Saved By the Mountain Man

Thirteen years ago, Danika left me with nothing but a short note that said;
“I’m sorry. I have to leave. I love you but I need this.”

This was right after she said “yes” to my proposal.
Right after we promised to stay by each other’s side no matter what.
Right after the whole town knew we were going to get married.
Then when I’m trapped in my cabin during a thunderstorm, I see her.
I wish I could just ignore her and move on, the way she so clearly has.
But I cannot.
She’s like a fire in my blood I can’t extinguish. An itch I can’t scratch.
And I underestimate how she can royally f*ck up my head just by looking at me.
It’s infuriating how, even after all these years, she still manages to slip under my defenses so easily.
One minute, I’m standing on solid ground, sure of everything.
Next, the ground completely shifts under me, tilting my world on its axis, rearranging my entire life. I was sure I could keep my distance from her and keep my hands to myself.
But the moment she shows me an ounce of vulnerability, all my resolve crumbles to dust.
Good f*cking riddance.