Page 211 of One Wild Wish

To the two of us racing down narrow cobbled streets, stopping to kiss in the rain, laughing as we mangled German translations, feeding each other baguettes and cheese in France.

Jesus. I’d seen Gwen for half a day, and I was fifty steps ahead, practically naming our kids. But that wasn’t what she was asking. We were on fragile footing, late winter ice still lingering after a harsh season. “For starters,” I said, nudging her leg closer with mine, “I’d be happy to make an agreement.”

Her leg didn’t move, but her eyebrows did, drawing close together. “You’re being mighty cryptic, Cruz.”

“Then I’ll simplify things for you.” I sat straighter, squaring my chest and heart. Hoping she’d judge my honesty. “I’m interested in you, Gwen Frances Hamilton. I miss you and feel like our potential slipped through our fingers, but it’s not too late to try and get it back. So I want to move on, with you in my life. As friends, if that’s all you can handle. But I’m hoping for more. I’d at least like for us to try, for you to agree to give us a shot.” I knocked back a swallow of beer. “Is that clear enough?”

No more games. No more subtle flirting. The only regrets in life were the risks we didn’t take, and I was done letting my past undermine my future.

Her throat bobbed, a few slow slides that had me shifting on my seat. A blush stained her nose and cheeks. Had I gone too far? Was she about to bail on me?

But her calf pressed closer to mine. Even through my jeans, awareness splintered through me. Sudden. Fiery. Biting. Like my body was designed to respond to Gwen’s alone.

“That’s plenty clear, August Eugene Cruz.” She emphasized the middle name she knew I hated. Just like she hated hers. Way back when, it would have rankled me. Tonight, in the light of our new understanding, it was a gift. “Which leads me to my earlier question.”

“You want help learning to pole vault?”

“You seem kind of obsessed with the sport.”

“You have no idea.” My voice sounded so damn thick.

Her deep inhale said she’d be keen to explore those athletics, too. And man, did I want her hand wrapped around my cock, fisting me, pumping me. Almost as much as I ached to watch her fall apart. Unfortunately, I knew which question dogged her.

The one I’d avoided.

The one I still wasn’t sure how to approach.

Her calf slid against mine purposefully. “I have some idea, but the question you sidestepped is if you’d like to wear your Badass PI badge and help me find my father.”

I froze, the cold bottle caught in my death grip.

Deciding to pursue her didn’t ease my guilt over what I’d done, but I couldn’t reverse time. My choices hadn’t been malicious. Still, if Gwen learned I’d stolen her chance to meet her father, intentional or not, she’d shut me out. I could drop clues, lead her to him without admitting what I’d done, but that would hurry things along, limit our time together.

Time was already in short supply.

I’d also reread Mary’s last line, before leaving my hotel. Remember what I told you on Gwen’s nineteenth birthday.

Gwen’s mother had shocked me when I’d called her nine years ago, her unexpected revelation leading me to buying Gwen her birthday ring, which had led to our epic disaster. Like this letter was more of the same—Gwen’s mother more involved in her daughter’s life than Gwen had ever realized. I wasn’t sure what that meant. Figuring it out seemed important.

More time I needed.

“Of course I’ll help you find your father,” I said, buying myself more hours.

* * *

Gwen

Whenever I’d stand on the edge of a plane door, about to skydive, my heart would pummel my chest, exhilaration and nerves spreading as wind blasted my face. Free. It always made me feel incredibly free.

Like I was a superhero. Invincible. Immortal.

Exactly how sitting across from August felt.

“You’re sure?” I asked, unwilling to believe he’d agreed to this nutty adventure. That he’d laid out his heart, asking me to take a chance on us.

“Stop questioning everything I say.”

He was asking the impossible. Even after his confession, my courage faltered. He knew I’d crushed on him as a teen, but he had no clue how intense those feelings had been, or that they’d continued long after. I probably still loved him now. Words that would send most men running for the hills. I also hadn’t realized how badly I wanted his help finding my father until he’d agreed.