Page 18 of Wild Desire

Killian sighed. "I never understood why you gave up your dreams of going to college."

"I took a few classes at the community college when I could." I took the business courses I felt I needed to get by. But it wasn't the same as a college degree.

"You never got your degree."

I raised a brow. "It's not like you're using your degree."

"I'm sorry you missed out on that experience," Killian said softly.

I looked away from him, the emotion threatening to overwhelm me. "Yeah, it sucked."

"There was no way you could go? You had a full ride."

"I couldn't go away to school when bills needed to be paid." That was the reality.

"Your mother is an adult. She could have taken care of herself. I'm sure she didn't want you to give up on your dreams."

"We never talked about it. She needed me here, and that was that."

His expression filled with sympathy. "I'm sorry."

The ache in my chest only grew at his kind words. "It's fine. I'm helping my family." I couldn't go back and change that decision. I wouldn't even if I could. There was no other option at the time.

The server placed our burgers in front of us. "Can I get you anything else?"

"No, thank you," I said as she moved to the next table.

"My brother mentioned that your mom works as a consultant."

I played with a fry, dipping it in ketchup. "I don't know anything about that. She doesn't talk about the resort and what she does there."

"I think if she wants more work, they'll find her something."

I tipped my head slightly. "My mom doesn't take handouts."

Killian took a large bite of his burger, chewed, swallowed, and then said, "Anyone ever told you that you're stubborn?"

I smiled. "You're the only one with enough balls to say that to my face."

His expression turned serious. "We're willing to help."

I stiffened. "We don't need help. We're doing just fine on our own."

His brow furrowed. "Are you?"

I swallowed over the lump in my throat. Mom meant well when she told me to live on my own, but it meant double the monthly bills. I didn't need my own place except for the kitchen. That came in handy to make donuts.

He inclined his head. "There's nothing wrong with accepting help now and then."

I smiled to cover my discomfort with this conversation. "I could say the same to you. Your brothers, doctor, and physical therapist are all trying to help you."

We ate in silence for a few minutes. Then Killian said, "It's never too late to live your dreams."

I chuckled without any humor. "It's too late for me to go to college. I'm not eighteen anymore, and I can't snowboard on the team."

"True."

"And besides, I have a new dream to run a successful business. People change." I held onto the glass of water on the table, needing something to do with my hands.

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