“I can’t believe I lost my job.” The weight of my situation encompasses me. “I never should’ve gotten involved with you.”
“Please don’t say that.” He turns me to face him. “Being with you gives me life.”
Breaking his heart is the last thing I want to do. He’s done so much to show me how much he cares.
God, I wish I didn’t love him.
His gaze becomes wary. “What’s going on in that head of yours?”
I shatter inside and slump forward. “I can’t do this anymore.”
“What can’t you do?” His Adam’s apple rolls.
“This.” I step back and gesture between us. “I can’t go on being with you when my heart and soul are with someone else. It isn’t fair to you.”
He shakes his head. “You’re just tired and overwhelmed. You need to sleep and get clear on how you really feel.”
“It’s not that, Hunter. My feelings won’t change.”
“Beauty, sorry for pointing this out, but you told me a few weeks ago you wouldn’t change your mind about being with me. Forgive me for thinking the difference in your stance is because you’re dealing with too much.”
“I know what I said, but that was before this happened.” I stride over to the counter.
He follows me to the kitchen, the floorboards creaking under his weight. “Is your change of heart because of the baby?”
I hesitate but decide to be truthful. “It’s part of it.”
He deflates and runs his hands through his hair. “We don’t know if it’s mine.”
“It doesn’t matter if it isn’t.” All my problems stack before me. Overwhelm rips through my veins and strangles me. Tears pool in my eyes. “Hunter, everything has changed.”
He rushes to my side. “Please don’t end this. Take a few days to rest and get clear. Then you can decide.”
I blink, and the tears fall. “I need to get my life straightened out. That’s the only thing I can focus on.”
He takes me in his arms and holds me while I cry for a moment. I’ve made a mess out of my life. God must be punishing me for all my past behaviors and choices.
I step away, trying to do the right thing and not confuse him. “You’re such a good man. I wish I wasn’t hurting you.”
“Then don’t. We can work through this together.”
“No, we can’t. I’m sorry, but our relationship has to be over.”
“Don’t do this. You need my help now more than ever.” His panicked gaze darts around my face.
I wipe my face with my sleeve. “What I need is to be alone. I need some time to think and figure out my next steps.”
“Locking people out who want to help doesn’t work for you. You already know this.”
“This time is different. I’m not running and locking myself away. Everything is out of control, so I’m just asking for some space. Give me time to figure out my life.”
“Does that mean you’re considering staying with me?”
“Hunter...”
Why is he refusing to listen to me?
We share an emotion-filled stare before he takes a breath and nods. “Get some rest. But trust me, I’m going to get your job back.”
