No One But You

Mariah, who’s shaking her head at me, with disdain on her face. Pain was streaking through my leg, so how could I argue? I was just trying to impress her.”
    “Sadly, it didn’t work.” Humor danced in her eyes as she unhooked her coat from the back of her chair.
    “But you said yes when I asked you for a date the next day.”
    “I know. What was I thinking?”
    The boys laughed as they pushed away from the table, more sedate now that they’d polished off the bread sticks, the pepperoni pizzas and another dessert one.
    Wyatt had had a great time tonight. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d laughed so much. It had been years, more than he cared to count. He owed that to Mariah and her son.
    Time to go. She’d already joined the boys in the aisle, so he grabbed his jacket and did the same. She looked amazing, laughter lighting her up as the teenagers ribbed her gently over the high school stories Wyatt had spent the last hour telling them.
    “Thanks for dinner.” She smiled up at him, her manner relaxed, like the Mariah he used to know. The one who’d trusted him.
    “Yeah, thanks,” both boys belted out.
    “Hey, I’ve got a brilliant idea,” Jake began, talking over his shoulder as he led the way to the exit. “Mr. Royce, you must like charities, right? Because you donated that piece of land?”
    “Something like that,” he admitted, holding the door for everyone.
    “Maybe you want to know about the hoop fest.” The kid ambled through the doorway. “I could use a sponsor.”
    “Jake…” Mariah’s tone held a warning note as she breezed by.
    “What?” The kid loped across the parking lot. “I’m just saying Mr. Royce—“
    “Call me Wyatt.”
    “Okay, Wyatt likes to give. Maybe he’d be interested in hearing about the hoop fest.”
    “I like the sound of that.” Wyatt strode along beside Mariah. “Let me guess. You’re playing for charity and want a sponsor.”
    “Exactly. It’s for the shelter.” Jake walked backward, grinning widely. “I mean, if you want to get involved. It’s going to be really fun. Last year—“
    “Jake.” Mariah pulled her key fob out of her handbag and headed toward the car. “Don’t take this wrong, kiddo, but both of you jump in the Jeep. Go on. No arguing.”
    “Email me.” Wyatt pulled a business card out of his pocket and handed it over as the kid settled into the backseat. “We’ll talk.”
    “Excellent.”
    Mariah gave the door a push, closing it. “Hard to believe I once thought having him was a good idea.”
    “You can’t fool me.” Wyatt held his heart still, so he wouldn’t feel a thing. “He’s the center of your world.”
    “Guilty.”
    “It’s been good catching up.” He leaned against the fender, not ready to let her go.
    “It has. Listen, I don’t want you to feel pressured about the hoop fest thing. Jake’s just excited to know you.”
    “No problem. It has to be tough growing up without a dad. I’m glad that’s something I never had to do. Losing Granddad was tough enough.”
    “Rumor had it that’s why you left Buffalo suddenly.” She nodded once, remembering. “Your father took over the business in Vancouver.”
    “Three days after you told me we were over. I never got the chance to say goodbye.”
    “I always regretted that.”
    “And the way you yelled at me in the middle of the cafeteria?”
    “Did I really yell?”
    “No, but it felt like it.”
    “I shouldn’t have pushed you away.”
    “I’m sure you were right.” His hand covered hers, warm and strong and comforting.
    She didn’t want to find comfort in his touch. She never wanted to need a man again. So why did her heart tumble—just a tiny little fall?
    “Maybe I should apologize now so we can make a fresh start. I haven’t felt like this since…” He didn’t finish his sentence. His free hand touched on her hair, soft against the side of her face, and the past came to life. She was sixteen again—whole of heart and wishing for the sweetness of his kiss.
    His eyes darkened tenderly. His mouth softened, slanting in. Her breath caught, and she was shocked to feel her lips buzz. She wanted his kiss.
    A kiss that could never be.
    She splayed her palm on his chest, stopping him. His lips hovered over hers, only a breath apart. Her pulse beat wildly in her chest while he squeezed his eyes shut and winced as if with regret.
    “I’m sorry.” He broke away.
    “So am I.” Sorry that they hadn’t kissed, that she was no