“One more thing.” I rap my knuckles against the counter. “Does my sister know you went to Montana?”
Noah’s face turns one shade lighter. “No.”
I chuckle. “You’re screwed.”
“Dude, don’t remind me.” He drags a hand over his face and for the first time since he got here, I feel a littlesorry for the poor bastard.
CHAPTER 16
DAISY
Itake the left turn between the break in the trees, uncertain if I’ve followed Bella’s instructions correctly. I’m jolted left and right as my car fights against the uneven dirt road beneath the tyres. The sunlight is muted under the thick cover of trees overhead and I contemplate turning around right before a familiar vehicle comes into view, the logo for the Calloway Ranch displayed across the side.
“For fuck’s sake,” I grumble at the sight of Noah’s truck.
My eyes move past the truck, focusing on the log cabin towering behind it and all disgruntled thoughts of Noah leave me as my mouth drops open in awe.
Stacked logs lay horizontally on top of each other, the shadows from the trees making the wood appear darker than it is. Large windows flank both sides of the wooden front door. There are steps leading up to the porch that is sheltered by a balcony located on the second story of the cabin.
Trees surround the building, isolating it from the outside world and giving you the illusion that you’ve entered an enchanted forest. String bulbs hang above the porch, and I try to imagine what it must be like at night when it’s all lit up.
Tears prick my eyes, and I swallow past the lump in my throat.
It’s everything we spoke about as teenagers.
This is our dream house.
He built our dream house.
Why?
Why would he do this?
A loud sob escapes me, and I cover my face with both hands as tears begin to fall unchecked. My shoulders shake with force as I completely break down in the driver’s seat of my car outside my ex’s house.
I don’t know how long I sit there with my head cradled in my hands before a loud knock startles me. My bleary eyes land on Noah where he leans down at my car window.
“You good, Daisy?” His voice is muffled by the glass between us. My cheeks flush as I offer a shaky nod, deciding that this was a terrible idea.
With shaking hands, I try to put my keys in the ignition, needing to get the hell out of here. Only, in my flustered state, the keys slip between my fingers, landing with a muted thud between my feet.
I’m leaning down, batting my hand around the footwell in search of the keys when my door is wrenched open, bringing the sting of cold air with it.
A defeated sigh leaves me, my body deflating with the realisation that I’ve lost my opportunity to escape without embarrassing myself further.
Sitting up, I come face to face with Killian. His eyes are laced with concern and confusion as he stares down at me. Cheeks burning with embarrassment, I pull my gaze away from him, instead focusing on Noah as he climbs into his truck and drives away.
“Get out of the car, Dais.”
My lips tighten into a thin line as I shake my head.
“Why?” Killian asks, his tone the softest I’ve heard it since my return.
“I can’t go in there.”
“Goddammit, Daisy,” he growls, slamming the door.
With a frown, I watch as Killian rounds the car, opens the passenger door and climbs in beside me.
