“Look, hyung. I know you mean well, but fashion photography is my calling, and the Paris job is a huge opportunity for me.” My calling? That was laying it on a bit thick. “I’m not going to lose out on the chance to chase a childhood dream.”

Landon looked unconvinced but gave a resigned shrug. “If that’s what you want, then I’m happy for you. But remember, I’m always here if you need to talk.”

“I know. I know. Don’t get all sappy on me,” Seth said, swallowing the thick swell of emotion in his throat. His older brother’s wedding must’ve gotten to him more than he’d thought. His feelings were too close to the surface. Well, he couldn’t have that. Slapping on a carefree grin, he said, “If you don’t need any help, then I should hit the road.”

“Yeah, you have quite a drive ahead of you.” Landon pulled him into a hug. “Thanks for taking over for me while I’m gone.”

“It’s nothing,” Seth said, hugging him back. “I’ll see you next month.”

After sneaking in a snuggle session with Morgan, he said his goodbyes and headed home to Santa Monica. Home. He wouldn’t be calling it home much longer. Paris would be home to him soon. Excitement filled him, and his face morphed into a giant smile. He couldn’t wait to start his new life there.

The wide, open road and the endless blue sky called to him, but he was tempted to stop by the brewery. Tara might be there early preparing for the day or working on a new brew, but he’d promised himself to give her time, so he drove on. He would hear from her soon. His heart jumped at the thought, making Seth grin even wider. He relished the anticipation coursing through him. The dating dare was promising to be something special.

CHAPTER FOUR

As soon as she was on break, Tara pulled her phone out of her back pocket. No missed calls. No texts. Grrr. Seth had mentioned he was going to Santa Monica to take care of his condo and the last bit of packing. But Aubrey had left for Asia with her family the day before. He should be back by now, housesitting as he’d promised. Why hadn’t he contacted her? Was a guilty conscience keeping him at bay? Why else wouldn’t he have at least texted her?

Maybe he didn’t care about the silly dare anymore after whatever happened that night. She didn’t want to care either. Nevertheless, she was still irritated that he’d ignored her for a week. She’d done the same thing, but that wasn’t the frigging point. Then, as though her irrationally angry thoughts were venomous voodoo needles pricking at his mind, her phone chimed to announce a text from him.

SETH: Hey, Tara.

After a week of radio silence, this is what he texts me? Why was he texting her anyway? What did he even want? Hang on. Wasn’t she just bitching about him not texting her a minute ago? Oh, shut up.