Free Knowing Vera (Romantic Suspense, Family Drama) (Chance for Love) by Rachelle Ayala

’kay?”
    “I’m good.” I watch him hobble to his room, admiring his inner strength. He’s so thoughtful to remember my favorite juice. We can at least stay friends, can’t we?
    After grabbing a can of juice, I turn on the TV to a news station. Despite the images of cars on fire and police in riot gear, I keep thinking about my father, picturing him in a cave overseas living off the land, maybe herding a few goats and trading milk and cheese with villagers for supplies. That is, if he’s alive.
    Zach returns wearing a pair of cargo shorts and an Ironman t-shirt from his last race. He’s still too sexy even with clothes on. I swallow the rest of the juice and turn off the TV.
    The doorbell rings, and Zach hobbles to the door. The delivery man looks him up and down and stammers, “Hey, how’s it going.”
    He hurriedly places the pizza on the kitchen table and seems eager to leave.
    Zach appears unconcerned. He’s counting out the bills and smiling. “Here you go, buddy. Have a nice evening.”
    The pizza is piping hot, topped with pineapple, ham, scallions, and cheese. Zach offers me a piece first, and even though I have no appetite, I pick at it and make a show of eating while he gobbles up two slices and cracks jokes, his Aussie accent thickening at the punch line. “No worries, mate.” “When in Oz, mate.” Strange how the jokes make Australians look like drunks, idiots, and scumbags. Guess it’s reverse national pride, opposite of Filipinos who are proud to be Pinoy.
    Zach’s so easy to hang around with and tonight, he seems determined to show me how comfortable and upbeat he is. But the more he jokes, the more I wonder about a relationship with him, especially one that is exclusive. Even though I hate to admit it, I grew up watching Disney princess movies, and before my father died, I used to wish upon a star for my very own … never mind .
    “Sure you don’t want more?” Zach pushes another slice my direction.
    “I’m good.” I look at my cell for the time.
    “Anywhere you have to be?”
    “No, just checking messages.” I slip the phone into my purse. “I’m all yours this evening.”
    A grin develops slowly, and he looks genuinely happy. “Let’s not waste any time.”
    Taking a remote, he dims the lights and powers on the stereo. The dulcet tones of 98 Degrees’ “I Do (Cherish You)” fills the living room. He stands and holds out his hand. “Will you dance with me?”
    The music is so romantic. I feel my cheeks lifting with a smile as I take his hand and he wraps me in a smooth embrace. We’re barely swaying to the balmy, slow rhythm. He holds me close and I snuggle into his chest, feeling protected and safe. My body softens against his, and I try not to think where this will lead. He’s here, I’m here, and I think we like each other … for now.
    The song lyrics caress my heart and bathe me with hope. I do cherish Zach, so much.
    Where did that come from?
    I hold him tighter, wanting to disappear in his arms. It’s hard to explain, but I feel closer dancing without steps, hearing his heart beat, feeling the rise and fall of his chest, his soft breath on my hair, more intimate than … I blush, thinking of the ways we’ve used each other before.
    When the song ends, Zach kisses the top of my head. “Bet that’s the first time you’ve danced with a one-legged man. If you can call it dancing.”
    “I loved it,” I murmur. “It’s Zen-like, minimized movement, more in the present.”
    “Nice spin.” He lowers the volume on the stereo and pulls me down to the sofa. He tries to sit on my left, so his complete leg is next to me, but I get up and move to his left. He raises an eyebrow but doesn’t say anything.
    The lyrics of the song we danced to run through my mind and I’m nervous. Did he mean to put that song on, or was it just the next one on his playlist? I’m overthinking this again.
    “That was lovely, the dance.” My voice trails. You …
    “You’re