Page 121 of Serial Burn

“Um. Maybe a bit.”

“You have to know how I feel. It’s not like I’ve tried to hide it.”

“I know. I think that’s why I’m so comfortable with you. I never have to wonder about you.”

He shrugged. “I don’t like games. Never have.”

“Then I won’t play them with you.” She sucked in a steadying breath. “You’ve given me a lot of space up to tonight. There, but not pushy. Allowing me to think and process. I appreciate that.”

“Of course.”

“So, here goes. I like you, too, Nathan. The same way you like me. I think you’re amazing and wonderful. You have a compassionate and giving heart and I...”

“You what?”

“I don’t deserve that,” she whispered. “I don’t deserve you. I don’t know what to do with you. I don’t know how tohavea relationship.”

“Does anyone really know how?”

“I mean, aren’t there rules?”

“The only ones I’m aware of are the ones laid out in the Bible. You know, leave and cleave and be faithful, trust in the Lord and let him direct our paths.”

“You make it sound easy.”

“I think the concept is easy. Following it might not be. A relationship is work, just like anything else. But you make a commitment and stick to it. And let’s face it. Following through on your commitments is one thing you do well.”

She laughed. “Oh, Nathan, I do appreciate your humor, that’s for sure.”

He pulled her close. “I told you before, the ball is in your court. I want to date you, but I will walk away if that’s not what you want. So, are you ready to tell me what you want?”

And all of a sudden it was very clear to her what she wanted. “I want to kiss you.”

He blinked. Then laughed and obliged. The feel of his lips on hers, his strong arms wrapped around her, and the thud of his heart under her palm were nothing like she’d ever experienced before. It was right. It was what she wanted. It was home.

When he lifted his head, he smiled. “I like that.”

“So do I.”

“So does this mean we’re dating?”

She giggled. “I guess. I have no clue. You tell me.”

“Perfect. That’s exactly what it means.” He pulled her into a tight yet gentle hug. “I’d walk through fire for you, Jesslyn.”

“You already have.”

“I’d do it again.”

“Please don’t. That was terrifying. I could have lost you.”

“But you didn’t. We’re here and the future looks good.” He paused for a moment and she relished the silence. “You were amazing in there,” he finally said.

She smiled against his chest, happy to stay there for eternity, but she pulled back slightly and looked up at him. “Thank you. I’m thankful to know the truth now. My father was trying hard to make things work with my mother. He sent Derek and Samantha’s mother away that night. Told her it was over.”

“He was definitely trying hard. He’d overcome a lot in his past. I feel sure he and your mother would have worked it out.”

“It hurts that they never got the chance. But it’s over now. It’s really over. I haven’t had time to get the details. All I know is that Derek confessed to everything, that he was terrified of his sister and didn’t dare turn her in. Instead, he schemed to have her killed by the police while they rescued me.”

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