Chapter 10
Chapter Ten
Maisey
The sun was up by the time I pulled myself out of bed.
We were only a few days away from the day. The end of our marriage.
Travis had kept me up until almost two in the morning, pulling more and more orgasms from me as if he, too, were on a mission to squeeze in every last minute of our time together.
My body ached most deliciously, and clearly, I needed the sleep after our antics the night before, but still, I was mad at myself for sleeping in even for a few minutes. I didn’t want to waste any of my time with Travis or the ranch.
The last thirty days had gone by so quickly it was hard to believe I was still the same city girl who’d set foot in the barn that first day, having never really seen a horse up close before.
Now I was an expert rider. Okay, maybe not an expert, but Pico and I had become a great team, and I loved going on trail rides with Travis.
More than once, he’d let me tag along while he checked the fenceline and completed other chores.
Not wanting to waste one more moment, I rush through my shower and, needing something in my stomach, quickly scarf down a banana. I’m just about to head outside with my easel and paint set when my phone rings.
I don’t immediately recognize the number on the caller ID. But it’s a Toronto number, so I snatch up my phone, answering it quickly.
"Maisey Brooks?”
"Yes?”
"This is Annika Worthington from the Toronto Side Street Gallery.”
My heart stutters in my chest. I’d sent a resume to her on a whim. There was no way I’d ever expected to hear back from her. Not in a million years.
"Pardon? I’m not sure I—”
"Annika Worthington,” the woman repeats.
"From the Toronto Side Street Gallery?”
"Yes,” she says, her voice laced with the slightest trace of annoyance. “I received your resume, and I must say, I’m impressed with some of your volunteer work, and your portfolio is impressive in its own right.”
"Wow.” I press a hand to my chest. “Thank you. That’s…wow. Coming from you, that’s quite the compliment.”
"Right.” She clears her throat. “In any case, we’d like you to come in for an interview. If you can—”
"Yes!” I catch myself and try to temper my excitement.
“I mean, yes. I would love to come in for an interview.” I quickly grab a pen and a piece of paper.
“I’ll be out of town until…” I glance around as if the answer is somewhere in the cabin, and a wave of sadness washes over me at the thought that I won’t ever see this place again.
Or Travis.
But that’s what we agreed to. That’s real life. Travis is not real life. This ranch isn’t real life.
Even if I’m starting to wish it were.
I shake my head clear and refocus on Annika and what could be the opportunity of a lifetime. “I can be back in Toronto next week. What day is best to come in?”
Travis
She has a job interview.
I stop short on the porch when I hear Maisey’s voice.
A Toronto art gallery?
It’s everything she’s wanted. It’s the perfect opportunity.
In Toronto.
Not that I expected she’d be able to find the type of job she was looking for in Rock Creek. Still.
It hurts to hear the excitement in her voice.
I can be back in Toronto next week.
She’s really leaving.
I’d done a good job convincing myself she wouldn’t go anywhere. That she felt the same things I did.
Love.
Because I can no longer deny it. Nor do I want to. I am completely and irrevocably in love with my wife. And that’s exactly what I was on my way to tell her.
I’d left her to sleep in this morning after a long night of making her scream my name. Over and over until the sheets were soaked and she was limp in my arms.
She needed her rest. Besides, I’d already decided how I wanted to wake her up on what was our last full day together.
I look down at the tray in my hands that holds a fresh stack of pancakes—her favorites, coffee with one cream and one sugar, and a ring.
The diamond engagement ring she’s deserved from the beginning, instead of the simple silver band they’d given us at the bar—that neither of us had taken off since we’d slid them on each other’s fingers.
I’m frozen, listening to Maisey confirm the details for what will be a life-changing job interview. It’s not until I hear her end the call and let out a squeal of excitement that I make the final decision on what to do.
I snatch the ring off the tray, pocketing it before I paste a smile on my face and step inside. “Breakfast is served, sweetheart,” I call with as much levity in my voice as I can manage. “I thought maybe you worked up a bit of an appetite last night.”
She spins around, a big, beautiful smile on her face. Her skin has been kissed by the sun; freckles that weren’t there thirty days ago dance over her nose. Her hair is still wild and untamed, but paired with the new light in her eyes, it makes her look radiant.
There’s no doubt about it. Ranch life agrees with her.
“Travis, you’ll never guess who just called?”
“Your dad?” I turn away to put the tray on the table, busying myself so she won’t see my face.
“No!” There’s no need for me to be concerned; she’s too excited to notice my reaction anyway. “It was for a job interview.” She practically dances around the cabin. “For one of the most prestigious galleries in Toronto. Isn’t that incredible?”
“It really is,” I answer honestly. “But I’m not surprised. You’re incredible.”
She smiles as if I’m indulging her. I’m not. She is incredible.
“You want to know the best part?”
Damn. It’s harder than I would’ve guessed, being excited about something that’s going to break me in two. Still, it’s Maisey. So, I’m sure as hell going to do my best.
“What’s that?”
“She said my portfolio was impressive.” She stamps her feet and does a little happy dance that is so fucking cute, I forget my own heartbreak, wrap my arms around her, and spin her in a circle.
“That’s because it is, Maisey,” I tell her honestly. “You are impressive, and she’s damn lucky to get you.”
“Well, she doesn’t have me yet.” The smile slips off her face, and for a second, I think she might say something about not wanting to leave, but when the silence stretches, I fill it.
“What day do you need to be back?” I shift into business mode. “We can head down to Vegas on Sunday night after the Stampede, get the annulment first thing Monday morning, and get you back to Toronto in time to conquer the world.”
I’m sure to keep a confident, sure smile on my face while I explain the plan that will break us apart forever. The very plan that, more than anything, I don’t want to execute.
But for her, for my sweet little filly. I’ll do anything.
Including letting her go.