Page 36 of Better than Yesterday
“Thank you for today,” she said. “It’s good to be reminded.”
I started the engine, my mind full of everything unsaid. The temporary pact we’d made felt like a foolish memory. I was actively trying to convince her to stay. And I had no idea if it was working.
As we approached the pier, Tessa’s expression turned serious. “Braden, about the conservation center…”
“What about it?”
“I want you to be part of it. Not just as support, but as a real partner. Your business experience, your community connections—I need that. The center needs that.”
My heart kicked against my ribs. “You want me to help you design it?”
“Yes.” She stepped closer, her hand on my arm. “I know I’m leaving. I know this is temporary. But I can’t make this vision a reality alone. I need you. In more ways than one.”
The request was both a gift and a knife to the chest. She was inviting me deeper into her vision but reinforcing the timeline.
While I’m here.
I’m leaving.
“Okay,” I said, because what else could I say? “Let’s build something incredible.”
Her smile was brilliant. She rose on her toes and kissed me, quick and sweet. “Partners.”
“Partners.”
But as I watched her walk away on the path, I knew the truth. I wasn’t her partner in a temporary project. I was falling in love with her all over again. And in a few weeks, she was going to break my heart for the second time.
Chapter Twelve
TESSA
The walkfrom Sunset Siesta left me unmoored. The late-morning sun beat down, but I hardly registered it. My swimsuit was still damp, and my hair was a tangled, salt-stiff mess. None of it mattered.
All I could see was the look on Braden’s face when we surfaced—the joy, the peace, the way he’d touched my cheek like I was something precious. That single, perfect moment had cracked something open inside me that I’d been desperately trying to keep sealed.
Being with Braden felt like coming home. And that terrified me.
I finally reached my beige box. A shower was non-negotiable. I needed to wash away the salt and the lingering sensation of his hands on my waist. But as the hot water pounded my shoulders, I couldn’t wash away the question that had been building for weeks.
What if I stayed?
The thought was contrary to every plan I’d ever made.Abandon the career I’d spent twelve years building? Walk away from the exact opportunity I’d worked toward my entire adult life? It was absurd. My parents would be devastated.
So why couldn’t I dismiss the thought?
I spent the rest of the day underwater with Zane while Kaia stayed above onSeahorse. I was meticulous and got every sample I needed, but all I could think about was how cold the tropical water felt without Braden next to me. I trudged home for the second time that day and took another shower.
I was towel-drying my hair when my phone buzzed on the bathroom counter. My mother’s face lit up the screen.
I stared at it for a moment, the steam from the shower curling around the device. I swiped answer. “Hi, Mom.”
“Tessa, sweetheart! We were just sitting here having a glass of wine and talking about you.” Her voice was warm, bubbling with an affection that made my throat tight. “Your father was just saying how proud we are that you got that application in. Dr. Albright mentioned to him that your proposal wasinspired.”
Sudden, sharp guilt pricked at me. “That was very kind of Dr. Albright to say. But it’s just an application, Mom. A lot of brilliant people applied.”
“Oh, stop being so modest. You deserve it.” Her tone softened, losing its usual edge of expectation and replaced by something genuinely tender. “I know you work hard, Tessa. But this will all be worth it in the end. You’re an absolute marvel, and we love you so much.”
I couldn’t help smiling. “I know, Mom. I love you guys too. You’re both the leaders of my personal fan club.”
