Page 25 of Last Dance, Second Chance

“I’m sure. I’m going to go for a run now.”

“Show-off,” muttered Jessica.

Nathan ignored her and continued, “But then why don’t I think of somewhere we can go for a few hours?”

“Where have you got in mind?” asked Jessica.

“Why are you always so suspicious?”

“It’s in my nature.”

“Just be ready to go when I get back. I’ll take Dennis with me.”

“You don’t fancy attempting a run with Monty?”

“Nope.” Nathan laughed. “See you in a bit.”

* * *

Jessica got up and showered, watched by Monty, and drank her coffee as she dressed and put on some make-up. She couldn’t help feeling a bit excited about what Nathan had planned for them. She knew she still shouldn’t walk much so options would be limited, but it would be nice to go out and do something different.

She wore a dress, feeling the desire to make a bit of an effort as she’d spent the last few days living in shorts and T-shirts, and decided to put her hair up in a loose bun so it was out of her way. When she gave herself a once-over in the mirror, she was surprised to see how relaxed she looked. Her eyes were bright, and the rest and sleep of the past few days meant her skin looked healthier than it had in years.

She used her crutches to go through to the kitchen and make herself some breakfast. She really would have to watch that she didn’t overdo it now that she was allowed to walk around more. She’d definitely need to start exercising again though. She’d look up some exercises she could do either sitting or lying down.

It still seemed strange to be in Nathan’s house, especially when he wasn’t there. She felt bad about nosing about in his home when she was looking for things in his kitchen, and she was very careful to tidy up after herself — he seemed to be a far neater person than she was, and she didn’t want him to resent her being there because of the mess she caused.

She was rinsing out her bowl when Nathan and Dennis returned from their run. Dennis had obviously had a lovely time and came straight over to say hello to Jessica, who scratched his ears for him. She had to admit he was a cute dog. However, it was his owner who properly took up her attention. Now he was wearing very well-fitting running shorts and a top, Jessica could make out more of his body than she’d been able to previously, and she found herself analysing him — in the same way she did the bodies of the men she danced with, she told herself. He was quite tanned for someone who spent their weekdays working inside, and his arms and legs were muscular... gym sessions, maybe? Though she imagined he was more of a kickabout in the park kind of guy. He was bulkier than the male dancers she knew, which she kind of liked, and she couldn’t help remembering how he’d carried her along the path to his car. Obviously, she was used to men lifting her while she was dancing, but Nathan’s hold had seemed more protective and caring, as he’d done his best to ensure he didn’t bump her foot and jolt her unnecessarily.

“How was your run?” she managed to croak.

“Good, thanks. I’ll just have a quick shower to freshen up and then we can get going. Don’t forget to put on sunscreen.”

“With skin like mine, I never forget,” replied Jessica. “Are you going to tell me where we’re going?” she asked, watching him jog up the stairs.

“Nope.” He disappeared round the top of the staircase.

* * *

Twenty minutes later, the dogs and a rucksack with water bottles and snacks were in the car and they were ready to go.

“You look nice,” said Nathan, looking Jessica up and down and making her blush.

“Am I overdressed?”

“No, you just look nice,” he replied simply.

“Are you really not going to tell me where we’re going?”

“No, but don’t get too excited — I’m not going to let you overdo the walking only a few days after you’ve broken your foot. I thought it would just be nice for you to have a change of scene for a while.”

“Can I at least know how long it’s going to take to get there?”

“I suppose that’s fair.” Nathan smiled. “It’s only about twenty minutes in the car. I didn’t want you to be too long without being able to elevate your leg if you need to.”

“Thank you,” Jessica said. “And thank you for taking me out, wherever we end up.”

“It’s my pleasure.”

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