Page 92 of A Whole New Trick

“That’s an understatement.”

He leans back against the couch, extending an arm over the back as he takes me in. “You’re worried what’s going to happen if he’s traded.”

“No, I know what’s going to happen.” My shoulders fall as sadness ripples through me. “And I keep wishing for time to slow down to delay the inevitable.”

“I’m confused. What do you think is going to happen?”

I give him a pointed look. “A long-distance relationship with an athlete isn’t going to work.”

“Are you speaking from experience?”

“I’m speaking from common sense,” I counter, frowning. “What is that face for?”

The usually easy-going baseball player scowls. “I just think it’s shitty of you to write off your relationship because of something Dane has no control over.”

My brows lift at his tone. “I’m not writing anything off.”

“Aren’t you?” He challenges. “You’re basically saying you two will break up if he’s traded.”

“Well, yeah… but I don’t want that.”

“Then don’t do it.”

“I’m not the only person it’s up to.”

“Has Dane said you guys will break up if he’s traded?”

I shift on the couch cushion. “Well… no.”

“Then this is all coming from you.” Joshua’s frown deepens. “What are you doing, Morgan? Why are you trying to sabotage your relationship?”

My mouth falls open. “Excuse me?”

“Don’t,” he demands. “I know you, Caldwell, and we’re more alike than you realize. I know a self-saboteur when I see one.”

I snap my lips closed and avert my gaze.

“Why are you dooming your relationship to fail, Morgan? Are you unhappy?”

My eyes snap back to him. “Of course not!”

“Then what is it?” He cocks an eyebrow. “Why are you dooming your relationship to fail if Dane gets traded? It’s one thing if your relationship has run its course, but that’s obviously not how you feel about the guy.”

“I…” I shake my head, and my frown deepens when I finally admit, “I’m afraid of getting hurt.”

“Has Dane given you a reason to think he’d hurt you?”

The answer is immediate. “No.”

Joshua tilts his head. “Then why are you so sure he will?”

Because of my past experiences.

Because I’m a realist.

Most people wouldn’t be content in a relationship without intimacy for very long, which is a large part of why long-distance relationships don’t work.

Throw in the fact Dane Larson is a god among men in the looks department and a considerate and kind human being, and he will have plenty of women willing to meet his physical and emotional needs wherever he ends up. He won’t need to put in effort to keep our relationship growing.

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