Me:
Consider it done.
Unknown:
Oh, this should be fun. I’ll be watching, Belle.
Shivers of fear race up my spine knowing he’s been watching us all this time. I won’t allow Aaron to ruin Carson’s life or steal his shine. If upending my life can save him, I’d do it without question—I’d do anything for Carson. Even if that means obliterating my heart in the process.
Carson
Surprised I didn’t find her by the fireplace, I jog up the stairs in search of Dakota. It’s a cold October night, the perfect excuse to curl up by the fire together, which I plan to do once I check on her and make sure she’s okay.
After Mack told me Dakota never showed up to our game tonight, I raced home right after our postgame press. I was surprised to hear she hadn’t been there and have been anxious ever since, considering Dakota told me before I left that she couldn’t wait to cheer me on wearing my jersey for the first time.
There’s noise coming from the bedroom that I can’t quite make out.
“Dream Girl, are you okay?” I ask before freezing in the doorway of our bedroom when I see a frazzled Dakota hectically tossing clothes into a suitcase.
“What are you doing, Austen?”
“Packing. I-I just need some time.”
My heart sinks at her words and her frantic tone.
“Time? Time for what?” I question, panic lacing my words.
“T-to think.” She can’t even look at me as she continues to shove clothes and toiletries into her bag.
“I’m so confused. What do you need time to think about?” I bite out the question in a frustrated voice I don’t recognize as my own.
She winces, and it just about kills me.
“I’m sorry for raising my voice. Where are you going?” I ask again after taking a deep breath.
“Home. Just home,” she monosyllabically replies as I catch a glimpse of her tear-stricken face.
“Home? But this is your home.”
“No, it’syourhome. I’m going back to Texas, Carson.”
“Why are you doing this? What happened? Please talk to me,” I plead.
“Don’t you get it?” she questions. “This is all too much for me and far too soon. I shouldn’t have agreed to move in. I shouldn’t have jumped head-first into a relationship so soon after my life was shattered.”
“B-but we love each other,” I shudder. “We made promises, Austen. Promises to start a life together. To talk to one another. To be partners. Don’t quit on us. Talk to me. Let me hear what’s causing your hesitation or fears.”
She turns her back to me and closes her suitcase, bracing her hands on it as she hangs her head and sighs. “Carson, I’m sorry if this is hurting you, that isn’t my intention. I just think I made a mistake and I need time to think about my decisions. My mama said I could stay with her for a while, so that’s what I’m going to do. I talked to Kenna already, and she said your mama would help her with Cadence.”
I smooth my hand over my chest to ease the ache that’s spreading. “So that’s it? How come I don’t get a say in any of this? What if I hadn’t raced home tonight? Would you have just left without saying a word?”
“Yes! Don’t you get it?”
“No, I don’t. I don’t understand any of this, Dakota,” I choke out.
“I can’t do this. I can’t ruin you too—I’m broken,” she cries.
“Austen, if you’re broken, what the hell does that make me?” I counter. “Is this about the car? If it is, I’ll take it back. Carol is still in the garage. If you want to drive her, let’s just get snow tires for winter. And if it’s really snowy, you can take my truck.”
