"How often do you see them?"
"Probably six or seven times a year. They're in Denver. Sometimes they come up for a weekend, or I go there."
"And your brother? I know one is traveling—what about the other one?"
"Grayson has been sending some of his patients to the rehab center in Whisper Lake, so I've been seeing him more often."
"Are your parents retired?"
"My father retired from his accounting job a while ago. My mom works part-time for a literary agent, reading the slush pile."
"That sounds fun."
"She's apparently doing some writing now. She doesn't think it's too late to write her novel."
"It's never too late."
"Do you have anyone besides your mom in your life?" he asked. "What about grandparents?"
"My mom's parents died when I was about four. They were in a boating accident on their first big trip in more than two decades. My mom always lamented the fact that they'd waited so long to start having fun and then it was over. I think that's partly why she felt like she had to keep striving for more. She didn't want to leave anything for later."
"That makes sense."
"I never knew my dad or his parents. So, my family is just my mom and me. A few men have come and gone. Neil was the longest relationship she had, but that ended, too."
"Because she couldn't commit."
"No, she couldn't." That reminder made her feel a little unsettled. Was she going down the same path as her mother? She could fall for Adam; she knew that.But what then?She suddenly felt terrified. She didn't do serious. She was about fun, living in the moment. She didn't want to think about what might happen next. "I should probably get to work," she said, getting to her feet. She took her plate to the sink. "Thanks for breakfast. I hate to run out on you, but I have to do a few things before I open the store."
He got up, blocking her way out of the kitchen. "Molly, what's wrong?"
"Nothing. I had a great time."
"Your eyes just filled with shadows. What were you thinking about?"
"I don't know—just work, what I need to do today."
"That’s not it. Talk to me."
"I can't do this right now, Adam. Everything is fine. We'll get together tonight."
She started to move past him, but he grabbed her arm, giving her a hard look. "Don't end this before it has even really started."
"End what? You don't want a relationship with me. You've been saying that since we met."
"Maybe I'm changing my mind."
"Well, maybe I just want to have fun," she said.
"Then let's keep having fun. There's no rush to do anything else."
His words eased some of her tension. "Okay. I like the sound of more fun."
"So do I." He gave her a kiss. "I'll see you tonight. Why don't I bring dinner?"
"If you want," she said, helpless to say no to this man, which was why she should probably stop having fun and end this—whateverthiswas. But she just couldn't do it. Not yet.
ChapterTwenty-Two