Page 74 of Dotted Lines (Runaway 5)

“Huh?” I’d been too busy staring at her ass in those goddamn shorts because I was an asshole. A complete motherfucking asshole.

“The city. It’s nice,” she said as August pushed the button to call the elevator. “You get away from the shi—bad neighborhoods where we grew up and it’s actually sort of charming with the Old Town wineries and hot air balloons.”

We’d seen three balloons over the course of the day and each had enamored Gus.

“In another life, I would have stayed here,” I said. “It is a nice town.” But history tainted even the best of places.

“What made you leave? You said you always remembered Elyria. Was that why you moved?”

“No. I left because I didn’t have to stay anymore.”

“Have to?”

I gave her a sad smile as we stepped into the elevator. “For my mom.”

“Oh.”

“That’s another discussion.” I nodded at Gus. He didn’t need to hear the gory details about the end of my mother’s life.

The elevator carried us to the fourth floor and we all stopped in the hallway outside our rooms. Clara opened her door, letting August inside. “Thanks for dinner. And for your patience today.”

“Do you want to go with me tomorrow? No judgment if you don’t.”

“Yeah.” She seemed steadier now, like she’d conquered her fears. “I’d like to go tomorrow.”

“Okay. Meet you in the lobby at about seven.”

“Perfect. Good night, Karson.” She turned to disappear into her room but the curiosity from earlier at the pool came rushing back and I shot out an arm, brushing my fingers along her elbow.

The shiver running down her body was visible.

The fire racing through mine was not.

“Why didn’t it work out with August’s dad?”

Clara’s eyes closed. Her chin dropped. For the second time I’d pushed this subject. When was I going to learn to let it go?

“Sorry. I’ll leave it alone. Good night, Clara.” I dug the key from my pocket and unlocked my door. It was only after I’d taken one step inside that she whispered my name. When I turned, she had tears in those beautiful brown eyes.

“He wasn’t you.”

One sentence and she destroyed me. Then she rushed into her room, leaving me with the answer that I’d wanted to hear.

And the answer I had to forget.

Chapter Thirteen

Karson

“I know I don’t really understand what it was like for you back then, but I just wanted to tell you that I’m here if you need to talk,” Holly said.

Because she was a good woman. And I didn’t deserve her. “Thanks, babe.”

“Call me later? After your meeting?”

“Yeah.”

“Are you coming home tonight?”