“Funny, but I was talking about being stubborn. Headstrong.”
“I’ll admit to those traits. For what it’s worth, I am sorry.”
“Me, too. I’m glad to see you’ve done well, Wyatt. Success looks good on you.”
“Not as good as it does on you.” He couldn’t help noticing the gold ring glinting on her right hand. No ring on her left. Had she divorced, too? He winced, knowing that pain. He still bore the scars. He squared his shoulders, trying to figure out the best way to end this and walk away before she figured out his history. Say “nice to see you, good luck with the shelter, hope the donation helps.”
“Mom!” A strapping teenager trotted in their direction. He had Mariah’s cinnamon-brown hair and shimmering green eyes.
Mariah, a mother? Wyatt couldn’t say why that threw him. He took a step back. “It was good seeing you, Mariah.”
“Wait, don’t go. Not until you meet my son.” Pride lit her up. “Wyatt, this is Jake.”
“Hey, I know you.” The kid in jeans and a gray sweatshirt with Mary’s Place emblazoned across it had to be in his midteens. A tall, athletic looking boy, he almost matched Wyatt’s six-three.
Hard to believe Mariah had a teenager. She must have married young, right out of high school.
“You’re the dude in the pictures.”
“What pictures?” Okay, call him curious, Wyatt had to know. Did Mariah keep any evidence from their old days?
“The pics in her yearbook.” The kid danced, light on his feet, like a basketball player waiting for an opening. “Plus there’s that old photo in her desk drawer. You are him. My mom’s old boyfriend.”
“I apologize, Wyatt. I’m not responsible for the way he turned out.” Mariah rolled her eyes, amused. She might be making excuses, but love for her son shone on her beautiful face. It was unmistakable. “Now off with you, kid. Whatever it is, I’ll be there in a minute.”
“The TV crew is set up and wants an interview. They’re already taping and stuff.” Jake’s smile was like Mariah’s, too, wide, generous and flashing. “So, what was my mom like when she was my age? Trouble, right?”
“Lots of trouble. Always in and out of detention. The principal threw up his hands. Didn’t know what to do with her.”
“I knew it. Mom’s no different now.”
“Hey. Enough tall tales.” Mariah interrupted before their teasing could go any farther. She’d never been in detention in her life. “Off you go, troublemaker. I’ll deal with you later.”
“Her threats don’t scare me.” Laughter flickered in Jake’s eyes. “So, you live in Buffalo now?”
“Just moved from Manhattan. I’ve got properties and an office here, but I’m still hunting for a house. Been thinking about coming back for a while. It’s nice to be here.” Attractive, manly crinkles creased the corners of his eyes, adding character to his face. “These days, I’m trying to dial things down, take life a little easier.”
“Cool. Hey, I saw your old team picture.” Jake focused the power of his easy grin on Wyatt. “Do you still play basketball?”
“I used to. A few years ago I was on a gym league in the city. A bunch of friends and I burned up the court.”
“Awesome. I’m on my school team, but I’m in another league, too. We have a game tonight. I’m trying to learn as much as I can.”
“Good for you. You never know. It might lean to an athletic scholarship when you need it.”
Exactly when had she been left out of the conversation? Honestly. Mariah couldn’t believe it. If she waved her hands for attention, would either of them notice?
“I already thought of that. I want to be a veterinarian, so I’m hoping for at least a partial scholarship.” Excited to find someone new to talk over his plans with, Jake didn’t pause for breath. “I’m keeping my grades up, too. Maybe I’ll get something academic, but in this economy—“
“There are no guarantees,” Wyatt finished. “Sounds like you’re doing everything right. You’re covering both bases, athletic and academic. Mariah, you’ve got a smart son.”
“So I hear. Jake, please go tell Sally and her crew I’m ready for the interview I promised her.”
“Sure. Mr. Royce? If you’re looking for a team, there’s a league at the Lake Shore Community Center you might want to check out. You know, if you’re interested.” Jake skipped backward, as if reluctant to end things with his new buddy.
“Thanks. I’ll look into it.” Wyatt’s chuckle rumbled, warm and pleasant, as he watched her son dash off. True kindness deepened the flecks of dark blue in his eyes. Something in Mariah’s chest fluttered, against her will. She had a soft spot for the man, and his kindness to her son only made it worse.
Hadn’t that been the real problem when she’d been dating Wyatt all those years ago? He’d been incredibly decent. Bossy, but decent. Just too irresistible. Good thing she wasn’t tempted now.
“That’s quite a kid you have there.” Emotion crossed his face. It looked like sorrow. “He’s you.”
“Me? No, he’s smart and funny and fantastic. He was born that way.”
“Like I said, he’s you.” The hint of sorrow faded as Wyatt braced his hands on his hips, looking powerful once again. “A friend of mine used to be a pro ballplayer. He runs a basketball camp in the summers. It would be a great experience for Jake. I can try to get him in.”
Why did her guard go up? Wyatt was only being Wyatt. “Thanks, but no.”
“Well, think about it. And when it comes to college, I’m a Harvard alum. I can put in a good word for him. If he wants to get into a top vet school, he’ll want the best undergrad education he can get.”
“Wyatt.” Her stomach bunched up into one tight, impossible bunch. “I’ve got it covered.”
“Sure, but I’m just trying to help. Throw out ideas.”
“I don’t need help.” She softened the words as much as she could, hoping he would understand. The tangled knot in her stomach expanded until it filled her entire middle.
“You mean you don’t want my help.” A muscle ticked in his square jaw. This man was used to running a successful company, and he looked the part, with his polish and authority.
But she didn’t need any man’s authority. Not back in high school, not in her marriage and not now. He’d crossed a boundary she wasn’t comfortable with. “I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but I can handle it.”
“I didn’t mean to take over.” The muscle in his jaw bunched again with tension. Apology pinched the corners of his eyes—along with sincerity. That was another reason why it was easy to like Wyatt. He took a breath and eased back a bit. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to overstep. It was good seeing you, Mariah. I’ve always wanted the best for you.”
“Me, too—for you.” Her throat closed as she watched him walk away. Even his gait posture of his strength—shoulders squared, back straight, his dark suit a shadow among the bright colors of the crowd.
Shadows clung to her too, ones she’d thought she’d banished with counseling, determination and the new life she’d built. Wyatt had stirred up memories of Jasper’s control issues and temper. Times best forgotten.
“What a nice man.” Sunni sidled up to her, turning to watch Wyatt in the crowd. “I can’t believe