Page 14 of The Dating Dare

Seth followed his muffled reply toward the back of the master bedroom, and found Landon standing inside the en suite bathroom, holding two bottles of toiletry in his hands with frustration stamped across his face.

“Are you having a stare off with your bubble bath?” Seth asked, grinning at the domestic scene. His brother had changed so much since he met Aubrey—for the better, of course—and fatherhood looked pretty great on him, too.

“Shut up,” Landon said halfheartedly. “Aubrey bought these new washes for Morgan, and I can’t figure out the difference between the two. Which one am I supposed to use?”

“Where is Aubrey anyway?” he said, looking around as though she was hiding behind the dresser.

“She’s at Comfort Zone. You do remember that your sister-in-law owns a business, don’t you?”

“You guys got married last night. I figured she’d take this week off to unwind and get ready for your honeymoon.”

Landon’s face took on a goofy, dreamy expression. “She just loves it there. She’s so amazing at what she does, you know? She missed going in during her maternity leave, so she’s making up for lost time before she takes more time off.”

“Sounds like Aubrey.” Seth sat down on the edge of the bathtub. “Do you need help with anything?”

“Nah. We still have plenty of time to pack. I’m just trying to put my other businesses in order before we leave, which you can’t help with. Besides, don’t you have way more packing to do than us?”

“It’s mostly done. I just have to get the furniture and boxes into storage, and pack the portable part of my life into a couple of oversized bags.”

His brother studied him quietly for a second. “This move to Paris… is it what you really want?”

“What do you mean?” Seth removed imaginary lint off his T-shirt.

“Mom and I didn’t think your fashion-photography stint would last as long as it has. But now you’re making this huge commitment to root yourself in the industry.”

“Itismy profession,” he said stiffly.

“But your art is yourdream. It has been since you were a little kid. The way you brought your painting and photography together was beautiful beyond words. Isawyou in each and every one ofyour works. You put your heart into them. How are you holding all of that in? More importantly, why?” Landon’s gaze seemed to pierce into his soul. Older-brother superpower. “I know what it means to turn my back on my dream, Seth. Whatever happened to derail you from your path, don’t you think it’s time to make your way back?”

“Look, hyung. I know you mean well, but fashion photography is my calling, and the Paris job is a huge opportunity for me.”My calling?That was laying it on a bit thick. “I’m not going to lose out on the chance to chase a childhood dream.”

Landon looked unconvinced but gave a resigned shrug. “If that’s what you want, then I’m happy for you. But remember, I’m always here if you need to talk.”

“I know. I know. Don’t get all sappy on me,” Seth said, swallowing the thick swell of emotion in his throat. His older brother’s wedding must’ve gotten to him more than he’d thought. His feelings were too close to the surface. Well, he couldn’t have that. Slapping on a carefree grin, he said, “If you don’t need any help, then I should hit the road.”

“Yeah, you have quite a drive ahead of you.” Landon pulled him into a hug. “Thanks for taking over for me while I’m gone.”

“It’s nothing,” Seth said, hugging him back. “I’ll see you next month.”

After sneaking in a snuggle session with Morgan, he said his goodbyes and headed home to Santa Monica.Home. He wouldn’t be calling it home much longer. Paris would be home to him soon. Excitement filled him, and his face morphed into a giant smile. He couldn’t wait to start his new life there.

The wide, open road and the endless blue sky called to him, but he was tempted to stop by the brewery. Tara might be there early preparing for the day or working on a new brew, but he’d promised himself to give her time, so he drove on. He would hear from her soon. His heart jumped at the thought, making Seth grin even wider. He relished the anticipation coursing through him. The dating dare was promising to be something special.

CHAPTER FOUR

As soon as she was on break, Tara pulled her phone out of her back pocket. No missed calls. No texts.Grrr.Seth had mentioned he was going to Santa Monica to take care of his condo and the last bit of packing. But Aubrey had left for Asia with her family the day before. He should be back by now, housesitting as he’d promised. Why hadn’t he contacted her? Was a guilty conscience keeping him at bay? Why else wouldn’t he have at least texted her?

Maybe he didn’t care about the silly dare anymore after whatever happened that night. She didn’t want to care either. Nevertheless, she was still irritated that he’d ignored her for a week. She’d done the same thing, but that wasn’t the frigging point. Then, as though her irrationally angry thoughts were venomous voodoo needles pricking at his mind, her phone chimed to announce a text from him.

SETH:Hey, Tara.

After a week of radio silence, this is what he texts me?Why was he texting her anyway? What did he even want?Hang on. Wasn’t she just bitching about him not texting her a minute ago?Oh, shut up.

With her heart pounding and her hands trembling ever so slightly, she texted him a witty response.

TARA:Hey.

SETH:Are you working late tonight?

---