He gazed into her solemn brown eyes, wanting to give her an answer that would somehow heal the wound. It was a question he’d asked himself a million times. But he never arrived at a reasonable explanation.

“I don’t know,” he said finally. It was the most honest answer he could give her.

But not the one she’d been hoping for apparently. Her lips pursed as she broke eye contact to stare over his shoulder.

“That’s God’s honest truth, Sophie. I loved you. And I left you. Both of those things are true.”

At the hurt and confusion in her eyes, he wished he could call back the words. He didn’t want to cause her more pain. “Maybe I’m just not cut out for all that stuff.” She’d been the first girl he’d broken up with, but heaven knew she hadn’t been the last.

As far as healthy relationships went, he hadn’t had much of an example. His mom left when he was so young he barely remembered her. And after the divorce his dad seemed to have no interest in finding another wife. Aiden wasn’t even sure he believed in happily ever after. At least, not for himself.

“Or maybe you just took the easy way out,” Sophie said.

Only leaving her hadn’t been easy at all. “I was young and stupid. What can I say?”

Probably not that, because his reply made Sophie bristle.

Ross Givens had offered him part ownership in Extreme Adventures in exchange for sweat equity. And for a guy with little money to his name and no college opportunity, it seemed like a dream come true.

It paid off too. Aiden was now doing quite well financially.

But you lost Sophie, his stubborn heart reminded him.

The song was winding down too quickly, the strains of the outro playing. Dig deep, Maddox. And fast. “I really am sorry I hurt you, Sophie.”

She gave him a placid smile and a small nod that did nothing to alleviate his guilt.

The last note of the song played out, and a faster rhythm rose to take its place. Sophie drew back, her hands sliding away. “I should go check on some things.”

“Wait, we’re not finished.”

“I think we are.” She turned to go.

He caught her hand gently. “Come on. I have to leave soon, and I don’t want to go with things unsettled between us.”

“Things have been unsettled for years, and it hasn’t seemed to bother you until now. But fine. If you need to hear you’re forgiven . . . you’re forgiven. It was a long time ago, and we were both young and stupid. Let’s leave it at that. I hope you have a safe trip home.”

He winced. He knew he’d been stupid, but hearing that Sophie considered herself the same for falling for him was a punch to the gut.