“Then why are you runnin’ away like the ranch is on fire?”
I glanced back toward the house where Lucas waspretending not to watch us. “I just... this is real life now. Back there, in Amarillo, it was like we were in a bubble. Just us. No complications.”
Diego’s expression softened. “And what’s so complicated about now?”
“Everything,” I admitted, running a hand through my hair. “People. Expectations. The fact that I’m leaving after New Year’s. The fact that you’re not staying either.”
He was quiet for a moment, his thumb absently stroking the inside of my wrist where he still held me. “So that’s it? We just pretend none of it happened?”
“Isn’t that easier?” I asked, hating how weak I sounded.
“When have I ever done things the easy way, Freckles?” Diego’s lips quirked up in that half-smile that did dangerous things to my insides.
“Diego,” I sighed, “I can’t... I don’t know how to do this.”
“Do what?”
“This!” I gestured between us. “Whatever this is. I’m just not cut out for it.” Then, without meaning to, “How do I know you’re not gonna just get tired of me in a couple months or a year from now?”
Understanding dawned in his eyes. “I’m not Tommy,” he said quietly.
The name hit me like a physical blow. “I know that,” I spat.
“Do you?” He stepped closer, close enough that I could smell that mix of soap and cologne that had become so familiar over the last two days. “Because I don’t think you’re even givin’ me a chance to prove that I’m not. You’ve already judged and sentenced me before I even got to try.”
His words stung because they were true. I was pushing him away before he had a chance to hurt me, using the same self-protective tactics I’d perfected in California. But this wasn’t California, and Diego wasn’t Tommy.
“That’s not fair,” I said, though my voice lacked conviction.
“No, what’s not fair is you assuming I’m gonna chew you up and spit you out just because some asshole did before.” Diego’s eyesdarkened, not with desire this time but with hurt. “I thought we had somethin’ real back there.”
I looked down at my shoes, using the hat to hide my face, unable to meet his gaze. “We did. We do. I just?—”
“You’re scared. I get it.” His voice softened as he stepped closer, his fingers gently tilting my chin up. “Hell, I’m scared too, Freckles. You think I haven’t been thinkin’ about this since I met you? I’ve spent my whole life movin’ from place to place, never gettin’ attached. But then I met you, and suddenly I’m wonderin’ what it might be like to stay put for once.”
My heart stuttered in my chest. “You’re just saying that.”
“When have I ever said anythin’ I didn’t mean?” He challenged, his thumb brushing across my bottom lip. “I’m not askin’ for forever right now. I’m just askin’ for a chance.”
A lump formed in my throat. I wanted to believe him. God, I wanted to so badly. But the memory of Tommy’s betrayal was still too fresh, the wounds still too raw.
“I need some time,” I whispered. “To think. To... process everything.”
Diego nodded slowly, reluctantly dropping his hand from my face. “Okay. Time I can give you.” He took a step back, and I immediately missed his warmth. “But don’t take too long, Freckles. New Year’s is only two weeks away.”
The ghost of a smile touched my lips. “I’ll… I’ll do my best.”
“I’ll be here when you’re ready to talk,” he said, his eyes never leaving mine. “Or if you just want company. No pressure. I just like bein’ around you.”
I nodded, not trusting my voice. Part of me wanted to throw caution to the wind and fall into his arms right there in the driveway. But the louder, more cautious part won out.
“I should go,” I said again, taking a step backward. “Dolly’s waiting.”
Diego didn’t try to stop me this time. He justflashed me that infuriating smirk that somehow made my knees weak. “Give her my best.”
I turned and walked away, feeling his eyes on me the whole time. It took everything I had not to look back.
The three-mile walk to town gave me time to think, to breathe in the crisp winter air and try to untangle the mess of emotions inside me. By the time I reached Aunt Dolly’s Diner, I had almost convinced myself I’d made the right choice. Almost.
