𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬

𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝟑𝟎

The cabin was still, the laughter and warmth that had filled it for the past few days fading into the background as we all packed up to leave. My heart sank as I folded the last of my clothes into my suitcase, and I let out a deep sigh. It felt like the trip had gone by too fast-like we had just gotten here, and now we were already heading back to New York. I glanced over at Davis, who was busy packing up his things too, looking effortlessly focused. I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. I wasn't ready to go back to reality just yet. I wasn't ready to leave the comfort of being around him all day.

I wanted more of this-more time spent under his arm, more kisses stolen when no one was looking, more moments that felt like we had all the time in the world. But I knew better. Davis had to get back to work, to his law firm and his cases, and I had to return to my own world of baking. The thought made my chest tighten. We lived in two very different worlds, and I wasn't sure how we were going to make that balance work.

I zipped up my suitcase with more force than necessary, frustration bubbling up in my chest. Outside, I could hear the guys-Brayden and Traiq-laughing as they loaded up the truck, getting ready for the drive back. I lingered for a moment longer, staring at the bed we had just shared, the memories of our time together flashing through my mind.

"Sadira, you ready?" Davis's deep voice pulled me from my thoughts.

I looked up, forcing a small smile as I grabbed my jacket. "Yeah, I'm coming."

We made our way outside, the chill of the morning air hitting my skin and making me shiver. Davis was already at the truck, loading up the last of our bags with that effortless strength he always had. Brayden and Traiq were joking around, but their excitement to get back to the city only added to the heaviness I was feeling. I wasn't ready to go back to the hustle and grind of New York. Especially not when that meant being apart from Davis.

I slid into the backseat of the truck and buckled my seatbelt, trying to ignore the growing lump in my throat. Davis climbed in beside me after making sure everything was packed up, his eyes flickering to me briefly. He didn't say anything, but I could feel him sensing my mood. He always knew when something was off, even when I tried to hide it.

The ride was quiet for the most part, a stark contrast to the laughter that had filled the truck on the way to the cabin. Brayden and Traiq were in the front, talking about their plans once they got back to the city, but I wasn't paying attention. My mind was elsewhere, caught between the trip we were leaving behind and the uncertainty of what was ahead.

I watched the snow-covered landscape blur past the window, my heart feeling heavy. The further we drove, the harder it was to keep the sadness from creeping in. I hated feeling like this-so unsure of what was going to happen next. I'd never felt like this before with anyone, and that terrified me.

Davis reached over at one point, his hand resting on my knee, his touch warm and comforting. I didn't say anything, but the gesture made my heart ache even more. I wanted to stay in this moment with him, where everything felt simple and easy, but I knew that wasn't how life worked.