Chapter Eight
Special Trip
It had been almost three weeks since my first official date with Lucas, and we’d spent as much time together as we could. My days off were devoted to him, and even on the days I had to work, we’d try to sneak in a meal together as often as we could. And last week, when I had to pull double shifts for four days in a row, he’d driven all the way from Covanta just to spend my breaks with me. I never realized sitting in a hospital cafeteria eating bad food could be so much fun. Then again, any time I spent with Lucas was fun.
He’d gotten into the habit of kissing me every single time he saw me now, and that was one of the best parts of seeing him. His kisses were addictive, and I was beginning to want more – a lot more. And that kind of terrified me because nothing had changed: He was still leaving. I wasn’t sure I could give myself to a man in that way, and then have him leave me. It would break me.
As it was, I was already falling in love with him, something I promised myself I wouldn’t do for this very reason. But here I was, hopelessly in love with Lucas Hudson. I sighed and finished packing the baked goods I’d made into the cooler.
Yesterday, Lucas had invited me out to his grandfather’s ranch, which he’d been helping out at during his stay in Covanta. It’s how he spent his time when he wasn’t with me. I felt bad every time he left his family to be with me, though. I knew he didn’t get to see them very often, and I didn’t want to become one of those women who tears a guy from all of his family and friends. But every time I bring it up, he assures me it’s not a big deal, that his family understands and only wants him to be happy.
I double checked to make sure I had everything I needed, and then I loaded up my car and pulled out of my driveway. Lucas had offered to pick me up, but it was silly for him to drive down here to get me only to drive back to Covanta. Plus, I was looking forward to the silence of making the drive alone. I was so conflicted about my feelings for Lucas. Okay, maybe that wasn’t exactly accurate. I knew how I felt about him. I think I loved him. But I was struggling with whether I should tell him that or not. I turned up the radio and picked up a little bit of speed.