He remained too far from the edge of the bed, and she wished she could reach over and touch him, remind him of their connection, but he clearly didn’t want that.

“Look,” he began. “When we started up again, we said this thing between us was temporary. And I just want you to know I won’t stand in your way. You’re talented and you deserve everything you’ve always wanted for yourself and your career.” He spoke without inflection, his tone hard, similar to the Xander he’d been when she showed up at his house a few weeks ago. The one who believed she’d always choose her career over him.

If she thought her head was hurting before, now that she was holding back tears, the physical pain was infinitely worse.

“What about us?” she asked.

Because if he didn’t love her, if he could let her go so easily, without a fight, her choices had to be about herself. Not about them as a couple. Nothing she did would change. She still didn’t want to go back to full-time travel and acting. A production company would still be in her plans, just in California, not New York. With him. But he’d have to tell her they were over. She needed to hear it from his mouth.

She held her breath, waiting. Praying he’d look into her eyes and understand her feelings. She wasn’t going to lay her emotions bare when his mind was already made up.

“There is no us, Sasha,” he said, breaking her heart. “There never was. Not long-term, anyway.”

Though she’d anticipated the words, she still blinked in disbelief. “Didn’t we say we were going to see what happened when the movie ended? Shouldn’t we talk about possibilities for the future?”

He shook his head. “I’m going back to the beach and my quiet, peaceful life. I wish you all the best with yours.” And on that comment, he turned and walked out, leaving her behind.

She held back the sob just waiting to come out until his footsteps receded and he wouldn’t hear her cry. Then she let her emotions come out. Within minutes, Cassidy rushed in, and Sasha was able to cry on her best friend, which hurt like a bitch given her head injury.

“I’m going to kill him,” Cassidy said. “If I hadn’t been in a rush to get to you, I’d have done it in the waiting room. I’d like to twist his balls until he can’t walk or fuck again,” she said, patting a hiccupping Sasha on the back.

Sasha couldn’t help but smile at her friend’s brutal plan. “What did he say?” she asked, pulling back and laying her head on the pillow again.

Cassidy glanced her way. “That you wanted different things and I should make sure you’re okay.”