Despite everything, I laughed. “She said that?”
“Exact words. She’s been on my case for a week about how I’m being an idiot.” His expression turned serious. “Are you miserable?”
“Yes. But not because of you. Because I miss you so much, I can’t think straight. Because I lie awake wondering if you’re okay, if you still want this, if I’m losing you. I’m scared.”
“Me, too.”
“This is harder than I thought it would be.”
“I know.” His voice cracked. “Autumn, don’t give up on us. Please. Two more weeks and I’ll be there. We’ll figure this out. Together.”
“How?”
“I don’t know yet. But I’m not losing you because of geography, bad phone service, and both of us being too stubborn to say what we actually need.”
“I need you here. Present. Not just on a screen.”
“I know. And I need to know you’re not going to shut me out every time things get hard.” He leaned closer to the camera. “We have to talk to each other. Actually talk. Not just text ‘I’m fine’ when we’re both falling apart.”
“I’m not good at that.”
“Neither am I. But we have to try.”
Tears spilled down my cheeks.
“I love you.”
The words hung in the air.
Cole’s expression went soft, awed. “Say that again.”
“I love you. I’m terrified, anxious, and probably making this harder than it needs to be, but I love you.”
“I love you, too.” His smile could’ve lit up the entire state. “I’ve been wanting to say that for weeks.”
“Why didn’t you?”
“Scared you’d run.”
“I still might.”
“Then I’ll chase you.” His voice went fierce. “Autumn, you’re it for me. I know it’s fast. I know we’ve only known each other a short time, but I’ve never been more sure of anything.”
“Not even music?”
“Not even music.”
I pressed my hand to the screen, wishing I could touch him.
The phone glowed between us. Miles apart. Hearts in the same place.
And I did not know if love would be enough to bridge the distance.
Chapter 8
Cole didn’t come home in two weeks.
The label needed them in Nashville early. Studio time had opened up. It was an opportunity they couldn’t pass up.
