Blake's POV:
"You're leaving?" Brantley asked, quickly standing from the couch. I nodded, my eyes locked on my boots. I could do this. I had to. "Whatever I did, or said, or didn't do, I'm sorry. Just talk to me little rabbit, what's going on?" Brantley said softly. I could hear him coming towards me. "You didn't do anything B, I just.. I feel like I've gotten entirely too dependent on you in a very short time. I'm gonna head to a hotel for a couple days. Prove to myself that I can survive just fine on my own. This is really intense, and I catch myself putting the cart before the horse. I don't wanna be that girl." I said quietly. "What girl baby? Why are you leaving? Stay, please." Brantley said, stepping closer. "The girl that always relies on a guy. The overly needy, clingy girl." I said and turned, heading out to my truck. By the time I pulled out of the driveway, the tears were falling freely. I was in love with him. And that scared the shit out of me. It had been days. And I was already in love with him. Through Maxie and Jake, I felt like I knew him all my life. But I needed to prove to myself that I would be just fine without him. I hat to be. What choice did I have? If I told him how I felt, he'd think I was crazy. So I ran, like I always do. I pulled into the hotel, and got a room, intent on getting some sleep. It didn't happen.
4 hours later, I was still tossing and turning. My chest hurt, physically hurt, without Brantley here. I was miserable, still crying. I give up. Grabbing my phone, I called him. "Where are you?!" Was all he said. I started sobbing then. "Brantley!" Was all I could get out. "Where are you baby? I can be in Atlanta in 45 minutes. Just tell me where you are Blake." I heard the door close, his truck start. "Marriott hotel outside Athens. Room 217" I sniffled pitifully. "20 minutes Blake. I'm coming darlin." He said and hung up. Sure enough, 20 minutes later he was banging on the door. I checked the peephole to make sure, then flung the door open. He looked nearly as bad as I did. His hand rubbed at his chest, his eyes frantic. I had everything packed up and ready. So I grabbed my things and locked my arms around Brantley. "I wanna go home." I whispered. Brantley grabbed my things and slung his free arm around my shoulders, keeping me close as we headed down and I checked out. When we got in the truck he turned to look at me. "Why'd you run from me little rabbit?" He asked me. A tear slipped out before I could stop it. He wiped it away with his thumb. "I didn't want to scare you away. I am that girl. Truth is, I do need you. And I am clingy. And I do rely on you for everything." I sniffled. "Why would that scare me?" He asked me honnestly. "I love all of those things. I'm a protector Blake. It's in my nature, it's just who I am. It's second nature for me to take care of those around me." He cupped my cheek so I'd meet his eyes. "I've been half in love with you since Maxie and Jake first told me about you years ago. And it's only getting stronger, I'm not going anywhere. No more running, ok?" He said. I nodded and sniffled, sliding closer to him. "No more running." I promised, wrapping my arms around him.
