses my forehead and storms out of the bedroom leaving me alone to celebrate. And celebrate is what I should be doing. Then why do I feel like my world just crashed around me.
***
COLE
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INEED TO RIDE.
Without a word, I pass the fancy asshole waiting in my suite for my woman, and grab my boots and Stetson. I storm out the door carrying both and run straight into Sadie.
“What’s the rush, Cowboy? I thought you two were having a day in.” She must catch my vibe because her smile vanishes. “What’s happening? What’s wrong?”
“I have to go.”
“Go? Go where? Is it grams? Or your granddad?”
I shake my head. I can barely think. “They’re fine. But your sister is getting ready to leave, so maybe you want to go say bye before she leaves.”
“Leaves? Where is she going?”
“Out of this hellhole.” My words sting.
I step around her and don’t stop until I’ve driven home, mounted Buttermilk and ride the trial we both know by heart. I feel myself breaking. Falling apart at the edges.
She’s leaving.
A repeat of emotions filter through me. I dig my heel into buttermilks side. Faster. Harder. I’m know I’m trying to outrun my feelings. I know that I can’t. I’ve been down this road, but I can’t buckle again. I can’t turn to alcohol and nights at the bar. Those things won’t ease my pain. But oh how my body craves them. Craves the idea of forgetting everything. Just for a minute.
Buttercup takes me to an open field. My girl knows me best. We ride hard and fast. Minutes pass. Hours pass. By the time we make it back home, it’s dark. Pitch black. The fundraiser will be starting soon.
I unbridle Buttercup and run my hand over her side. “Good girl.”
I want to go inside, down a drink and pretend this whole week never happened. But I won’t. I refuse to miss out on my life. Even if I feel numb right now. I don’t know how many more times granddad will host the fundraiser. And I gave them my word. I sure as hell don’t go back on my word. Even if my hearts broken. Even if my soul is crushed. Even if the woman I love just walked away.
***
MAGGIE
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IFEEL NUMB. MY BODY. My insides. My soul.
This is what I want. Breaking into his reality tv show will launch my career. My cookies will be featured on every platform I can imagine. This opportunity is exactly what I’ve spent my life working toward.
