Curvy Girl for the Cop (Curvy Girl Romance Shorts #7)

Chapter 6

Ava

I feel the warmth of Ryan's body fading as I slip out of the vehicle, the chill of uncertainty seeping into my skin. The afterglow of our passionate encounter dims under the weight of reality—he's only here temporarily, bound to return to his life in the city.

My pulse races as I scramble to grab my purse. I can't let myself get swept up in a fantasy, no matter how much my body aches for his touch, how much my heart yearns to surrender. I have to protect myself.

Ryan reaches across the console, his hand reaching for me. "Ava? What's wrong?"

I force a smile, but it feels brittle. "Nothing. I just...I have to get back to the bookstore." The lie tastes bitter on my tongue.

He sits up straighter, alert. His eyes search mine, perceptive and piercing. "Did I do something?"

"No, no...it's not you." My voice wavers. I avert my gaze, focusing on buttoning my blouse with trembling fingers.

Ryan moves closer, his warmth enveloping me again. "Talk to me, Ava. I can tell something's bothering you."

I inhale sharply, his scent flooding my senses—a heady mix of musk and desire that makes my knees weak. I steel myself against the magnetic pull, the urge to fall back into his arms and forget the inevitable heartache.

"I'm fine, Ryan. Really. I just need some space." The words feel jagged in my throat.

His brow furrows, confusion and concern etched in the lines of his handsome face. "Space? Did I come on too strong? I thought..." He trails off, uncertainty clouding his eyes.

I shake my head, a lump forming in my throat. How can I explain the war raging inside me? The battle between yearning and self-preservation?

"It's not that. I just...I can't do this." My voice breaks on the last word.

Ryan reaches for my hand, his touch searing my skin. "Can't do what? Ava, please, help me understand."

I pull away, wrapping my arms around myself as if I could shield my heart from the impending pain. "This...us...whatever this is. It's temporary, Ryan. You're going to leave, and I'll be..."

The unspoken word hangs heavy in the air between us. Alone. Abandoned. Just like always.

Ryan's eyes widen, realization dawning. He gets out of the Jeep and makes his way around the front to me.

"Ava..." He takes a step towards me, but I back away, my resolve crumbling with each passing second.

"I have to go." I finally grab my purse, my vision blurring with unshed tears. "I'm sorry."

Before he can respond, I flee, my heart shattering with every step. The door closes behind me with a resounding finality, sealing in the memory of his touch, his taste, his love.

A love I'm terrified to claim as my own.