“Kaelynn, I get that. I saw it happen with Charlie all the time. And Terri. I wish you would have given me the chance.”
Wiping away a tear that slipped out, I replied, “So do I.”
We sat for a few moments in silence when I thought of something. “That day we were at Charlie and Tucker’s. That was the day you decided to do the background check, wasn’t it?”
He looked toward the fire. “Yes. It was actually Blake who came up with the idea that you might be hiding you came from money. I mean, let’s be honest, I didn’t keep it a secret how Lily left me because I didn’t have the type of money she did.”
“Or how you would never date another woman with money like that.”
Nash scoffed. “Yeah.”
“I’m still the same Kaelynn, though, regardless of what my bank account says.”
“I know that.”
“Trust works both ways, Nash.”
Staring at the fire, he looked lost in thought before he faced me and softly replied, “But I didn’t withhold something from you.”
“You ran a background check on me, so perspective and all,” I said, my voice giving way to my emotions.
“I wasn’t being deceitful from the very beginning, Kaelynn.”
My lips pressed together to keep in the sob that threatened to break free. It was in that moment I knew Nash would never be able to trust me. It was something he valued, and I had taken it away from him, just like Lily had. Maybe not in the same way, but I had still not given it to him.
I stood and stared down at him. He was now staring into the fire. I said the only thing I knew to say. The only thing I could say that might absolve me of the weight of my emotions.
“I’m sorry.”
Turning, I walked out of the library. My hand went to my mouth the moment I was around the corner in an attempt to not burst into tears. I ran as fast as I could to get as far away as I could. Janet gave me a concerned look as I approached her. Slowing, I wiped the tears away and forced a wobbly smile.
“I’ll be in my room, Janet. I don’t wish to be disturbed.”
“Yes, I understand. Your tea?” she asked as I shook my head, then dashed toward the stairs. I couldn’t talk; I was crying too hard as I left her question unanswered.
The white-covered mountains looked beautiful as I sat gazing out from the window seat, a book open at my side. The snow had begun to fall heavily late last night and hadn’t let up since.
Sliding my knees up, I rested my chin on them and took in the beauty. I hadn’t been able to sleep at all last night. Thoughts of Nash and how sad he looked yesterday evening replayed in my mind. I was angry at myself, but equally as angry that he hadn’t trusted me either.
Sighing, I picked up my phone and sent a text to Millie and Jack.
Me: Not much in the mood for a game night tonight. Sorry.
Something from outside caught my eye, causing me to sit up and lean closer to the window to look out.
“Nash,” I whispered. He was walking out in the snow, taking it all in. I couldn’t help but smile. I had remembered him making the comment he had never seen a lot of snow.
“Well, you’re getting your fair share now,” I spoke to the window. Silence was the only response.
My phone beeped in my hand.
Millie: Have you not been watching the weather? Even if you wanted to still do it, Jack and I can’t get up to you. The snow is coming down like crazy. I hope Janet stocked up on enough food you guys are stuck up there for a few days.
Jack: Sorry, sis, looks like you and the boyfriend or whatever he is to you are stuck there alone. There is plenty of frozen pizza in the freezer.
I stared at my phone in disbelief. They were just going to leave me stranded up here? Leave Nash stranded?
Millie: All flights out of the airport are cancelled. Nash won’t be making that flight tomorrow after all.