He was skilled at asking questions—she assumed from years as a therapist—and over a shared tiramisu for dessert, he let her go on and on about her event planning business, even filling him in on her years with Ritz-Carlton.
“I lived in Ritz hotel suites for so long, I never paid a dime in rent or mortgage,” she explained. “And that brings me back to house-hunting. I believe it’s time to settle down.”
“I’m so glad,” he said, putting down his fork. “Otherwise, I doubt I would have run into you. I don’t go hang out at the beach anymore, and you certainly don’t need a therapist.”
She cocked her head. “I could have used one after my father passed and maybe when my new friend and only employee went behind my back and found the son I’d given up for adoption.”
She’d told him the entire story about Roman during the first course, and he hadn’t seemed at all surprised. But then, in his job, he’d surely heard it all.
“But I’m glad this house-hunting secret of mine reunited us.” She took one final bite, and narrowed her eyes. “You’ve come a long way since those days, Dusty. You’re nothing like I remember.”
“Thank God,” he said. “I didn’t have the best upbringing,” he confessed, and she waited for him to elaborate. He just lifted ashoulder. “And I loved my wife, but taking care of her took a toll on me.”
“I bet it did,” she said, thinking again of all Lorna had shared. “There’s a special place for you in heaven.”
“And I hope I don’t get there for a long time,” he said. “I’m fifty-two and…ready to have a different life.”
She smiled at the confession, leaning in. “Tell me about it.”
He met her gaze, and there was a flicker of something real that Tessa felt right down to her toes. Then he picked up the check and tossed a credit card in the folder. “Let’s walk around the harbor and I’ll share everything.”
“I’d love that, and thank you for dinner.”
A few minutes later, they strolled the boardwalk, which had plenty of tourist traffic on a warm June night. The breeze carried a briny scent and felt absolutely delightful on her bare shoulders.
But not nearly as delightful as the charming and attractive man at Tessa’s side. She was pleased that instead of mulling over his past, she’d let the meal, the conversation, and the lovely glass of wine cast a glow over an evening she definitely did not want to end.
“So,” he said, taking her hand in a move that felt natural. “About my new life.”
She looked up at him, vaguely aware that she was holding her breath for what he would say. He certainly wasn’t leaving Destin, was he? With a thriving practice here?
With a start, she realized she didn’t want to hear that or anything, frankly, about this new life that would mean she couldn’t have any place in it. The thought made her breath catch as she slowed her step.
Shereallyliked him.
“As you know, I’m a therapist, and we make the worst patients,” he continued with a laugh. “But I am self-aware enough to know what I need in my life.”
“Tell me,” she said softly, clasping his hand tighter. “I really want to know.”
He walked them to the railing over the water, leaning against it, looking down at her with something she couldn’t quite define in his eyes. Hope? A promise? A secret? Something that made her heart beat faster.
“I spent two years renovating that house,” he started. “And it was quite cathartic. With every room I finished, I felt like a piece of my soul was…better. Cleaner, brighter, newer, less…” He closed his eyes. “Exhausted and sad.”
She let out a groan. “I can’t imagine how difficult it must have been to take care of the woman you loved and ultimately lose her.”
“No, you probably can’t, but that’s okay. I don’t really want to talk about it, or any dark parts of my life. I renovated myself, too.”
She felt a smile pull. “How does that work, exactly?”
“I’m changing where I live—if I can sell my house and find something perfect—and how I live. I’m dedicating myself to pleasure, fun, laughter, and life.”
“Those are…good pursuits,” she replied. “It kind of sounds like old Dustin from the beach.”
“Notthatmuch pleasure,” he joked. “But I won’t do serious again. I won’t do a lifelong obligation or spend any time with people who drain me—other than my patients, of course. My personal life…” He lifted his brow. “Light, easy, fun, and filled with”—he inched closer—“someone like you.”
She stared at him, her smile wavering as she tried to understand what he was saying.
“Me?”
