Page 16 of Unexpectedly Falling
His words from earlier cut through all the noise in my head, my stomach bottoming out at how easily I’d lost perspective.
“Do you need anything tonight?” I force myself to ask as I stand a little bit taller.
Shaking his head, he clears his throat like maybe he got a little carried away too. “No, we should be all right.”
“Let me know if that changes.”
“I will.” He takes another step back from the door. “And thank you for bein’ here, even if it’s just for tonight.”
Giving him a soft smile, I lay my hand on his forearm for just a second, our eyes locking before I pull away, forcing myself back to my room before I let Jensen Kade be any more of a distraction.
8
NESSA
Ipark my car and stare at the expanse of Blackstone University. A weird feeling of nostalgia washes over me even though I’ve never been here before. There’s just an energy on a college campus you can’t replicate anywhere else. Students hustle between buildings, joking and laughing and enjoying this little taste of adulthood.
My heart squeezes in my chest because I’d really never had this. I’d gone to college in Maine on a scholarship—the same school that Emily Patterson had attended before me. She’d been a beast on the soccer field but had chosen a different path instead of going pro. I respected the hell out of her, envied her some days even, because my path had been forged by one event after another.
Swallowing down the lump of emotion, I push my door open and stand. The air is chilly but nothing compared to Maine in December. Jensen had asked me three times if I needed a heavier coat this morning, and the memory has a smile flitting over my lips.
I assured him I did not, having already run five miles around town before he’d even gotten up. I was well acclimated to Tennessee weather.
My phone buzzes in my pocket and I pull it out as I make my way toward the athletic complex.
KINSLEY: Good luck today!
NESSA: This isn’t an interview. They’re asking for help taking their soccer program to the next level
KINSLEY: I can still wish you luck
NESSA: I miss you too
KINSLEY: (gif of puppy with cartoon heart eyes)
NESSA: You’re ridiculous.
KISLEY: How are things going? You haven’t sent me pictures of Remi and I’m having withdrawals!
NESSA: (picture of Remi smiling)
NESSA: (picture of Remi napping in her bassinet)
KINSLEY: OMG! She’s getting so big. I need to come visit soon!
NESSA: You saw her yesterday
KINSLEY: I know. It’s weird that I miss her right?
NESSA: Of course not. You did all the late nights with me too.
KINSLEY: I did enjoy a full night of uninterrupted sleep though
KINSLEY: How’s the sexy sheriff?
NESSA: He makes a really hot dad
KINSLEY: I bet
