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When they reached the camping area, Chip signaled for them to stop. He turned in the saddle to address the group.
“You can dismount, remove the saddles, and set your tents up. Please stay close to the firepit. It can get chilly here at night because of the higher elevation.”
Ian watched everyone do as Chip told them. He saw Eden laughing with her friend. Apparently, she wasn’t bothered about not speaking with him. He climbed off the horse, removed the saddle, then led the horse to the post to tie him. He set the saddle under the rail, and out of the way of the horse, so he wouldn’t step on it.
After removing his sleeping bag, he snapped it out by the pit, then strolled off into the woods to gather kindling and firewood. As he gathered it up, he heard a twig snap and clenched his jaw. If it was Bonnie, she was in for a rudeawakening.
“Ian?”
He turned and was surprised to see Eden.
“Yes?”
“I’m sorry about Saturday.”
He huffed. “I am too. I shouldn’t have walked out like that.”
“I get it. I was angry too. Is that why you didn’t lead the trail ride yesterday?”
“No. Jaxon had me check the fence since Ken wasn’t feeling well.”
“Oh, I was sure it was because you didn’t want to face me.”
“I didn’t, but that isn’t why I wasn’t there.”
“I see. Okay, I’ll leave you alone.” She turned to go.
“Eden?”
“Yes?”
“I wish you didn’t have to, but I’m not sure how this is going to do either of us any good. You’re leaving soon. What good can come from any of this?”
She shook her head. “I don’t know.”
“Right. I’m attracted to you, but there is no sense in being together. I am not into flings. If I were, I’d be more than happy to be with you, but I’m not. I’m into relationships and I know I can’t have that with you.”
“I thought about cutting my vacation short, but I don’t want to.”
“Maybe you should. Get it over with,” he snapped.
“Do you think I like the idea of going?” She placed her hands on her hips.
“Why wouldn’t you? You have a job that youlove and once you return to it, the Bur Oak, along with me, will just be a memory.”
“What do you want me to do?”
“Nothing. There is nothing you can do. Just go back to the group. I’ll be there in a few minutes. Once we get back to the ranch, we’ll stay away from each other. It’s for the best.”
She stared at him, and he wanted to kick his ass when he saw tears in her eyes, then she turned and walked out of the woods. Well, what did she expect? This would never work for them. The day was going to come when she’d leave, and he had to prepare himself for it. He hoped he didn’t see her the last night she was here. It would be better if he just accepted it and let her go.
Chapter Five
Eden was miserable. She should never have gotten involved with him. It still surprised her that she had. She didn’t sleep around, but one look at Ian Brennan and she wanted him. A man, who in her mind, should never appeal to her, but did.
“Are you okay?” Cammie asked her when she sat beside her on the log.
“No. I apologized to him, and he did the same, but he also said there was no way we could be together. He said since I’m leaving, there was just no sense in it, and once we return to the ranch, we’ll stay away from each other.”
