Page 56 of Without You

She looks at me with her big blue eyes, her lips parted and blonde hair pulled up into a ponytail and I have the sudden painful urge to take her into my arms and kiss her. But I can’t do that. Because she’s not mine. And that sucks.

I try my best to focus on Chase but it’s hard not to let the memory take over.

It’s only been a short amount of time since I’ve reconnected with Katie but it doesn’t matter. I hate the idea of her being hurt, whether it’s now or in the past.

“You with me?” Chase asks, interrupting my thoughts and bringing me back to the present.

“Yeah, man. I’m here. Sorry, memories, you know?”

He turns to the right and the truck skids along, mud flying up behind us. “Jealous that you have so many memories out here. I bet it was a great place to grow up.”

“It was,” I confirm.

After he’s had enough mudding, we take his truck back to my shop and we wash it up.

“I really wish I was taking this thing with me,” he murmurs, wiping it down.

“Transport truck’s arriving tomorrow to bring it to the site.”

“We all set for you customizing one for a charity auction?”

“Absolutely.”

We shake hands and then he takes off in the vehicle he arrived in.

And I head to my girl.

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