Am I? The question echoes in my mind. Is this how our story ends? A humiliating scene in a courthouse?
"No." I stand abruptly, newfound determination burning through the shock. "No, I'm not letting her go."
"There he is." Jax grins. "The stubborn bastard we know and love."
I'm already moving toward the door, stripping off the tie as I go. "Where would she go?"
"Her father's maybe," Ridge suggests. "Or that coffee shop."
"Or your place," Jax calls after me. "To get her things before you catch up to her."
Our place.Not just mine anymore. The thought propels me forward, out of the courthouse and into the bright afternoon sunlight. Savannah's out there somewhere, thinking I only wanted her for our arrangement. Thinking whatever grew between us these past weeks was just convenience or great sex.
I need to find her. Need to tell her she's wrong. Need to make her understand that what started as business became the most real thing in my life.
And I'm not letting her walk away without a fight.
CHAPTER NINE
SAVANNAH
Ican't breathe.
The courthouse steps blur beneath my feet as I flee, wedding dress clutched in my hands to keep from tripping. My chest feels like it's collapsing, lungs refusing to expand properly. Tears stream down my face, ruining the makeup I spent an hour perfecting this morning.
What have I done?
The look on Colt's face when I said I couldn't go through with it will haunt me forever. Confusion. Hurt. Betrayal. All the things I never wanted to cause him.
I reach my car and fumble with the keys, hands shaking so badly I drop them twice before managing to unlock the door. Inside, I sink into the driver's seat, forehead pressed against the steering wheel as sobs rack my body.
This wasn't how today was supposed to go. The plan was simple. Marry Colt. Get the inheritance. Continue our mutually beneficial arrangement for six months. Then part ways, no harm done.
Except I've gone and done the one thing I promised myself I wouldn't. I've fallen in love with him.
The realization hit me three days ago as we lay in bed, his arm around me, my head on his chest. The steady rhythm of his heart beneath my ear, the way his fingers traced absent patterns on my skin. The absolute rightness of being there with him. It terrified me.
Because in two weeks, this fake marriage became more real than any relationship I've ever had. And in six months, when our arrangement ends, walking away will break me.
I couldn't marry him knowing I'd be living a lie. Pretending this was just business when every touch, every smile, every moment together meant everything to me. And I couldn't tell him the truth, couldn't risk seeing pity in his eyes when he realized the pathetic sheriff's daughter had fallen for him for real.
So I ran. Like a coward. Embarrassed us both and confirmed every terrible thing my father ever thought about this situation.
My phone buzzes relentlessly in my purse. Probably Sylvie. Or my father. Or worst of all, Colt. I ignore it, starting the car instead. I need somewhere to think. Somewhere to hide until the humiliation subsides enough for me to face the consequences of what I've done.
Without conscious decision, I drive to my grandmother's house. The inheritance I was so desperate to claim that I concocted this whole charade. The house sits empty, waiting for an owner who cares enough to bring it back to life.
I use the spare key hidden in the garden gnome, letting myself into the dusty interior. Nothing has changed since Grandma died. Same furniture draped in sheets. Same faded wallpaper. Same kitchen where she taught me to bake.
I sink onto the sheet-covered couch, not caring that my white dress will be ruined. Nothing matters now. I've lost Colt. Lostmy inheritance. Lost my dignity. All because I couldn't keep my heart in check.
"I thought I might find you here."
My father's voice startles me. I look up to see him standing in the doorway, still in his dress uniform, face unreadable.
"Come to say I told you so?" My voice is hoarse from crying.
He sighs, moving to sit beside me. "No. I came to check on my daughter."
