All I Want: A Small-Town Romance (Runaway Hearts Book 1) by J.B. LaRee

Author:J.B. LaRee [LaRee, J.B.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-04-29T00:00:00+00:00

20

JAKE

It’s been less than a week since the wall separating me from Tatum came crashing down—since I laid everything on the line—and she’s already pulling away. The chasm between us may not be as wide as it was before, but it’s damn deep and still too treacherous to cross.

The first two days, we hung out at her house, not ready to make our reconnection public. We talked about our day-to-day lives. Tatum told me about the countries she visited on tour and the pranks she and Maisy pulled on her bodyguards. I told her about my consulting work and my decision to double major in business and land management.

The differences between her exciting life and my boring one are pretty stark.

Don’t misunderstand. I enjoy my work. Helping ranch owners optimize land use and increase profits is rewarding. It’s the travel that busts my balls. So yesterday, I posted a summer internship opportunity with my former alma mater. Figured I could offer an upcoming graduate some field experience at little cost to me. I’d been considering it for a while.

The blooming hope that Tatum might stick around and my need to spend more time with her reinforced my decision. Spring classes already started, and the official deadline passed, but the head of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department always liked me and allowed my late submission. With my luck, the best students already secured internships, and I’ll be stuck with someone who’s near the bottom of the class.

Tatum and I avoided serious topics during our visits, always keeping things at surface level. She was tired, falling asleep with her head in my lap at the end of both nights, so I’d kiss her forehead and leave her sleeping on the couch. Whatever she’s dealing with, I wish she’d talk to me.

On the third day, I left for a business trip. I wish I could cancel all my appointments for the next month while we work through the issues dividing us. Splitting my time and focus between her and my job is difficult when my mind is always on her. While I was away, we exchanged a few brief calls and texts. But she’s distant.

Pam crept around the house while I sat with Tatum those first two days, offering me sympathetic smiles and pitiful eyes. It was the same pity she showed me when I came knocking after Tatum disappeared. And it’s the same damn pity she offered me this morning when I stood at her kitchen door and she turned me away.

My brain went on high alert, worried Tatum snuck away to California before I returned home last night. Pam must’ve sensed my distress, and she assured me that Tatum was sleeping and didn’t want to be disturbed today. Pam’s request for me to give Tatum some time, along with her ominous warning for me to be careful, is why I’m in a foul mood as I swing my hammer.

Be careful.

Be careful with who? Tatum or myself? I’m sick and tired

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