Page 29

“Why not? I’m not the person to judge you. Right?”

My gaze meets hers again, and in that moment something happens. I don’t know what it is, except that it feels like a vault’s just opened. It’s deep, intense, and a hell of a lot intimate. As my eyes zoom in on her, I know she feels the same way.

We’re standing near the door. She pulls back and places her hand on the handle. It’s my clue to leave. I know it is, and yet I find myself glued to the spot, fighting the sudden want to stay.

She places the box onto the table and then she turns around. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

She shrugs. “For making it all so easy, I guess.”

I let out a chuckle. “Don’t get your hopes up. I’m not doing it for you. I’m selfish and incredibly vain and really need my beauty sleep. A yelling, angry roomie wouldn’t be in my best interest.”

Her lips twitch. “Okay. I don’t want to hold you back longer than necessary.”

Turning around, I head out the door. She closes it behind me when I remember her ugly accessory. I can’t leave without making a last impression.

“Hey, Stalker!”

The door opens again and her head pops out. “Yeah?”

I put on my most serious expression. “May the Force be with you!”

She frowns, confused. Finally, as my words sink in, her lips start quivering, and then a laugh erupts from her chest.

It’s really addictive.

Her lips. Her eyes. Most of all, her laugh. I love people who can laugh like that. Open. Full of life.

“May the Force be with you too, Panty-chaser.”

I can feel her gaze on me as I head down the hall, realizing I like it. I like her. But most importantly, I want her.

The little, sexy nurse.

10

VICKY

Jane Austen Fan Club

PO Box

June 8th

Dear Jane,

This may sound silly at first, but would you say that Elizabeth is suffering from a love addiction just because she loves Mr. Darcy? I don’t think so. See, my dilemma is that I’m very much in love with someone. Iknowhe loves me. Iknowhe wants to be with me. Iknowhe’s afraid of disclosing the magnitude of his feelings, which is the only reason why he’s not replying to any of my messages. I alsoknowI’m in rehab because his ex is trying to ruin his life.

She’s trying to ruin our relationship.

Because there’s no way he would do this of his own will.

But I won’t let her.

As tiresome and inconvenient as it may be, I’ve got to say that I’ve reached a crossroads in my life. It’s either give up or fight for us.

I’m not ready yet to give up what we have because I truly believe that we belong together. A restraining order won’t stop me. People may not see what we have, they may call me crazy, but I know our connection is special. I know that if I love hard, fight hard, the reward will be great.