Page 57 of Camilla & Dallas
He couldn’t speak. He couldn’t argue with her.
She was right. And the worst part was that he’d withheld this information knowing it would affect them both. The truth was likely written all over his face. “Camilla,” he whispered, “I’m sorry.”
She nodded solemnly. “That doesn’t change the fact that you made a decision that could be life-altering for the both of us. You went into this relationship knowing full well that you wouldn’t be here for the long haul.” She swiped at her tears, and her expression turned almost hateful.
“I don’t know why I’m surprised. This is what you do, right? You reel someone in, and then you leave. Cheyenne warned me not to let you in. She said this would happen, but I guess I’m a glutton for punishment.” She turned her eyes heavenward and wiped once more at her face.
Dallas took a step toward her, not knowing what exactly he could do, but he had to do something. “We can work this out.”
She brought her gaze back to him, then held up a hand. “That’s just it. I don’t think we can. You broke my trust. I know this doesn’t sound like a big deal, but it is to me.”
“I know. And I promise, I was going to tell you.”
Once again, she shook her head. “It’s a little too late for that.”
Before he could say another word, another apology, she charged for the house. Cheyenne came out onto the porch at that moment, and the venomous glare she shot his way would have turned his heart to stone if it didn’t already feel like a useless lump of coal.
Camilla’s words had been cutting. They sliced right through him, causing pain despite the numbness spreading through his body. He couldn’t believe he’d actually brought the ring with him for this conversation. How dumb could he be? What did he expect? For Camilla to see the ring and forgive him?
“You look like death warmed over,” a voice muttered at his back.
Dallas turned to find Roman arching a brow. He didn’t look thrilled to see him either. Had he already heard what had transpired? Dallas wouldn’t have been surprised, considering how close Camilla was with her siblings.
“You gonna tell me what’s going on?”
Dallas rubbed the back of his neck and turned back toward the house. “Nah, I don’t think that would be a good idea.”
“What happened?” Roman’s accusatory voice was just as bad as the look Dallas had gotten from his sister.
Flinching, Dallas shoved his hands in his pockets. “Your sister is mad.”
“Does she have a good reason?”
A pause. Dallas didn’t want to go through this with Roman. It was none of his business. Much like it wasn’t Cheyenne’s. He swallowed hard. “Yeah, she does.”
Roman’s silence was chilling. Dallas half-expected the man to tackle him to the ground and throw a few punches for how protective he was with his sisters. Every muscle in Dallas’s body tensed, waiting for the moment when he was pummeled into the ground.
It never came.
“You need to go, Dallas.”
“I know. I should let her cool down and come back.”
“No. You’re going to pack up and leave.”
Dallas whipped his head around and stared at Roman. “I can’t do that.”
“You don’t have a choice. I warned you. Camilla doesn’t need this in her life.”
“And what exactly do you think that is? You have no idea what she’s even upset about.”
Roman chuckled, but it was void of humor. “The thing is, I know my sister. Camilla has a good head on her shoulders. If she’s upset, then she’s got good reason.” He folded his arms across his chest and lifted his chin. “I don’t think you should stick around. Find a way to commute or something until your project is done.”
“I’m not giving up on her, Roman.” Even if Dallas had to leave for Canada on schedule in two weeks, he’d do everything in his power to ensure Camilla knew where he stood. He just needed to get his head on straight. Once he figured out how to make this up to her, he would.
Hopefully, he’d find a way to stay in Copper Creek longer or indefinitely.
There had to be a way. Camilla was worth the effort, and he was going to make sure she knew it.
