I think it might have been the worst mistake of my life.
***
I’m wrapped in blankets on my couch, watching TV and scrolling through social media on my phone.
Cara King posted photos of all of the kiddos on the ranch, and I give it a heart. Man, Zack’s son Seth is growing so fast. He’s as tall as his dad and uncle now, and it looks like he’ll keep growing.
Lauren’s author page is promoting her newest book, which I already have signed and on my shelf. Maybe I’ll read it this weekend. We’re supposed to get a hell of a blizzard, so cuddling up by the fire with one of Lauren’s books sounds like a good idea.
I keep scrolling and then laugh out loud at the picture of Noah King holding an eagle that’s flapping its wings in his face. It was good to see Noah the other day. I tap the laughing icon on his photo, and then the voice on the TV catches my attention.
“—Christian Wolfe and Serena Holmes arrived at the premiere of Tender Graces tonight, looking as in love as ever.”
“That’s right, Meghan, it seems that the media coverage of a short fling with an unknown woman was all just hype because Christian escorted Serena to the premiere, and as you can see, they’re looking pretty cozy.”
“Serena is wearing de la Renta.”
“Man, is she! That blue is just stunning with her eyes. And let’s not overlook how absolutely sexy Christian is in his Armani tuxedo.”
I can’t take my eyes off Christian. He’s smiling for the cameras, his arm around Serena’s waist, and his other hand tucked into his pocket.
He looks so handsome.
My phone rings in my hand.
“Hello?”
“It’s Natalie. Are you watching the red carpet?”
“Yeah.”
“Well, stop it. You know it’s not real. They’re not really a couple at all. I’m calling to fight those voices in your head that are making you question things right now.”
“It’s okay, Nat. It doesn’t matter if it’s real or not. We aren’t together anymore.”
“What? Oh, honey. What happened?”
I’m so sick of this question.
“It just wasn’t going to work,” I reply and turn off the TV. “We’re too different. And I know you’re going to call bullshit because you and Luke have made it work so well, but we aren’t you, Nat.”
“I know you’re not us,” she says softly. “I was just really pulling for you guys. I think you were good for each other. Hold on.”
She takes the phone away from her mouth, but I can hear every word she’s saying.
“She and Christian broke up. She just said it wasn’t going to work. I don’t know.” She comes back on the line. “Luke says he’s sorry, too.”
“You guys are so nice,” I say and brush a tear off my cheek.
“Are you absolutely sure it’s over? Because, frankly, I think you’re being hasty.”
“Oh, yeah.” I laugh humorlessly and reach for a tissue. “I was reminded that I don’t fit in that world.”
“By who?”
“His sister.”
“God save me from overprotective sisters,” she mutters. “Maybe that’s exactly what it was, Jenna. If it came from Nina and not Christian, he may not feel the same way.”
“She wasn’t wrong,” I reply with a shrug. “I’m on the mend. I have plenty to keep me busy.”
“Well, add house hunting to that list because Luke and I are going to buy a place out there so our family can come and vacation. We just fell in love with it.”
I smile, excited at the thought of having Natalie nearby some of the year. “That would be awesome, and I’m happy to help. I’m not an agent, but I have an excellent one. I’ll hook you up, and I’ll check out anything you’re interested in.”
“You’re the best.” Luke says something in the background again. “I have to go. Call if you need anything.”
“Thanks, Nat.” We hang up, and I lean my head back. I’m tired of crying. I’m tired of missing Christian.
I’m just tired.
When will it get better?
Chapter Eighteen
~Christian~
Ten Days Ago…
“ARE YOU OKAY?” Nina asks. She’s sitting opposite me in the private jet, and we’re flying away from Cunningham Falls to L.A.
Away from Jenna.
Everything in me wants to tell the pilot to turn around and get me back there. To pull Jenna into my arms and make her see that we can make this work and she’s the only person I want in my life.
But I can’t forget the cold way she dismissed me. As if she’d shut the emotions off altogether.
If they were real in the first place.
They had to be real, there’s no way I imagined all that.
“Fine.”
“You don’t seem fine. Was your goodbye sad? Aren’t you going to see her again?”
“I don’t know.” I slug down half a bottle of water.
“I’m sorry, Christian. But it’s probably for the best. I mean, your worlds are so different, and California is pretty far from Montana.”