But real life is hitting me hard this morning. I have to deal with the not-so-minor issue of my contractual marriage requirement. And this guy next to me? He doesn’t deserve to get dragged into my mess.
Even if I did want to date him (which I kind of, sort of, really do), it’s not possible at the moment. Not for a year. And what am I supposed to do, ask him to wait for me? This gorgeous, successful guy who no doubt has women going after him on a daily basis—no, that would be completely unfair.
I need to get out of here. Make a clean break.
I slip out of the bed and dress quietly. I find a pad of paper in his living room and scribble him a quick note. Then, I return to the bedroom quietly and place the note on the pillow next to him.
I kiss him quickly on the lips. He doesn’t budge. I fight back the ridiculous emotion that threatens to clog my throat, and I leave his cabin quietly.
I don’t even know his last name. Getting attached makes no sense.
But I was. Getting attached.
I liked him.
Ilikehim.
Which is even more reason for me to let him go. Maybe in a year, I’ll run into him again, when I have my life figured out. When I’m no longer looking for a fake husband. Maybe then, we can be something. But until then, I have to go.
I manage to roll my motorcycle out of sight of Declan’s cabin without revving the engine. I’m congratulating myself on that fact when I nearly run over a cowboy.
He’s standing in the path I need to drive down to reach the back gate, the only way I know how to get out of here. Judging by his dark hair and facial features, he’s one of Declan’s cousins.
And I’m sneaking out of Declan’s place wearing the same clothes I had on yesterday. I certainly look like I’m doing the ride of shame, and from the frown he shoots me, this guy knows it.
“Hello.” I lean one foot on the ground. “I’m Mia.”
He tips his cowboy hat. “Luke.”
This family certainly is a good-looking bunch. Luke’s got crystal clear blue eyes and a confident swagger to him. He’s a handsome cowboy, for sure, and the scar on his right cheek just makes him sexier.
I stand up off the bike. “Nice to meet you, Luke. Is this your ranch?”
“My parents’ technically. But they’re retired now.”
“Well, it’s beautiful.” I sit back down on my bike. “I’ve got to be going now…”
He glances over my shoulder. “You coming from my cousin’s cabin?”
I flush hot with guilt. “Yes.”
“You spent the night?”
“Are you always this nosy?”
“I am when it involves someone I care about.” His piercing eyes pin me in place. “And it looks like you’re trying to make a quick getaway.”
“It’s best this way,” I murmur so quietly he has to lean forward to hear me. “Believe me. I’d only be complicating his life in a way he doesn’t deserve.”
Luke furrows his brow. “Okay. If you’re in some kind of trouble, I’m sure we could all help you out…”
“You can’t. But I appreciate the offer. Small towns really are friendlier than cities.” I rev the engine and give him a wave. “See you, Luke.”
He juts his chin at me. “Mia.”
* * *
When I get home to my one-bedroom apartment, I don’t want to deal with anything. And, because it’s Saturday, I don’t have to go into work. So, I crawl under the covers and go to sleep.
