Page 14 of Every Beat of My Heart

I wanted to get to know both of them better, but I had no reason to show up at their house or ask them how they were doing. I was hoping she’d reach out to me. I cleared my throat. “I’m wondering if it’s time to move out though.”

Dad pushed his empty plate away. “You want to move off the farm?”

“Izzy’s not here anymore, so there’s nothing left for me,” I teased her.

“Uncle Jamey—”

“I miss you like crazy,” I said.

Izzy’s lips twitched. “I miss you too.”

I puffed out my chest. “But a man needs his own place at some point.”

“You’re welcome to stay as long as you want, but I can understand the need to get your own place and be independent. Any idea where you’ll go?” Dad asked.

“I haven’t even started looking.” The idea to move popped into my head when I spent the evening with Claire. I wanted to be someone that a woman like her could respect.

CHAPTER 4

CLAIRE

I’d resisted contacting Jameson for as long as I could. I was focused on getting the kitchen fixed and dealing with insurance adjusters and contractors. It was a headache, but I needed to have a working kitchen so we could stop eating out so much.

It wasn’t easy because Owen had been asking if he could throw with Jameson again, and football tryouts were coming up next week. By Friday, I couldn’t take it anymore. So when Owen came in the door and asked if I texted Jameson yet, I said, “I can do it now.”

I pulled out my phone and let out a breath. Had he already forgotten his offer to play catch with Owen? Had he already moved onto someone else who didn’t have a kid or was in a less complicated situation?

Any chance you have time to throw a ball with Owen this weekend? He has tryouts soon, and he’s stressed about it.

The reply came instantly.

When were you thinking?

“When do you want to play?” I asked Owen, who’d dumped his bag on the bench by the door and kicked off his shoes.

“Now.”

“I don’t know if he’s available, but I’ll ask him.” I pushed down the nerves that erupted at the thought of seeing him again.

Are you around tonight?

I am.

I can cook if you play with Owen.

Now that’s a deal I can’t pass up. Be there soon.

“He’s on his way,” I said trying to ignore the flutter in my stomach that Jameson was going to be here soon.

Owen pumped his fist in the air. “Yes.”

“Do your homework,” I said, reminding him out of habit.

Owen gave me a look. “We don’t have homework on the weekends.”

I sighed. “Then put away your clothes. I left them on your bed.”

“I don’t know why I have to do it. Dad has a housekeeper.”

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