Page 79 of Wild Highway (Runaway 2)

“I’m not going to beg you to stay, Gemma.”

Something flashed in her eyes, but before I could make sense of it, she blinked it away. Then she reached past me to whip the door open, and with one hand pressed into my chest, she shoved me outside.

Right before she slammed the door in my face, I heard her whisper, “No one ever does.”

Chapter Fifteen

Gemma

“What else is happening?” I asked Benjamin.

“That’s it,” he said. “Everything is under control.”

“Okay. Good.”

I’d called him to check in, like I did every Friday morning. And per usual, there wasn’t much to report. Since I’d left Boston, Benjamin had done exactly what I’d asked. He’d taken over.

Each week, he had fewer questions for me to answer. Fewer tasks for me to complete. It should have made me feel good that I’d put such a competent and capable man in charge. Benjamin was caring for my investments and capital ventures like they were his own.

But I’d come to dread these Friday morning phone calls because they were another blunt reminder that I wasn’t really needed.

Not in Boston.

And not in Montana.

I’d leave the Greer Ranch today and though Annabeth would be disappointed that once again the front-desk position would be vacant, she’d eventually find my substitute. Katherine had other friends to hang out with. And Easton . . .

For the moment, I wasn’t ready to process the heartache of leaving Easton Greer. Of knowing he’d eventually find a better replacement. So I wouldn’t think about Easton, not today. I’d save that for my road trip.

“How are things in Montana?” Benjamin asked.

“Coming to an end. I’m leaving today.”

“O-oh. Really? I thought you were staying until Christmas.”

“Change of plan.” My stomach twisted. It had been in a constant knotted state since Easton had left last night.

I’d done my best to fight back tears, mostly by throwing myself into packing. Then I’d cleaned the cabin, tongue-and-groove ceiling to hardwood floor. Finally, I’d fallen asleep from sheer exhaustion—emotional and physical—and had woken up with the sunshine streaming through the cabin’s bedroom window.

It hadn’t taken me long to load up the Cadillac, though there was more in the trunk now than when I’d started this journey. I had the winter coat Easton had insisted upon along with the boots I’d used on our working Saturdays. And I had the plaid shirt he’d left behind last night, tucked safely inside my purse.

All that remained was to finish this call, stop by and say goodbye to Katherine, then get on the highway.

“Would you mind booking me a hotel room?” I asked.

“When and where?”

“I’ll find some motel along the road tonight, but I was hoping to get to San Francisco tomorrow and stay there for a few days.” I needed to build up some mental walls before venturing to Temecula. I wasn’t sure if I had the strength to stop by and visit my mother, but it was something I’d been considering.

“The usual amenities?” he asked, the sound of computer keys clicking in the background. He’d probably already pulled up a travel website.

“Please.” Benjamin knew I’d prefer a boutique hotel with a spa and five-star menu.

“Done. I’ll email you the details. Anything else?”

“No, thank you. I’ll check in later. Have a good week.”

“Gemma, wait. Before you hang up.”