Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 87940 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87940 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
“But I want to go back to school to become a nurse practitioner. I’m not cut out to work from home long term and want to get back to patient care.”
Danica nods empathetically, her brows furrowing with understanding. She knows I’ve been antsy, not finding as much fulfillment in a remote position. “Why can’t you enroll in school?”
I shake my head in resignation. “It’s not a good time. Drake depends on me so much with the boys that I need to be flexible.”
As soft as Danica’s expression is, I also see something a little steely within. “You’re such a caring sister, Kiera. It’s admirable how you prioritize your family, especially your nephews. But Drake is more than capable of finding help with the boys, especially now that he has Brienne in his life.”
I’m startled by her suggestion. “Oh, no. I couldn’t do that to Drake or the boys. They depend on me.”
Danica nods. “I get it. I really do. But you can’t do that forever and I seriously doubt that Drake expects that of you. You came here to help him get settled and provide stability for the boys with the move. Well, they’re all settled. Sure, you can babysit and watch the boys on occasion, but Drake and Brienne have the resources to lessen that burden on you, so maybe you can get back on track with what you want to do with your life.”
It has never once crossed my mind to move away from my responsibilities and the support I promised Drake. But she’s absolutely right. When he asked me to move to Pittsburgh, he told me it was just to help him and the boys get settled. I don’t think it was ever supposed to be permanent. I sort of believed I’d move back home to Minnesota when he was stable, but I’m finding I like Pittsburgh a lot.
I push it aside because Drake and Brienne are so damn busy and have so much going on, it’s not a good time to think of such things.
Lunch is over far too fast and I never feel like I get enough time with Danica. Walking out of Primanti’s and button our coats against the cold.
We step into a quick hug. “Let’s get the boys together soon. Maybe Travis can do an overnight.”
While he’s a few years older than Jake, all four kids play well together. We’ve done a few outings as a group.
“He’d love that.” Danica checks her watch and frowns. “I’ve got to get going to make the carpool line. He’ll be furious if I’m late since he’s going skating this afternoon with Camden.”
My eyebrows jet upward. “Really?
It’s not so much that Camden is helping Travis, but it’s the tone of Danica’s voice. Sort of breathy.
Her look is chastising. “He’s just a friend. I’ve known him a long time and Travis knows him. He offered to help him out since Travis is starting youth hockey next week.”
Hmm… maybe I didn’t hear what I wanted to hear. Maybe I want everyone to hook up and have great sex like Bain and me. Or rather, we were having it. Not sure if we will again.
I tease her a bit. “That’s awesome. I have noticed that Camden is unbelievably handsome.”
A myriad of emotions cross Danica’s features. First a cute smile, a silent agreement that she does indeed think Camden’s a hottie, followed by guilt.
My hand wraps around her arm and I give her a gentle squeeze. “There’s absolutely nothing wrong with you admiring a man for his looks.”
And I know something about this. I’ve taken my fill of Bain in full naked glory and stared unabashedly at him every single time. He’s so damn gorgeous, he constantly has me tingling with desire for him.
Ugh… stop thinking about him.
I’m pulled back into our conversation when Danica says, “I know. And I love you to death for trying to normalize those things for me. Not one other person in my life has ever broached the idea that there could be something for me after Mitch. And I’m not saying that’s Camden… just thank you for reiterating there’s nothing wrong with moving on.”
“There’s not,” I say gently, my smile hopefully giving further validation. “Besides, you’re not really moving away from Mitch. He’ll always be a part of your life. Maybe just consider it, like, you’re opening the door to add to your current life.”
Danica shakes her head slightly. “I’m not ready for that just yet.”
“But there will be a time when you are.”
She inclines her head. “How do I know when it’s appropriate?”
All I have is a helpless shrug. “I expect you’ll just know in your heart.”
Kind of like the way I know that I’ll never be ready for something like that.
CHAPTER 9
Bain
Saturday morning arrives with a cloud of frustration hanging over me. Lying in my bed, I stare at the ceiling and assess how I’m feeling. Last night’s game was a success—we won against the Minnesota Raiders—but I didn’t feel the normal high I get after a victory. I went out with Camden and Boone to celebrate but my mind kept drifting to Kiera. My vow to push her out of my thoughts by cooling things off isn’t going as planned.