Isolation , Jones, Nathan [top 20 books to read TXT] 📗

He could even confirm that he actually had abs.

Gen changed the subject to Chet and Aimee's upcoming marriage as they passed through the market, browsing items laid out on blankets on the grass beside the sidewalks, or in the trunks of parked cars. Chet had asked Nick to be one of his groomsmen, along with Charlie and Micah and Chase, with Ben as his best man. Similarly, Aimee had asked Gen and Ellie to be her bridesmaids, along with Val and Lila.

“So I noticed Val and Charlie were joined at the hip during dinner,” Gen said lightly, abruptly changing the subject. “When did they become an item?”

Nick blinked. “Wait, what? That's news to me.” Although now that he thought about it, the two had been hanging out together for weeks even before they all began their most recent three weeks of isolation, sharing patrol shifts and camp chores and most of their free time. He hadn't paid much attention until Gen had mentioned it, mostly because he'd been trying to keep a healthy distance from Val ever since the night she'd kissed him.

“Take it from me,” Gen said. “When a lady starts snagging food off a guy's plate, it's a safe bet they've probably moved beyond friendship. Or they're getting there.” She leaned over and nudged Nick with her shoulder as she continued. “Looks like she was able to get over you.”

He felt his face heat, feeling a stab of chagrin at the direction this conversation had taken. “That happened pretty much right after I turned her down,” he said, trying not to sound defensive. “We've barely even spent time together or talked aside from in a group.”

“I know. I wasn't trying to say anything.” Gen sobered, walking quietly for a few steps before taking a deep breath and continuing. “Listen. It's probably best that we just clear the air, now that we can finally talk about this without having to pass notes, or shout across twenty feet so half the town can hear.” She gave him a sidelong glance. “I wasn't cool with the entire situation with Val at the time.”

Nick tensed in spite of himself at this cold water dashed over their date. “I know,” he said guiltily. “You deserved better-”

She pressed a gentle finger to his lips, expression stern but a smile in her eyes. “Just listen before you have a heart attack.” He nodded sheepishly, and she finally did smile. “It's not easy to have to stay at arm's length watching while an attractive, classy woman chases the guy you like. But the fact that you shared a camp and it would've been safe to be with her at any time, but you chose to be with the gal you'd have to wait months for . . .”

His girlfriend looked away, cheeks coloring. “Well, that meant a lot to me.”

“I would've waited as long as I had to,” he said firmly. “I didn't chase you to Stanberry just because it was my only option. I'd also missed all the time we spent together before the world went crazy.”

Gen's eyes softened, and she squeezed his hand. As they continued on through the market she changed the subject back to Chet and Aimee's wedding, becoming bubbly and energetic again.

Around sundown they reached a park at the center of town, which looked as if it had been lovingly tended in spite of all the chaos Stanberry had been through. Gen led the way to a raised gazebo surrounded by bright flower beds at the center of the expansive lawns, and they climbed up a short flight of steps to the platform looking out over the town square in all directions.

“This really is a beautiful town,” Nick said, leaning his elbows on the railing. “Not the worst place to end up.”

“I'm glad you finally realized it,” she said, patting his arm. “I know you guys have been on the outside, and Darby and Darrel were pretty awful to you sometimes. But this town is so inspiring with how everyone's come together to face the crisis. I've never seen such good neighbors or such a strong sense of community.”

“Well, if everyone's been as great as you and the Norsons, I can believe it.”

A comfortable silence settled as they took in the view, watching people amble by on the distant sidewalks in the fading light.

Nick could admit that since it had been over a decade since he'd been on a date, with anyone but Ellie that is, he wasn't the most astute when it came to nonverbal cues from women he was courting. Not that he'd been great at that back then, either.

Still, when Gen scooted closer and leaned against his side with a quiet murmur of contentment, he felt pretty confident she'd have no objection to him putting his arm around her. So he did.

She made another contented sound and rested her head on his shoulder. “About time. It feels like I've waited months to be able to do this.”

“Probably because you did,” he said lightly.

“Yeah.” His girlfriend raised her head to meet his gaze, expression sober. “You know, we've spent all these weeks watching the stars come out and sharing our hopes and dreams with each other. If you count all those nights as dates, I'd say we're way overdue for some big dating milestones.”

Nick's heart began hammering in his chest at the implications of that statement. Especially when she fell silent and stared up at him expectantly, lips slightly parted.

He may have been a bit off his game after so long, but he wasn't so off his game that he couldn't spot such a clear hint. He leaned down and gently pressed his lips to hers.

Gen melted against him, returning the kiss with surprising fierceness, and for a few long seconds he was lost in the warmth of the moment.

Then she pulled back and rested her head on his shoulder again. “I'm so glad you're here with me,” she murmured. “I'm so glad