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“She still needs to take more time off and relax. The doctor said the chest pain was stress induced.”
“That makes sense.”
“We’re going to take over the shop for the rest of this season so she can rest.”
I nodded. “That sounds like a good plan.”
“I just wanted to let you know. I’m sure you were worried.”
“I was. I wanted to be there for you—” I broke off, unable to finish my sentence.
He looked at me with regret in his expression, and I knew what he was going to say next. “I wasn’t there when my mother needed me. I was distracted.”
“You were asleep. It could have happened to anyone.”
Knox shook his head. “If I’d been home, Heath could have knocked on my door.”
“You can’t always be home.” But my voice sounded weak to my ears.
“I can, and I should be there. I moved home to be there for my family. They’re my number one priority.”
I swallowed hard. “That’s commendable.”
“I don’t want or need your opinion about how I handle my family.”
I crossed my arms over my chest as if I could protect my heart from his words. “I’m confused. I thought we were in a relationship and were there for each other.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea. I have things to deal with, and I can’t be away from the farm.” His eyes were blank.
“Just for now, or forever?” I forced myself to ask.
He shook his head, a muscle in his jaw ticking. “It’s just not a good time for us.”
What happened to how we felt in each other’s arms? How special it seemed? “Will there ever be a good time for us to talk?”
Knox shook his head. “I don’t know. I don’t want to lead you on. I enjoyed my time with you and Addy.”
Anger pistoned through me. “Why did you pursue me when you had no intention of having a serious relationship?”
His Adam’s apple bobbed up and down. “That’s not true. I liked you, maybe even loved you.”
“You involved Addy when you knew how worried I was about her getting attached to you.” I couldn’t stop myself from continuing.
“She’s always welcome at the farm.”
“As nice as that is, you know it’s not the same as when we’re seeing each other.” I didn’t want to go there and see the looks of pity on his brothers’ faces.
Knox glanced around the empty kitchen. “She’s with her father, isn’t she?”
“This is going to sound crazy, but I expect more out of you than her father. You were good to her, and now you’re just going to walk away? Pretend like what we shared meant nothing?” My voice raised with every word.
“It was nice. But I need to be there for my family.” His tone was flat.
“So, you’re saying that in order for you to be there for your family, you can’t have a relationship with anyone? Not someone who loves you and wants to be there for you?”
Knox turned away as if to leave. “It’s just not a good time.”
“I can’t believe you.” I was so angry at him. I knew it wouldn’t accomplish anything, but I couldn’t help it. “You came into our lives and made us fall in love with you, and you’re leaving just as quickly. How could you?”
