“They were there for me through some tough times too.” She scans the empty room, but I get the impression she’s really just stuck in her memories.

“Carter was my best friend growing up.” I shove my hands in my pockets and make a show of checking the closet. I’ve already had a private inspector go through the house, and I knew I’d buy it before I flew here to see it. I just wanted to make sure it felt right before I committed. Maybe I also wanted to see Shay before I’m busy settling Abigail into Jackson Harbor.

And didn’t that go great?

“And you and Shay . . .?” Ellie asks.

I arch a brow, waiting for her to finish that sentence and wondering how close she really is with the Jackson sister.

She shakes her head. “Sorry. I’m being unprofessional. Your history with her is none of my business.”

Did Shay say something? I bite back the question. It won’t do anything but make me sound like an insecure teenager. But damn, where Shay’s concerned, that’s how I feel.

I glance around the room again. “So let’s do some paperwork and make this official.”

Shay

“Are you okay?”

Jerking out of my thoughts, I realize my date is staring at me, his deep brown eyes crinkled in the corners. “I’m fine. Why?”

“You’ve been poking at that pasta for ten minutes.” George Alby flashes me his panty-melting bearded smile. His signature charm only compounds my guilt. “You just seem distracted. Is it your defense? Because you have nothing to worry about. Hammer out those revisions, and you’ll have a dissertation worth publishing.”

“It’s not that.” After I failed spectacularly at quieting my brain enough to nap, George and I decided to meet for dinner at our favorite diner. The place is just off the interstate in a tiny town halfway between Grand Rapids and Jackson Harbor. These are usually my favorite nights with him—when we can be in public without hiding our relationship. Tonight, I’ve barely touched my food, and his plate is clear. I’m proving to be a crappy date.

George nudges his empty plate to the side and folds his arms on the table. “So tell me what it is.” He looks around the restaurant in amusement. “Is this a breakup dinner?”

I gape. “No, of course not! Why would you even think that?”

“It’s just a matter of time, isn’t it?” An insecure smile flashes across his ruggedly handsome features, and my heart tugs. “Until one of these universities on the other side of the country drags you away from me?”