He gives me a small smile, then adds, “But I’m really looking forward to tomorrow. I miss you.”
Those three little words nearly unravel me. I close my eyes tight to trap the tears, but it’s no use.
“I miss you too,” I whisper, opening them slowly and hoping he can’t see everything written in my expression.
A car horn blares from the driveway, causing us both to glance toward the front.
“Guess I’d better go. Can’t keep His Highness waiting,” Colt jokes, standing. He brings my hand to his lips and kisses it tenderly. My lungs seize like I’ve forgotten how to breathe. “I’ll try to be home early tonight, okay?” he says, hesitating like he knows this goodbye is a little heavier than usual.
“Okay.”
He turns to walk away, and the second his hand slips from mine, something inside me panics.
“I love you,” I blurt out, the words escaping before I can reel them in. They sound too sharp, too desperate, too much.
Colt freezes mid-step, then turns and strides back toward me. He leans in and kisses me hard, his lips pressing against mine with a mix of urgency and reassurance. Pulling back, he rests hisforehead against mine. “I love you too, baby. Until the end of time. You know that, right?”
I nod, unable to speak through the lump in my throat.
He kisses me again, softer this time, then turns and walks out.
I wait until I hear the front door click shut and then my body folds over the table as the sobs rip through me—silent at first, then shaking and raw.
Because loving someone doesn’t always mean you get to keep them.
***
Colt didn’t make it home early last night like he said he would. In fact, he came in well past three in the morning—later than usual and clearly buzzed. Apparently, after seeing Caleb, Hux took him out to a bar to celebrate. They had security, and aside from a few eager fans, the night was uneventful for them.
But for me?
I spent the night in the bath with a glass of wine in hand and “All by Myself” playing on repeat like some tragicBridget Jonescliché. I cried quietly, letting the steam blur my vision and the water numb the ache in my chest.
I was already in bed when he stumbled in, murmuring apologies as he climbed in beside me. He said he couldn’t say no to Hux, not when they weren’t celebrating his birthday tonight, and this was his chance to spend time with him. I nodded, told him it was fine. He should do whatever makes him happy. And clearly, right now, that doesn’t include me.
I wake up emotionally spent. There’s a dull weight pressing into my chest, one that hasn’t lifted in weeks. Colt’s beside me, out cold, groaning softly as the light creeps into the room.
We didn’t touch last night. He passed out as soon as he hit the pillow. I could have curled into him, but I didn’t. I wasn’t sure if he’d welcome it, or if he’d even notice.
Lately, it feels like he’s slipping away—piece by piece.
He stirs again, groaning, “Mace…”
My stomach turns.
Did he just sayhername?
I glance over, and my heart stutters. His hand shifts downward, adjusting his obvious erection. My breath catches.
A dream.He’s dreaming ofher.
I press my lips together to stop them from trembling. I don’t want to make assumptions, but that doesn’t stop the ugly twist in my gut.
Colt groans again, rubbing his face, and then slowly blinks his eyes open. “Man… Hux really fed me too much of your old friend Jack last night.”
I force a tight smile. “So it seems.”
He turns to face me, his voice still hoarse. “How was your night? I’m sorry I got home so late.”
