Page 109 of Running Winter

"You staying over?" I asked as we pulled up to my house.

Rayna shook her head, sighing heavily.

"I can't, Chase. I'm going to say goodbye tonight, and then I want you to call me when you land or something."

"What?" I demanded as my parents exchanged a look.

Dad tossed me the keys before they both said goodbye to Rayna and went into the house.

Rayna's lower lip trembled, and I gripped her chin with my hand, forcing her to look at me.

"Are you breaking up with me?"

My heart slammed against my chest, the pain almost too much to bear. She shook her head, holding my face in her hands.

"No. I'm just giving you a bit of space—"

"Fuck space!" I snapped, searching her eyes. "I want to spend all night fucking you, and then I want to do it again in the morning until I have to leave. Then I want you to come to the airport—"

"Chase. I can't...just understand that I need to do it this way."

I was stunned, but no more than when Rayna climbed out of the car, leaning back in to kiss me hard on the mouth.

"I love you, but I have to go. Text me when you land."

"Rayna—"

"Chase, this was your dream. California. Go and live it! I'll be here when you get back. I just don't do goodbyes."

Her eyes filled with tears, and she pointed at me in the car.

"Stay there. Don't follow me. I need to be strong. Okay?"

I was so shocked I simply nodded, wondering why I thought we would spend the last night together when she clearly needed to be away from me.

"Rayna," I called out as she stopped, turning back to gaze at me. "I fucking love you."

"I love you too."

So why did it feel like she was saying goodbye to us?

MY STUFF

R A F E

"New start, my man."

Chase stared at me through tired eyes before shaking his head.

"I don't understand. Rayna didn't come to see me off, Rafe. After everything we have been through, she just cuts me off?"

"Honestly, lucky escape. That girl is hot, then cold—"

"I don't expect you to understand, Rafe," Chase muttered quietly, dragging his suitcase off the carousel.

I scanned the remaining luggage, frowning when I realized mine still wasn't there. I wanted to get into California as soon as possible.

"Understand that you have spent every waking moment with that girl—"

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