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“I know, I’m sorry.”
She laid her head back on his shoulder, and his arms tightened around her again. Quinn would take this moment, because it was going to be the last time he’d hold her. She knew any relationship for them would be complicated, and that with everything going on in his life, he didn’t need that. Knew it, and yet a small part of her wondered if it wouldn’t be worth at least trying.
“I never wanted to settle down with anyone,” he said into her hair. “I never met someone who could challenge that stance until you.”
She hadn’t figured on that in her life yet either. But then she’d never felt the way she did for Luke.
“I can’t allow myself to care like that.”
She sat upright and looked at him. “What?”
He wasn’t looking at her now, but her chin.
“I don’t want that hurt again. Won’t allow anyone to inflict that kind of pain on me again. So I stick with the people I know won’t do that to me.”
“And you think I would hurt you?” She slid off his legs and onto the passenger seat; he didn’t make a move to pull her back into his arms.
“No, but I’m not willing to take that chance.”
“That is the most stupid thing I’ve ever heard you say.” Quinn began pulling on her clothes. She let out a little yelp as she hauled on her shirt and hit her nose.
“Take it easy or you’ll hurt yourself more.”
“I can look after myself.” She fought for the calmness she always fell back on. The expressionless façade. “You were a child when your parents left you, Luke. A child when your life was broken. You’re an adult now who knows what it is to be happy and loved. Your brothers have exactly that. Don’t you think you should have come to the realization that your future could mirror theirs?”
“I can’t help how I feel. I said what I did because I’m starting to care about you, Quinn, but I don’t want this to become anything more than what it is. Fun, sex, and friendship.”
Why did she suddenly feel really hurt by those words, when she’d known any relationship with him would be difficult? Long-distance until she relocated, and months apart. Yet if he asked her, she knew inside after what they’d just shared, she’d be willing to at least try. Because while they’d made love in his pickup, and after watching him with Nixon earlier, Quinn had come to a realization that she’d been fighting to deny.
She was falling in love with Luke Trainer.
“I want us to be friends, Quinn. Want us to text each other and keep in touch.” He was pulling on his boots now and lacing them up.
“I don’t think so.”
“What? Why?” He shot her a look, and she saw his surprise.
Quinn finished dressing and looked at him.
“Because I think you could hurt me, Luke Trainer. In fact, I think you could break my heart, and you don’t want my heart. So I think it’s best we just leave this here.”
“I never wanted to hurt you.” His handsome face was serious now.
“You haven’t, yet, but you could,” she lied. “Take me back to town please.”
He started the pickup and turned it around. Soon they were heading back into Ryker Falls, the tension inside the cab so thick she could taste it now. He parked behind the cars, as the road was still closed. She grabbed the door handle.
“So, thanks. I’ll see you round, Luke. I hope things go well with Nixon. And one last thing. I think you’re a coward for taking the stance you have. You’re an adult, maybe you should start acting like one.”
“Quinn—” He reached for her, but she had the passenger door open and was climbing out. She walked away.
Town was still busy. Crazy busy. People were everywhere. She searched for her parents as she moved through the crowds.
“You all good there, Quinn?”
“Oh hi, Luna. Hi, Nash.”
“I heard a rumor,” Nash said. He was a big guy. Solid, like Luke, and handsome. But she didn’t feel that little kick to her belly looking at him. Funny how one person could do that to another.
