“I’m guessing you didn’t bring me here to tell me how much you like me,” I said, reaching for a slider, even though I wasn’t fucking hungry. I had a pit in my stomach, and I’d been feeling off all day. I’dprobably caught some shitty bug right before I needed to get home and get my ass to work.
“Yeah, I’ve got some concerns.” He cleared his throat. “I don’t get involved in Montana’s personal life, hence the reason I never told her that I didn’t care for that little punk Phillip. She never seemed all that happy, but who am I to judge? I haven’t had a solid relationship since Montana was born. She’s been my focus, and sure, I’ve dated, and I’ve got a lady friend I spend a lot of time with now, but my focus has always been my little girl.”
“And you’ve raised an amazing woman,” I said. “And I think Phillip is an asshole too. So I’m glad she got away from him.”
“Yeah. Me too.”
“But you’re worried that I’m going to hurt her?” I finally said, because I could tell he was uncomfortable.
“Not intentionally. And I’ve got to tell you, I’ve never seen her as happy as she’s been since you came to town. These last few months, I don’t know, she’s lighter. More confident. She laughs all the time.” He sighed. “But I know you’re leaving tonight. And I really do appreciate everything you’ve done for her and for me. Hell, for everyone in this town, with all the jobs you’re going to be bringing to Blushing. But if you aren’t going to be sticking around, then you need to leave and not look back, Myles.”
For fuck’s sake.
No one wanted me to keep in touch with her.
My God. Was I the fucking devil?
“She’s already made it clear that when I leave, she doesn’t want to continue speaking, even though we’ve become really good friends,” I said.
Hell, Montana Kingsley was the best friend I’d ever had. I’d never shared as much with anyone or opened up the way I had with her.
“Listen, Myles. I’ve been in a relationship with someone who wasn’t invested the way that I was, and I lost a lot of time waiting around. And my daughter deserves someone who wants to be there. Who makes her their priority. And I’m sure you two have been up front and honestabout whatever the hell has been going on, but I’m asking you, man to man—if you’re leaving with no intention of coming back more than once or twice a year, don’t string her along. I see the way she looks at you. And I can’t stand the idea of her being hurt. So right now, no one has done anything wrong. You’ll leave, and she’ll be stoic and strong for everyone like she always is, and probably cry when she’s alone like she used to do as a kid. She never let me see her cry because she once told me she’d rather hurt alone than hurt me.” He shook his head and blew out a breath, looking away for a few beats before turning his attention back to me. “Maybe you’ll hurt a little too. But everyone will recover eventually. But if you drag this out. If you call her or visit every few months and string her along. You and I will have a problem. I don’t care if you own the business I’m going to be working at. I will kick your ass without hesitation.”
I raised a brow. He was a fairly big dude. Somewhat fit. But there was no world where Daniel Kingsley was going to kick my ass, unless I just threw my hands up and let him do it.
And if I was being honest, I would let him kick the shit out of me if I hurt her.
Hell, I already had.
And the idea of Montana crying in her house alone—it did something to me.
Something I had no idea how to deal with.
“I understand, Daniel. I want the best for her. I, er, I ...” I couldn’t find the words I needed to say. “I care about her a lot. She’s somehow become my favorite person. But I know that what I have to offer isn’t enough for her, and I’ll respect it.”
“Thank you. I really didn’t want to drag your ass out back and kick the shit out of you.”
I smirked. “I appreciate that.”
My phone vibrated, and I glanced down at the text from his daughter.
Honey Badger: Hey. I know you were going to swing by and say goodbye on your way to the airport, but I’m not feeling well. I’ve got a fever, and I don’t want to get you sick, if I haven’t already. So, I think it’s best you don’t come by.
I blew out a breath and told Daniel that she was sick.
“She’s protecting herself. You just spent three days with her. I’m sure you’ve both said your goodbyes in your own way. Don’t make this harder for her than it has to be.”
I nodded. A sharp pain hit my stomach, and I cleared my throat. “All right. But I’m going to order her some soup and bread and just drop it on her porch on my way out of town.”
I called Delilah over and placed an order to go.
“Myles,” he said, his voice quiet. “I’ll take it over to her. You should just head to the airport from here.”
I agreed, and he excused himself to use the restroom as I paid the bill.
I quickly typed out a text.
Me: I’m sorry you’re sick. I’m sorry I didn’t get to say goodbye. I’m sorry if I’ve made this hard on you.
