Page 80 of The Pretender

“Then why the long face?”

Maybe I can navigate this without telling the whole story. “Um, when we started dating, we agreed to keep it casual. We knew we had two different lives that couldn’t merge.”

Brogan nods, but they look concerned. “Okay.”

“And I was on board with that plan. I have a lot to focus on and I didn’t want to worry about maintaining a relationship on top of everything else.”

“Go on.”

“The problem is Balt is more than I bargained for. He’s… I hate to say it, because I’m probably jinxing it, but he’s like my dream man except for one major aspect.”

“Which is?”

“He has a life far away from here. He can’t drop everything to live this life with me.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m sure. When he has to go home, I don’t know how I’m going to do better than him when I’m ready to date again.”

“You don’t think you’re getting ahead of yourself, Deo? A lot can change. Did you think a year ago you’d be back here running the family business?”

“Well, no, but?—”

“Did you think you’d ever date a guy like Balt?”

“No.”

“But both those things have happened. Who’s to say life isn’t going to swing in your favor again? Maybe Balt’s eyes are opening to new possibilities too. If he was happy where he was, he wouldn’t have needed a sabbatical, am I right?”

“I guess, but that doesn’t mean he can just walk away from it. What’s he gonna do here?”

Brogan shrugs. “I don’t know. Be the CFO for an expanding winery?”

“We can’t pay him what he’s used to.”

“How do you know he wants what he’s used to?” Brogan grabs my wrist. “All I’m saying is stop limiting yourself. Stranger things have happened.”

“I think I’m setting myself up for a world of hurt if I hope for something else.”

“But that’s part of investing your heart in things. There’s always a chance you’ll be hurt, but there’s also a chance you’ll be loved. You deserve a guy like Balt, and from what I can tell, he deserves you too.”

Maybe I should just come clean. Then Brogan would truly understand what we’re up against. Before I can make that decision, Balt steps into the office, rubbing his hands to warm them.

“It’s a cold one today.”

“Did you get your calls taken care of?”

“I left a message for my client. We’ll see how it goes.” He pulls his coat off and hangs it on the rack by the door. “You have my undivided attention.” He bends down and kisses my cheek, making me laugh from how cold his nose is brushing against my face. “I see some hot chocolate and cuddle time on the couch in our future.”

“Too cute,” Brogan says. “Maybe I’ll get as lucky as you guys are one day.”

Balt and I exchange knowing glances.

“You deserve a great person, Brog.” I pat my cousin’s back. “The best person.”

“And so do you, cuz.” Brogan winks at Balt, who chuckles in response.

“Alright, back to work. Let’s finish this pile and then take a lunch break. Deal?” I say.