Page 112 of The Shots You Take

Riley held up a hand. “I just think it’s…safer if we don’t make promises right now.” A small, sad smile twisted his lips. “But thank you.”

“I won’t hurt you,” Adam blurted out.

“Yeah. That’s the kind of promise we shouldn’t make. Not now.” Riley’s lips tilted into a shy smile. “But, um. Stay on me, okay?”

Adam exhaled in a relieved whoosh. “I’ll text you when I get home. I’ll call you. What’s the number for your landline? I want to call you and know you’re in your kitchen, talking to me on that adorable pink phone.”

Riley’s smile grew. “I’ll text it to you.” He tugged on Adam’s hand and started walking toward the car. “Come on.”

At the car, they kissed one more time. Adam rested a palm on Riley’s cheek, against his soft beard. “This town loves you,” he reminded him. “If you need help, ask for it, okay?”

“I will.”

“I’ll text you when I get to the airport. And when I get home.”

“Thanks.”

Adam opened the car door. He knew he shouldn’t tell Riley he loved him, but he needed to saysomething. “Riles, I—I’m just really glad I came here. I’m glad we…” He stopped himself because the words were horribly inadequate. He tried again. “It was awful when you weren’t in my life. I don’t want to lose you again.”

Riley’s eyes glistened, then he looked away. “Fuck, Adam.”

“I wanted you to know that. In case I haven’t been clear.”

Riley blew out a breath. “I’m glad you didn’t listen when I told you to leave.”

Adam smiled sadly and wished for the millionth time that he hadn’t listened when Riley had pushed him away the first time, when he’d gone to Dallas. “This isn’t the end,” he promised. “I’ll see you soon.”

“Yeah. Okay. Go home and get that shoulder fixed.”

Adam got into the driver’s seat. “Goodbye, Riles.”

“Bye, Shep. Drive safe. And, um, thank you. For everything this week.”

Riley took a step back, and Adam closed the door. He waved one more time before he backed out of the driveway, and left Riley Tuck behind.

Chapter Thirty

“I got all your favorites,” Adam said cheerfully. “Basil chicken, pad Thai with shrimp, mango salad, massaman curry.” He snapped his fingers, “Oh, and the spicy fish one we liked last time. Remember?”

“Cool,” Cole said disinterestedly as he opened the fridge. “Do you have Sprite?”

“Oh shoot,” Adam said. “I forgot to get Sprite. Sorry, buddy.”

Cole closed the fridge door with a heavy sigh. “Well, whatdoyou have?”

“Um… I haven’t really had a chance to go grocery shopping yet.” Adam had only returned home from Nova Scotia last night.

“You can get groceries delivered, you know,” said Lucy from one of the stools at Adam’s kitchen island. “Like, everyone does that.”

“Iknow,” Adam said. “And you’re right. I’ll place a grocery order later. Sorry.”

“It’s fine,” Lucy said, her gaze fixed on her phone. “I’m not hungry anyway.”

“But I have all this Thai food…” Adam gestured to the twolarge paper bags that had been delivered minutes before his kids had arrived.

“I don’t really feel like Thai food,” Lucy said.

“Me neither,” said Cole. “Can we get a pizza?”

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