“And you’re incredibly well-read. You’ve told me some of the audiobooks you listen to when I’ve asked. History, philosophy, science. You’re constantly learning, constantly growing. Just because school didn’t come easily to you and you didn’t go to college doesn’t mean you’re not smart. You’ve learned to adapt and to succeed, and that takes a kind of wisdom and intelligence no silly law student could ever have.”
He looked at her for a long moment, a flicker of something deep, something real, in his expression. Emma caught her breath, her heart pounding, and she couldn’t help wishing they were alone back in her quiet bookshop instead of here on this beach, surrounded by strangers.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Bryce
Bryce couldn’t seem to take his eyes off Emma.
He wanted to think she was only being kind, as she had always been in school, but her words seemed to ring with conviction. He remembered now that Emma had always known how to make him feel seen, even when he’d been a punk kid begging for attention.
He used to think he was dumb, plain and simple. School had been such a struggle, a long, slow march through confusion and frustration. But she was right. Since then, he had discovered he simply learned differently from other people.
Hearing Emma defend him with such surety made something deep inside him stir.
He wanted to kiss her again. The urge was strong enough to make him clench his fists. He couldn’t. Not here. And not again. She had asked him not to and he wouldn’t go against her wishes.
Instead, he looked out at the glittering water and shifted the conversation away from himself. “What about you. I know you dropped Olive’s father before she was born. Sounds like a smart move.”
“The best thing I ever did.”
“Has there been anyone else since then?”
“I don’t have time for that right now.” She gestured to her adorable kid, who was giggling with her new friend while Pearl and Dottie kept watch. “I have a preschooler who deserves all of my attention. She doesn’t need the chaos of men coming in and out of our lives.”
He frowned. “So you don’t intend to date ever again?”
“I haven’t ruled it out completely. Maybe in a few years. It’s not my priority right now. I... have a lot to do first.”
“Like what?”
When she finally spoke, she met his gaze, hers fixed with a mixture of determination and nervousness.
“I want to work for Lucas Construction.”
He looked at her in surprise. “Doing what?”
“Whatever I can at first. Anything. But eventually I want to do what my mom does. Manage projects and help run the company. Does that sound crazy?”
“No. Just surprising. I had no idea you were interested in construction.”
He should have realized, though. She had been intensely involved in the renovation of the bookstore, asking him questions about everything he did and pitching in whenever she could. She was obviously interested in every aspect of the project. He thought it was because she wanted to make sure the renovation went well. Now he could see the process interested her as much as the finished project.
“I have always loved it. I used to love going out on jobsites with my dad. There was something magical in seeing something go from an idea on paper to an actual building where people could live, work, play. He used to talk about the day when I could join him at the company. My dad never cared that he didn’t have a son. He wanted me to be a partner.”
“Have you told your mom what you want?”
She shook her head. “I feel like I need to prove myself at the bookstore first.”
“Is that really necessary? She’s your mom. She wants the best for you. If you would rather be working at the constructioncompany than the bookstore, I’m sure she can figure something out.”
She shook her head. “Not yet. I shouldn’t have told you. Please don’t tell her what I said.”
“I don’t get it. Why not? I’m sure she’ll be happy to see you take an interest in the family company.”
“Things between my mom and me are... complicated. You know that.”
“I know that your mother blames herself for the years you were gone. She thinks if she had been a better mom to you after your dad died, you wouldn’t have felt the need to run away.”
