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Chapter 12
Cassie
I had planned to be gone this morning. In the quiet of the night, I watched shadows on the wall, listened to the wind and trees scrape against the roof. Those sounds and shadows that normally haunt me don't scare me tonight. I'm safe and I can rest knowing I won't rest until this is over once and for all.
I thought about what I should do most of the night. If Jacob and I disappeared, Dad would lose track of me again. And Travis could have the house to himself, he could stay if he wanted to. I could go west, as far as I can before needing to stop again. I might just lose Anthony for a bit longer as well. I could buy some time but not much without money.
I need a job. I can waitress, I can clean, I can even do minor repairs. I could earn a little and stay off the books for a short time. But Travis knows too much. He'd come for me now. He would be able to track me better than anyone else. I'd have to take that risk.
I can't put someone else in danger because of my mistakes.
I made my plans as we laid in front of the fire in silence. He held me, protectively, intimately, with his head resting against mine. I ran through several options, changing routes here, adjusting there. I went over the escape route repeatedly trying to find holes in my plan.
I assumed I would be running again when I learned of Travis's connection to my dad. I just need to be more careful. I don't want anyone getting hurt because of me. I couldn't stand it if Travis was hurt or worse because of me.
I didn't think it would be like this. I didn't think I would feel something for him. There's something growing between us. Something that shouldn't happen. It's not a good idea. For him, for Jacob. I need to go before I can't walk away. Cautiously, I wonder if there's anything I missed.
"You're not thinking of leaving me this morning, are you?" Travis questions me without opening his eyes. It's as if he can read my mind. That's not a good feeling. Once again, I feel his lips touch my skin.
Closing my eyes, I relished the moment. I need to set boundaries between us. I have a child to think of and I have to make better choices. Taking a deep breath and bracing myself for what I'm about to do, I prepared to lie to him.
"I have to leave soon." I'm not lying about that. "I have to take Jacob to daycare. And I have to go to work." I'm not saying what that work is.
He opens his eyes slowly and watches me. I can't tell if he believes me. "What aren't you saying, Cassie? Don't say it's nothing, because I can see it in your eyes."
Yep, he sees everything. "I think we need some rules." His eyebrows lift at my suggestion.
"Rules?" He doesn't make a move to sit up or pull away.
"Yes." Sitting up, I make the first move to step back. Crossing my legs under me, I adjust so I can see him. "I'm a single mom. My son takes priority in my life. I can't just jump into bed with the first man I come across. Or any man, for that matter. I have to be better for him."
"Better for him? Or for you?" He asks calmly. There's a flash of anger in his eyes but he doesn't show his temper. If I wasn't staring at his eyes, I would have missed it.
Travis gets a lopsided smile on his face, but it's not a real smile. He's humoring me. Does he think this is a joke? Really? I thought last night, after all those kisses and heat that were between us, we were on the same page.
Feeling my defensive nature kick in, I have to not give him my knee jerk response when I feel I'm not being taken seriously. Slowing down my breathing I pause and consider my words carefully.
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Degrees Of Honor The Honor Series Book One
RomanceRunning from a dangerous past has made Cassie McAfferty paranoid and extremely careful about who she lets in. After running for too long Cassie decides she's found her place in the small town of Heart Butte, Montana. She has allowed herself no attac...