Maddie shrugged. “I know. I did it on purpose. I wanted to lessen the tension. I think you’re going to tell me something that’s going to make both of us sad.”

Ryann’s eyes were suddenly welling. Maddie’s eyebrows shot up, and when she spoke, her voice was low, tight with worry.

“Is it about us? Do you regret—”

“No, Maddie. It’s not about us. I don’t regret any of it.”

“Well, that’s good.”

She didn’t say that it was about her, too, knowing that if they started down that road, she’d never get to what she had to say now. In fact, the idea of telling her that they needed to stop, to end whatever was happening between them, was almost horrifying. Regardless of what she’d told Stuart yesterday, and regardless of what they’d eventually have to talk about, she couldn’t fathom doing it now, especially here in Maddie’s arms.

Maddie suddenly stiffened and grabbed her hands. “Wait…is this about what you said earlier?”

“What?”

“Before we came inside. You said something about this being the last place. What did you mean?”

She opened her mouth, but the words wouldn’t come out. Once again, tears sprang to her eyes, and when they started to fall, Maddie let go of her hands, her face hardening. When Maddie spoke, her tone was cold, stern.

“Just tell me, Ryann.”

She took a deep breath. “I-I have to leave. Tonight or tomorrow morning. For work.” Once the words were out, she winced, expecting Maddie to erupt at her. Instead, Maddie remained calm, but her expression and tone were still cold.

“For how long?”

“At least a couple, maybe a few days.”

“Did you tell Stuart?”

“No. Not yet. I was going to tell him tonight.”

“Before you leave, I hope.”

Her temper flashed. “Of course I’ll tell him before I leave.”

Maddie seemed ready to fight back, but that coldness suddenly wavered, and she turned away, her back to her and her arms crossed tightly. Ryann desperately wanted to stop this scene, wanted to make this better, and she took a step toward her, reaching out. Maddie flinched away, stepping out of the range of her hand, as if she’d sensed it coming for her.

“You’re going to break his heart,” Maddie finally said. She no longer sounded angry and stern, only defeated.

“Don’t you think I know that? Don’t you think I’d do just about anything to avoid this?”

Maddie turned back, confused. “Then why don’t you?”

“I tried! I should have gone last week, but I sent my board members in my place. It didn’t work, and now I have to go myself.”

“What would happen if you didn’t go?”

“What do you mean?”

“What if you blew it off? What if you stayed?”