Page 51 of Last Dance, Second Chance

Jessica glared at him. “I saw your face when I made my announcement.”

Nathan sighed. “I was surprised.”

“I thought it would be a good surprise,” Jessica said quietly. She was trying not to get upset, but she really couldn’t understand Nathan’s reaction. She’d been so excited when she’d made her decision; why wouldn’t he want her to hang around?

“It was,” he said. “A good surprise. It’s just... I’d prepared myself for you leaving.”

“And you’re sorry I’m not?”

“No! Not at all. Jess.” He reached out to hold her hand. Jessica didn’t remove hers and tried to ignore her body’s reaction to it as goosebumps travelled up her arm. “I don’t imagine I’ve been able to hide how much I like you. I think you’re amazing, and it’s been so great having you here. But I think I was able to hold it together around you because I knew you were only going to be here for a short amount of time. And now you’re going to stay for longer... let’s just say I think I’m going to struggle.” He gave her an embarrassed smile.

“Oh.” Jessica swallowed hard. She had really not expected that.

“Sorry if I’ve made things awkward . . .”

“No, you haven’t,” she said quickly. “Thank you for telling me. I think you’re pretty amazing too, you know, and if it wasn’t for... well a lot of stuff...”

“A whole lot of stuff . . .”

“Yeah . . . If you’d rather we didn’t . . . hang out . . .”

“No, I want to... hang out with you,” he said, his eyes meeting hers, making her smile.

“Good.”

“I’m sorry I was weird.”

“That’s OK, I get it,” said Jessica. She gave him as good a hug as she could manage with crutches.

“Fable night soon?”

“I’m free tomorrow.”

“See you around six then?”

“Perfect,” Jessica said. She kissed his cheek. “I’ll see you then.”

Jessica watched Nathan walk down the street. Would it be more sensible for them to stay apart? Maybe, but she really didn’t want to. She loved spending time with Nathan, and yes, she had a crush on him, but that would pass. It would be stupid to give up their friendship just because every time she looked at his mouth she wasn’t able to prevent herself from thinking about what it would be like to kiss it again.

* * *

Jessica was nervous as she stood outside Nathan’s house the following evening. Her muscles ached as she lifted her arm to ring the doorbell. She was pleased. She’d worked out a lot today as well as taking care of all the admin involved with her staying for longer, and it was good that her body was feeling it. It was nice to be physically tired from exercise again, even if she couldn’t do everything she’d like to.

Nathan opened the door. “I forgot you’d need to ring the bell now,” he said. “Come on in.” He stepped aside to let Jessica pass.

Dennis stood by his master, his tail wagging crazily.

“Hello, boy.” Jessica gave him a pat. “Have you missed me?”

“You and Monty,” said Nathan. “He’s been by himself all day.”

“Poor little guy.” Jessica followed Nathan into the kitchen. “Maybe I could pop in to see him sometimes while I’m still here? Keep him company for an hour or so.”

“He’d love that.”

“It’s a shame I couldn’t bring Monty to visit, but I couldn’t manage to get him here on my crutches.”

“No, that would be a recipe for disaster,” Nathan agreed. “You will stay for dinner, won’t you?”

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