“After graduation, I just realized it wasn’t the right path,” I said, finishing my thought. “Besides, if I’d left, I probably would have married the first frat boy I saw, and then who would be running the inn for Mom and Dad?”
“I’m sure they would have worked something out. You’re not responsible for all of us, you know.”
“I know.”
“Are you sure?” she pressed, taking a sip of her own beer.
She’d changed clothes before we left the inn after forcing me into a gorgeous coral-colored dress from her bag. It was low-cut and short and made me feel all sorts of uncomfortable.
But I had to admit, it didn’t look half bad on me.
“I’m sure,” I said. “I mean, I know Mom and Dad would have found someone to take the inn on if it wasn’t for me, but I love what I do. Honest.”
“I know you do. It shows in the house. But try not to forget, a job isn’t your entire life. You have to have more.”
“I did have more. I had Dean.”
She gave me a look that said she didn’t believe a word coming out of my mouth. “Did you really? I mean, you guys were together for, what? Four years? And you were no closer to the altar yesterday than you were when you first got together.”
“Yes, we were,” I argued. “We were engaged!”
“With no plans for a wedding.”
I let out a small huff. “No, you’re right. It just never felt like the right time.”
“Perhaps because you were secretly waiting for something…or someone?”
I gave her a hard stare “Jake? I have not been waiting for Jake. Believe me. Especially now.”
Intrigue painted her face. “What do you mean, especially now?”
“I can’t believe Mom didn’t tell you.”
“Tell me what?” she asked.
“Jake was sort of staying at the inn. Well, until last night.”
Her interest piqued, she leaned forward, hoping for all the juicy details. “Oh my gosh, you totally slept together!”
My face blanched. “We did not!”
“Okay, but something happened.”
A flash of that singular moment from the night before came reeling back. His skin, so hot and familiar. The heavy breaths that floated between us. His—
“Whatever is going on in that head of yours right now…can I borrow some? ’Cause damn.”
Her words brought me back to reality.
“It meant nothing,” I said, repeating my words from the night before. “Absolutely nothing.”
“Good, so you won’t mind me inviting those sexy tourists to our table?” She pointed to a group of guys two tables over.
One of them, a seriously smoking-hot surfer type with sun-kissed hair and dark skin, gave her a smooth smile. I felt my insides flip upside down.
“Sure,” I said with as much confidence as I could muster. “Why not?”
Millie gave me a look that suggested she didn’t quite believe me, but she quickly replied, “Great. I’ll go invite them over.”
