I pick up a travel pouch of tissues and hand it to her, followed by a couple of pens. Then, I reach for something silver that’s glinting on the floor.
When my fingers close around it, I give it a passing glance.
The familiarity of it makes me look more closely.
No way. It can’t be. It can’t. And yet…
I jerk backward as I realize what I’m holding.
A silver pin in the shape of a ship. With two words unmistakably stamped across the front.
Lucky Queen.
CHAPTER TWELVE
The server arriving to collect the tab saves me from having to speak.
Because I am fucking speechless.
I toss the server a wad of bills along with the receipt and stand up.
I clear my throat. “I…” That one word comes out so hoarse I have to reach down for my water.
I take several gulps before I manage to get out, “I have to go.”
Emery’s eyes widen, and I catch the glint of hurt in them when I make up a lame excuse of needing to go help Luke with the morning chores.
“Oh. Um, sure.” She stands up too.
We drive back to the ranch in an awkward silence.
My mind is going in a thousand directions, and if I speak, I may break.
So, as is my habit, I don’t say a damn word.
I pull up to Emery’s cabin, and she opens her door.
But before she gets out, she pauses and looks back at me.
She’s going to see the pain in my eyes.
And no one can see that.
No one ever has.
“I’ll see you later,” I say gruffly before I kiss her cheek and turn back to face the windshield.
I don’t move until she’s left the vehicle and has shut the door behind her. Then, I turn the truck around and head for the main house.
Emery
I thought Michael was different.
Not like my ex and any other guy I’ve had the displeasure of dating where they’re hot one minute and cold the next. Untrustworthy to their cores.
But it turns out he’s no different at all. Not wanting him to see how he crushed me, I force myself to walk at a measured pace all the way to my cabin door. I reach into my purse and pull out my keys, willing my shaking hands to handle the job of unlocking my door.
Two frustrated tries, and I finally push open my door and step inside.
