Chapter Eight
A cloud of heaviness hung over Joel when he woke up Monday morning.
Randy’s men had worked through the weekend to get the transmission repaired on Cassidy and her friends’ SUV, which meant they would be leaving today. What he wouldn’t give for a few more days with her.
His heart still ached at witnessing her despair yesterday. He couldn’t minimalize the effect her father’s action had caused, and he hated that she suffered for something out of her control.
The temptation to ask her to stay tugged hard, but he knew she’d say no out of a sense of duty, not because of the notion they couldn’t have a future after only a few days together. But she’d hinted that any involvement with her would spell trouble.
He didn’t care. He knew something special when he saw it, and he and Cassidy had a special connection that couldn’t be denied. But what to do about it?
A loud sigh echoed in his bedroom. Nothing except get dressed and go have breakfast with her and cherish their last minutes together.
An emptiness already filled his heart. How had she reached so deeply into him in such a short time? Was it because they were meant to fight for this?
He got dressed in shorts and a polo shirt, then walked up front—no vehicle needed today. They’d have breakfast at the small café across the street. When he reached her room, he saw Bridget loading a suitcase into their temporary rental vehicle, and sharp pangs struck all around his chest. He turned away and focused on getting to Cassidy.
She opened the door before he could knock. Her smile he’d become accustomed to wasn’t there—a fake, plastic one took its place. “Good morning.”
“Morning.” He looked at the suitcase in her hand. “Leaving earlier than expected?”
“No. Bridget wants everything loaded now so she can go drop the temporary rental off at the shop and transfer everything to the SUV so we can leave right after breakfast.”
“I see.” He swallowed his emotions. Picked up her suitcase and carried it to the vehicle for her.
They walked across the street in silence. His fingers entwined with hers, and when they entered the café, they sat next to each other without releasing their hold.
Cassidy ordered an omelet, and he got a bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit. When their food came, they finally released their grip on each other, but neither ate. He tried to take a bite, but the thought of her leaving erased any appetite he’d had.
She cut her omelet into pieces, then smaller pieces. Again and again, until the eggs may as well have been scrambled.
Forty-five minutes later he paid their bills, and they crossed the street again. The girls were out front, so he led Cassidy into the office to give them privacy.
“I guess this is it?”Don’t say no.
She blinked twice. “I guess so.”
“Keep in touch. If you need a shoulder to cry on, I’m only a call away.”
“I’ll remember that.” A strained smile formed on her lips. “Same to you.”
“And call when you hit Santa Monica or at least text.” He took a deep breath. “I’d like to know you made it safely.”
“I will.” She glanced out the window at her friends gathered around the SUV. “I should go now.”
He reached out, crooked a finger under her chin. “I’ll miss you.”
“Me too.”
Moving his head lower, he hovered his mouth near hers.Be brave. Don’t let her go. “Does this have to be goodbye?”
“Wh…what do you mean?” Her eyes lit with hope, and it bolstered his courage.
“Maybe it could be ‘so long for now,’ and we’ll see each other again when you finish your trip.”
“I need to get my life back together.”
He cradled her face in both hands. “Maybe this is meant to be your life. We could be partners, bring this motel to life together.”
