“But you’re right. I need to get out of there.” I let out a long breath. “I’m going to get back in my van tomorrow.” I deflate, not excited in the least about going back.
“What’s with the heater?” Tim asks, concerned.
“It isn’t as cold anymore, so it should be manageable.” I shrug, though I know it will get more than uncomfortable during the night. My only hope is Van-essa hasn’t got any more issues since I haven’t used her the last few days.
“But you need a new one,” Tally chimes in, tilting her head at me. “It’s only going to get colder from now on.”
“I know, and I already found a used one, but it’s a four-hour drive, and I have to figure out how to get there first. The van still moves, but I don’t want to risk such a long drive without fixing her first.”
“You can borrow our car, just not this weekend, since we’re away,” Tim offers, taking a few steps to Tally, pulling her close, and kissing her temple.
“That would be amazing, thank you. What about the restaurant while you’re gone?” I frown, realizing I hadn’t even thought about that when Tally told me.
“Oh, we’re just going to make a sign that it’s closed over the weekend. It’s not a problem at all. Mom did that all the time.” Tally shrugs. “So, feel free to get the extension cord back to the van when you move your stuff, and we’re not there.”
“I need to buy some more blankets.” I shudder, and Tim laughs. “What if we take you to Calais on Tuesday after work? It’s late shopping, and we wanted to go again for a stroll anyway.”
“We have to do as much as possible before we can’t for a while.” Tally nods.
“Yes, please, getting out of here for a little bit would be good,” I agree, already getting excited.
“Perfect, I’ll need to go change and shower real quick after work, but we will come get you afterward, wherever you are,” Tim reassures me.
Thinking again about getting out of the Jones’ house is a relief, but my heart constricts in my chest. My face must show what I’m feeling because both Tim’s and Tally’s gazes soften.
“Aww, girl, you got it bad.” Tally scrunches up her nose, her eyes sad.
I nod. “I fucked up.”
“All three of them?” She reaches out to squeeze my hand.
No, all four.
“All three of them.”
FORTY
On my tiptoes,I make my way down the hallway, the first of my bags slung over my good shoulder. It’s early in the morning again, but I think I’ll need two or three trips on foot to get all my stuff. It didn’t look like much when we put it in Hunter’s truck, but having to carry it all back sucks.
Just as I’m about to reach out for the front door, a deep voice comes from the kitchen. “Good morning.”
For fuck’s sake.
I turn to see Hunter sitting at the table with a mug in front of him, his eyes fixed on me. “Morning,” I greet, pointing with my thumb toward the door. “I just wanted to?—”
“Leave, I know,” Hunter interrupts, standing from the table and coming my way. Nervousness and butterflies are raging inside me, and my pulse quickens. “I wanted to talk to you for the last few days, but you did a good job of avoiding me.”Busted. “And it didn’t feel right doing this over texts.” His eyes fill with sadness as he reaches out to grab my bag from my shoulder, setting it on the floor. “I never wanted to make you feel uncomfortable, Sloan. I thought there was something between us, but I know now I was delusional.” He releases a sarcastic laugh. “I’m sorry if you felt the need to get out of myway or leave. I promise I will keep my distance and respect the boundaries you’ve set. You don’t need to go. I got the message, loud and clear.”
His words hit me like a punch in the gut.
He thinks I don’t want him?
That he made me feel uncomfortable?
How badly can someone fuck up, Sloan?
“You got the wrong message then,” I whisper, looking at the floor. But he won’t let me hide again, gripping my chin gently and turning my face up so I have to look at him.
“What are you saying?” he asks, his brows furrowed.
