Page 57 of Rival Hearts

Besides even that, as their relationship progressed, Riley learned how to let Jett in emotionally. She never thought she would ever be able to have that type of relationship with someone. Riley’s previous relationships were always short-lived and devoid of emotional vulnerability. Riley had always wanted a proper relationship before, but she didn’t think that would ever be something that was actually on the cards for her.

And Riley couldn’t get past Jett’s family. She had felt so welcomed. Riley couldn’t help but wish she’d had a family like that growing up. Even though they were a little overwhelming sometimes, the Thompsons were genuinely the most loving and welcoming people. Riley had never felt such a sense of acceptance before meeting them.

Even if Riley didn’t feel so strongly about Jett, she could see herself staying with her just for her family. But, of course, that wasn’t the case. Riley absolutely adored Jett. She wanted to be with her forever. That much was totally clear.

* * *

Riley heard Jett’s car pull up on the drive and she felt butterflies. The same butterflies she still felt every time she saw Jett. Jett came in, smiling widely as though she was sunshine itself. Her brown eyes were back to their sparkly selves, she had recovered so well and her hair was beginning to grow back from the surgery, but she still preferred to wear baseball caps when she went out as she was doing now. She was holding a bouquet.

“Oh my God,” Riley said. She had never gotten flowers before in her life, she was always the one buying the flowers and she felt overwhelmed by the sentiment.

Jett smiled and walked inside, handing Riley the flowers. “I had to grab something for Aunt Becky from the store before I left and I saw them and wanted to get them for you,” she said. Riley wasn’t familiar with flowers whatsoever, but they were yellow and blue and absolutely gorgeous.

Riley started to tear up. “Thank you,” she said, and then paused. “Nobody ever got me flowers before. I don’t think I even own a vase.” Riley worried. She didn’t want the flowers to die so quickly. She wanted to keep them as long as possible.

“I figured that might be the case, so I actually bought a vase, too,” Jett said. “It’s in my backpack.”

Riley laughed, “You really do think of everything!”

“That’s me,” Jett said. “Prepared for every occasion, don’t ever doubt it.”

She was totally back to her old self and Riley was so happy to see it.

Riley held the flowers as Jett sat her backpack on the couch and started rummaging through it until she pulled out a light blue porcelain vase.

“Thank you,” Riley said. She wasn’t sure how to react. All of this was so new to her and it almost was too much, even though she loved it. She loved Jett too even though all of these feelings were a little too new for her.

“Of course, sweetheart,” Jett said. “Here, let me set it up for you.”

Riley watched as Jett took the flowers back from her and walked to her kitchen. She put water into the vase and cut the stems of the flowers before delicately placing them in the vase, arranging them carefully before she put the arrangement on the bar between Riley’s kitchen and dining area.

“Perfect,” Jett said and gave Riley a big smile. Riley smiled back and Jett placed a delicate, sweet kiss on her forehead and then her lips.

Riley smiled up at Jett as Jett pulled away and placed another kiss atop her head, over her hair. Riley decided that she wanted a kiss and pulled Jett down by her shirt so that she could connect their lips.

Jett smiled into the kiss and pulled away after a moment, still smiling as she looked at Riley.

“Right,” Jett said, “Today for lunch we are making meatloaf. Are you ready for your next cookery lesson, sous chef?”

Riley laughed. Jett was so beautiful like this, filled with confidence and love.

“Of course, Head Chef. I can’t wait!”

“OK, well lets start with chopping the onion and peppers. Remember how I showed you to use the knife and keep your fingers safe?”

Riley nodded as she gathered the onion and peppers from the fridge.

Jett’s hand touched hers as she passed the knife and chopping board to Riley and there was still that electric connection they had always had. It felt almost deeper and more meaningful now.

However, as Riley got to chopping, it was clear she still hadn’t really gotten the hang of it. It was funny: Riley could go into an operating room and cut into a human body with absolute precision, but she had the hardest time getting the hang of how to cut a damn onion.

“Do you think you’d ever want a cat?” Jett asked suddenly.

“A cat?” Riley was caught off guard. “I don’t know, why?”

“Well, I know you talked about you thinking you were going to be a cat lady when you got older, but you don’t have time for one,” Jett said. “But maybe if we got a cat together… I’ve wanted a pet for a while, but a dog would definitely be way too much work.”

“A cat together?” Riley said, on one hand really wanting a cat with Jett and on the other hand feeling completely overwhelmed.

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