Chapter Four
Carla
Light filters through the cabin’s windows, sending rays of the morning sun streaming over the cream walls. Behind me, the heat of the fire warms my skin. I turn and sigh as I see Grady. He’s still asleep, his dark lashes fanned out against his cheeks, his lips curved into a soft smile. He turns, draping an arm over my waist.
I think back to last night, the way he kissed me. The way he made me feel things I haven’t felt in years, maybe ever. I rest my head against his chest, watching the steady rise and fall with each breath.
Suddenly, I’m worried I made a mistake.
I slide out from under his arm as carefully as possible, trying not to wake him. My heart pounds in my chest, the remnants of last night’s passion still thrumming in my veins. I told myself I wouldn’t let him back in. That I wouldn’t ever let another man break me again, especially Grady Miller.
I grab my dress and slip it on as quickly as I can. I look around for my shoes, spying them by the foot of the couch. I tiptoe across the room, wincing as the wooden floor creaks beneath my feet.
I need to get out of here before he wakes up. I need to put some distance between us to figure out what the hell I’m supposed to do next.
Just as I reach for the door handle, I hear his voice, rough with sleep. “Don’t leave me, Angel.”
I freeze, my hand hovering over the doorknob. Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath before turning to face him. Grady is sitting up now, a blanket pooled around his waist, exposing the colorful art on his chest. His eyes are heavy-lidded, his hair a sexy mess.
“I... I just thought it would be easier if I slipped out. I wanted to spare us an awkward goodbye.”
He narrows his eyes at me, the lazy smile slipping from his lips. “Do you think I didn’t mean what I said to you? Do you think last night was just a fling?”
I bite my lip, avoiding his gaze. “What else could it be, Grady? We had our chance, remember? And it didn’t exactly end well.”
Grady is on his feet. He grabs his jeans, slipping them on as he stalks toward me, his eyes locked onto mine. “When I left you, it was the biggest mistake of my life. I stayed away because I knew that I’d hurt you, and I thought you deserved a better man. But now that I’ve got my head on straight, I know I did the wrong thing. I should’ve fought for you then. I didn’t, and I will regret that mistake for the rest of my life. I’m here to make things right, Carla. I’m here for you.”
My heart clenches at his words. I want to believe them…I really do…but I’m afraid. “Grady, I’ve moved on. I have a life. I’m not looking to pick up where we left off.”
He closes the distance between us, his fingers tilting my chin up so I have no choice but to look into his eyes. “If you’ve really moved on, then why are you trembling?” He brushes his thumb over my cheek. “Why did you come with me last night?”
“Because I drank a little too much champagne, and I was weak,” I shrug, trying to keep my voice even. “It was a moment of weakness, Grady. That’s all.”
His jaw tightens, and for a moment, I see something raw flash in his eyes. Hurt? Anger? I can’t tell. But then he steps back, running a hand through his hair.
“Here’s what I think,” his voice is low and tight. “I think you’re scared. I think you’re in the place I was ten years ago and about to make the same mistake I did. I’m here because I know you’re the one for me, Carla. You’re my other half. And I’m not giving up.”
I swallow hard, my chest aching at the thought of losing him again. But I have to protect myself. I can’t let him tear down the walls I’ve built around my heart only to leave me shattered again.
“One night doesn’t wash away ten years, Grady.” I force myself to look into his eyes.
He just stares at me for a moment, his eyes searching mine. Then he shakes his head, a resigned look crossing his face. “I see. Well, if you want to go, I’m not going to stop you, Angel. But know this: I’m not giving up. As a matter of fact,” he turns and grabs his shirt from the floor, pulling it on with a frustrated tug. “If you want to pretend you didn’t feel what I did last night? Fine, you do that. But you and I both know it was real, and I’m going to fight for you. I’ll start by doing you the favor of leaving so you don’t have to walk out on me.”
He storms past me, throwing the door open and disappearing into the cold morning air, leaving me standing there, my heart torn in two.
I sink down onto the nearest chair, my legs too shaky to hold me up. The tears I’ve been holding back finally spill over, hot and relentless.
What the hell am I supposed to do now?