Total pages in book: 20
Estimated words: 18241 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 91(@200wpm)___ 73(@250wpm)___ 61(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 18241 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 91(@200wpm)___ 73(@250wpm)___ 61(@300wpm)
Taking a deep breath, I rest my elbows on the table and massage my temples. “I spent five years in that company, Dad. My boss still calls me Daniela even though he talked to me on a daily basis. I thought that was what I wanted—to go back and work there again. They pay me well enough.”
“But?”
“I just spent the weekend with Matt, and I … I realized I’d forgotten what happiness felt like. Genuine happiness. Not the temporary high I get from a simple “good job, Daniela” from my boss. I forgot what it was like to wake up and just … live.”
“Corporate life isn’t for everyone, and how difficult is it to learn your employees’ names? Prick.”
“I realized that too late. I used to do art for me, then I realized artists either go hungry or cave and accept a job at least adjacent to what they like to do. My clients would call me in the middle of the night, demanding me to change the logo or blur the background.”
“Dani, I won’t lie. That sounds tough as shit. Do you wanna go back?”
To my surprise, the answer comes easily. “No. No, I don’t want to go back. I think … I think I want to start all over again right here.”
Dad reaches over the table to cradle my cheek. “I’ll support whatever you want, kiddo. Next time, I don’t want fear or hesitation when you knock on my door. You come in and tell me who I have to punch. I’m your dad, not a judge.”
“I love you, Dad.”
“I love you too. Now go tell that man you’re not about to run out on him again.”
Oh God. I forgot Matt was waiting for me outside. How long has it been? Thirty minutes? An hour? Did he hear us talk? Did he listen? Our house is small, so anyone on the porch can hear us clearly.
I rush to Dad and kiss his cheek. “Bye, Dad. I’ll come back tomorrow for dinner. Me and Matt.”
He waves me away. “Sure, Dani. Bring ice cream for dessert.”
“Cookie dough or butter pecan?”
“Both.”
9
MATTHEW
“My old boss. He wants to offer me my old position back.”
I’m back in the truck, white-knuckling the steering wheel, my mind racing, my pulse pounding wildly in my temples.
I don’t know what to think or feel at first, but then, I realize I tried to clip her wings and imprison her in this town by proposing even before she’s ready. No, fuck. I won’t do that to her again. I won’t put her in that position and lay the blame on her.
If she wants to go back, I will go with her. My general manager, Jack, can take care of everything here and just send me earnings from the different buildings I own in town, plus the ranch.
In case she wants to leave ASAP, I can promise to follow her in three days. I still need to close up the cabin, maybe turn it into a rental, or let Milo borrow it. Goldie’s definitely coming with me. Dan and I can look for a two-bedroom apartment near her office. That way, it won’t be such a long commute.
I can find new things to occupy my time, maybe open a furniture shop if that’s a thing there. These aren’t final, of course, but one thing’s for sure, I’m not going to just sit here and watch her leave.
I’m still going through some plans when the door opens, and Dani slides onto the passenger seat. “Hey, Matt.”
“Hey.” My throat is dry, like someone rubbed sandpaper on it. Why am I scared and nervous? Is she about to say she’s leaving … alone? Or is there something else? I did leave after hearing her say her company wanted her back.
“You heard us?” she asks, eyes searching my face.
“I did. Congratulations, Dan. You’re amazing, and it’s stupid of them to take this long to realize how valuable you are in their company.”
She laughs softly and tucks a stray hair behind her ear. “Matt…”
“When are you leaving? Because the earliest I can leave is three days. There’s still stuff I need to—”
Dan touches her parted lips. “Wait, what?”
“Wait. You don’t want me to go with you?”
Her eyebrows squish together, and she tugs on her ear. “I am so confused right now, Matt. Don’t you hate the city?”
“Hate is a strong word, Dan. I don’t like it, but if you do, it might eventually grow on me too.”
When she realizes what I’m trying to tell her, her eyebrows shoot to her hairline. “Matt, are you … telling me that the whole time I was still inside, you’ve been making plans to follow me?”
I have no idea where this conversation is going, but what the hell. “Yeah, why?”
“But the cabin…”
“I can turn it into a rental place or let Milo use it.”