Read Online Big Love in a Small Town (Contemporary Romance) by Kate Goldman - Free Book Online

able to get Nate out of her mind. How could such a short, little fling leave such an enduring impact on her? However, even if it was frustrating, it did settle one order of business.
     
    “Davis, I’m sorry,” Tessa whispered, pushing away from him.
     
    “Sorry for what?” he asked, confused.
     
    She didn’t know why she was so compelled to do what she was about to do. Wasn’t this exactly what she’d thought she’d wanted? For Davis to come waltzing back into her life, desperate for her, proclaiming his undying affection for her and her alone?
     
    “I’m sorry, but this isn’t going to work. I just don’t feel the same way about you anymore,” she blurted out before she lost courage.
     
    “What? Are you joking right now? If you are, I don’t think it’s very funny.”
     
    “No, I’m serious. My feelings have changed. I’m sorry I led you on the past couple of days, but I was just trying to sort everything out. I’ve come to realize that we’re both different people that lead different lives.”
     
    “But, we’ve got such a history–”
     
    “Just stop right there,” she interrupted him, “I know we have a history, and you will always be a part of my story, but our history is just that – history. You only think that you want to be with me because I’m familiar. You know me and it’s a comfortable fit. But really think about it, Davis. If we truly were meant to be, would it have been so easy for you to cheat on me? Or leave me and go to Nashville?”
     
    Davis was silent for a moment, contemplating her words. Tessa waited for him to respond with something – anything.
     
    “As much as I hate to admit it, you’ve got a point. Although it’s a point that makes me feel pretty shitty. But don’t forget, Tess – you’re just as much a part of my story as I’m a part of yours. I’ll always love you, and you’ll always have a part of my heart,” he finally said. His voice rang true with emotion.
     
    Tessa reached over and took his hand. “Right back at you, Davis. I will always love you, too,” she replied, holding back tears. It was the bittersweet, official end of Davis and Tessa. Although it was the right thing for both of them, it was still the heartbreaking end of an era.
     
    “Friends?” he asked her.
     
    “Always,” she replied.
     
    After a long, unwavering embrace, Tessa showed Davis out for the very last time. “Oh, I forgot to tell you thank you for the lovely bouquet,” she said at the door.
     
    “And I would say ‘you’re welcome’ if I had sent you flowers. You must have another admirer, Tess,” he replied with a shrug.
     
    At her confused look, with a hint of sadness, he added, “Whoever he is, he’s one lucky guy if you decide to give him a chance. Hopefully he won’t blow it like I did.”
     
    They lingered there for a moment longer, and when she said her last goodnight and closed the door behind him, Tessa leaned back against the heavy wood, letting the tears she’d bravely held back finally fall in abandon.
     

***
     
    With the dawning of a new day came fresh perspective. As painful as it had been to let go of Davis, at last she felt free to move on with her future. And she hoped her future would include a certain someone that had captivated her thoughts for months now.
     
    Davis hadn’t sent Tessa flowers. Which meant there was only one other person who would have sent them. Someone who must not be holding her ridiculous behavior against her as she’d assumed.
     
    Tessa floated around her bedroom as she prepared for the day. She’d never felt so light. It was as if the world was aglow once more after being so very dark for far too long.
     
    She hummed as she walked with a spring in her step to work. Maybe it was just her, but it seemed as if the air smelled sweeter, the sunshine was brighter than usual, and the blooms and flowers were more vivid. Tessa drank in the beauty of her little town and all of its Southern charm. No wonder