“That’s not it.”

“You mean the fact you’re not planning to stay in Hope after your mom is back on her feet?”

Molly hadn’t voiced her plans to move on once her mother was better, but obviously Carter—and probably everyone else just assumed it. And they were right. “Yes.”

He shrugged. “I think that’s just your standard go-to, because it’s what you’ve always done. Why not deviate from the norm? Or better yet, consider Hope your next stopover point in your trip around the world.”

She was at a loss for words. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“So you still feel like traveling, like picking up and moving every few months, finding that next new place to live and that next new job, right?”

“I . . . guess so.”

“Okay, fine. Why not make Hope your next new place to live, and a job with me your next new job?”

“But—”

“Then, when wanderlust strikes again, you can pack up and move on.”

He looked so sincere, with a glint in his eye that she read as just a bit of a challenge. As if he expected her to say no, that it wouldn’t surprise him in the least if she did.

Well, dammit, maybe she would surprise him. Maybe she’d shock the hell out of all of them and stay. Wouldn’t it amaze Carter, and this entire damn town, if she didn’t take off as soon as her mom was able to move around without help?

What if she did stay? At least for a few months. God knew Carter could use the help, and who better to organize his work life than her?

It would be a challenge, and she loved a job that presented an opportunity to learn. She’d streamline his operational systems and create a dynamic sales and marketing plan for him that he’d be excited about.

Then, once she was satisfied—or when the itch to move on became too great, she could do just that, move on, like she always did.

Only this time, she’d leave Hope on her own terms. She wouldn’t be running. Not like last time.

“You’re serious about the job offer,” she said.

“I wouldn’t have made it if I wasn’t.”

“Then I’ll take it.”

His brows rose. “Really?”

“Yes, really. Does that surprise you?”

“Maybe a little.”

“Okay, that was honest. But I’ll still take it, because I think you’ll benefit from my expertise.”

“And I like your confidence in your abilities, so I’ll hire you.”

She studied him, wondering what instigated his job offer. Maybe she was second-guessing his motives, but she figured he’d been baiting her, that he’d never imagined she’d agree.

Too bad. Now he was stuck with her.

She liked the idea of it, though. And she intended to show him that she was damn good at a job. She might not have stayed long at all the other jobs she had, but she left each company in a better place than they were when she’d started.

She’d do the same for Carter’s company. She’d swoop in, take over his paperwork headache, organize his systems and develop a sales plan. Then, when she was satisfied everything was in working order, she’d leave.

By then, she’d be easy to replace with someone competent enough to take over for her. She’d done it countless times before. It was easy.

Though as she looked over at Carter, the thought of working closely with him warmed her.

And the thought of leaving him behind left anything but an easy feeling in her stomach.

Better to stay in the here and now and not think about the future. Staying in the present was always best.

She’d worry about tomorrow and the next day . . . later.

Chapter 24

CARTER SPENT EARLY Saturday morning sitting across the desk from a man he never would have thought he’d hire as his next body guy.

Brady Conners was overqualified, had just come back to Hope after a long absence, and he didn’t know a whole lot about him other than the family connection. Carter had known Brady’s older brother, Kurt, from high school, but they hadn’t hung out in the same circles. Brady had left Hope after high school—like Molly. And he hadn’t come back.

Until now.

“I was sorry to hear about Kurt,” Carter said. “He was a good guy.”

Brady nodded. “Thanks. And yeah, he was.”

Carter could tell Brady didn’t want to talk about his brother. Most guys didn’t want to get into the emotional stuff, and what had happened with Kurt had been awful.

“Is that why you’re back in Hope?” Carter asked.

“Partly.”

The guy didn’t have much to say. Then again, his work spoke for itself. And if he wasn’t too chatty, that was good. He’d rather have Brady focused on the work and not on bullshitting in the garage.

“You’ve mainly done a lot of custom motorcycle body paint.”

“Yeah. But I started out doing body jobs and worked my way into the custom work. I can handle what you need.”

“I know. I talked to some guys you worked with in Memphis. They said you’re the best body guy around.”

A smirk was all he got in reply. That showed confidence, though, and Carter appreciated a man who knew he was the best.

“I heard you’re interested in starting up your own custom paint place.”

“You heard right,” Brady said. “But I need cash for that, and I’m strapped at the moment. I figure working for you for a while will give me a head start.”

Carte appreciated Brady not hiding that from him. Upfront and honest he could deal with. “Are you intending to leave Hope anytime soon?”

Brady shook his head. “No. I’m gonna plant it here for a while.”

He wasn’t going to ask why, but that’s the answer he needed.

“You got a place to live?”

“I’m looking into it. Not exactly interested in staying with my parents.”

Carter smiled. “Imagine that. I might be able to hook you up. There’s an apartment above the shop here if you’re interested. I could cut you a deal on the rent, and you could work your custom jobs here during your off-hours.”

Brady studied him, then frowned, no doubt suspicious about Carter’s motives.

Carter could understand that. After all, Brady didn’t really know him.

“Why would you do that?” Brady asked.