"He had a lucrative job offer in Alaska. I had mentioned it to my professor, who recommended me to his contacts. They said that they would hire me once I graduated in May, so he wanted me to move to Alaska with him."

Sebastian waits a moment, then asks, "Why didn't you go with him?"

The grief I wish I knew how to stop rises in my chest. My mouth turns dry, and I swallow a lump in my throat. I somehow manage to get out, "My grammy was ill. I moved her from Savannah to Texas. She lost her house because of medical bills, so I moved her into my apartment. Plus, she was sick, and I wanted to take care of her."

Sebastian stays quiet but tightens his hand around mine. "You said she passed about six months ago?"

"Yes." I blink hard, but a tear falls down my cheek. I swipe at it and continue, "James wanted me to put her into a home and go with him. I told him I wouldn't ever do that, and that was the end of us."

"What a dick," he states.

I force a smile. "It is what it is."

The gondola ride comes to an end. Sebastian hesitates, opens his mouth, but then snaps it shut. We get off the boat, and he takes my hand again. He asks, "Is there anything else you want to do here?"

"No, I'm tired," I say, suddenly drained from the day I've had.

"Let's go home," he says, leading me back to the truck.

Home. If only it were my home.

We walk in silence, and when we get to his truck, he doesn't open my door. He puts his hand on my cheek and proclaims, "You deserve a lot better than the hand you've been dealt, Sunshine."

Another tear falls down my cheek. I swipe at it and turn away from him.

He steps in front of me, stating, "Your ex is a fool for letting you go."

All I can think is, Why is James a fool when Sebastian has me but already has my expiration date picked out?

The questions create more emotions within me that I'm not prepared to deal with, nor do I want to in front of Sebastian. I clear my throat, spin, and yank open the truck door. I claim, "It's fine. Let's go home." I jump in the truck with my pulse skyrocketing, wondering how I can protect my heart when I already know he's going to break it.

Eighteen

SEBASTIAN

Three Days Later

Things only feel more confusing between Georgia and me. In front of my family, she's relaxed. There's no boundary between us. Yet when we're alone, things become strained.