Page 17 of Wild Desire

Killian leaned on his crutches, which brought him closer to my height.

I slung the bag over my shoulder. "You want to get some toys for Joey, or should we grab lunch?"

"I'm starving. I have to eat after I work out."

"What were you thinking? There's a healthy cafe. I've never been there, but I've heard it's good. Wraps, salads, hummus toast. Things like that."

Killian's nose scrunched. "Is there a restaurant nearby? I could go for a burger."

"Of course." I led the way out of the office, holding the door open for him.

"I hope you know I normally open doors for women, not the other way around."

"Well, you're off the hook from chivalry until your knee is healed." All I knew about his injury was that he'd had surgery for a torn something or other and needed rest and physical therapy before he could get back in action.

"I don't like it."

My lips twitched at his admission. "Being injured or relying on others?"

"Both," he said simply as he folded himself into the small front passenger seat of my car.

I got in and turned on the vehicle. Then I headed in the direction of the best pub in town for lunch.

"Which businesses were you checking on?" Killian asked as I parked in front of the pub.

"The event planning one. It's not something I want to do long-term. It's just an easy way to bring in money."

"What about your donuts? Do you want to open a bakery?"

I laughed at that question. "I'm staying away from any business that requires me to pay rent on space. That would eat into my overhead."

I shut my door and ran around to his side, where he was already trying to get out on his own. I stood by helplessly as he got out from the low vehicle.

When he was on his crutches, he said, "But if it's what you want to do?"

"I have no idea which business is my passion. I'm just trying things out until one's successful. Then I'll go with that," I said, hoping he wouldn't ask any follow-up questions. I didn't like anyone diving too deeply into my whys. It always came back to my family and supporting them. I couldn't think of anything more important than family.

"At one time, snowboarding was your passion."

I shook my head. "That was silly. I could never make that into a career."

His brow furrowed. "I did."

"You were destined for success out there." I waved a hand. "I was always meant to stay here."

I opened the restaurant door for him, and Killian leaned in close to say, "Are you sure about that?"

Before I could answer, the hostess asked Killian if it was just us two, and then she directed us to a booth by the window.

I buried my head in the menu and didn't look up until the waitress stopped by for our orders. When she left, taking the menus with her, I didn't have anything to hide behind. I placed my phone on the table in front of me, pretending to check my messages. There were none. Usually, it was my family getting in touch with me and occasionally a friend who wanted to go out. But lately, everyone was paired off and busy with their significant others.

It was nice because it took the pressure off me. I didn't get asked why I was so busy, or why I didn't do something for myself. But at the same time, it was lonely. Everyone was moving on with their lives while I was stuck. It was a persistent feeling lately.

Walking away from that scholarship didn't usually bother me. Killian being home was bringing everything back. He was the example of what could have happened. But instead, I was still living in Telluride, trying to figure out my life.

Killian tipped his head slightly. "Are you going to answer me?"

My face heated. I had forgotten the question. "My life is here. There's nothing else to talk about."

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