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Wade cuts me off. “I know, I know. We have to talk about it, but can we do that on the road? I want to enjoy the last few hours we have here in Texas.”
I look at him, unsure of what to say. I want to talk about last night, I want to know if he felt the same way I did.
But at the same time, I’m kind of scared to hear the answer.
“Okay,” I say finally, “I can be ready in about twenty minutes. Just need to get dressed and pack up my things.”
Wade nods, but he doesn’t move from the doorway. Instead, he looks at me with a serious expression, his hazel eyes searching mine.
“Last night was ... amazing,” he says, his voice low. “I mean, the whole weekend has been incredible, but, last night ... I just wanted to thank you for being here and being a part of it all.”
I feel my cheeks warm at Wade’s words. Part of me wants to throw myself into his arms, tell him how much I care about him and how that kiss made me feel. But the other part of me is hesitant. I don’t want to be just a pawn in his game—a means to an end.
“I’m glad I could be here,” I say, forcing a smile. “It was a nice change of pace from my usual routine.”
Wade nods, but I can tell he’s not satisfied with my answer. He takes a step closer to me, his hand reaching out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind my ear.
“Callie, I need to know something,” he says, his voice serious. “Do you regret coming here with me?”
I hesitate for a moment, my mind racing with conflicting emotions.
“I don’t regret coming here,” I say finally, my voice soft. “But ... I do regret getting caught up in everything. I’m not sure I can handle going back to my normal life after this.”
Wade’s expression softens, and he pulls me into a hug. I can feel his warmth enveloping me, and I can’t help but feel a pang of longing in my chest.
I don’t want this to end.
I don’t want to leave him and go back to my mundane life.
A voice echoes through the hallway. “Breakfast is ready!” It’s Wade’s mom, Angie. “Come and get it while it’s hot!”
“Coming!” Wade and I reply in unison.
“Alright you two, drive safe, and I hope to see you both back here soon,” Angie says, as we climb into the truck. We said our formal goodbyes nearly twenty minutes ago, but we all kept stopping and talking along the way.
It’s clear they don’t want us to leave.
“Don’t be strangers, now,” Wade’s dad says, tipping his cowboy hat. He seems tired this morning—or maybe he’s just sad that Wade’s leaving.
“Thanks for everything,” I reply, knowing good and well I’m never going to see them again. Which is a shame, because they’re pretty incredible people. “Also, thanks again, Angie, for sharing all your gardening tips.”
“It’s really my pleasure. Like I said earlier, feel free to text me anytime with questions. And don’t forget to send me photos of your garden when you get home. I can’t wait to see it!” Angie beams.
My heart sinks at her enthusiasm. But I smile and nod nonetheless, doing my best to hide my disappointment.
Angie and I really bonded this morning over our mutual love of plants.
She’ll probably be just as sad as I am about this “relationship” ending.
“I’ll get her home safe. See ya later,” Wade says through the rolled down window before pulling onto the gravel driveway.
We travel in silence for a while, each lost in our own thoughts. The only sound comes from the radio, playing a country song that I don’t recognize. I glance over at Wade, studying his profile as he drives. He looks so focused—so serious. I wonder if he’s thinking about last night, about what happened between us. The memory of his lips on mine sends a shiver down my spine.
I clear my throat, trying to dispel the images from my mind.
“So,” Wade says, breaking the silence in the truck. “About last night.”
Here we go, I think to myself, my heart racing. I knew this conversation was coming, but I’m still not sure if I’m ready for it.
