She stopped in her tracks then turned slowly, praying her face wasn’t flushed as red as it felt. Offering the men a small wave, she squeaked out a, “Hey guys.” Then she thumbed over her shoulder. “I just realized I forgot to check that the car was locked.”
If she had to describe Jacob, she would have said he looked uneasy. Did he know she had overheard his conversation? If he did, it was likely he’d try to explain what he’d meant by not wanting to hurt her.
And she prayed that didn’t come to fruition.
“I’ll be right back… or you can just meet me out in the car. Whatever you want.”
Jacob took a step toward her, his brows knit together. Then he smiled but it wasn’t one of those big ones she loved so much. If anything, it was the kind he usually gave her when he wanted to reassure her that everything was going to be fine.
It sure didn’t feel like it would be.
“I’ll meet you out there,” he called.
Hallie nodded. Then she scurried away before he could see the unease he’d caused with his own concerns. Why was he willing to talk to his friends about his job and their relationship, but he was keeping it from her? Maybe she should just be happy that he was trying to protect her from the worst of it?
Whatever the reason, she needed to remind herself to trust him. Jacob had his reasons for what he was doing and she could give him the freedom to work it through. He’d shown more than once that he was capable of communicating with her.
But then that niggling feeling that this was just the start of the end cracked the fortress they’d been building together. Jacob had always prioritized his career. He’d said himself that the rodeo was everything to him. And if that meant he chose the rodeo over her?
Another splinter of pain cracked through her chest.
Then she’d take what she could get. Spending time with Jacob had been a dream. He’d helped her to realize things about herself that changed her outlook on what was really important to her. She wouldn’t regret what they’d built together. Everylast second would be worth the heartache that ending it would create.
By the time Jacob came out of the building, his demeanor had changed. He was laughing and joking around with the Dennison brothers. They bumped knuckles together then he climbed into the front passenger seat.
Without prompting, he leaned over, grasped her chin with his finger and thumb, then kissed her hard. His display of affection left her breathless and aching for more. This was the side of Jacob she loved so dearly. The confident man who knew what he wanted and how he was going to go after it. How could he think she was going to get hurt? He certainly wouldn’t cause her pain.
Not on purpose.
Understanding flooded her.
That had to be it.
Jacob was planning for the worst when it came to his job. He didn’t want her to get hurt if too much of a strain was put on their relationship.
Well, he’d soon find out that he didn’t have to worry about her. She’d show him that she could support him in whatever capacity he needed. If that meant that they had to deal with a long-distance relationship, she’d be the best girlfriend he could ever hope for.
He studied her and she could see the insecurity return to his eyes. But rather than make him talk about it, she did what he’d asked of her. She let him work through it the way he wanted to.
After dinner, they returned to his place.
“What do you say? Movie? Game? Chess?” Jacob seemed to be grasping for any way to avoid discussing whatever weighed on his mind.
Sighing inwardly, Hallie offered a smile. “Dealer’s choice.”
He jerked his chin toward the chess board. “It’s been a while.”
“It has,” she agreed. And boy, was he going to be surprised. She’d been practicing against the computer to improve her skill. Hopefully she wouldn’t lose in less than ten moves anymore.
She lost in eleven.
Jacob chuckled. “You’re getting better.”
“Clearly not by much,” Hallie scoffed. “How am I supposed to even beat you.”
“You’re never going to beat me at my own game, Hallie.”
“Then maybe it’s time I come up with a game for us to play where I have the upper hand.”
