Page 10 of Sterling Stone

“Probably not. It was a pretty small community.” She leaves it at that, and I don’t push for more than she’s willing to give.

I’m just happy with her company. She’s so beautiful, pulling my attention like the sun. Or in our current case, the crescent moon with a definite planet shining just off the corner. But it’s more than her beauty that draws me in. I like her enthusiasm for art and her excitement to work with young adults. She also seems passionate about helping a community express their uniqueness.

She talked about vibes in art and celebrating a group of people, but I like the energy she emits. She’s grace with a hint of eclectic. Humor and poise. Her vibe is contagious. Hell, I want to pick up a paintbrush, and I’ve never painted anything in my life other than an old house.

“Couldn’t wait to get out of there?” I ask, knowing it’s the stereotype of small towns. Either you can’t wait to escape, or you never leave. There doesn’t seem to be an in-between. From my own experience, my escape was cut short, and I’d been lassoed back in, permanently.

“Something like that,” she admits ominously.

“I understand.”

“Sounds like another story.” She stops walking and glances at me.

Feeling the weight of those silvery eyes, I pause as well and brace my forearms on the railing to look toward the dark river.

“The short version is your typical tried to leave but got roped back in and stayed story.” I crane my neck, glancing at her over my shoulder. “I have not traveled to places far, far away.”

Leaning her hip against the railing, she stands close to me. Close enough that her breasts brush against my arm.

“Do you wish you had?”

“Yes,” I confess, squinting back at the silky water. “There are lots of places I’d like to see in person. But my life has been full of responsibilities. Both professional and personal. I don’t get much time to myself.”

Tonight was a rare occasion.

And if I had gone off to see the world, I’d have missed out on things that happened at home.

Clay turning the family business around.

Keeping Judd grounded.

Ford becoming a professional athlete.

Sebastian getting his shit together.

Vale and Hudson.

Knox was the only one who went away for years, devoting his time to service in the Navy. As a former naval aviator, he’s been everywhere.

My Delilah gives me a questioning look.

“Got a family?” she asks.

I snort. “A big one.”

“One of your own?”

I pause, studying her face and catching on the soft glow of her eyes. “If you’re asking if I’m married with children, the answer is no on both counts. Never had a wife.” Although I came close once. “And no kids officially my own.”

“Officially?” She tilts her head to the side, waiting for more information.

“Now that’s a story too long to tell in one night.” I chuckle. “What about you? Got a husband?” She mentioned a book boyfriend earlier, but I want a solid answer.

“Or a wife?” she counters seriously, then chuckles. “Zero on all counts. No husband or wife. No children, extraterrestrial or otherwise. I don’t have that mom-gene women are assumed to carry.”

I nod. I respect women who know who they are—or are not—when it comes to parenting.

“No one here saying you have to have kids,” I point to my chest.