The Nurse's One Night to Forever

Pulling up his phone number, she attached the pictures and typed a message.

Here these are. Sorry it took me so long.

Before she could change her mind she hit Send, then closed her phone and stared up at the stars dotting the night sky and peeking through the trees.

Almost immediately her phone dinged, indicating a new message.

Thanks.

Her pulse went crazy, obviously thinking it was going for some world record. Hands a little shaky, she typed...

You’re welcome.

You in bed?

She should be in bed. With him, that nagging voice added. Riley grimaced and answered him.

No. Outside stargazing. You?

Same.

His answer surprised her. She typed again.

What?

I’m on my balcony, looking at the stars and letting go of the day’s stress.

Bad day?

Not really. Just missed seeing you.

She closed her eyes. She’d missed seeing him, too.

Part of me wants to say that the day isn’t over.

Even as she admitted it she surprised herself—and no doubt him. She was playing with fire and was going to get burned.

He messaged back.

I like that part of you. You should listen to it more often.

Despite her misgivings, Riley smiled.

You think?

I’d be there faster than you’d believe if you invited me.

I want to...but I won’t.

I was afraid of that.

Don’t be mad.

I’m not. I don’t understand your reasons, but I do get that this isn’t easy on you.

But it should be, shouldn’t it? She bit into her lower lip. Should she try to explain her reasons to Justin? Really, it wasn’t any of his business. Despite what had happened, they weren’t dating.

He was texting again: