Jake stood alone with Sherrie. The bank was closed for the night. Downtown Wayback was still and quiet. The first tones of a fiery sunset colored the horizon and he supposed most people were settling into their homes for dinner. He should have left after depositing his paycheck at the bank ATM. He should be at home now too, relaxing on the couch with a cold beer and a cold slice of pizza. Instead, he stared into that soft blue gaze he missed so much, wanting to find the right words to say Sherrie.

        “I’m sorry,” he blurted out, figuring that would be a good start. “I’m sorry about the way I left. I’m sorry for ... hell a lot of things.”

        Sherrie shrugged and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Sorry’s a good start. Suppose I can forgive you.”

        “Why? Why’d you come back? We both know you belong in California. Your career was taking off. You wanted that big house on the beach.”

        She lowered her gaze to the sidewalk and kicked the front wheel of her SUV. “I don’t have a career no more. I had the big house on the beach and lost it. God, I don’t know if I should tell you any more. I don’t know if I could trust you after—”

        “After what? I told you I was sorry.” He placed his hand on her shoulder. “Sherrie, it’s me, the man you used to confide all your hopes and dreams in. I never told anyone about how were so nervous during your first fashion show that you nearly tripped on the runway.  You can trust me, darling.”

        Sighing, she removed her left hand from her jeans pocket and Jake noticed the black leather glove covering it. She removed the glove, revealing a swollen, red hand.

        “Jesus, what happened?”

        “A wildfire took my house, scarred my hand and arm, ruined any chance of strutting my stuff on the runway again, or sitting pretty for the camera. All I have left is my family. So, I came home.”

        “Sherrie ... I ... Heck, I’m sorry.”

        “Don’t be. I don’t need your sympathy. You didn’t start the fire. I was stupid enough to try to grab my family photos and now I’m paying the price.” She raised her head to meet his gaze. “Your mama dropped by to see me while I was in the hospital.”

        “Oh.” Jake hadn’t seen his mama in three years. Pa told him when she ran out that trying to hold on to Mama was like trying to catch a shooting star, which is exactly how he felt about Sherrie too. He knew she was in Wayback now, but he was sure his shooting star would fly off to the next galaxy as soon as she got back on her feet again. “How is she? I bet by now she probably went and got herself hitched again.”

        She nodded. “Sure did. Met her latest husband. His name’s Bob. Seems like a nice ‘nough fellow.”

        Jake rolled his eyes. “Yeah and so were the last nine stepfathers. I’ll be surprised if this marriage sticks.”

        “I think it just might. I still believe in happy endings, Jake. I wish you did too. I should get on home. Max is waiting on me.”

        He didn’t know quite why, but he grabbed her arm before she could slip into her Escape, pulled her close to him, so close that her soft curves pressed against him, close enough that he could smell the lavender scent of her perfume. Everything about Sherrie positively intoxicated him, made him dizzy, and weak, but it wouldn’t be enough until he tasted her lips and he did. He crushed his lips into hers.

        To his amazement, she didn’t fight him, didn’t even try to break free. She relaxed into his embrace and parted her lips. He delved his tongue inside, tasting every corner of her spearmint mouth. She must still be a gum chewer. God, this feels so perfect having her in my arms again, even if she isn’t mine to hold.

        Finally, she broke free, leaving him breathless, and with a raging hard on. If he had his way, he would pick Sherrie up and carry her back to his bed, but he was certain Max would have something to say about that. Max Porter was a big man and he made it clear when Jake returned to Wayback that he was to stay away from the youngest Porter girl ... forever.

        Sherrie suddenly slapped the side of his cheek so hard that it stung. “That’s for taking advantage of me.”

        He gave her a half-grin. “You didn’t seem to mind it so much when I was kissing you.”

        “You ... Oh ... Damn it, Jake!”

        He loved the way her cheeks turned a bright crimson. Watching her open the door to her SUV, he decided that he might not be able to hold his shooting star forever, but he’d enjoy the way she shined for as long as she stayed in Wayback.