Forever in Cape May (The Sunshine Sisters #3) - Jennifer Probst Page 0,72

she left for Paris, Taylor stopped at Pierce’s house to say goodbye. She had an early-afternoon flight the next day and still had to finish packing and spend time with her sisters and Zoe.

Her mind was clear on the path they’d both chosen, but the idea of walking away with a hug, a farewell, and a decision to go back to being platonic friends made her stomach twist with nausea. As she walked through Pierce’s door and he gave her his beloved lopsided grin, Taylor wondered if she could let him go in order to chase her bigger, shinier future. Last night had been earth-shattering—as if they’d stopped being two people and had melded into one. She’d had plenty of weekend flings and had never had problems walking away. She’d always been termed the “guy” in the relationship, because she easily separated sex from emotion. Sex was physical, an act enjoyed by both parties if they had consent and respect. She’d assumed sex with Pierce would be the same, but instead she’d been horribly wrong.

And now she was going to pay.

He handed her a beer and frowned. “You look upset. Are you freaking out about tomorrow?”

She swallowed back the impulse to ask if they could work something out. Maybe they could continue their relationship long distance? She wouldn’t be in Paris forever. She’d visit her family often.

But the answer floated up inside her and quieted the urgent voice.

He doesn’t want what you want.

Pierce deserved to pursue his own happiness now. She’d no longer be there to block opportunities for him to find a woman to settle down and raise a family with, and to develop his photography business in a way that would excite him again. And she couldn’t stay with him without wondering if one day she’d regret not chasing her own dreams, miles away from his beloved home.

No. This was the only choice they could both make.

“Taylz?”

She shook her head and walked toward the kitchen, taking a sip of beer. “Sorry. My mind’s just all jumbled up. I promised Zoe I’d be home early to tuck her in tonight. Bella said she’s upset.”

“Don’t blame her—you guys are super close. But she’ll forgive you after her first visit to Paris and you feed her bread and chocolate.”

She gave a half laugh. “That’s true. At least I’ll be back next month for Avery’s wedding. Hell, maybe even sooner, if my paintings tank and Luis yanks my free ride.”

“That’s not going to happen,” he said quietly. “You have your plan B, remember? And even though you’re scared, I think you know this exhibition will change everything.”

“Yes.”

“It’s what you always wanted.” He paused. “Right?”

Her throat tightened. Why did she feel so raw and vulnerable? Pierce was acting perfectly. There was no pressure for her to stay or declare feelings for each other. He was supportive and encouraging of her art. He seemed poised and genuinely happy she was pursuing her dream. She had no right to change the rules at this point, and no idea if she had the guts to try. “Right.”

He nodded, ducking his head to stare at his beer. When he looked back up, something flickered in his eyes but was gone in a flash.

Just a trick of the light.

He tipped the bottle up and clinked it to hers. “To the next great adventure.”

She accepted the toast and drank. Shifted her weight. “Did you hear back from Escape yet?”

He set down his beer and stood with his feet braced apart, his arms tucked into each other. “Yeah, David loved it and asked me to do another spread. It’s another beach theme, but flexible, to include portraits.”

“For Cape May?”

“No, he wants me to expand, so I’m going to take a few days and do some road trips. Poke around. If something interests me, I may try to get my own collection together to sell. I like the possibilities now that I’m not tied to strictly weddings.”

“Makes sense. I’m happy for you.” Watching the excitement flicker on his face when he talked about his photography made Taylor feel a sense of joy, knowing how important it was to feel fulfilled. She had an idea he was only getting started with what he could do with his talent.

Just like her.

Too soon, their beers were finished. “I’d better go. They’re all waiting for me.”

“Don’t forget your neck pillow, and take Advil with you in case you get a headache.”

“I will.”

He walked her to the door. “Text me when you land. I don’t want