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would you go if you could go anywhere? What would you do if you thought anything was possible?”
    Possibilities were sometimes as terrifying as they were exciting to consider. “I used to want to travel. I was accepted to Boston College. I didn’t know what I wanted to do, but I felt I could make a difference. Then my grandmother passed away, and there was no one to watch my grandfather during the day. If I’d had sisters or brothers, maybe I could have gone away to a state school, but instead I took classes online so I could get my degree and live at home while everyone else worked.”
    Melanie said softly, “It sounds like you did make a difference.”
    Chelle nodded. “I don’t regret any of the decisions I’ve made. I was holding my grandfather’s hand when he passed away. I have a degree in accounting, and I’ve been able to help my parents weather some financial storms. I’m sorry. I don’t mean to bring up sad topics—it’s just that I started thinking today about all the things I haven’t done yet, and I panicked.” She looked across the room and caught Mason watching her. Her cheeks warmed when she remembered how she’d thrown herself at him, only to have him explain that sex hadn’t been what he’d wanted from her. Perhaps he had done her a favor. If he had said yes, he would have been her destination, albeit probably only for that one night. Instead, he’d brought her full circle, back to a place where she needed to once again ask herself what she really wanted. Was it really a one-night stand? Would she regret it? She’d waited so long for someone to look at her the way Tony had gazed down at Sarah when he’d said his vows. Did not wanting to wait anymore mean she was settling? Giving up?
    I’m going to die a virgin.
    “Chelle, I know you well enough to know you’re sitting on enough money to go somewhere if you want to. So maybe you should. Life is too short to live it feeling as if you’ve missed out. Pick a destination and go. Your parents are fine. And who knows, you might discover everything you want is back here. Or discover something you love out there.”
    “I can’t go by myself.”
    Melanie gave her a pointed look. “Because you’re scared?”
    “Shitless,” Chelle added with humor. “This is all I know.”
    Melanie shrugged. “I completely understand that, too. I let my fears hold me back for a long time. I don’t have all the answers, Chelle, but I do know one thing. You can’t see the world if you never leave Texas.”
    Mason folded his arms across his chest and leaned against a wall near the side exit. He considered leaving the reception early, but he couldn’t. As Chelle moved from one table to another, his fascination with her grew. Both David and Charles had described Chelle as a sweet woman, someone they didn’t want him to lead astray. How was she also the brazen beauty who had kissed him with a condom tucked in her bra? As he watched her interact with her friends and family, he saw a woman who had an extra-warm smile for both children and the elderly. A woman who seemed to know and like everyone. There had to be someone she had issues with. Someone she’d reveal she had no patience for.
    No one is that fucking perfect.
    He told himself curiosity was the only reason he couldn’t look away. He didn’t want to acknowledge that there was more. She was alluring in ways that were difficult for him to align with his usual partners. By his jaded standards, Trish should have been more appealing to him. Like many of the women he knew, Trish obviously prioritized her physical appearance. Endless hours in the gym. Salads with a portion of protein but no dressing. Every imperfection in her features had been professionally smoothed away.
    He watched Chelle adjust her bodice again as she walked from one table to another, and smiled. He would bet she couldn’t wait to get home and take off that dress.
    The idea brought his cock instantly back to attention, an