Page 28 of Almost Perfect
“Oh, nice. And then you… moved back here?” Curious.
“Well, first I destroyed my shoulder in a spectacular show of human frailty, and then I moved back. I never planned on football as something that would last forever, but I damn sure hoped it’d last a bit longer. But I got a ring, made some money, and spent very little, so it gave me options. But you could say even years later that I’m still finding myself.” He batted his lashes.
“I’m sorry about the injury. That’s really difficult.”
“It was. It threw me for a loop, and I spent my time mourning, for sure. And Wyatt was there every step of the way.” His eyes jumped to mine like he wanted to impress that upon me.
“He seems like a good man. Very devoted to his family.”
“He is that.”
“I’m glad you have each other.”
I wasn’t sure what the look meant. Maybe he thought I was after his brother, or maybe he wanted me to go for him. No idea. Neither was an issue, so I just smiled and popped the last piece of cinnamon swirl into my mouth.
“Well, I’ve gotta head out. Enjoy your time in town. I’m sure I’ll see you soon.”
I waved since my mouth was full. He tossed a “Gentlemen,” to the group at the longer table as he sauntered to the exit. They returned with farewells, many of them saying his name, so clearly the small-town effect worked here. He winked at one of the men. “And I’ll talk to you soon, right, sir?”
The older man with crystal blue eyes and white hair, but a strong jaw, nodded. Warrick returned the gesture, then scuttled out the door with a jingle of the bell.
I watched him go, then my eye snagged on a tall figure in jeans and a familiar brown jacket shaking a woman’s hand, then pulling her into his arms for a hug.
Huh. I hadn’t heard that Wyatt had a girlfriend, but that looked suspiciously like one. His mother certainly didn’t know about her. He smiled widely at the woman, and something in my stomach dipped. I hadn’t seen a smile like that on him, so free and genuine andwow.Then he placed a hand on her back and gestured to the door of Guac.
Well, that’s a bit awkward. Maybe I should ask Warrick for a drive back up to the house? But Wyatt would’ve said something, and he certainly wouldn’t have outright offered. I doubted the date was something that popped up all of a sudden—no way Wyatt was spontaneous enough for that.
No. It’d be fine. I’d enjoy my time in town and head back up to the ranch later, and no one needed to mention the date. If he didn’t think it was weird, I didn’t need to either. We weren’t dating, nor would we. Nor did I want anything from him, so… see? Yeah. No big deal.
TWELVE
Wyatt
Pulling Sarah into another hug, I held her tight, then released her. “Don’t be a stranger, okay?”
She chuckled and nodded, her cheeks bright with embarrassment. “I won’t.”
“And next time, you’re not going to set up a date to try and see me, right? Promise me?” I said, ducking my head to look her right in her bright blue eyes.
She rolled those eyes and shook her head, just like she used to. Just like when she’d been Wilder’s first love, who I’d thought might end up being his wife and my sister-in-law. That was over a decade ago, though, and she’d gone from sweet, genuine girl to beautiful, mature woman. Not for the first or tenth time in the last hour, I wished Wilder were here to see her.
“Promise.”
I nodded, then stepped back to leave but collided with a body.
“I’m sorry, I—”
“It’s fine. Really. Don’t worry about it.”
Aw, shoot.Of course it’d be her. “I’m sorry, Ms. Rice. I didn’t know you were behind me.”
“I shouldn’t have been standing so close. I thought you were saying goodbye. I didn’t mean to intrude.” Her eyes flickered to Sarah, who stood a few steps away watching the awkward exchange.
“No intrusion. No problem. I didn’t mean to run you over.” And I really didn’t need to keep apologizing, but I didn’t know how to move on. Sarah wasn’t a date—well, not really. And now that I knew who she was and hownota date she was, I felt suddenly far more awkward with Calla.
“Hi, I’m Sarah.” Sarah, ever the friendly, sweet woman, held out her hand.
“Calla. Nice to meet you.”
