Page 71 of Wine and Research
Now, she needed to do the same for Jeremy.
But, God, it was so much harder.
Elle knew they could get past their squabble about her secrets and her concern over his trust issues. But she wasn’t going to even try now.
Running into Callum had changed that. It reminded her of her curse and that due to her feelings for Jeremy, and his for her, she’d put him in jeopardy. They meant more to one another than a way to release steam.
And therein lied the problem. Keeping things physical was fine, but getting their hearts involved was stupid.
Still, Elle just wasn’t sure if she could find the strength to leave.
Last night, torn between her desire to salvage the relationship and the realization that its end was inevitable, she’d started packing. All that was left was to load up her car, visit with her friends to say her goodbyes, then drive out of town.
She’d tried to load it up this morning but chickened out.
Still it had to be done.
The fact he hadn’t called her like he’d said he would only firmed her resolve. She could use it, build upon it to make him see it was best if she left.
Despite the pain, she recognized that holding on would only prolong their mutual suffering. Reluctantly, she accepted that letting go was the kindest choice for both of them, even though it meant facing the future alone. Again.
“Elle?” Jeremy’s voice had her jumping to her feet and her heart racing out of control.
She cleared her throat and swiped the tears from her cheeks before turning to watch his approach. He was striding with purpose. His shoulders were back, head held high, and a determined gleam shone in his eyes.
Her heart rolled in her chest.
The betrayal, the hurt…they were gone. And Dear God, in its place was affection and warmth.
This was going to be so much harder than she thought.
“I’m sorry about yesterday.” He stopped in front of her and reached for her hand. Remorse entered his gaze, but the warmth and affection remained. “Can you forgive me for being a jackass?”
Butterflies bypassed her stomach and took up residence in her tight chest. No man had ever, ever looked at her like that before. Her whole body shook with the same emotions showing in his eyes.
It was amazing.
But it also wasn’t good.
She nodded and tugged free. It was too hard to think when he touched her.
“I ran into your ex-husband,” he said, knocking the breath from her lungs.
Elle blinked. “How do you know Callum?”
A smile tugged at his lips. “I’d never met him before. I only recognized him as the man you were hugging outside Jenna’s shop yesterday.”
Heat rushed into her cheeks. “It was a shock to bump into him there. Timing wasn’t great, though, because I saw you drive by. I can only imagine what you thought.”
He stepped closer. “Sorry to say, my thoughts stemmed from my head, which was up my ass.”
She snickered despite their dire situation. God, she was going to miss his wit. She was going to miss everything about him.
Her throat heated and closed again. It was time to get it over with. It hurt too much to stand here with him regarding her with…affection.
“Don’t go, Elle,” he said, his gaze darkening with pain. “Don’t run away. Stay here with me. I love you, Elle. I want you in my life full-time. None of this part-time stuff.”
Tears managed to escape her eyes and trickled down her face. “I love you too. That’s why I need to go.”
