Claimed by You by Melissa Toppen

Author:Melissa Toppen [Toppen, Melissa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Barnesnoble:
Goodreads: 23149355
Publisher: Daft Empire
Published: 2014-10-23T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seventeen

Watching Westin disappear into the airport terminal is like being sucker punched right in the stomach. My insides feel knotted and a wave of nausea hits me the moment the reality of the situation sets in.

There's no going back now. I know that without a doubt. Before it was possible. Slight, but possible. There was some fraction of a chance that my life could somehow regain even a sliver of it's formal normalcy. But now, with Westin's taste still on my lips. With his scent still on my clothing. I know that my chances have vanished before my very eyes.

I am a woman in love. A woman terrified of that love because it runs deeper and is more consuming than I ever dreamed it would be. The possibility that it may not work out is crippling.

But how can this work? California. Maine. My father. His career. My bakery. There is so much that neither of us is willing to give up and yet, in order for this to work, someone is going to have to sacrifice.

I know without a doubt that leaving Maine will never be an option. I have worked too hard for too long to throw it away for a man. No matter how much that man means to me. I won't rewind. I won't go back to a place that cages me in and keeps me prisoner in my own life.

The cab ride back to the bakery goes by in a blur. My mind wanders and swirls around all the things standing in the way of me and Westin being happy, being together. And yet, even with all the negativity crawling into the forefront of my mind, I still see a tiny ray of hope.

Hope for the future. Hope that life can actually turn out okay in the end. Hope that, like they say in all the famous quotes and novels, love really does prevail all. Because when I look to my future, there is only one face I see. Westin.

I no more than get upstairs to my apartment, before my phone starts buzzing in my jacket pocket. Pulling it out, I immediately cringe at the name flashing across the screen. Allison Ryan. I don't even have her programmed in my phone as mom, I think that says all it needs to.

I consider ignoring it. Pretending like she didn't call and not letting it ruin the remainder of my day. Saying goodbye to Westin, not knowing when I will see him again, was hard enough. I really don't have time for whatever Allison has to say to me.

But like all the times before, I let out a long exhale and hit the answer button, preparing myself for the shrill voice that is sure to greet me on the other end.

“Mother.” I say, trying to hide the annoyance from my voice.

“Do not mother me young lady.” She immediately bites at me. “Are your fingers broken?” She asks, confusing me with her question.

“What? No.” I say, rubbing my forehead and leaning against the kitchen counter.

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