Chapter Eleven
December 28th
Three days later, Jess stood outside Starlight House again, battling a rollicking case of anxiety. Nik’s SUV pulled into the lot, and she bit her lip while she waited for him to join her.
God, she’d missed him. That smooth swagger, those warm brown eyes, his hair just a little wild and ten kinds of sexy.
Inside, all she could think was,You came back. And it filled her with warm, gooey feelings she couldn’t yet name.
When he approached, she launched into business mode to keep from throwing herself at him.
“This is Starlight House,” she said by way of greeting, holding open the front door so he could enter. “It has been serving adolescent girls who are labeled as at-risk or victims of trauma since its founding in 1985. In 2016, it was updated to meet California’s new model for group homes, the Short Term Residential Therapeutic Programs model.”
He looked around, taking in the decorations that were still up. When he met her eyes again, Jess pressed a hand to her chest. “I asked you to meet me here because this is the most special place on earth to me. When I talk about settling down, it’s not just out of complacency or comfort. It’s about growing roots. This place is part of that.”
His eyes softened as he listened, his focus intent on her. It was how he always looked at her when she talked. He listened, deeply. So, even though it was hard to reveal so much of herself like this, she kept going.
“Growing up in Chicago, I relied on community centers and free programs to further my interest and education in dance. When I heard about this place, I knew it was my chance to give back. Because for me, settling down is also about getting involved in the community.”
His silence was starting to unnerve her. Hell, she hadn’t even given him the chance to say hello. But her mouth kept going as her nerves hit the “ramble” button. “I wanted you to see this place, because it’s as much a part of me asThe Dance Off, and you only know that side of me. And, well, because…I guess I want you to know all sides of me.”
Ugh, what a dumb ending. Why hadn’t she rehearsed what she wanted to say?
Just then, Mrs. Fernandez entered the lobby. When she saw them, her face lit up. “Oh, Mr. Kovalenko. Thank you so much for the gifts you sent. They really made the girls’ Christmas that much more special.”
Jess froze. The gifts? Nik had sent them?
Nik inclined his head, full of gallantry. “It was my pleasure.”
“Is Jess giving you the tour?” Mrs. F asked.
Smiling at Jess, Nik nodded. “She is.”
It was all Jess could do to keep a straight face. Her mind reeled at the revelation.
“Great.” Mrs. F took her seat behind the desk. “She’s been volunteering here for a few years, and she’s initiated some excellent fundraising efforts, as well as therapeutic dance classes for the girls.”
“She’s a gem,” he murmured.
Clutching his elbow, Jess beamed a smile at the older woman, then propelled Nik into the hallway so they could have some privacy.
Once they were alone, she released his arm and stared up at him. “You knew?”
“Of course. You post about this place on Instagram all the time. Since I didn’t think you’d want me buying you a Christmas present, I sent gifts here instead. It seemed like that would mean more to you anyway, and besides, Christmas is about community and giving back.”
Inside, her heart shattered, then reformed. When she spoke, her voice was tight with emotion. “I don’t know how to thank you. I was here when they opened the presents. I wish you could have seen the joy on their faces, the fun they were having.”
His lips twisted, and there was something wistful in his eyes. “There’s always next year,” he said softly.
All traces of doubt she’d ever held about him vanished. This man was kind, conscientious, and most of all, understood her need to stick around and give back. Hewasserious, and he wasn’t playing games with her.
She could trust him.
He took her hand, holding it gently. “Jeshka, I…I’m sorry I rushed you.”
She opened her mouth to contradict, to thank him for rushing because moving fast was the only way to bypass her defenses before she could create new ones, and really, yes, shedidwant this, when someone else spoke.
“There you are.”
