Текст книги "Undone"

Автор книги: R. E. Hunter

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Текущая страница: 20 (всего у книги 20 страниц)

Epilogue

Luke watched her drive off in the arms of another man, and it nearly broke him.

He had been ready to give it all up for her. He was in the Dean’s office, about to sacrifice himself and his career for her, when his phone buzzed. If she hadn’t sent that text … he couldn’t even think about it. He’d almost thrown everything away, and for what? To lose her anyway.

He hadn’t just planned to resign; he was going to tell all. Save Embry from having any of it come down on her head. He was prepared to twist the story in any way necessary to protect her, even if it meant he’d never be able to teach again. He would have done it for her. He’d do anything for her. But to his broken girl, the only thing that mattered was the truth he had kept from her. The truth he’d hidden to protect her. Because if she knew the truth about his past, she would come undone.

He’d never felt that way about a woman before. He would do anything to protect Embry, putting her before him without a thought. But he hadn’t protected her from himself. He’d been too selfish. He’d hidden so much of himself out of fear that she’d leave. He thought about all she’d shared with him. All they’d been through.

At the very least, he’d owed her the truth, but he couldn’t make himself come clean. Looking back on the past few days, he realized some things were so much bigger than what had happened in his past. Like watching the love of his life turn her back on him. Watching the resolve in her eyes as she decided she’d had enough.

He’d never forget that look for as long as he lived. He had put that look there. He knew how strong she was, even if she didn’t believe it, and he knew she wouldn’t be easy to win back. But he would do whatever he had to do to make things right with her. Anything to show Embry she was the only thing that mattered to him.

But fate seemed to have other plans.

Luke pulled into his driveway, and was so consumed by his thoughts that he didn’t notice the car parked on the street in front of his house. He got out of his truck, his head hung low, and headed toward the front door. When he looked up, he froze. He stared, unbelieving, at the girl sitting on his doorstep.

Long blond hair pulled back into a messy bun. Blue eyes filled with mischief and desire.

“Hey, Professor,” she rasped in her sweet southern accent.

“Sydney...”