“You can’t?”
“I can’t. I’m sorry, but I can’t go on another date with you.”
I try not to let it be obvious how disappointed I am inside.Keep it cool, Bash.“Why not?”
“What happens after your next fight? I’m supposed to replace you at work, and you’ll be living somewhere else.”
A bead of dread forms in my chest, because she’s right. I have no idea what my life will be like then, and it would be unfair of me to string her along, knowing I won’t even be here long-term. Romilly deserves someone who will stick around. Who will help provide for her and be a steady thing in her life.
“I have my business here,” she continues in a soft voice. “My family. My friends. Meadow Hills is my home, and I don’t do long-distance relationships. Not after…” She swallows. “Not after my one.”
I nod because I get it. With my stomach in knots, I capture her hand and bring it to my mouth for a kiss. It’s hard to remember why I was so against relationships whenever I’m with her. The scariest part isn’t the idea of being tied down anymore—it’s how much I want her to be mine. I can’t deny there’s a part of me that doesn’t only want to win my next fight to prove to my parents I can do it, but also to help her. With real money coming in, I could make sure she’d never have to worry about losing her business again.
And I want her to want me back. I wish I could convince her I’m worth it by promising her a possible future with me. But how can I do such a thing when I don’t even know if I have a good one?
If I lose that fight, I’ll have nothing—no money, no sponsors, and no choice but to go back to my parents. I won’t be the kind of man I’d want to be for Romilly.
One who could supporther, not the other way around.
Chapter Sixteen
ROMILLY
Zara’s kneesbounce as I drive. She’s getting more and more impatient by the minute, knowing I’m withholding information from her that she’s only moments from discovering.
“I still don’t see why you can’t just tell me first,” she says.
“Addison is my best friend.”
“I’m yoursister.”
“True.” I laugh. “But that’s why it’s only fair I tell you both at the same time. I’d never hear the end of it from either of you, otherwise.”
That seems to placate her. She shifts her priorities from bouncing her knees to cracking her knuckles.
Addison’s three-story house comes into view as I pull into the driveway. It really is an immaculate place. And now that it’s officially October, the dark wood and gray stone exterior looks even more cool and moody among the tall pines and vibrant, autumn leaves surrounding it. I still remember the first time I visited Addison here, when she started nannying for Perry before they got together. I took one look at her flushed cheeks that day and watched her stumble over her words when she talked about Perry and knew she was a goner.
When she answers the door, she beams at me and Zara like she didn’t know we were coming. A dimple pops in her cheek as she motions us to come in. “Marina just went down for a nap, and the kids are still at school, so I’m currently a free woman.”
“We’d better make the most of your time then.” I flash a grin. “But I have to admit, I’m disappointed I don’t get to see all your little munchkins today.”
“Sorry.” She sets a plate of freshly-baked cookies in front of us and picks up a steaming kettle to pour me and Zara a mug of tea. Handing one to me, she sighs. “It’s always weird when I have time to myself now.”
I take the tea from her and have a small sip, settling onto a stool at the kitchen island.
Zara glances around us. “Where’s Perry?”
“He’s doing a restaurant visit, so it’s just the three of us.” She smiles, lifting her own mug in the air. “What’s new with you two?”
I bite my lip. “Um…well?—”
“Romilly has a secret, and she refuses to tell either of us first so she brought me here so she could tell us at the exact same time.” Zara barely breathes as she spouts the sentence.
“I don’t have asecret. I need advice.”
Addison’s mouth falls open. “Did something happen with Bash? Spill!”
“We…may or may not have gone on a date last week.” I launch into the story of our time at the farm while Addison and Zara listen. My sister gets a dreamy, faraway look in her eyes. Addison’s lips set in a soft smile, and she even twirls a thick curly strand of hair around her finger. When I’m done, they’re both speechless.
