Page 60 of Serial Burn

FOURTEEN

The buzzing of her phone woke Jesslyn from a sound sleep. The first thing she noticed when she opened her eyes was that her hands hurt, but the pain wasn’t unbearable. There were burns in small patches and they stung, but she could live with it. Her leg, on the other hand, was really uncomfortable. The buzzing had been a text from Lainie checking on her.

Jesslyn, grateful someone had retrieved the device and her surprisingly intact purse, answered with a simpleI’m fine. Talk later.

She glanced at the clock and figured the nurse would be coming in any minute to check on her and take her vitals. Again. Jesslyn shifted and spotted Nathan asleep in the chair. His soft snores filtered through the room.

And into her heart. He’d stayed despite his own discomfort. His hip had to be killing him, but he’d found a way to sleep. She’d have to ask him his secret.

Someone knocked on the door and it opened slowly.

The nurse. Gwen. A friendly redhead with dimples as deep as the ocean. Laugh lines crinkled and the freckles across her nose danced when she smiled. “Hi there. I’m back.”

“No problem. Thanks.”

Gwen did her thing and left.

Nathan stirred and straightened, his face pinching at the movement. But he swiped a hand across his eyes and blinked a few times.

Jesslyn smiled at him. “Have a good nap?”

“Yeah. You?”

“Too short.”

“Same.” He smiled and her heart lurched. He was really adorable. Not that she was interested. Okay, she was. Why bother to deny it to herself? For a moment, she let herself dream about what it would be like to be a part of Nathan’s life in the role of girlfriend. And maybe one day more.

But her family...

What about them and getting justice for them? Could she juggle both? And what if she allowed herself to fall in love with him and the killer caught up with her? Or worse, Nathan?

She shivered and turned those thoughts off. Better to be alone than have that happen.

“You sure you’re okay?”

She nodded. “I’m just sore.”

He stood with a grimace and walked over to squeeze the tips of her fingers very gently. “This will pass.”

“I know.”

He walked to the sink and picked up the pen and pad of paper sitting next to it, then handed both items to her. “Can you write down any cases that you’ve thought of that bear looking into? Someone who would have a grudge against you?”

Jesslyn nodded. “I’ve already thought of three.”

“Good.”

She picked up the pen, wondering if it would hurt or be too awkward, but managed.

A knock on the door sounded just as she wrote the last name.

“Come in,” she called.

Andrew stepped inside. “Hey, I just wanted to give you two a little update.” His eyes landed on Jesslyn. “How are you doing?”

“Better. I think. I hope.”

“Good.”

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