Page 29 of Jenny
“Yes, we talked after I arrived. She knows I want to be here, and she told me she’d be okay. I’m confident she will be. She seems more content than she’s been since my brother passed.”
That was good news. Dare could tell Jenny was pleased, and it made him happy.
He rubbed his thumb against her hand. “I can’t believe you came all this way, and I don’t even know your last name.”
“Hanford.”
Jenny Hanford.“Mine’s O’Rourke.”
“Your mom told me.”
“Oh, right.”
“How do you feel?” Jenny asked.
The concern in her voice and eyes wrapped around him like a hug. “Better now that you’re here.”
A smile spread across her face, reaching all the way to her eyes. The result was breathtaking.
“You’re beautiful, Jenny. I mean, I thought you were before I saw you, but you are in person, too.”
Circles of red formed on her cheeks.
“I’m sorry.” Dare had embarrassed her and himself. “We’re friends, but I’m getting all gushy.”
“I like gushy.”
That was a relief. “But I’m not making sense.”
“For someone who’s been injured, you’re doing great.” She bent over. “Now that you’re awake, I want to give you something.”
His gaze went straight to her jean-clad butt. Oh, yeah. He nearly laughed. Guess he wasn’tthathurt if he was noticing how sexy she was.
Jenny held a bag. “It’s from Berry Lake. That’s where I live. Home of the Huckleberry Festival and the Bigfoot Seeker Gathering.”
Berry Lake, Washington. He hoped he remembered the name of her hometown.
She tilted the bag toward him. He reached in with his right hand since his left was useless. His fingers pushed through tissue paper until he touched something soft and…furry.
What…
Dare pulled out a stuffed animal. Not any animal. A ten-inch Bigfoot. He laughed, even though it hurt his stomach and his head.
Her green eyes twinkled. “I couldn’t resist.”
“I’m glad you didn’t.” He placed the Sasquatch next to him in bed and then touched her hand again. “My very own Squatchy. Thanks.”
His eyelids felt heavy. He struggled to keep them open.
Jenny pulled his blanket up. “You’re getting tired.”
“I want to keep talking to you, but I’m losing the battle.”
“Sleep.”
Dare didn’t want to let go of her hand. He was used to taking care of everyone in his family and squad, but today, for the first time in a long time, he could ask for what he wanted and not feel guilty. “Stay.”
“I’m not going anywhere.” As if to reaffirm her words, Jenny laced her fingers between his. “I promise.”
Not that he hadn’t believed her before, but when Dare closed his eyes, he knew she would be there when he woke. It was the best feeling ever.
