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They spent a few minutes lingering over dessert, with West talking about the playbook Coach Markham had given him. Dad said he liked the chances of next year’s team, saying the linebackers were solid, and that the Hawks had a talented quarterback and receiver duo.

“The spring game is in about a month,” West said, recalling how the entire town seemed to turn out to watch it. “I think watching the players during it will give me an idea of what I’ll have to work with next year.”

He offered for Kelby and him to do the dishes, but his mom wouldn’t hear of it.

“You two go and enjoy yourselves. I’ll handle the dishes while your dad heads for the remote and Jeopardy .”

They said their goodnights and left the house, with West asking, “Where’s your car?”

“Chance dropped me off here on his way back to the ranch. I told him you could give me a ride home.”

“Let’s go for a drive,” he suggested.

They drove around town, pointing out places they used to go when they lived in Hawthorne, and seeing new businesses.

“Hawthorne is really growing,” Kelby said. “I know with this new hospital coming, it’ll bring more jobs. It’s about time we had a facility like that and not have to drive so far for surgeries or to have a baby.”

“When does it open?” he asked as they passed it, thinking it looked close to finished on the outside but knowing the inside would take a lot of work, especially with various equipment arriving and needing setup.

“I think another three months, but I’m not sure. I’d ask Chance, but he never pays attention to things like that. I’ll ask Tammy. She’ll know.”

West found himself driving toward the lake, which was just outside of town, past the Blackstone Ranch.

When he flew by the entrance to the ranch, Kelby said, “You missed your turn.”

“I thought we’d go to the lake.” He glanced over, grinning. “Maybe make out a little.”

“Why, Mr. Sutherland,” she said coyly, batting her eyelashes at him. “Do you think I’m that kind of girl?”

“I’m hoping you’re exactly that kind of woman.” He reached and took her hand, threading his fingers through hers. “Am I crazy to think how right this feels?”

She smiled shyly at him. “I was thinking the same thing. I haven’t held anyone’s hand in a long time, West.”

“Neither have I. I also stopped kissing women.”

He explained how seeing Pretty Woman had changed the idea of kissing for him and added, “You are the first woman in years whom I’ve kissed on the mouth.” He squeezed her hand. “And I really liked it.”

They reached the entrance to the lake, and West turned in, winding his sports car along the road.

He made the choice to go high and turned to the right when he came to a fork.

Minutes later, they parked at the top of a bluff which overlooked the lake.

It had been a favorite spot of couples in high school.

He’d brought his fair share of girls up here and assumed Kelby had visited the spot a few times herself.

They sat in contented silence for several minutes.

He caught the scent of her perfume, which admittedly revved his engine a bit.

Kissing Kelby had been good. Really good.

He wanted more but didn’t want to rush her.

West told himself neither of them was going anywhere.

That they needed to learn who the other had become in the years they’d been apart before they committed to a more physical relationship.

Instead, he asked, “Have you thought of any names for the business you’ll establish?”

“I’ve played around with a few. I don’t think I’ll be able to make enough by sticking to social media and branding alone.

I’ll need to add in other services. Website design and maintenance.

Creating graphics for logos and ads. Maybe even teach myself about cover design so I can take advantage of the indie author market.

That’s why I need a name that acts as an umbrella for all my services. ”

“How about Blackstone Digital Agency?” he suggested. “Or Blackstone Digital Solutions?”

She nodded. “I like those. I’m not certain if I want to use my name, though.”

“You could go more personal. Kelby Connections. Connections covers a lot of ground. Or Kelby Digital Connection.”

Her nose wrinkled. “No. Kelby is too informal. I want to be taken seriously. Kelby sounds a bit too playful.”

They brainstormed together, tossing out different names. West liked Blackstone Creative Hub, while she preferred Crafted Media Solutions.

“I like alliteration,” she said. “I wanted to work that into the name if I could.” She paused, mulling it over. “Wait. I think I’ve got it. Social Synergy Creations.”

“What the hell is synergy?” he asked. “I’ve heard that word tossed around but never really knew what it was all about.”

“Synergy is being compatible with something that’s mutually advantageous.

It’s like a combined force. I like the thought of action in the word, plus it adds in the social aspect.

Could be social media or the social feature of forming a cooperative business relationship between myself and someone else, be it an individual or corporation.

You know, that idea of community between client and me. ”

He caught her excitement. “I can see that. I liked Crafted Media Solutions, but solutions makes it sounds as if there are problems you’re trying to solve. With using creations in your business name, that runs the gamut of what you do.”

She beamed at him. “Oh, I really like this idea, West. I never thought about starting my own business, but it makes total sense. It would allow me to be more creative and stretch myself professionally. It’s also something where I would have flexible hours, so I could go and see Dad or handle something on the ranch.

Hmm. I think I might start with the ranch.

I haven’t looked at the website in years, and I doubt Dad or Chance has updated it much.

Maybe Blackstone Ranch could be the first makeover I do.

Have a side-by-side comparison as an example of what I’m capable of doing. ”

West reached out and smoothed her hair. “You’re beautiful when you’re enthusiastic.

It’s like how you lit up the sidelines when you were cheering.

Even though Coach ordered us to keep our eyes off the cheerleaders and drill team when we were on the field, I would sneak a look at you every now and then.

You had this boundless enthusiasm and belief in our team, every single play.

That was contagious, both on the field and in the stands. Your smile always spurred me on.”

Her eyes grew large. “I never knew that.”

“I never told you. Hell, Kelby, I think I was half in love with you during high school and never really knew it. I was caught up in playing sports and whatever girl I was dating.” He rubbed a lock of her silky hair between his fingers.

“You were right in front of me the entire time, and I was too stupid to notice it.”

Her fingers encircled his wrist, her thumb rubbing back and forth, causing his mouth to go dry. “Maybe we weren’t ready for one another back then. Fate had us going in different directions.” She paused. “But it’s brought us back together now.”

West leaned over and kissed her. He took his time, nibbling on her lips before sweeping his tongue into her mouth, leisurely exploring her.

He could taste the chocolate of the cake she had as dessert and a sweetness that was all Kelby.

His heart began to beat faster, caught up in the idea that this second chance with her was meant to be.

When he finally broke the kiss, he rested his forehead against hers, one hand cupping her cheek.

“Do you believe in second chances?” he asked softly.

“I do now,” Kelby replied, taking the initiative and kissing him.

They kissed several more minutes, limited by the seats of his sports car.

He broke the kiss and announced, “I need to buy a truck.”

Her laughter was pure and sweet and touched a part of his soul that had been locked away from the world for what seemed like forever.

“It would be more comfortable,” she agreed. “But a flashy sports car isn’t who you are anymore, West. Besides, you don’t want your players to think that’s what football is about.”

“You’re right,” he agreed. “It’s about relationships. Teamwork. Discipline. Setting goals and striving to meet them. My Jag sends the wrong message. I think I’ll drive down to Dallas early tomorrow morning and sell it at my dealership and then make it back in time to go to practice.”

“Want some company on the way?” she asked.

He smiled. “That sounds like a perfect day to me.”

West kissed her a final time and started the car, driving Kelby back to the ranch.

They made plans to get an early start tomorrow.

She mentioned working on the Blackstone Ranch’s website and toying with a new logo for it.

He planned to text a few football friends and see if he could help her land a few clients.

As he left the ranch and turned on the highway to head home, a feeling of satisfaction washed over him. West felt he was settling into the place he was meant to be, doing something he loved.

And hopefully finding love with Kelby Blackstone.