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"He wants to take me to the airport tomorrow."

"Yeah? By all means, I would love to not have to get up at five in the morning the day after getting home from vacation."

"I figured it would be okay," I say to her. I grab her hand, and she covers mine with hers.

"Whatever you choose, you know I support you. One hundred percent."

"Thank you."

We hug.

I already miss my best friend.

Chapter seventeen

Troy

ItextChrissytolet her know I am outside to avoid knocking and waking the newlyweds up. I meet her at the door and carry her luggage to my truck.

"You ready?" I ask her, trying my best to not let the heartache seep through to the tone in my voice.

" have to be." She buckles in, and we take off.

The ride to the airport is silent, but I hold her hand the whole way. I have a sense of calmness when she is close to me and when I get to touch her, even now when I know she is about to leave, she feels like mine.

When we pull up to the curb at the airport, the pit in my stomach twists. Maybe I should just keep driving straight. What's the worst that could happen? She misses her flight then has to come back with me? Okay, that sounds a little kidnapperish.

I put the truck in park and lift her hand to my lips, laying a gentle kiss on it. Then I look at her, her eyes glassy from the tears that have fallen already.

"I'm going to miss you," I tell her.

"I'll miss you too. Maybe I can visit this summer."

"I would love that."

I kiss her hand again before we get out, and I unload her luggage. I wrap her in my arms. One around her back and the other around her waist, holding her tight, trying to burn the feeling of her on me into my senses. She wraps her arms around my neck.

I lean my head into hers. I learned watching Grayson and Riley what can happen when you don’t say what you really want to say. The ups and downs that come with the unknown. I have to ask her anyway.

"Stay with me, Christina."

Her grip around my neck tightens slightly. I feel her chest fill with air and hear a couple sniffles from her nose.

"Hey, hey, no. Don't cry," I say as I pull her away slightly.

My knuckle goes to her chin and lifts it so I can see into her tear-stained eyes.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have suggested anything. You have your family, and I don't want to be in the way of that."

Besides, it's only been a week. Everyone puts their best foot forward at first. Even though I’d say I saw a very petty rude side of her first…and I still fell in love.

Love? Is that what this is?

"I want to stay, but I have to go. I have obligations that I can't walk away from."

The tears fall down her cheeks, and I sweep them away.

"I know."


Tags: T. Spear Columbus Falls Romance