Brody’s expression changed, growing serious. “You know, a wise person once told me it’s fear that makes an act courageous.”

Kate’s breath caught in her lungs as Brody held her captive with his pointed look. He knew. He knew she cared for Lucas. Thought she was a coward for running.

But sometimes, running was the courageous thing to do. At least, that’s what she told herself.

Lucas was gone by the time Kate returned home. She realized he must’ve gone to his parents’ house while she was on the beach with Brody. Kate made reservations on that evening’s car ferry and packed her belongings. Everything would fit in the car except her treadmill. She’d have to send for it and her things from the apartment when she found a place in Maryland.

For tonight, she’d take the ferry to Hyannis then drive as far as Wareham or New Bedford, then find a hotel. She called her dad and told him she was coming.

By late afternoon, she was wondering if she was going to have to track Lucas down. She had to leave soon if she wanted to make the ferry, but she owed him a good-bye at least.

Kate was packing her laptop and cord when she heard Lucas return. He opened the door, and his eyes landed on her suitcases. He paused for a moment before shutting the door.

Kate wrapped the recharging cord around the battery pack and stowed it in her bag with the laptop, then zipped it shut.

Lucas pocketed his keys and leaned against the sofa back. Rather than focus on him, she looked at the sofa itself. How many nights had they sat on that couch, disagreeing about what program they should watch? Kate had learned it was easier to read in the evenings because they could never settle on a show.

“When do you leave?” he asked.

Bo nudged Lucas’s leg, but when he got no response, he crossed the room and settled on the rug with a loud sigh.

Kate checked her watch. She had to leave soon or take the risk of missing the ferry. “Now.”

He was wearing the black T-shirt that stretched across his broad shoulders, and the faded jeans that made his legs look long and solid. I’ll miss him. Kate didn’t want to consider how much. She just needed to get out of there. She could deal with the feelings of loss later, when she was a safe distance away.

Lucas watched Kate hitch the leather strap on her shoulder and turn to him. The moment seemed surreal. It was happening so fast. Last night they’d been closer than ever, and tonight she was leaving.

He wanted to beg her to stay. He swallowed his pride and opened his mouth to do just that. Maybe he could find the words that would change her mind.