Do I tell him? Do I tell him that I love?—
“Because you wouldn’t be right for her.”
Every muscle in my body tensed. “What do you mean?”
“You wouldn’t be right for her. Even if you stayed. Which I know you’re not going to, otherwise you would have mentioned it by now. But you . . .”
“Iwhat?” My voice was deadly calm, even as my heart thumped against my ribs. Wild. Angry. Hurt.
“I mean, your relationship history isn’t the best,” he said awkwardly. “You’ve never really been in a serious relationship. Anyone you date has to deal with the media frenzy that follows. You’re away from home a lot during the season.”
My throat felt like it was closing up. “Is that right?” I said softly.
“I’m just saying. You wouldn’t be right for her.”
“What about Mateo?”
“Mateo?” Austin’s eyes widened, and if anything, they hardened even more. “I mean, absolutely not.”
“Absolutely not right for him either?”
“No. I mean, he . . . He deserves someone that’ll be here.”
“Right.” I reached back for the door knob and gripped so hard I wondered if an indent of my hand would be left behind.
“But you never answered me. Is there something I need to know about?”
“I’m leaving Monday, Austin. You have nothing to worry about.”
That reply, while still not quite an answer, seemed to be good enough for him.
CHAPTER FORTY
Mateo
The spreader bars are taunting me.
Avery: Sir, aren’t you at WORK?
What’s your point?
Levi: Are the spreader bars at the station with you?
Nope. They’re taunting me all the way from my house. I’ll be home around seven tonight
Avery: See you then ;)
Levi: I’ll bring dinner
“What are you smiling about?”
I damn near jumped out of my gear. Maria was standing in the driveway of the station, her brows raised as she studied me.
I’d been actively avoiding her. Mostly because out of all the people that knew me, my cousin always had this ability to see through bullshit. It was a talent. A terrifying one I did not want to endure.
“You scared me.” I dropped my phone in my pocket and crossed my arms.
She crossed them right back. “You’ve been avoiding me.”
