Her Hometown Hero by Jacquelin Thomas

Author:Jacquelin Thomas
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2021-11-02T17:29:17+00:00

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

“JUST RELAX AND FLOAT...”

Trey hadn’t felt this relaxed in months. He closed his eyes, allowing his body to become one with the water. Regaining this small sense of movement was a defining moment for him—he felt a sense of freedom he’d thought was long gone.

“You’re doing fantastic,” Gia murmured.

At every encouraging word and smile from her and Gia’s obvious faith in him, Trey’s heart turned over in response. There was no fighting it any longer. He wanted something more than friendship from her. He’d been crushing on her at first like before, but what he felt now defied words.

However, reality sank in. What could he offer Gia?

Yet...the way she looked at him motivated him to take a chance with her. After all, she was his biggest cheerleader and she often reminded him that he could continue to improve his quality of life, including having a family.

At the end of the aquatic therapy session, Gia assisted him back into his wheelchair.

He decided to take the leap. He didn’t just want to be her friend. He wanted more. He wanted Gia.

“How do you feel about mixing business with pleasure?”

She dried herself off. “I’m not sure what you mean by that.”

His eyes traveled over her face, studying her expression. “Will you have dinner with me? As in a date.”

Gia gave a slight nod. “I’d love it.” She handed him a towel. “But I can’t unless you fire me, or I quit. It’s not ethical for me to date my patients.”

“Then you’re fired.”

Grinning, she responded, “In that case, I have a replacement in mind for you.”

He was surprised. “Were you planning to quit on me?”

Gia laughed. “No, I simply wanted to be prepared in case something happened to me, or if we decided to be more than friends.”

“We have gotten pretty close,” Trey said. “I’ve tried to keep it professional, but I really care for you.”

“I feel the same way,” Gia responded.

Her words thrilled him. Clearing his throat, he stated, “If you don’t mind coming to the house later, I can order some food from the café. I really don’t enjoy eating alone. I never really have.”

“How about I cook something?” she suggested. “I’ll have to check your refrigerator to see what I have to work with.”

He chuckled. “It should be pretty well stocked. Aunt Eleanor sends groceries every week. Renee doesn’t get home until late most nights and I’m not that great a cook... Leon or Misty will usually bring meals for us.” He dried himself off. “For clarity, this isn’t what I had in mind when I asked you out. I intend to take you on a real date.”

“Trey, it’s fine,” she assured him. “You know I’m a simple girl. Staying in and cooking is one of my favorite things to do.”

After arriving back at the house, Gia stayed for a few minutes to inspect the kitchen.

“I can make salad and shrimp scampi over linguine,” she said after scouring through the refrigerator and pantry.

“That’s one of my favorite meals,” Trey responded.

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