Page 4 of Forever After All

All of her dating opportunities went just like this. Guy shows interest, Jess tells the truth and puts all the cards on the table, and guy runs away.

Lather, rinse, repeat.

And that was how Jess had remained very, very single her entire life.

Hanson scratched the back of his neck. “I’m sure you don’t want to talk about that right now. Would you like to dance instead?”

Well, surprise, surprise. This one wasn’t a scaredy cat. “Sure.”

Hanson offered her a hand, and she took it, following him to the open dance floor just as a slower love song started playing.

When his hand touched her waist, she tensed. Her instinct was to recoil from touch, but knowing they were dancing and preparing her mind for the contact lessened her reaction. Once she relaxed, the dance was actually kind of nice.

Hanson definitely liked cologne. With his chest at face level, she got a good whiff of the spicy scent.

“Listen, I know we just met, but would you be interested in going on a date with me?”

Jess shrugged. “Sure.”

She’d finally been asked out on a date by a seemingly-normal guy. Was this how dating was supposed to feel?

Hanson grinned. “How does Monday night sound?”

“Sounds great. I should warn you that my schedule will be extremely limited once the tourist season starts. I work six days a week. Sometimes on Sundays if necessary.”

“I understand. My job is kind of intrusive too.”

Intrusive? Did she say her job was intrusive? Because it wasn’t. She loved her job. She might have a house, but she basically lived in the barn.

The song ended, and Hanson looked over his shoulder. “Aunt Betty wants me to meet some of the ladies from her church group. Can I get your number?”

“Sure.” She rattled off the number, and he keyed it into his phone.

“I sent you a text so you could have my number too.”

“Thanks. My phone is at home. No pockets on this dress.” She slid her hands down the sides.

Hanson glanced at her dress. “I see that.”

Normally, she’d feel uncomfortable if a man looked at her, but Hanson’s gaze didn’t linger. That was refreshing.

He looked up with a smile. “It was nice meeting you. See you Monday.”

Jess waved. “Nice meeting you too.” She could finally speak the truth about that now.

Maybe dating wouldn’t be so bad after all, but it was better to be realistic. What were the chances her first real date would end up being “the one?”

Yes.Firstreal date. She was twenty-two years old and completely new to the dating game.

It didn’t have to be scary, right?

Chapter2

Jess

She went back to the kids’ table to grab her shawl. It was really just a piece of cloth she was supposed to hang over her shoulders, but Remi said it looked better with the dress than the jean jacket she usually wore.

The reception had been going on for a few hours. Surely, it was okay to leave now.

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