Elizabeth rested her head on my chest as we danced, and I held her tight as we slowly swayed back and forth.
The air between us crackled.
She’s not dancing with me like someone who only wants one night.
A sharp stab went through my heart as I thought about her leaving tomorrow. It was ridiculous to feel so attached to a woman who would never leave her life for me.
And even if I could make it in New York City, would shewantme to follow her there?
Somehow, in the span of one day, I’d fallen deep, deep, deep for her.
I already knew that heartbreak waited at the end of this.
But that didn’t stop me from wanting to dive headfirst into this woman. Lizzie had me, heart and soul.
I clutched her tighter and ignored the pain dancing in my heart.
Chapter 13
Elizabeth
This was turning into the best night of my lifeandthe worst.
The best, because I’d watched my closest friend marry the love of her life… and I’d met the love of mine.
And it was also the worst night, because I knew there was a short expiration date on anything between Hudson and me.
We’d danced half the night away, then finally came back outside into the fall evening.
It was the most quaint and picturesque festival I’d ever been to before.
And Ilovedit.
This is what real living felt like.
All these people had their lives here, and they didn’t even know how special it was.
I thought about the busy, bustling streets of New York. The constant motion, the hum of life.
The chaos of New York had thrilled me. Made me feel vibrant and alive.
But now, after just one day in Deer Springs, it felt jarring and senseless compared to the tranquil flow of life here.
“This festival is amazing. I can see why Shelby and Thatcher wanted to have their wedding reception here,” I told him.
“This is nothing compared to Red Oak Mountain. My friends Elliot and Nancy throw the best harvest festival in the state. Real hay bale rides, a petting farm with my other friend Kat’s goats, and a haunted cave.”
“A haunted cave?”
“Yup. They own a big farm, and the cave is on the edge of their property. I helped decorate it this year. Normally I work at the festival. I’m the guy who jumps out and scares kids when they get to the deepest end of the cave. I’m the ‘cave monster’.”
I laughed at that. “Are you serious?”
“Yup, sure am. I love doing it. The kids have such a good time.”
Kids. What kind of man talked about kids with his one-night stand? He could find himself in serious trouble if he kept that up.
My desire for children had never worked well with my dream of being a partner. If I were lucky enough to find someone while my eggs were still viable, I’d have to have a nanny raise our children. What would I do, see them for an hour a day?
