Page 123 of Serial Burn

“I think you do.”

“Maybe. I guess I have been thinking about it. A little.”

“A lot? But let me guess. Solving cold cases would allow you to bring closure to other people. Like yourself.”

“Yes. Closure is a good thing.”

He pulled her tight. “I like to beclosureto you.”

She laughed, then groaned. “That was terrible.” But she kissed him again anyway. “I like you being close to me too.”

“Now for the big question.”

“Sure.”

“Where do you want to go on our first date?”

She laughed again. “I’ll think about it, but it needs to be somewhere where we can do lots of kissing.”

He kissed her again. “I’m okay with that.”

When she could breathe again, she said, “We should get back inthere, but will you be my date to James and Lainie’s wedding? They’ve changed the date to sometime in the next couple of months. ‘More details to come.’” She put air quotes around the last four words.

“What?” He laughed. “She’s scared she’s going to forget her wedding date, isn’t she?”

“I think she might be. So, will you come with me?”

“I’d love to.”

“Good. I was nervous about asking.”

“Then I’ll just have to kiss those nerves away.”

“What a brilliant idea.”

He lowered his head once more, and Jesslyn thought she heard clapping and cheering over the pounding of her heart. She shot a sideways glance at the entrance to the gym and spotted James, Lainie, Kenzie, Cole, Andrew, and Kristine. After more cheers, they stepped back into the gym and shut the doors, buying her and Nathan a few more minutes of privacy. Then all of that faded away and she knew with Nathan at her side and God at the center, they’d figure out life together.

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