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I press the plastic cover onto the Pyrex container. “How did you get him to understand that?”

“I showed him. I started my catering business right out of college. I was taking freelance recipe development gigs left and right. I built a great little portfolio for myself. And I did it all while married to your dad. Yeah, it was a far cry from Amarillo. But I was happy. I loved my life—still do—and I think that’s because I let go of my dad’s expectations for me and did what I wanted to do.”

Crossing the kitchen, I wrap Mom in a hug. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

“You say I have courage, but I’m not gonna lie to you, Mom. I’m terrified of what Dad would say…” I shake my head. “Never mind.”

“Tell me.”

I glance over my shoulder, making sure the kitchen is still empty. “I’m not feeling great about going back to New York, which I don’t entirely understand. That job represents everything I’ve worked toward. It’s everything I ever wanted. But now…I don’t know. I’m starting to wonder if it’s everythingDadwanted, and I just kind of adopted that dream as my own. I know how much he regrets not going further in his career, but…I just love it so much here, Mom. I can’t imagine leaving Hartsville, and I’m not just saying that because I’m dating Wyatt. Even if he weren’t in the picture, I’m pretty sure I’d feel the same way.”

Mom holds me tighter. “I knew something was up. You haven’t talked about the job much.”

“That’s because talking about it makes my chest hurt.”

“Oh, honey. I’m sorry. Your dad means well, but Iunderstand what you’re saying. Maybe your dreams are different from Dad’s, and maybe they’re coming true a little closer to home than you thought. That’s okay.”

“But turning down the job at Ithaca University makes no sense.”

“It only has to make sense to you.”

Sniffling, I close my eyes. “Thank you for saying that.”

“Be patient.” Mom rubs my shoulder. “And get creative. Hartsville might be a small town, but there’s a lot of knowledge here. A lot of cool things happening. You never know when you might come across an opportunity.”

I nod. “I’ll keep my eyes peeled.”

“Good. I’m gonna hit the bathroom. Then you want to head home? Or are you and Wyatt?—”

“Mom.”

She holds up her hands. “Okay, okay. I won’t ask. One final piece of wisdom: people will make you happier than a job ever will.”

Mom heads down the hallway. I head for the sink. I’m turning on the faucet and opening the dishwasher when I hear the door open.

Wyatt steps inside the kitchen.

Stomach dropping, I take in the way his hair curls out from underneath his hat. The sleeves of his jacket and shirt are pushed up, revealing his thick, tattooed forearms. They’re bronze from the sun and covered in a furry sheen of hair.

I drop the plate I’m rinsing. It lands with a clatter in the sink.

Wyatt looks up with a smirk. “Just who I was hoping to see. Sawyer said you were up here, helpin’ your mama.” He glances across the kitchen.

“She’s in the bathroom.”

“Good.” He strides over to the sink and melts his front to my back, placing his hands on either side of mine on the lip ofthe sink. “You know I wanna take you home tonight, right?” he murmurs against my neck.

A wave of longing crashes through me at the feel of his body surrounding mine. Thick veins crisscross the back of his hands. His chest feels impossibly huge, impossibly solid as he breathes into me.

“You know I wanna come home with you, right?” I turn off the water, mentally cataloguing everything I’m going to throw in my overnight bag. Toothbrush, deodorant, the least ratty pajamas I own. I’m definitely leaving my retainers at home. Should I bring a razor in the off chance I stay more than one night?

Wyatt gives my neck a quick, tiny bite. “I need you to know it’s killin’ me not to invite you over. But you come with me, I’m not gonna be able to keep my hands off you. And I want to be intentional. Dinner first. Then?—”

“Fucking.” I get what he’s saying, but my heart still falls a little.

“You got a mouth on you, Sunshine.”