Second First Kiss

“I don’t blame them for holding it for you.” She nestled against his side.

“Do you ever think of getting out of Mendon? Going to the city?” He shouldn’t be asking her this. From what was said earlier, it was clear she hadn’t heard yet about her possible promotion in the hospital to take Babbage’s place.

“I mean, I care about this place, you know?”

“Sure. Of course you do. It’s home.”

“It used to be home for you, as well.”

Sort of. There’d been a few days lately where Jasher had started feeling his roots sliding back into the Mendon soil.

Which was another reason why he needed to get out. Fast. Before the place got its claws into him again. He had loved it—once. “It’s hard to feel at home when … well, you know.”

“Are you positive the anti-Jasher sentiment still exists like it did?”

“I’m sure.” A guy had refused care in the ER last week if it came from Jasher. “If operating on Cade Calhoun doesn’t alter it, nothing will. Frankly, I don’t see the people of Mendon changing.”

“You can’t change people. You can only change yourself.” Sage made a gagging noise. “Sorry for the platitudes.”

“No, you’re right.” Unfortunately. “But I have to be realistic. Parrish Medical will flounder if my name’s on the door. I need to let it go.” He interlaced his fingers with hers, as the topic danced on the tip of his tongue. “Do you remember I said there were some things I’d like to discuss with you tonight?”

“Once we were alone?”

So, she hadn’t forgotten. Suddenly, all the things he’d planned to say, and the ways he’d planned to say them rocketed from his mind. All that remained was the raw man.

“Sage, you’re different.”

“I’m sorry, Jasher. From now on, I’ll try to be the same.”

Ha. “Come on. I’m trying to say something here.”

“I know. I’m sorry. It’s just that the air stilled—and I was afraid you were going to … I don’t know. Ask me to come with you to Reedsville when you go or something drastic like that.”

Jasher stiffened. Had he been that obvious? “Would that be so bad?” He rolled up onto his elbow so he could look into her face in the starlight, resting his free hand on the curve of her waist. “You and me, continuing this somewhere else?”

“What do you think this is?” Her gaze raked his face. “Dating you for the auction, and working side by side—it’s been good.”

But not good enough? Maybe she needed more of a guarantee before she did anything, as she called it, drastic. “If it’s commitment you’re looking for, Sage, I’m getting there. In fact, this might be jumping ahead a few steps, but I’d be honored if you’d”—he let go of her and dug in his pocket—“wear this.” It glinted in the moonlight, the simple gold band Dad had given Mom decades ago. “No frills, but in the medical profession …”

Whatever reaction he’d anticipated at this moment, it wasn’t Sage sitting bolt upright, jumping to her feet, taking small and then larger, unsteady steps backward.

“Jasher!” Her voice was high-pitched, strident and pleading. “Put that away! Hurry—before you jinx everything. Before you lose your entire career!”