Page 46 of Harvest Moon (Riverbend 3)

Remembering that Mallory divulged Laurel’s single status, she quirked a brow. “Maybe you should tell me—you seem to be keeping up with her.”

A flush creeped up his neck. “I run into her sometimes at the Iron Skillet... Does she enjoy working there? I guess she’s assistant manager now.”

“She likes it but I don’t think it’s her forever job or anything. She wants to own a farm or something like that. She’s dating Mike Clayton now. He graduated a couple years ahead of us.”

“I remember him. He set a couple track records.”

“He’s very nice. He just got his pilot’s license.”

“I think I heard that. He’s attending Mars Hill, isn’t he?”

“Yeah, he’s studying business.”

“Well, I hope it works out for them.” Their gazes met, tangling for a long moment. Both of them seeming to realize that the platitude he’d tossed out wouldn’t be true for the two of them.

His gaze grew intense, the corners of his eyes tightening. “I miss you, Laurel.”

He wanted her back. Something inside went soft with longing even as warning flags waved. She was weak. So weak. She could not go that route again. It led to nothing but heartache.Remember where you were. Remember those days in bed. Remember the slow climb out. Don’t do this to yourself again.

She pressed back into her seat, drawing as far away from him as she could. “Don’t say that, Gavin.”

He leaned forward, elbows on the table. His expression offered something she longed so badly to reach out and grasp. “Why not? It’s true.”

Fear flowed like a ribbon of poison through her veins. She reached for her purse.

He took her hand. “Don’t leave. Please. Hear me out.”

“I didn’t come here for this. It won’t work.”

His eyes sharpened on her face, probably seeing far more than she wanted him to. “It’s okay. Slow down. Talk to me.”

She settled back in her seat, willing her heart to stop thudding in her chest. She would be okay. He couldn’t make her do anything she didn’t want. But that was the problem, wasn’t it? Her stupid heart wanted him right back. And she was afraid she was too weak to turn him away.

“Tell me why it won’t work,” he said gently, his hand still on hers. His thumb stroking the back of it.

She jerked her hand away. “It justwon’t. We live hours apart, Gavin. You didn’t make me a priority. I didn’t feel like you were committed to me, to us.”

“That’s not true—”

“You were too busy with everything else to call and text, and I’m not doing that again. I can’t. I won’t.”

“I’ll admit I took you for granted. You have no idea how sorry I am for that. If you give me another chance, I’ll prove to you that—”

“No. Long-distance relationships don’t work. I’m not going through that again.” Mallory’s words flickered in her mind. Her friend was always encouraging her to open up again—sometimes even in reference to Gavin. She pushed the thought away.

Gavin’s brows knitted and his eyes narrowed thoughtfully. A moment later his expression relaxed and he tilted his head back. Gratification flickered in his eyes.

She jutted her chin out. “What? What’s that look for?”

Their gazes tangled for a long moment, that annoying triumphant look still twinkling in his eyes. “You never said you don’t love me anymore.”

Heat flushed through her, collecting in her cheeks. She had to get out of here. She stood and nailed him with the most confident expression she could muster. “This was never meant to be, Gavin. Go back to college and get on with your life. That’s exactly what I’m going to do.”

Chapter18

Gavin pulled his truck into the church parking lot and turned into an empty space.

From her car seat, Emma peeked out the window. “Church!”

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