45. Delaney
CHAPTER 45
Delaney
I ’m fighting back tears as I hug Callie for the last time. “Thanks for staying.”
She squeezes me tighter, her voice raw with emotion. “I love you, Laney. Promise you’ll be careful.”
“I love you too.” I close my eyes, tears prickling the lids. “I promise. I’ll stay in touch and keep you posted.” I’m on emotional overload as I whisper, “Don’t give Mark any of the chocolate chip cookies.”
Callie pulls back, tears shimmering in her blue eyes. “I’d feel better if you had a big, strong man staying here.” Her gaze travels over the thick woods surrounding us. “Preferably one with dark hair, piercing eyes so dark they’re almost black, muscular?—”
“Nope.” My finger presses against her lip. “Don’t even go there.”
Callie sighs. “I think there’s a lot of misunderstandings between you two?—”
“It doesn’t matter. We broke up fifteen years ago. Besides, I’m over him.”
“Unwillingly broke up. As far as being over him…” She levels me with a look, her brows raised. “Your standards are impossible for most men to live up to. And the last guy you dated had the same color hair and eyes?—”
I hold up my hand. “I’m positive. As far as type, I’m looking for someone who isn’t an abusive monster. I don’t care what hair or eye color he has. As long as he treats me like a queen?—”
“Amen, sister.”
“A nice body wouldn’t hurt, either.”
Callie high-fives me. “A huge cock that he’s skilled at using never hurt anyone, either.”
A loud burst of laughter escapes me. “Huge can hurt, honey.”
“Not when it’s Zayne’s.” She grins and runs to the passenger door of Mark’s truck, yanking it open.
I shake my head. “Call me when you get home.”
She laughs, blowing me a kiss. “Will do.”
She shuts the door, and she and Mark wave as they drive off.
My smile falters once they’re gone. I spin around and head inside, my heart aching.
Closing the front door behind me, I heave out a breath as I cross my arms over my chest, slowly taking in the cozy cabin.
Instead of feeling relieved in this beautiful space in the woods, I feel bereft. A chill runs through my spine.
And alone.