Free Love's Dance by Marianna Roberg

those."
    "What can I say? I'm a total klutz. This is the... eighth time I've sprained this ankle? Other one's been about... six, I think, and I've also sprained both wrists several times," she said with a shrug, pausing to get her key out.
    He rolled his eyes and took her purse, tired of watching her struggle with staying upright on one foot and getting her purse open. They'd left her cookbook at his place.
    Colin unlocked the door, and was about to push it open when it swung wide, revealing a wroth Jason.
    Taking one look at Jaina's older brother, Colin handed him the crutches and lifted Jaina in his arms. "Here, take those, would you please?"
    As Jason glowered, Colin asked Jaina, "Where to?"
    "Upstairs, first door on the left," she said, trying not to laugh at the look on her brother's face. Since the doc had injected her with something, speech had been slightly... odd.
    Jaina felt very strange as Colin crossed the threshold with her in his arms. Apparently, he didn't notice anything, since he just walked right up the stairs, past a startled Teniel who'd come out of the kitchen.
    He pushed the door open with his foot and walked in, then stopped and blinked.
    On one wall, she had a fabric wall scroll of a map of Middle-Earth, along with a map of New Zealand, marking the places where the films had been shot. On the other, she had a poster of Buffy and Angel from Buffy The Vampire Slayer . And she had a Doctor Life poster.
    "Where did you get that?" he asked.
    “Stole it,” she admitted proudly.
    Colin set Jaina on the bed. He looked nervous to her eyes.
    As he let go, sliding his arm from under her thighs, Jaina's green eyes widened. She prayed silently he hadn't noticed the hitch in her breath, or the quickening of her heart. Said heart seemed to drop, then jump into her throat when he looked at her.
    She hoped her thoughts weren't reflected on her face. It was more than the physical reaction she was feeling. It was more than wishing he'd kiss her.
    Looking into his eyes then, she was toast. She knew it. The struggle was all over.
    Colin looked away quickly. He pulled something out of his jacket pocket, and handed it to her. "Here's the medicine you were prescribed."
    "Thanks," she said, grabbing at it.
    Somehow, she missed. He chuckled and grabbed her hand, pressing the pill bottle into it.
    Was it the medicine, or did that tingle more than normal? She looked from her hand to him, but he was looking at her braced ankle.
    Her heart swelled. He didn't even know what she was feeling, and she wanted to tell him. Jaina opened her mouth, feeling suddenly like telling him would be okay, but then realized it was the drugs talking.
    She couldn't ever tell him. Not if she didn't want to drive him away.
    "-tomorrow at 6," he was saying. "I know that's in four hours, but try to get some sleep. I don't actually film tomorrow, so I'll just help you with whatever you need."
    "You don't have to do that," she said.
    He raised an eyebrow sardonically. "Yes, I do. For one thing, you have no other way to get to Warkworth. It's an hour away, after all."
    "Well, you don't have to stay."
    "I'm not making two trips. And you need my help. Besides, I want to help."
    Well, if he put it that way... She knew it had been a half-hearted protest, anyway. She knew she'd take any time with him she could.
    "I'll see you later," he said, moving to stand.
    "Okay," she murmured.
    Colin paused, and his face reflected what appeared to be a fierce mental battle for the space of several seconds.
    Then he leaned down and kissed her forehead.
    "Bye," he said quickly.
    Before Jaina could comprehend what had happened, he was gone.
     
     

Chapter Ten
     
     
    When Colin picked her up to take her to Warkworth, Jaina was still awake and thinking about the kiss he'd given her.
    She was profoundly shaken by the previous night's realization that she had fallen in love with him. She didn't question it. She just knew, and at moments, it hurt.
    She was quiet on the ride to