Page 89 of Every Thought Taken

“Thanks.” I pop another chip in my mouth. “Hoping time alone changes things. That we find us again.” I pick at an invisible piece of lint on my jeans and drop my gaze. “There’re some other things I need to talk with Ales about. Not yet. Soon, though.”

“Sounds serious.”

I purse my lips and nod. “You have no idea.”

He rests a hand on my shoulder. “We haven’t known each other long, but if you ever need a friend…”

“Appreciate it.” I straighten and point to his plate. “Done?”

With a nod, he hands me the plate. I take them to the kitchen, scrub them clean and set them in the rack. Wander back down the hall without a word, go into the guest room, and plop down on the mattress. I stare at the ceiling and get lost in my thoughts.

First, fix things with Helena. Then, sit down with Ales and spill every dark secret.

It’s the latter thought that twists my gut. Of all people, Ales always supported and loved me. Shame washes over me at the fact I haven’t been completely forthcoming. I hope exposing the truth doesn’t hurt her. It will hurt I didn’t tell her sooner, but I needed my own time to heal. Hopefully, she understands. Because damn, I can’t lose her. She’s all I have left, at least for now.

CHAPTER49

HELENA

I’m sorry, what?A week? He wants to go away for a week?

“What would we do for a week?”

The question sounds stupid the second it leaves my lips. Like I’ve never spent a week away from town. Unfortunately, the last time I went on a real vacation was years ago. Owning a business, especially in the early years, makes it difficult to get away.

Business has been good, more than good, and I am beyond grateful.

After reviewing the schedule and speaking with Becca and Charise, they were more than willing to take on extra shifts to gift me time off. They also want every detail of my trip when I return.

When Anderson mentioned the idea, I figured two or three days tops. Boy, had I been wrong.

I twist the ring on my right hand as nervous energy swirls beneath my diaphragm.

Being away from the store for a week has me a little on edge, but it isn’t the root cause of this nervous buzz. The store will be fine, of that I am sure. Becca and Charise can run the store with their eyes closed.

No, it’s the time alone with Anderson that has me highly strung. Minutes and hours and days of uninterrupted time together. Perspiration dampens my skin as my hands start to tremble. My hands fall to my sides as I curl my fingers tight. Seconds later, I relax my hands and wipe my sweaty palms on the sides of my thighs.

Am I ready for a week alone with Anderson? Just me, him, and the wilderness. I don’t hate the idea.

He chuckles. “Whatever you want.” Stepping into me, he reaches for my hand and brushes his thumb over my ring.His ring.“I’ve checked out campgrounds nearby. Trails and spots you might not have seen. We can spend time hiking, but I’m also cool with chilling in the van and catching up.”

Catching up with Anderson. It sounds dangerous and delicious. Much as I’d love to curl into his side for an entire week and hear about every part of his life I missed, being constantly close to him may be a hazard to my health. And his.

“I have a cat,” I blurt out.

His brows shoot up. “Okay.”

“I can’t leave her for a week.”

He shrugs. “Bring her with us.”

God, he makes it sound so easy.Pack a bag and bring your cat for a week on the road.

What if she’s scared of car rides? Cats in cars are different than dogs. My baby is barely a year old and has only known the four main walls of my apartment for ten of those months. Will nature freak her out? Will she run off? What if I lose her?

No.

“It’s not that easy.”

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