Page 27 of Unexpectedly Falling
“It’ll be a miracle if he’s remembered to charge the stupid thing.” I laugh because she’s not wrong.
“You better get back out there before Mama starts to suspect something’s up.”
“If she does, I’ll just say you have some really big news to share.” She laughs halfway through because we both know she’s full of shit. She’d give Sawyer up in a heartbeat, but my little sister and I are as thick as thieves.
“No you won’t.”
“You’re right. I won’t.” She pauses then adds, “But I will take bets on which of the busybodies calls Mama to tell her the good news.”
“Honestly, I’m surprised it’s lasted this long.”
“Well, I hope you enjoyed the calm before the storm because you totally jinxed yourself.”
13
NESSA
Iwoke up in a mood. Usually on Saturdays during the off-season, Kinsley and I would go for a run and then indulge in a boozy breakfast. But that felt like a lifetime ago now.
I didn’t regret this time with Remi but every day was another day that would make it harder to return to my old life. I wanted the fast pace of Nashville and the training and games in stadiums across the country.
There was nothing like the rush of jogging out onto the turf and seeing the people in the stands. Women’s soccer had come so far and the fans were just as excited—just as loyal—as anyone following any other professional sports team.
I’d been here an entire week and I was bored. Jensen had gone to the office for a few hours today to get a jump on everything awaiting his return on Monday. We’d agreed to stagger our days so that he’d be able to be at the department a few mornings a week. Otherwise, he’d be on the night shift, and I didn’t know what to expect with that. Sure, we’d traveled through the night either on a bus or plane, but I’d never had to be up and functioning that long.
But would this be Remi’s life? Jensen working a rotating schedule, getting called in all hours of the night, working holidays and birthdays? I didn’t have any room to talk, since my schedule wasn’t any better.
Sighing, I put the car in park outside the Kettle & Kiln. It’s the closest coffee shop in town and I needed to get out of the house and away from all the temptation. Walking through the kitchen, I’d caught a whiff of his spicy cologne even though he hadn’t been there for hours and for some reason, I couldn’t look at the couch without imagining him shirtless with a sleeping baby on his chest.
Kinsley had encouraged me to just go for it—cross the line and enjoy the perks of living with a sinfully hot roommate.
But I couldn’t.
I wasn’t lying when I said that Jensen was too nice for me, but that wasn’t the whole truth. Sure, he had that wholesome do-gooder thing going for him, but he exuded strength and a stunning sort of danger in the way he carried himself.
That kind of man had never been my type. I’d settled for shallow men or ones uninterested in building any sort of relationship below surface level. I’d learned my lesson and had no desire to repeat it.
But besides all of that, if Jensen and I hooked up and things went south, he could keep Remi from me. The thought was unimaginable but still within the realm of possibilities. I knew myself—I’d never last.
Grabbing Remi’s car seat from the back, I pull my jacket closed as I walk the short distance to the pressed tin door and pull it open. Christmas music plays quietly from the speakers, the beginnings of holiday decorations filling the space.
The walls are white and draped with red-and-green garland and delicate paper lanterns. It’s Christmasy without being overdone. It’s the kind of place I longed for in Nashville with thevaulted ceiling in half the building and a presumably cozy loft on the other.
It’s the perfect spot to curl up on a day like today.
Remi fusses in her seat and reminds me that we might not have that luxury today.
Stepping up to the counter, I scan the menu, smirking at the sign that readsYou make’em we bake’emand try to ignore the way my hair stands on end. The feeling of being watched is overwhelming as I glance out of the corner of my eye at the table with three people and slide my professional smile into place.
“Good morning! I’m Nicolette, are you new here? I’m not sure I’ve seen you before, but if you haven’t stopped in yet, welcome! I run a pottery class in the back if you’re interested. All the information is right there on that card, so you can take one if you’d like.” She beams at me and I’m momentarily speechless. “What can I get you this morning?”
She rattles off her questions and smiles with the kind of exuberance that comes naturally and something I’d know nothing about. Her blonde hair is tied back in a braid, and she has the most striking teal eyes.
“Oh, um, I’m just visiting and thank you,” I add, feeling compelled to slip the card into my bag. “Can I get a cinnamon, oat milk latte and a cranberry muffin, please?”
She smiles and talks as we complete the transaction before hustling off to make my coffee. I’m not awake enough for this and don’t even care about the extra carbs I’m tacking on with that muffin.
I need it.
