Page 15 of Last Dance, Second Chance

As crazy as Nathan’s plan seemed, there were parts of it that did make sense to Jessica. It would be really hard for her to look after Monty here by herself. But she’d feel she was taking advantage of Nathan if she and her dad’s dog took over Nathan’s home.

“I’m guessing you live alone, and you don’t have a wife or girlfriend you need to check this arrangement with first?”

A shadow clouded Nathan’s face. “I live by myself and I’m single,” he said quickly.

Jessica wasn’t sure he felt very happy about that fact.

“Your idea is completely nuts, but I’ll admit it seems like the most sensible thing to do from my point of view. But the deal has to be that you tell me if you want Monty and me to leave. If we get too annoying, or you just want your place back, you have to say so.”

“Deal,” said Nathan. He came over to Jessica and held out his hand to her — she shook it.

“Right, in that case, let’s get your stuff sorted and over to mine. It’s getting late and some of us have to work in the morning. Tell me what you need me to pack.”

“That’s easy. All my stuff is still in my case on the floor of the bedroom next to the bathroom. The only thing I need from the bathroom is my toothbrush. It’s the one in the holder on the sink.”

“OK, I’ll be right back.”

Nathan went upstairs and soon returned with Jessica’s case. “I’ll put this in the car and then come back for Monty’s stuff,” he said.

Jessica managed to heave herself off the sofa and get upright on her crutches. Nathan was coming back in the front door as she entered the hall. “You all right?” he asked.

“Yeah, it doesn’t hurt as much as earlier.”

“Let me put the dogs in the car so they’re out of your way.” He made sure Jessica was safely in the kitchen before calling the dogs and putting their leads on. “Is there a seat belt for Monty in the other car outside? I’m guessing it belongs to your parents.”

“Yes, Dad said about it in his notes. The car keys are in the pot by the front door,” Jessica said.

“Cool.” The dogs obediently followed Nathan out to his Land Rover.

Jessica grabbed her dad’s instructions for Monty and started pulling things out of Monty’s cupboard that he would need. Was she completely crazy doing this? Would she be better off managing by herself, like she usually did? At least that way she could be as miserable as she wanted and not have to worry about hurting anyone’s feelings... But she’d promised to look after Monty, and she couldn’t do that properly with a broken foot. There was no one else around who could help her, so it looked like the only sensible solution was to accept Nathan’s very kind offer.

Chapter Five

It took Jessica a moment to remember where she was when she woke up the next morning, and to realise there was someone knocking on her bedroom door.

“Come in,” she said groggily.

Nathan peeped around the door. “Hey,” he said. “I’m heading off to work in a minute. I’ve let the dogs out and they’re in the kitchen. I thought you might like a coffee.” He held out a steaming mug.

“Oh, yeah, thanks. That’s really kind of you. Come in.” Jessica went to sit up and jarred her foot. She winced.

“I also brought you some painkillers,” Nathan said, walking across the room and putting the coffee and the tablets on the bedside table. “Did you manage to sleep?”

“Yes, thank you. My foot kept me awake a little, but not as much as I thought it would. The bed’s really comfortable.”

Jessica tried to tame her hair. Nathan looked completely put together. His hair was damp from the shower and he wore a white shirt and dark grey trousers.

“How’s your foot feeling now?”

“Sore,” admitted Jessica.

“Hopefully the painkillers will help with that. Is there anything else I can get you before I go? Would you like some breakfast?”

“You don’t need to wait on me . . .”

“You’re not very good at being looked after, are you?”

“No,” admitted Jessica.

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