Free Begin Again by Christy Newton

counter?” Maisie pointed to the L-shaped counter behind her sofa.
    He turned to look at her. “That won’t leave you much room to eat.”
    Maisie shrugged. “I eat upstairs in the kitchen most times. I just eat snacks down here.” She looked at the bunny. “Is this the same little guy?” Smiling, she opened the cage to take out her new pet. She lifted him to her face. He smelled sweet.
    Ryan grinned. “I cleaned him up for you. He’s doing so much better. Just keep him on the vitamins.” He took out the dropper and handed it to her.
    When his fingers touched hers, she felt a warmth sizzle throughout her body.
    Maisie took the bunny out of the cage and walked over to the sofa to sit down. She held him up to her face and pressed his nose to her own. “He’s the cutest thing. I guess the name you picked kinda stuck in my head.” She put the animal in her lap and stroked his fluffy fur. “Welcome home, Lucky.”
    Ryan sat down beside her and grinned. “I’m glad you’re feeling better.” He rubbed the rabbit’s long ears. “I’ll just check on Boots, then I better head home. My buddy from Illinois is visiting.”
    Maisie looked away from Lucky to Ryan. “Oh, is that why you didn’t stop by the diner?” Why was she relieved?
    â€œYeah. Plus I didn’t think you’d be working today.”
    She blushed. “You come to the diner for pie or to see me?”
    Ryan looked at her as if she’d just asked him to solve an impossible equation. “I thought that much was obvious.” He leaned over to plant a kiss on her lips before she knew what happened.
    His touch was so quick, yet profound. His lips were so kissable, she didn’t want to pull away, but she shouldn’t let him think she was interested, even though she was. “Ryan, I’m not able to be in a relationship right now.”
    He nodded and winked. “I’ll wait until you are.” Standing up, he walked over to check on Boots. “He looks good. Call me if you have any questions about Lucky. Or if you change your mind about anything.”
    Maisie pressed her lips together and nodded as Ryan disappeared back up the stairs. She got up to put Lucky in his cage. She closed her eyes and smiled as she thought of Ryan’s sweet lips on hers. Maybe her heart wasn’t as dead as she’d thought.
    â€¢ • •
    Ryan couldn’t get the grin off his face as he drove back home. Even though their kiss was only a couple of seconds, the sensation of Maisie’s lips pressed to his made him feel buoyant. Whenever they touched even the slightest, it was like a new kind of energy was formed. She was beautiful inside and out and couldn’t look more perfect holding Lucky in her lap. They had a future. He knew it. Now somehow he just had to convince her of that without scaring her away.
    As he pulled into his driveway, Jacob rushed out of the house, twirling his keys on his finger. “Thanks for the visit, but I have to get going. I’m meeting Kate tonight to discuss counseling.”
    Ryan shook his hand and slapped his back. “That’s great, man.”
    Jacob grinned. “Yeah, I want to get there before one of us changes our minds.”
    Ryan laughed. “Don’t let me keep you.”
    â€¢ • •
    Ryan didn’t recognize the number on his phone.
    A stranger’s voice asked, “Is this Mr. Ryan Tucker?”
    Ryan drew his brows together. “It is.”
    â€œMr. Tucker, I am calling from the ER at County Hospital. I’m sorry to tell you that Mr. Jacob Jones has been in an accident.”
    Ryan’s heart dropped. “Is he okay?”
    â€œHe is in with the doctor now. You were listed on his emergency contacts.”
    â€œI’m on my way. Was his ex-wife notified?”
    â€œClaire Jones?”
    â€œNo that’s his momma. She’s in a nursing