Take a Chance: A Sweet Romantic Comedy Novella (Canyon Cove Love Stories) by Marie Soleil

Author:Marie Soleil [Soleil, Marie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2023-11-14T16:00:00+00:00

I check the clock in the living room. It’s nine-thirty. Derek and Adalynn are sitting on one couch, and Raelynn and I are sitting on the other. Well, we were sitting. Raelynn has now fallen asleep with her head in my lap, and I’ve been stroking her hair for the last twenty minutes.

I’m not sure how we got here. It started with cupcakes, then pizza (my favorite order, dessert before dinner), then Raelynn begged to watch the latest princess movie, and then we ended up hanging out on the couch talking and laughing.

It feels so…normal.

It probably shouldn’t, since I just kissed Derek four nights ago. And Raelynn is my student, for goodness’ sake! But sitting here with them feels more comfortable than I’ve felt with anyone else in years.

Sure, I’ve said a few weird things. Like my favorite food gives me the toots (yep, the night after those enchiladas was a little rough), but everyone just laughed and moved on with their lives. I’m pretty sure Nathaniel would have run out the door on our date if I had said something like that.

But this isn’t a date. This is just…

I don’t know what this is.

“I should probably go home,” I say softly, realizing how strange this must be for all of them. “I’ve overstayed my welcome. I’m really sorry.”

“Not at all,” Adalynn says, reassuring me.

Still, I try to gently move Raelynn off my lap. She’s so tired, she barely stirs as I lay her head down on the couch.

But apparently I was sitting in that awkward position for a little too long, and my left foot has fallen asleep. I try to stand, and my leg completely gives out under me.

Before I can hit the floor, strong arms firmly grab my waist. Derek pulls me close to him, steadying me on my feet.

“Are you okay?” he asks, his voice sounding a little gruff.

I swallow thickly and nod, then try to stand. But my leg is still completely numb, and it gives out again. Derek puts his arm around my waist again to hold me up. My hands find their way to his firm chest, because where else can I put them? But I’m not complaining.

I clear my throat. “Sorry,” I croak. “My leg fell asleep.”

Adalynn giggles on the couch behind us, and Derek and I snap our heads to look at her. She covers her mouth with her hands. “Sorry,” she says, then erupts in giggles again.

Derek seems to remember himself, and he gently sets me down to sit on the couch. I miss being close to him. “Just stomp your foot on the ground until you get some feeling back into it,” he says, then abruptly scoops Raelynn up and disappears into the hallway.

My face must be so red, because it’s burning hot with embarrassment. I’m such a loser. I can’t even stand on my own two feet. At the same time, I didn’t mind the excuse for Derek holding me close.

“He hasn’t dated anyone,” Adalynn says, interrupting my thoughts.

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