Page 105 of Facing the Line

“This might be a good chance to send him a text. Test the waters, if you will, and see if he’s ready to think of you as a friend.”

Can we go back to being just friends again? That’s what I need, of course, but my heart aches at the thought. The spark between us had been there since we met. I tried to deny it for months and couldn’t snuff it out. I loved talking with him, hanging out with him, and kissing him. He set me on fire like I’ve never experienced before.

Picturing his warm brown eyes, the moments he let me see his real, wide smile, and remembering the way I fit in his armslike we were made for each other makes my insides melt like ice cream on a hot day. What if he wasn’t okay? Would I regret everything? Wouldn’t I want to be glued to his side and soak up every moment with him?

I sigh. If I see him or even text him, I’m not sure I can resist the temptation. And no matter how much I might want him, it’s not the right time. I think of my mom and Brandon and shudder. I have too much to do, too much to learn and see, before I’m ready to settle down.

“No, I don’t think so.” I don’t tell her that I’m the one who’s not ready. “I’ll give him a little more space. But I will check up on him.”

A fine tremor runs through my fingers as I palm my phone and text Evan.

Hadley: Thanks for telling me. Keep me posted, okay? Let me know if you guys need anything.

There. Not too needy or desperate.

Yeah, like Evan won’t see through every word. But he texted me first, so it’s allowed.

Kendall raises a brow. “You sure this is what you want?”

“Absolutely.” I clear my throat. “Let’s get back out there and find some fun.”

I take a deep breath but regret it as the smells of the bathroom invade my nose. Gross. But I’m not here for the atmosphere—I’m here to pick up a guy. Any guy. It doesn’t have to be the right one—in fact, that’s the last thing I want. No more Mr. Right. I need Mr. Right Now.

And Jonas could only ever be Mr. Right.

Linking my arm through hers, I push open the door. The twang of a country song assaults my ears as I drag us out to thedance floor. I square my shoulders. I can get over him and move on. There’s no other choice.

Chapter

Forty-Seven

JONAS

“Seriously, I’m fine.” I glare at Evan and Dr. Patel, the team doctor. I’m stuck in an exam room in the athletic facility, and they won’t let me leave. All I want is my bed and a long nap. “I tripped. You’re overreacting.”

“You’re underreacting.” Evan crosses his arms over his chest. “You passed out.”

“I did not.”

The sterile walls stare blankly back at me, and my head pounds to the beat of the flickering fluorescents. The doctor adjusts his thick-framed glasses and glances between Evan and I like it’s a ping-pong match.

“You fell and hit your head, man,” Evan says, a frown between his brows.

“There wasn’t any blood. No big deal.”

Dr. Patel clears his throat. “I know you’re a nursing student, Jonas, but do you have a medical degree from Indiana University?”

I shake my head, which makes it ache more.Don’t do that again.

He continues. “Do you have seventeen years of experience practicing medicine?”

“No.” I sound like a petulant child, but I’m too over it to care. I see the point he’s making, and I don’t appreciate it.

“And do you have four years of experience in sports medicine?” he persists, shining a light in my eyes now.

“Also no.”

“Then I think I get to decide if you’re okay or not.”

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