Page 92 of Trip Me Up

I loved him. But I wasn’t cruel enough to admit it. To doom him to live in my world of lies, to be tainted by it.

I pushed him away, and he stumbled back into a metal shelf. “You don’t know me.”

He sucked in a breath like ripping cloth. “In three weeks, we’ve spent more time together than most people do in three months. I’m completely enchanted.”

Heat—and not the sexy heat from a minute before, but angry heat—bubbled to my skin. “Enchanted? I’m the farthest thing from a fairy princess there is.” I’d listened toTreachery of the Wood Elves.I’d heard his description of Lobelia. Regal and pure and noble. Nothing like me. Nothing I could ever be.

“I need to go. Jackson’s waiting.”

Even in the dim light of the bulb, his freckles stood out against the paleness of his skin. His voice had glass in it. “You really want me to get on my flight tomorrow?”

I found my suitcase’s handle and gripped it. “I do. Your place is at the farm. And writing in that bend in the creek.”

A pause. “You’re going to Vegas next month, right? For the prize ceremony.”

“No, I—I can’t.”

“Of course you can. You deserve to win. Even if you don’t win, you deserve to be there.”

I didn’t. I stared at the spot on his shirt where red met black.

He grasped my hand. “Go for me, then. I need you there. If neither of us wins, we can get drunk together. If I win, it won’t mean the same without you.”

He knew exactly which button to push. He needed me. Just for me. The way no one else ever had. I could see him once more, and then never again. Because Heidi would reveal the truth after that. Against my better judgment, the word pushed itself out. “Okay.”

His next kiss wasn’t hungry passion but gentle farewell, and it ripped my splintered heart open.

“I’m counting on you. I’ll see you in thirty-one days.”

He squeezed my hand one more time, then he pushed open the door. I blinked in the brighter light of the bookstore. He stood for a few seconds in the doorway, like he was taking a scan of me. Then his lips twisted. He pivoted and walked back toward the table.

Jackson, gripping Bilbo Baggins’ carrier, speared Niall with his gaze.

I shouldered my laptop bag and rolled my suitcase toward my brother.

“Everything all right? I don’t need to kick his ass, do I?”He stared at the back of Niall’s head.

“No. Remember, I’m not a teenager anymore. I can handle myself.”

“You just stepped out of a dark closet. With a dude.” He quirked a dark eyebrow.

“Point taken.” I drew myself up. “I’m fine. Speaking of teenagers, where’d Noah go?”

“Bilbo was whining. He took him outside. You sure you’re okay? Your eyes are red.”

I blinked like I could erase the evidence. “Can you drive me home?”

Slowly, he nodded, his gaze never leaving mine. “Remember, Samwise, I’ll always be available for ass-kicking. No matter how old you get.”He slipped the bag off my shoulder and slung it over his.

“I don’t need that, Jackson. I’m a big girl now. I’m independent.”

Just like I always wanted.

But now, my heart shredded in my chest, independence didn’t seem so appealing anymore.

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