Page 28 of Jenny
He missed texting her. When they were replying in real time, it almost felt as if they were talking to each other. They hadn’t seemed like they were on opposite sides of the country. He’d liked that.
His mother set the cup on the bed table. “Based on the way Jenny was staring at you last night, I’d say the feeling is mutual.”
Dare felt warm all over.
Jenny stirred. Stretched. Opened her eyes. Straightened.
She pushed the hair off her face.
The force of seeing her hit Dare hard. The blips and beeps from the machines accelerated.
Oh, man, she was beautiful. High cheekbones and lips made for slow, hot kisses.
Her tangled hair and not-quite-awake eyes made her look sleep-rumpled adorable. He fought the urge to reach out to her. To touch her to make sure she wasn’t a fantasy. If she wasn’t real, she was part of the best dream ever.
Her green-eyed gaze met his. “Good morning.”
Emotion tightened his throat. He tried to lift his head, but it hurt too much. “Come closer.”
Jenny stood and stepped forward until she was right at the edge of his bed.
Dare reached up with his good arm. The one with bruises, cuts, and an IV. He touched her shoulder to prove to himself she wasn’t an illusion.
A burst of heat rushed up the length of his arm at the point of contact. Not a dream—real. “You’re here.”
“You asked me to come.”
“I don’t remember.” He felt like an idiot. “I’m sorry.”
Her gaze hadn’t wavered, and Dare was glad about that. He could stare into her green eyes for days.
Jenny.
The emotions running through him had nothing to do with friendship. Not even close. They weren’t brand new feelings, if he was being honest with himself. They just seemed clearer now that the two of them were together.
“That’s okay,” she said, and he had no doubt she meant it.
Itwasokay. With Jenny next to him, everything felt better. “I never found out the real name of your star.”
“We can do that together when you feel better.”
“Thank you for staying here last night,” his mom said. “I haven’t slept so well in days.”
“Anytime,” Jenny said.
“I’m going to grab a cup of coffee from the cafeteria. I forgot to get one on my way up.” His mom’s smile brightened her face. “Would you like a cup, Jenny?”
Jenny nodded. “I’d love one with cream and sugar, please.”
“I’ll be back.” His mom walked out the door.
Holding up his arm was getting harder to do. He hated showing any sign of weakness because he needed to be strong. People counted on him—his mom, his sisters, his guys, and now Jenny. He ran his fingertips along her smooth skin until he reached her hand. He could rest his arm on the bed this way.
“Thank you for coming.” Though he hated her seeing him in pain, on meds, and not in control of…anything. “This must be weird for you.”
“A little, but I figured it might be.”
He appreciated her honesty. “Is Missy okay with you being away?”
