Page 127 of Small Towns, Wild Hearts

“It’s not like that, man.”

Parker tilts his head like a damn Labrador retriever, and I squint to hold in my eye twitch. I love the guy, but sometimes he’s about as mature as a fucking ninth grader.

“She’s not just a MILF, dude. She’s…” I pause, searching for the exact right description of Elise. I don’t want to say too much and sound corny, but honestly, I almost blurt out The One. Mercifully, I stop myself in time. “She’s amazing.”

“Dude. You’re like…you’re like gone already. What the fuck…” He shakes his head. “I never thought I’d see the day. And then a hot mom strolls in here and you’re all ga-ga.” He claps me on the back, and I kind of want to die on the spot. I shift from foot to foot, wishing I’d snuck out earlier.

“Word of advice, though—you’ve got to be careful. Sure, she’s hot and seems really cool. But she has kids, man. You’re not going to be able to just hit that and bounce. All I’m saying is take things slow. No rush, you know?”

Now I’m taking relationship advice from this guy?Parker Montgomery possibly has the worst dating track record south of the Mason-Dixon line. He’s in no position to be dishing out any type of advice.

“Thanks, Parks, I appreciate the pep talk. And I’m well aware of the perils of dating a single mom. Anyway, I gotta run. I’m meeting the subs over at her house in less than an hour and would love to not be wearing a damp dress shirt.”

“Gotcha. See ya later? I’m assuming you’ll be swinging back by here, to see your woman?” He waggles his eyebrows at me, and I somehow resist the urge to punch him.

“Probably. I’ll keep you posted.” I hop into my truck and rev the engine, eager to escape the conversation.

Much as I hate to admit it, though, Parker does have a point. Ironically, the same point Elise has been hammering home—she’s complicated. Raw. Newly divorced, with two young kids. She and Parker are both correct; I should run, not walk, away from this situation.

But there’s something about Elise I can’t let go, and it’s not just physical. Ever since she wandered into the dive bar, she’s all I can think about. Would it be easier to cut and run now? Hell, yeah. But I know deep down there’s no going back.

I’ve had a taste of Elise and I want more. Worse, I think I might want forever.

CHAPTER11

Elise

After Smith leaves, I shower and then wander towards the lobby in search of coffee. The rain’s cleared, leaving picture-perfect weather in its wake—warm and sunny, with a light breeze blowing off the ocean.

I could live here.The thought skitters through my mind and my chest opens wide, cool relief rushing through me.This might be the change I need, my kids need.Atlanta never felt like home to me anyway. Seaglass Beach could be a new beginning for us, the next chapter of my new life.

I text Nate:

Elise: How hard is it to change the custody terms? Thinking of moving to FL

Nate: What? Why?

Elise: It’s nice down here. And far away from Harry

Nate: I could get it done. With a move like that, your custody arrangement will need to change obviously.

Elise: Harry doesn’t give a shit about the kids. He’ll use this to manipulate the situation though

Nate: Let me know what you want to do and I’ll get it done.

Elise: Thanks. Could we get things worked out by the start of the school year?

Nate: 100%

Elise: Perfect. Thank you

Nate: FWIW—I always recommend clients not make any life-altering decisions in the first six months post-divorce.

I pause, inhaling a deep breath of the salty, humid air.Nate’s right.I’ve read, heard, and seen that advice. Yet here I am, thinking of making a huge move.

Gnawing at my bottom lip, I push away the self-doubt creeping in.

No.I’m doing this. Fuck Harry. Fuck my old life in Atlanta. Fuck our house together and all the memories there.

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