Too Pretty to Be Your Backup novel Chapter 8

Amanda didn’t look back at Travis, even though she could hear him groaning in pain behind her.

She was just being honest. She wasn’t a doctor. She couldn’t feel his pain for him. There was really no reason to stick around.

The last thing she wanted was for Travis to pin this on her or drag her back into his mess. So she walked away, not even hesitating.

Honestly, she figured Travis must be out of his mind to come looking for her in the first place. With how proud he was—and after how thoroughly she’d cut things off today—there was no way he’d ever come back for more.

She couldn’t deny, running into him had been a total surprise—and a headache she hadn’t needed. Just like that, any desire to stay in Hayfield evaporated.

She caught the next bus to Springfield, back on her travel route. No way was Travis going to ruin her trip or her mood.

*

At the hospital, Travis was hooked up to an IV, color finally returning to his face.

Fiona brought him a bowl of soup. “Sir, the doctor said you should have something warm for your stomach.”

Travis was half-reclined on the bed, eyes almost closed.

Slowly, he opened his eyes. “Okay.”

Fiona handed over the soup.

He opened the lid. Just plain cereal. No smell. Nothing special to look at.

He rubbed his forehead, looking tired.

Back when he landed in the hospital with stomach pain, Amanda was always the one taking care of him. Her soups always smelled a little sweet, always looked inviting.

Now, all he could see behind his eyelids was Amanda turning her back on him today, walking away without a second thought. No hesitation, no warmth, just cold indifference.

A pulse throbbed at his temple.

He’d only ever known Amanda when she loved him fiercely and brightly. He’d never seen her like this—so distant, so done.

He took a sip of the cereal. It tasted as bland as it looked. Nothing like Amanda’s.

While he ate, he asked, “Where’d she go?”

Fiona replied, “She left for Springfield.”

Travis' hand froze for a second, then he let out a soft laugh. “She sure knows how to bolt.”

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