Page 163 of Tessa and Nash

His expression softens, and somehow that makes it worse.

“Tessa,” he says gently, “you don’t have to decide anything right now.”

But that’s exactly what terrifies me.

Because if I don’t decide, I might keep choosing him. Again and again. Without thinking. Without accounting for the cost.

I take a step back.

Then another.

Nash straightens, sensing the shift. “Where are you going?”

“I need…” My breath stutters. “I need space.”

The word feels inadequate. I need distance. I need clarity. I need my spine back where it belongs instead of tilted toward him like gravity rewrote itself.

He nods once, even though I can see how much it costs him. “Okay.”

I hate him a little for making it so easy.

I hate myself more.

“I’m sorry,” I say, and I don’t even know what I’m apologizing for anymore.

He opens his mouth, then closes it again. Finally, he says, “You don’t have to run.”

But I already am.

I turn before he can say anything else. Before I can change my mind. Before I can lean back into him and let this become something I can’t undo.

The cold bites as I move down the lane, boots slipping slightly on the packed snow, heart hammering like I’ve just fled a crime scene.

I don’t look back.

If I do, I might stop.

And I don’t trust myself to do anything except keep running, away from the man I just let inside every wall I’ve spent my life building.

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Nash

February 2nd

I wake up alone.

That’s the first thing I register. Instead of the gray light leaking through the curtains and the ache behind my eyes or the dull weight in my chest. Just the absence beside me, loud as a slammed door.

The bed is cold where she should be.

Where, after last night, I guess a part of me thought she would be.

I lie there for a minute longer than necessary, staring at the ceiling, hoping everything might rearrange itself into a different outcome if I give it enough time. Last night might rewind if I don’t move.

It doesn’t.

My phone is on the nightstand, face down. I don’t flip it over. I already know what’s waiting for me.