AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“You know, this is almost like you’re its mother. Guess you really can’t leave now.”
Her body suddenly felt cold. She blinked, taking in his words. They kept repeating over and over in her head.
That couldn’t be how he actually saw this, could he? If it was, that only meant trouble for me.
She glanced at him, seeing he was smiling, his eyes still on the critter. She swallowed, realizing it was how he saw that.
She shook her head, feeling her insides twist. She didn’t like it. If he was thinking that already, how much harder was it going to be when she left? She hardened her voice, and she reclined on the couch. “I’m not staying here, Deimos. After we figure out what’s going on with the cattle, I’m going back to Earth.”
She looked at him, seeing his face drop. He seemed a little shocked at how upfront she was being, but she had to be. She didn’t want to get his hopes up over something that wasn’t going to happen.
“Why?” His words came out shocked, like he didn’t understand. Maybe he wouldn’t.
Would he ever be able to leave his home? It wasn’t a question she was willing to ask. Besides, there was nothing here for her. Everything for her was on Earth.
“I never planned on staying,” she said simply. “I came here to help you with your problem. It’s my job.”
He blinked at her, still looking stunned. “Would you stay if you found something amazing? Don’t you think it’s amazing here?”
“Of course I do.” She turned away, looking as the critter jumped by her. “But I came here for work. And I never intended to uproot my life. My family is on Earth. My job is on Earth. My livelihood is there. It’s what I know.”
She couldn’t leave Earth. That was a big change, and she wasn’t sure it was something she would want.
He fell quiet, and she looked at him. “Don’t take it personally.”
She could tell he did. It was like she’d slapped him. She never intended to hurt him. But then again, she never tried staying away.
This is a warning, Hope. You’re becoming too attached. He’s becoming too attached. You need to start distancing yourself from him. Before either of you really get hurt.
“I’ve grown up there my entire life,” she said, giving him a smile. “I have a lot of memories there, and I have so many more to make. There are so many animals that still need my help. I have so much yet to do there.”
He stayed silent.
She felt bad, but it was better that way. It would be easier for both of them. But even as she told herself that, her stomach twisted, reminding her she had enjoyed the idea. And maybe she wanted to stay.
Just a little. But you know you can’t.
FOURTEEN
DEIMOS
He didn’t know what to say after Hope’s statement about leaving. He had been hoping she would be staying.
You never asked her to stay. Nor does she have a real reason to. She has no idea you are fated for each other. She thinks she’s just here to help with the cattle, and that’s it.
He took a breath and calmed himself. She had a point. She never was asked to stay. Which meant he needed to give her a reason to stay. Hope came to help with the cattle. Gerri was the one that hadn’t disclosed that they were fated for each other.
The sarva slept in Hope’s room for the rest of the evening. She seemed to distance herself by sitting outside looking over emails on her phone. He gave her the space she wanted.
But he was a little hurt.
All right, a lot hurt. But you’ll get over it. You’ve only known each other for a handful of days. Of course, she feels no real connection to Nova Aurora.
He just needed to make it so Hope didn’t want to leave. He understood not wanting to uproot, but it wasn’t like she’d never see her family again. She could still visit them.
And there was so much here that he wanted to show her. He loved watching the way her eyes lit up about everything. He wanted that to continue.
He just needed to give it time, but he knew he didn’t have much time. Hope was going to work hard on getting the answers to what was happening with the cattle, and when that was done, she was leaving.
