“Want to go to college?”
I freeze, carefully assessing his words. Does he seem shocked? Incredulous at the idea? No, just curious.
I sigh, keeping my attention down on my hands as they toy with a button on one of his folded shirts. “Yes, actually. It’s something I didn’t get the chance to do, and I wish sometimes I were in McKenna’s shoes. Things were different when I was in high school.”
“Because of your mom and Lonny?”
I nod, glad I opened up to him the other day while we were in the bath. It feels better now that he knows more of my history.
“With only a high school diploma, I don’t have many options. You’ve seen that firsthand. I worry about what jobs I can possibly hope to get in the future when I go back to Oak Dale. I refuse to go back to working at that motel.”
“Well, there are a million colleges in Austin, so just apply to one of them.”
I frown, unnerved by how easy he makes it sound. “Why in the world would I do that?”
“Because that’s where we’ll be living after this project wraps up.”
I laugh then, shoving away from the dresser. “Oh my god, listen to yourself. You’re such a control freak!”
“Oh, sorry. Here, let me try again: I think you and I should live in Austin, together. Was that better?”
“Not at all.”
He catches me as I try to walk around him and squashes me against him. I have no hope of escaping. “Okay, so we’ll talk about Austin later. Like next week.”
“Next month.”
“Tomorrow.”
I groan, glad he swoops his mouth down to mine and effectively ends the discussion. I don’t like talking about these things. I don’t like pinning hope where none belongs.
I should be grateful for right now, for this job and my time with Ethan, especially because life has taught me time and time again how fleeting happiness can be.Chapter 29TaylorI know Ethan’s partners are coming today because he woke up early then was ready and out of the cabin before I even managed to crawl out of bed. The client—the resort company behind this development—will be here too. I’m excited for them to see the progress of the build. So much has happened in the last few weeks. With the framing in progress, the hotel is starting to take shape, and they’re moving on to other buildings as well.
The weather is working on our side. The trees and wildflowers are in full bloom along the path to the camp, and the cool morning breeze offsets the blazing sun.
Max is in the mess hall, finishing up his breakfast when I walk in. I smile and wave, and he shoots to his feet to join me in line.
“Hey, I was waiting for you.”
I blanche, feeling bad for not waking up earlier. “Oh, sorry, I hope you didn’t have to sit too long.”
He shakes his head, and that’s when I notice his usual happy disposition is noticeably dulled today. “What’s going on?” I ask, nudging him with my shoulder. “You okay?”
“It’s nothing. I just…” He laughs and drags a hand through his hair. “Listen, I’ve been trying to work up the nerve to ask you out again, and well, it seems like the courage will never come, so I’m just going to do it. Right now. This is…in fact, me asking you.”
My eyes go wide.
What?!
His declaration is so out of left field that I don’t know what to say first. Then, finally, I rush out my words. “Oh, Max, I’m really sorry. I just…I’m not—”
“Available?”
I swallow past the lump in my throat and glance away. A few of the guys in the mess hall are watching us, probably aware of what’s happening. I wish Max had done this in private. I hate everyone knowing my business.
“You’re not, right?” he continues. “Everyone’s been saying you and Ethan are dating. That’s why you two spend all your time in that cabin. You used to hang out with us after dinner, but now you scarf down your food like someone’s about to steal it and then you’re gone the rest of the night.”
I’m blushing now, wishing I’d been more careful. I thought no one would realize what was happening if we kept our hands to ourselves on the site, but apparently, love isn’t that easy to hide.
“It’s not…” I sigh, feeling like I’m suddenly on trial. This wasn’t supposed to happen this way. I wanted to keep my personal life separate from work, but in this setting, that’s next to impossible. Still, I don’t like the feeling of being backed into a corner, so instead of confirming Max’s suspicions, I reroute. “I just don’t think you and I would be a good fit.”
It’s true, regardless of whether or not I’m dating Ethan.
He doesn’t buy it. He’s hung up on the fact that I didn’t outright deny my relationship.