Page 83 of Missing Pieces (Men of Manhattan 3)

"Trust me, you're going to love this, Hails."

Him calling me by my nickname soothed me slightly. But I felt like I was going to be sick when the cart swayed forward and we started rising into the air.

Chapter 44

Tyler

Thursday

Hailey squeezed my hand so tightly that it almost hurt.

"I'm right here, nothing bad is going to happen to you."

She gave me an uneasy smile.

I wasn't sure if it was because at this time tomorrow I wouldn't be here with her, or because she was so nervous about being this high up, but it made me feel like shit either way. Was I doing the right thing? I couldn't be there for her. I'd be on the other side of the country. If her dad didn't get better, she needed someone that could be there for her.

"Oh my God," she said and leaned her head against my shoulder.

It took me a second to realize she was actually admiring the view instead of being terrified of it.

"It's breathtaking."

I wrapped my arm behind her back as we stared out at the horizon. The sun was setting, casting a beautiful spectrum of colors across the water. If I listened closely I could even hear the waves splashing over the laughter of the people on the pier. It really was amazing. And not just because of the view. But because of the beautiful girl beside me that trusted me enough to face her fear of heights. "This is the best sunset I've ever seen."

"Mhm."

I glanced down at her

and laughed. Her eyes were shut tight. "Open your eyes, Hails. You're missing it."

She shook her head.

I put my hand on the side of her face. "Open your eyes."

She shook her head again and squeezed her eyes shut even harder. "The most beautiful things in life aren't seen. They're felt by the heart."

Just like that, all my reservations were gone. I was never letting go of this girl. It was like I was blind my whole life and suddenly I could see. Hailey Shaw was it for me. Because she was right, and not just about this moment but about us. This was more than just physical attraction or a crazy summer fling. She healed my heart. She healed my soul. She had touched my life in such a meaningful way. She saved me.

"I love you." The words tumbled out of my mouth before I even realized what I was saying.

Her eyes flew open.

It was too fast. It was too crazy. So why the hell did I not regret saying it?

She pressed her lips together as she looked up at me. It looked like she was about to cry.

"It's okay if you don't feel the same way. It doesn't change how I feel. And I wanted you to know." I meant it, but I could feel myself closing off.

"No, Tyler, that's not it. I just..." her voice trailed off.

She doesn't love me back. Of course she doesn't. What the hell is wrong with me? It was just like it was with Penny. I wasn't enough. Why the hell would Hailey want me? I was going to be gone for three years. If there was one thing I had learned from Penny, it was to not be so transparent and optimistic about something I couldn't control. I was repeating my mistakes. That was something I couldn't afford to do. It felt like I couldn't breathe. I was such an idiot.

"I'm sorry, Tyler, but I'm scared to say it. I'm so scared of losing you."

I swallowed hard.

"A few hours ago I didn't think you wanted me back. But now that you do, it's suddenly hit me how dangerous what you're about to do is. And I'm terrified. I'm so worried that I'm never going to see you again."

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