Page 25 of Puppy Love

Please put Ace’s leash on and walk him to the field where we had our picnic.

Jayden

I swallow the lump in my throat and read the note several times. I don’t know what it mean or why he wants me to do that, but I get up and grab Ace’s leash.

I just hope there’s no bikes or squirrels on the way.

Chapter 9

Jayden

I blow out a breath,running my fingers through my hair. I feel like I’ve been waiting forever and for her I would.

I haven’t gotten any sleep yet and if this doesn’t work, I don’t think I ever will. I’ve gotten used to sleeping with her in my arms.

But I’m a determined man. A man who won’t accept defeat.

Once I realized I was going to prove my love for her, my mind wouldn’t stop. I needed the perfect plan and I just hope I decided on the right one.

When I called her work this morning, I knew I was overstepping, but I didn’t give a shit.

Last night I gave her time to think and this morning I gave her time to relax. I was a bit surprised she wasn’t home when I drove by. I was just going to text her, but I figured leaving Ace in her care might win me a few extra points.

He was so happy to be home and it made things even more clear.

I know my girl and I knew she’d go looking for me in my room, so I left a note on my bed. I’m now hoping Ace didn’t find it before her.

I pace as I wait and the second I hear her soft voice telling Ace to leave that squirrel alone, I smile. My entire body feels like a weight has been lifted off. I just fucking hope it stays that way.

I step out from behind the tree and when she sees me, she freezes.

“Jayden?” she whispers, dropping Ace’s leash.

He doesn’t run to me though; he sits by her side. He thinks I’m going to take him away again and I can’t blame him. I guess I hurt them both.

I stalk toward her and hold out the single yellow wildflower I picked. “Cambri, please give me a minute.”

She swallows roughly, taking the flower from my hand. A tear runs down her cheek and I reach forward, wiping it away. Her sky blue eyes search mine, but the sadness I see in them crushes me.

“I never meant to hurt you. I promised I wasn’t like everyone else and yet, here I am causing you pain and allowing you to once again feel abandoned.”

“Jayden,” she begins.

I press a finger over her lips and the contact has me briefly closing my eyes. “Please baby, let me say what I need to say.”

She nods and I remove my finger.

“My mom taught me a lot of things. She taught me how to love, how to care, and how to protect. I thought that’s what I was doing. I thought by accepting this job I was showing you how much I love you because I would be able to take care of you. I felt like I was protecting you from all the shit you’ve been through. But I was wrong.”

“I didn’t realize it until I was in a strange hotel room bed, alone. I couldn’t stop thinking you were over-reacting about the entire situation. That you couldn’t see that the future I envisioned is with you. But then it hit me. You feel like leaving this town, your home, is abandoning the only thing that has been your comfort.”

Her tears are running down her cheeks as she nods her head.

I swallow, nodding my head. “You made that clear to me and when I sprang this on you, you felt exactly like you did as a kid. Alone.”

I take a risk and reach for her hand. She doesn’t pull away and I bring it to my mouth, kissing her palm. “I fucked up, Cambri. But I did it with the best of intentions. I did it because I want to give you the world. I never imagined you’d react the way you did and that’s my fault. I should’ve remembered your heart is here. Which means my heart is here.” I wipe her tears, holding tighter to her hand. “I called the company I accepted the offer for and told them I decline the offer. They tried offering me more money, but I told them it wasn’t about that. It was about the love of my life and where she is, I am.”

“Jayden, I’m sorry,” she cries out.

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