Page 147

“Yes, a date. I want to do this right, Joey. I want to go on dates, and I want to meet your friends and family, and I want us to sleep in the same bed every night.”

“Every night?”

“Yeah, every single one.” His eyes were intense. “Can you handle that level of commitment?”

“Can I—” I broke off with a shuddery breath. “Yeah, Kit. I can handle it.”

He smiled wide, looking pleased with himself. “Good. I’m going to rock this boyfriend stuff. Just wait.”

CHAPTER 32

KIT

“It’s great that you’ve taken this step forward, Kit, but if you want your relationship with Joey to last⁠—”

“What?” I sat forward. “Of course I do.”

“Then it’s important to confront the emotions you’ve buried for over five years,” Piper said.

Our first therapy session was winding down. I’d filled her in on what had happened with Joey and my intention to be his boyfriend.

“Okay, but I see the situation differently now. It was an accident. Joey made a mistake, but he’s not a villain. He’s got a good heart.”

“That doesn’t undo the fact that it changed your life forever. You came home, switched your major, your whole career, and became your sister’s caregiver.”

I snorted. “Don’t let Dakota hear that.”

“It’s different now,” Piper said gently. “I know you’ve gotten through it. But you did that through sheer unwillingness to give up. You put Dakota first for years. Now, it’s your turn.”

I shifted, uncomfortable with the notion. “She’s my sister. I’ll always be there for her.”

“Yes, of course. But she’s dating. She’s much more self-sufficient.”

“Things could still go wrong.”

Piper nodded. “Yes, and you’ll always be ready to help her. I’m just suggesting that you need a life separate from Dakota. Just as she does from you.”

I sighed. “I guess so. Things are changing…for both of us.”

“In a good way,” Piper agreed. “You’ve got a boyfriend.”

I couldn’t help but smile. “I do, don’t I?”

“It’s a big step. Not only because of who Joey is—that’s huge—but because you’ve made room in your life for someone else. It shows that you’re ready to feel things again.”

I’d never considered myself closed off before. I’d been focused on Dakota’s recovery, on helping her rebuild her life. I’d had other priorities. But maybe that was the same thing? My emotional plate had been full for a long time.

“I’ll do whatever it takes to do right by Joey. I gave us a rocky start. I want to show him I can be a good partner.”

“Then you will.” Piper smiled. “Now, tell me about this date you have tonight.”

I glanced at the clock. “Actually, how about I just tell you how it went? I’ll be late if I don’t head out soon.”

“Even better. But I do have one piece of homework for you.”

I groaned. “Of course you do.”

She chuckled, unbothered by my whining. “Enjoy your time with Joey tonight. No guilt. No regrets. No fretting about Dakota. Just you and the guy you want to build a future with.”