Page 21 of Jessica's Hero
Somehow, it fits her. Not because I think Jess is sneaky. But she’s beautiful. Strong, though I have a feeling she wouldn’t agree. But I don’t know many people who could have held it together considering the threats thrown at them nearly as well as Jess.
And somehow, she crept into my daily thoughts without me even realizing.
“So you want to try it?” she asks. “Tenebris Veil? After dinner?”
As I look across the table at her, my heart does another drunken flip.
And I know I’d say yes to just about anything if it means I get to spend more time with her.
“Yes.” I hold her gaze, memorizing the joy blossoming across her face. “I would love to.”
CHAPTER 5
JESS
“Jess, you could have waited for me inside.”
Kane’s tone is lightly scolding, and as he closes the last few feet between us, his features crease in concern as he looks at me. Catching my chilled hands, he rubs them briskly between his. “You’re freezing. How long have you been out here?”
“Just a few minutes,” I reply, although it’s probably been closer to ten. And he’s right, Iamfreezing, thanks to standing outside in twenty degree weather in a coat that’s not meant for this weather and with my gloves still sitting uselessly in the closet back at home.
Ishouldhave worn my puffer coat just like I did two nights ago when we went to The Horse and Ghost. But just as I was about to put it on, my new wool peacoat caught my eye instead. A gorgeous emerald shade that picks up the green in my eyes; the fit is tailored to accentuate my figure instead of making me look like amarshmallow. I bought it on impulse during an after-Christmas sale, thinking it would be perfect to wear for a special occasion.
Or a date, as it turns out. A pre-work breakfast date with Kane at the Hungry Horseman, which I’m equal parts excited and nervous about.
Excited because our last date went so well. At least, Ithinkit was a date. We didn’t kiss at the end of it, but Kane held my hand and insisted on paying for everything and even stood up to that bitchy Samantha when I didn’t have the nerve to do it myself. And he asked me out again before he left, explaining how he had to stay late at work to train a new recruit or he’d ask me to dinner instead.
So itfeelslike a date. I almost called Nora to ask what she thought, but then I got worried I might jinx it. That by putting voice to my hopes—a real date with Kane—karma might swoop in and ruin it.
Still, despite my fears of reading Kane wrong, I’m excited to see him again. Everything was so lovely the other night, enjoying dinner together and then teaching him how to playTenebris Veilafter, which he turned out to be really good at. “Hours of video games when I was in high school,” he boasted with a grin after felling a zombie with one blow. “I knew it would pay off eventually.”
Spending time with Kane feels a bit like standing at the edge of a cliff. Beyond is the promise of something incredible. But I could as easily step off into a dark abyss, hurtling back into the depression and loneliness I’ve struggled with for years.
It’s scary, opening myself up to the potential of another disappointment. But every time I start to secondguess myself, a little voice in my head whispers,But what if he’s the one? What if the risk is worth it this time?
Something else that’s scary is the idea of waiting for Kane inside the Hungry Horseman, sitting alone at a table set for two, trying to ignore the inevitable curious looks and judging stares. Knowing people who recognize me are wondering,Why is she here? Is she meeting someone? Do they know what she did back in high school?
Yes. I’m a coward.
I should be brave enough to just walk inside by myself. To sit alone at a table without worrying what other people are thinking. To channel Nora’s confidence and keep my head held high instead of ducked down to hide my scars.
But I’m not. So when I got here early, I decided to stand outside in the cold instead of going inside to wait like a normal person would.
Not that I’m telling Kane that.
“Well.” Kane inspects my face for another second, then abruptly loops an arm around my shoulder and tugs me to his side. His hand rubs along my upper arm, sending a surge of heat through my skin even through layers of clothing. “Let’s get you inside. Warm up with some coffee.”
As we walk inside, he glances down at me, reminding me of just how tall he is. I’m five-five, and he’s got at least eight inches on me, possibly more. Surprisingly, I like this feeling of small-ness next to him, which isn’t something I’m used to. Usually taller guys intimidate me, but with Kane, I feel protected.
“Next time I’m picking you up,” he announces. “I know you thought it would be easier since you have to go towork after, but I can take you there instead. And I’ll have Oliver help me bring your car to the office. So you’ll have it when it’s time to head home.”
“Oh, that’s not necessary,” I start.
“It is.” His gaze meets mine. “When I take you out, I should pick you up first. Not leave you standing outside in the cold while you wait for me.”
“It was only a few minutes. And it wasn’t that cold.”
And I was too much of a chicken to go in by myself, but I’m not saying that part.
