Can't Let Go - By Michelle Brewer Page 0,18

steady herself, but there was nothing there. “You okay, Abby?”

“I just—I need some air,” She shook her head. “I’m going to step outside—”

“You sure?” She nodded then, desperate for some distance. She needed to get away from him—from all of this. She was losing control.

“Yeah—yeah, just meet me back outside—” And with that, she turned away from him, making her way back toward the door she had entered through. The cool air hit her like a ton of bricks and she braced herself against the railing of the porch, breathing in deep breaths, willing the pain to go away. It’s okay, Abby. It’s going to be okay. She insisted to herself.

There was no other option—things had to be okay.

She heard the door open behind her and she knew he was there, even without looking. She’d always had a bit of a sixth sense when it came to Logan Sheppard. “I told her we would go look at plots today. She gave me a map to let me know what was available.” Abby nodded, still unable to speak. The ball in her throat was too much to bear. “Are you sure you’re okay, Abby?”

“Yeah—yeah, I’m fine,” she breathed, aware that her voice was strained. “It’s just been a long night. I need to go get a room and try to sleep.” Logan nodded. “I need to start making phone calls too, though. It’s such short notice—”

“I can do that—”

“No, Logan. You’ve done plenty.” She looked up, her eyes roaming over him. He hadn’t really changed all that much—his hair was still just as untamed as it had been before. There was a bit of scruff on his face—she couldn’t tell if was intentional, or if he too had simply had a long night. Abby was careful to avoid his eyes, though—careful not to lose herself as she’d already done once.

But he looked tired. She could tell, even with just a simple glance. “You should get some rest too.”

“I probably should.” But she could tell he wasn’t going to. “You staying at the Moonlight?” he asked. It was the only motel in the area, so she really didn’t have much of a choice. Abby nodded. “I guess I’ll just follow you up there then, if you don’t mind.”

“Well, we’re both going to the same place, I’m assuming. It’d be kind of hard for one of us not to follow the other.” His grin was quick—there one minute and gone the next. But it was enough to remind her of the sensation she used to feel whenever he donned that simple little grin at her.

“You make an excellent point.”

“I try,” she responded, wishing she could smile. But as soon as she began to, a wave of pain rushed through her and she looked away, swallowing hard. She took one more moment before she eased away from the railing and stepped off the porch, making her way to her rental car. She discovered that she had parked in front of Logan and as he climbed into the driver’s seat of the truck behind her, he waved. She watched in the rearview mirror, waving in return.

The Moonlight Motel was only five minutes down the road. She pulled in and parked randomly in the lot, taking another deep breath before turning off the ignition and walking into the office. An older man sat at the desk, taking reservations. He handed over a key, telling her that her room was on the second floor. Back outside, she found Logan standing by her car.

“Thought I’d offer to help with your bags.”

“It’s okay—I can get them.” She’d forgotten how old-fashioned he could be.

“No, I insist.” She popped the trunk and watched as he took the bags out. “Where’re we going?”

“207,” she replied.

“Well, isn’t that handy. I’m just down the way—203,”

“Whenever you’re ready to go—just let me know. I’m probably not going to get much sleep anyway.” She told him. In fact, she was certain she wouldn’t get any. She just needed a few minutes to herself—a few minutes to put herself back together.

“Okay—so I’ll see you in a bit then?” They were standing just outside her doorway now.

“See you in a bit,” Abby replied, dying to slip out from beneath his gaze. She turned and unlocked the door, taking her bags from him and stepping inside. “Thanks, Logan.”

“Try and get some rest, Abby.” And with that, he turned and walked away.

She had just finished unpacking the few things she’d brought when she became aware of her cell phone vibrating