Page 9 of Passionate Hearts

“Great.”

Brianna did a set of shoulder presses then turned back to Jordan. She watched as the woman finished up some bicep curls.

“What made you want to start Krav Maga?” Brianna asked, genuinely curious.

“I wanted to do karate as a kid. But my mom never signed me up. When I became an adult I decided to pick up a martial art that was focused on self-defense. Plus, I like getting a good mix of striking and ground work.”

“That makes a lot of sense. I’ve been looking for something fun that could help me with my cardio.”

“Come to class. See if it fits what you’ve been looking for,” Jordan suggested.

They each did another set of their exercises.

“Have you ever developed feelings for a friend?”

The words were out of Brianna’s mouth before she could even think about them. Jordan set her weights down by her feet and turned to Brianna. She pinned Brianna with an analytical stare.

“Like romantic feelings?” Jordan asked.

“Yeah. Like romantic feelings.”

“No, not really.”

“How have you managed that?”

“Well, there’s romantic chemistry and then there’s friendship chemistry. I have romantic chemistry with Reese. It was apparent the first time we met. I have friendship chemistry with Allison. I don’t know how to explain it but the feelings are just different. I’ve always been pretty good at sorting who belongs in which box for me.”

Brianna took in a sharp, deep breath.

“You must be lucky,” Brianna laughed.

“Why do you ask?”

“I just. Well, I.” Brianna allowed her words to fall away.

“Well?”

Jordan was clearly expecting an answer. Brianna shot her an apologetic glance.

“You brought it up. So, there’s clearly something on your mind,” Jordan offered.

“It’s my friend, River. I’ve always thought she was beautiful. But we became roommates soon after meeting, and then she met someone that she’s been dating for a while.”

“I see. What else?” Jordan said, giving Brianna plenty of room to keep going.

“There was never time for me to see if we could be more than friends. I put her out of my mind. I mean she’s dating someone else. But recently she was in an accident.”

“That must be the friend that Mel was telling me about. She was hit by a car right?”

“That’s right. Ever since the accident I have felt so close to her. Like I’m drawn to her. I don’t want to ruin my friendshipwith her, but I can’t seem to push my feelings to the side anymore. I’m not sure what’s happening.”

“Sounds like having a moment where you thought you might lose this person had an effect on you. At the very least it seems your romantic feelings have been resurrected from the experience,” Jordan offered.

“Yeah, but what do I do now? I can’t just skulk around my house. And I can’t avoid her. I’m supposed to be helping her while she recovers.”

“Is there any chance she feels the same way about you?”

“I don’t think so. She’s in a pretty stable, committed relationship. I wouldn’t be surprised if once River recuperates, she and Tiff get a place together.”

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