Page 45 of Last Dance, Second Chance

“Yes,” said Nathan, his head appearing out of the water. He stood up. The water only reached his stomach.

Jessica burst out laughing. “No chance of anyone falling in, eh?” she eventually managed to say.

“I think what I actually said was that there was no chance of you falling in, and in that regard, I was right,” Nathan retorted, hauling himself into the canoe.

“I will never let you live this down,” said Jessica, whipping out her phone and taking a photo of a very soggy Nathan.

* * *

Nathan got himself and the canoe out of the water and took off his soaking buoyancy aid — and T-shirt. His body wasn’t as sculpted as those of the dancers Jessica knew, but he definitely kept in shape, and he looked strong and, somehow, safe.

“What are you staring at?” He laughed. “Your mouth is practically hanging open!”

“It is not!” said Jessica, blushing.

“You’ve got plenty more time to check me out,” Nathan said. “I don’t have another top to change into until we get home. Are there any particular poses you’d like me to hold?”

Jessica threw his damp T-shirt at him. “We’d better get you home as quickly as possible so you don’t scare anyone.”

Nathan helped Jessica into the Land Rover, a little smile playing on his lips, which Jessica decided to ignore. He didn’t need any more encouragement. She couldn’t help the occasional look over at his chest while he was driving, though.

Chapter Ten

“What time are you going to be heading off?” Nathan asked when he joined Jessica for breakfast the next morning. He’d already been out for a run and was fresh out of the shower. He smelled delicious.

“Mum and Dad are due mid-afternoon; I want to be there to meet them. I also thought I might go to the supermarket and pick up some food for them, so I’ll probably need to head off after lunch.”

“I’ve got nothing on, other than pining for you and Monty from after lunchtime onwards,” Nathan said. “What if I drive you to the supermarket? I could do with doing a shop for me as well, and I can help you push the trolley around.”

“That sounds nice.” Jessica was so grateful to have a little more time with Nathan.

This last act of domesticity in the form of going to the supermarket together seemed to make the thought of leaving Nathan’s home worse somehow. Jessica knew she wouldn’t have any chance to be lonely while she was at her parents’ house, but she would definitely miss Nathan and the easy camaraderie the pair of them shared. When she was with him, it always felt like there was someone on her side.

Jessica debated cooking for her parents to welcome them home, but, frankly, it was bound to go wrong, so she picked up a ready-made paella which just needed to be popped in the oven for half an hour. She also got a bunch of roses, her mum’s favourite flower, to welcome them home, as well as basics like eggs, milk and bread.

They were loading up the boot of the Land Rover with all the shopping when Jessica heard her name being called. Turning, she saw Diana coming across the car park.

“Hi, Jessica,” Diana said when she reached her. “I’m glad I caught you. I forgot to get your phone number yesterday after class.”

“Oh, right, I’ll pop it in your phone if you like.” Diana handed Jessica her phone and Jessica tapped her number in.

“You must be the young man who’s been looking after Jessica,” Diana said, looking Nathan up and down. Jessica smiled, noticing the way her ballet teacher analysed everyone’s physique out of habit, just like she did herself.

“I am,” he said, shaking Diana’s hand. “Not that she’s been a very good patient.”

“I don’t think any injured ballet dancer makes a good patient,” Diana said, laughing.

“Well, at least I know it’s not just Jess, then,” Nathan said with a grin.

“Jessica, while I’ve got you here,” Diana said, “it was so helpful to have you as an extra pair of eyes yesterday, and the children seemed to like you very much. I was wondering if you could help me with another class, at five tomorrow evening? Only if your foot can handle it, of course.”

“Um, yes, sure. That would be fun.” It was nice to feel wanted for something dance-related and Jessica knew it was important she kept busy.

“Great, I’ll see you tomorrow then,” said Diana.

“For sure.” Jessica waved goodbye as Diana continued into the supermarket.

“That sounds cool,” Nathan said once Diana was out of earshot.

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