Page 86 of The Healing Dragon
“I can only push so far. What would it be?” he asks in a whisper.
There has always been only one choice, and I made it a long time ago in a gazebo under the night sky drunk on champagne and dreams. Just like that night, I take a leap.
I take the fabric on his shirt in my hands and fist it tight. There is no going back after this. I pull him down to me and this time it’s me who dips in first.
To his lips I say, “my choice is you.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
JANELLE
“Where are you going so early?” Jesse asks in a groggy voice.
This man can wake up at the entrance of a fly. I’m making a conscious effort to be quiet and even took extra precautions when getting out of bed.
“The clinic,” I say, pulling pants on and throwing a shirt over my head.
A groan comes from him before he tosses the sheets aside and sits up.
“Fine, but you owe me.”
“No,” I say slowly. “You don’t need to come.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Why wouldn’t I go where you go?”
Ridiculous, right?
“I will be leaving today.” He pulls me to stand between his open legs. “I just got you and I’m leaving. It feels wrong.”
It truly does, but I’m glad for the space. I need to think, and being around Jesse makes it hard. My thoughts get cloudy and hazy. It’s hard to have a straight thought around this man.
“You will be back soon enough.” I lean down and kiss the tip of his nose.
There are only a few people already waiting for me at the clinic. As always, Pad sends breakfast and Jesse makes quick work on scarfing down a big portion of it. Amy Bee gives him a scowl when she realizes the food is almost gone. Jesse can’t do anything but smile at her sheepishly.
“I was hoping that would save me from making a trip down to the dining hall.”
Amy Bee has the best disapproving scowl I have ever seen. I have the urge to apologize and it's not even directed at me.
“Sorry,” Jesse says, but from the gratified expression on his face, I know he is not.
Amy Bee knows it too. The forced, pleasant expression on her face looks ready to snap.
“If you’ll be here every morning, I’ll tell Pad to send more over from now on.”
I have the urge to tell her no, but Jesse beats me to it.
“Once we are back from the trip.” He confirms with a nod.
“Speaking of the trip.” Amy Bee moves to a side closet and pulls a bag. She hands it to me. “I heard Isabel was looking for this.”
I open the bag and find a set of first aid kit items.
“It wouldn’t hurt.” Amy Bee smiles.
I don’t mention the fact she could give her this herself. Being their messenger is feeling like a part of the job.
“I’ll deliver,” I assure her.
