She chuckled. “I meant for a living.”
His face heated. “Oh, yeah. Sorry. He’s an electrician. And yours?”
“He’s a lawyer—but don’t hold that against him. And my mom stayed home with us, but she sells baked goods on the side. She’s a really good baker. I’ll bring you one of her brownies sometime. They’re so good they’ll make you cry.”
“Yeah? I love brownies. Any siblings?”
“Oh boy, do I. I’m the youngest of five, all boys except me.”
“Wow, you must be scrappy to have survived that.”
“I can hold my own. Any siblings for you?”
“Only child.”
“So, spoiled then?”
He chuckled. “What gave it away, my mountain of student debt or my crappy car?”
Addison patted the dashboard. “Shhh. She’ll hear you.” She pulled back her hand, a pretty blush blooming on her cheeks.
She was so cute. “So your parents are still married?”
“Still married, still in love. It’s a little sickening. Is it hard having divorced parents?”
“Not really. They fought a lot when they were together, and me and my dad don’t get along very well. So when they told me they were getting a divorce, I wasn’t too upset.”
“How old were you?”
“Sophomore in high school.”
“Do you see your dad much now?”
“Occasionally.” The last time they’d spoken was last week when Will called on Dad’s birthday. After the pleasantries his father askedafter his grades, then went on to tell him how the trades were outearning college graduates these days and Will was making a mistake with all that debt. As usual he walked away from the conversation feeling uncertain and irritated. But he wasn’t admitting that to Addison.
The conversation turned to their jobs for the rest of the ride. When they arrived at the pier, he parked, unbuckled, and reached for his door handle.
Addison set her hand on his bare arm as her gaze locked on him. “I have a confession to make.”
He tried to read her expression and came up empty. “Okay...”
“I don’t actually want to go fishing.”
“Oh. I see.” But he didn’t really. And the long pause that followed only confused him further. Did she want him to take her home?
“The thought of slimy fish kind of makes me ill.” Uncertainty flickered in her eyes. “I only said I wanted to go fishing because I want to spend time with you.” The admission tumbled quickly from her mouth.
And Will didn’t even try to stop the smile from spreading across his face.
Chapter 23
Josh had changed outfits three times. Now, on his way to the restaurant where he was meeting Maggie, he wished he’d stopped at number two. The button-down and khakis were too dressy for the casual restaurant. Too dressy forhim. She’d probably show up in a pair of shorts and a tee and he’d feel really dumb.
Too late now. He muttered a quick, desperate prayer that tonight would go his way. This had been so long in coming. How would Maggie react to the news that he wanted more from their relationship? With disbelief? Incredulity? Disgust?
Or would she be open to the idea?
The uncertainty made his palms sweat as he signaled to turn into the restaurant’s lot. He’d selected a new place—one that held no old memories for either of them. A new place for a fresh start.
