Page 51 of Rival Hearts

“But I want it to be mine,” Riley admitted.

Jett looked at her, confused. “What are you talking about?”

“I want to watch out for you and take care of you,” Riley said. “I can’t imagine my life without you in it, and I want to make sure that you’re going to always be around.”

Jett looked at Riley and went silent.

“I think I’m in love with you, Jett,” Riley said.

Jett’s eyes widened and she lightly squeezed Riley’s hand.

Jett leaned back against the hospital bed and looked up at Riley, but didn’t let go of her hand.

“I’ve been scared,” Jett said and she watched Riley frown.

“Of what?” Riley asked.

“Of loving you,” Jett said. “Of being vulnerable.”

There was a pause and Riley looked at Jett in apprehension. She wanted Jett, but she didn’t know what to do if Jett didn’t want her back.

“I’ve had relationships in the past,” Jett said, “even longer ones than what I’ve had with you, but I’ve never felt the way I feel with you, and that’s terrifying.”

Riley nodded. After all, she could relate. She just hoped this wouldn’t be the end between them. She didn’t think her heart could handle that.

“I know that in order to have a proper and actually lasting relationship I need to learn how to open up, how to be vulnerable with the person I care about,” Jett said. “And I’ve already been more open with you than most people in my life, and that’s scary and I’m not entirely sure how or why that happened, but I’m terrified of it.”

Jett took a breath and waited for a moment. Riley nodded for her to go on. She didn’t know if she could take it, but she was going to listen to what Jett had to say.

“But,” Jett said, “I think I’m willing to try being a little terrified and vulnerable. Because I do love you, as scary as that is, and I want to be with you for a very long time.”

Riley listened and more tears streamed down her cheeks, but these were happy tears. Jett loved her back, and she was willing to try for a relationship with her.

Riley reached across from where she was sitting next to Jett’s bed and hugged Jett.

“Is that okay with you?” Jett asked.

“Yes, of course,” Riley said, “but I should warn you that I tend to be absolutely shit at relationships- about the same as I am at cooking. I really don’t have a clue what I’m doing.”

Jett laughed. “We’ll figure it out together, then.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Riley said with a large smile, and the two hugged for a moment until Jett started to get uncomfortable.

Riley moved back, but kept her hand on Jett’s.

“I think I want to go back to sleep,” Jett said.

“That’s fine,” Riley said, “I’ll be right here when you wake up.”

Jett shook her head. “Look,” she said, “I know that you love me and all, but please actually go to sleep. I know that the couch isn’t that comfy, but I want you to at least be somewhat rested before tomorrow.”

“I don’t know if I can sleep,” Riley said.

“Then at least try?” Jett pleaded. “Please?”

Riley rolled her eyes, especially when Jett tried begging with puppy dog eyes.

“Fine,” Riley said, “I’ll try.”

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