After last night he knew she felt something for him.It was in her touch, her kiss, the way her body moved when they’d made love.But whatever it was, it was obviously not enough to ask him to stay.
There was nothing left to keep him on the Weston ranch.All he had left to do was to inform his employers that Willow and he were going their separate ways, and he was returning to Colorado.
His thoughts chaotic, he drove toward Hayden’s house.He was hoping Becket and Cooper wouldn’t be there and that he only had to talk to one of the brothers, but their trucks were already parked in front of the homestead.
With his hat in his hand, he followed the voices to the kitchen.
Willow’s mom was smiling as he entered but when she noticed him, her smile slipped, and she slowly got up.“Hunter?What’s wrong?”
All the heads swiveled in his direction.Hayden, Becket, and Cooper also got up.
Clearing his throat, Hunter looked down at his hat in his hand.“The engagement is off.I’m leaving for Colorado today.”
You could hear a pin drop in the silence following his words.Even Luke was quiet.
Laura, Hayden’s wife was the first to respond.“Where’s Willow?”
“She… she’s already left for the airport.”
“What the hell did you do to her?”Hayden just about bellowed.
Shrugging, Hunter inhaled shakily.“I love her.She doesn’t feel the same.Thanks for the opportunity to work here.I’ve learned so much from all of you, not only about ranching but also about family.I’m sorry I’m leaving like this, but it’s time I get back to my own ranch.You don’t have to pay me for the last month, Hayden.Thanks for everything.”
Turning on his heel, he quickly left the house before he cried.That would be way too humiliating.
He’d made it to his truck, when a voice called after him.“Hunter!”
It was Cooper.Damn it, he didn’t want to have to explain anything else.What more was there to say?Swallowing against the lump in his throat, he waited for Cooper to reach him.
“Have you told her?”Cooper asked.
“Told her what?”
“How you feel?”
Hunter shook his head.“It’s no use.She’s way out of my league; we both know that.We move in different circles, want different things in life.I’m a beer-drinking cowboy, she’s champagne and art functions.Besides, her family and friends are here, she’ll never move to Colorado.She’s told me.”
Shaking his head, Cooper looked at Hunter.“You’re making a big mistake.Yeah, she drinks champagne, but like you, she loves small towns and living on a ranch.You’ve seen her on a horse helping out around here.What’s more, I think deep down you know that.Talk to her, tell her how you feel.”
“We’ve talked.I’m just following her orders.It was a privilege knowing you Westons, but it’s time to go back home, to put down roots.”He tried a smile.“Hell, maybe I’ll even get a dog.”
“I have a boxer puppy if you’re interested.”
“Not right now, sorry, but thanks.”
As Hunter drove away, he checked the rear window mirror.Cooper was still standing where he’d left him.
The stop at the house he’d lived in was quick.It had actually been Walker’s house, he’d learned somewhere along the way.It didn’t take him long to pack up his few possessions.He’d intentionally always traveled lightly; but now it was time to go back home as he’d told Cooper, to put down roots, build a life.
Before he left the ranch, he stopped at the stables.He had to say goodbye to the grey he’d used while working on the Weston ranch.“Hi girl,” he crooned, putting out his hand.
Skye ignored him and didn’t come to him like she normally did.
“What’s wrong?”
Neighing softly, she shook her head.
Rubbing his face, he swallowed.Here he was, a huge hole where his heart was supposed to be, talking to a horse who also seemed ticked off with him.“So, you know I’m leaving?I wanted to say goodbye.”
