Page 28 of Where We Burn


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“Watch your mouth.”

Three words, that’s all it takes.

Christian Crawford doesn’t have to raise his voice to put someone in their place, especially not his son, whose mouth clamps shut so fast I can practically hear his teeth snap together.

However, Travis’s silence doesn’t mean he’s finished.

He steps in close, his breath warm against my ear as he leans down and whispers, “Move your fat ass out of my way and pack your things. We’re leaving tonight.”

I step aside, swallowing the humiliation whole.

My ass might not be small, but it’s a damn masterpiece, and I know it. But being fat-shamed in front of Christian—in front of the man I actually want—hits differently.

Travis marches past me without another word, shoving the door open so hard it rattles against the frame. He doesn’t look back, and the sound of the door closing is the only thing left of him.

“What did he say to you?”

“Nothing,” I lie, but I know I must be wearing it all over my face.

Christian’s jaw clenches hard, and the muscles jump beneath his skin as his body goes rigid. He’s reading me like a damn book, and whatever he’s seeing has him pivoting toward the door, already halfway to storming out and hunting Travis down.

“Christian, stop. Please.”

My hands find his chest before I can think better of it, and he’s solid beneath my palms, all hard muscle and a thundering heartbeat that gives away just how close he is to losing it.

“Please don’t,” I whisper. “He just told me to get out of his way.”

My hands fall away from his chest, but he doesn’t move. He just stares down at me like he’s trying to decide whether to believe me or go find out for himself.

“Is that all?”

I bite down on my lip and nod. He knows I’m lying, but he doesn’tpush. Instead, he drags a hand across his stubbled jaw while I wrap my arms around myself.

“I’m sorry about that. Travis…” He lets out a pained laugh. “I think things will always be like this between us.” The hurt in his eyes makes my chest ache, and I have to fight the urge to reach for him again.

“Has it always been this bad between you?”

“It’s never been great.”

“For what it’s worth, I don’t think you’re the problem. I really do believe his family has a lot to answer for—his mom’s side, I mean.” I lean back against the counter, trying to look anywhere but at him. “Spending time with the Beaufords is like willingly walking into a pit of snakes. Last time Travis dragged me up there, I spent the entire weekend wondering how many drinks it’d take before I could fake food poisoning and get the hell out.”

“Do you mind being here?”

“Not at all.”

And just like that, we fall back into this easy way of existing around each other. None of the tension, restraint, or near mistake has changed the fact that being around Christian feels right.

“You’re good for Travis.” Christian’s eyes find mine, holding me captive, and I catch the exact moment he realizes something’s off. Because no matter how good I might be for Travis, it doesn’t change the fact that Travis isn’t good for me. “What is it?”

“The truth is, we’re hanging on by a thread. Whether I’m good for him or not doesn’t change where our relationship is heading. So I suggest you use me for whatever you need now because I doubt I’ll be welcomed back once things end between us.” A bitter laugh escapes me before I can swallow it down. “Which would be today if I weren’t more interested in staying here and watching all these families make memories on your farm.”

Christian’s chest rises and falls fast as he turns away from me, gripping the edge of the counter so hard his knuckles turn white against the dark granite. He squeezes his eyes shut for a second before opening them to stare out the window at the snow-covered fields in the distance.

“Does he know?”

“He can’t think things are going well, so I’m sure his head is in the same place.” I take a step forward, not even sure why, only that there’s something between us pulling me closer. “I hope that doesn’t make you think less of me, but I can’t keep pretending. I won’t.” My voice drops to barely a whisper. “And I think, after what happened in here the other morning, you wouldn’t respect me if I did… all things considered.”

His eyes snap to mine, and suddenly, words feel pointless. The air between us is charged with everything we almost did and everything we’re still desperately trying not to want.