Free You Can't Run From Love by Kate Snowdon Page A

nothing else.” She attempted a relaxed smile and then laughed. “I wouldn’t want to lose my second home for some sort of short-term pleasure, so I think we’re both safe.”
    They worked quietly for the rest of the afternoon. Jess wasn’t quite sure how to take what Rachel had said. Convincing herself she’d upset this very likable woman’s feelings, she couldn’t keep quiet any longer. “Rachel, I’m sorry if what I said earlier appeared conceited. I happen to like you and enjoy the times we spend together. If our relationship went any further than friends, I would end up hurting you, and I don’t want to do that.” She sighed at the seriousness on Rachel’s face, unable to determine the emotion behind it. She attempted a more jovial tone. “Oh and another thing, Uncle Jack would murder me if I drove you out of his life. Could we be friends? Good friends?”
    Rachel had to laugh, that blush was just so adorable. She couldn’t deny fantasizing about Jess and hoping Jess would find her irresistible. She was well aware that she herself was an attractive woman. Those gorgeous blue eyes had definitely made it clear they were aware of it too. The strong athletic woman before her was sexually experienced. Rachel had very rarely enjoyed sex. It had been fun in her early years but with Michelle… Michelle had regularly made comments as to what a lousy lover she was. Rachel had desperately made attempts to improve her performance and somewhere along the line had learnt at least how to pleasure Michelle. She on the other hand, received no real enjoyment and on many occasions had faked an orgasm, all to keep Michelle happy and avoid the…“You really are hopeless. You don’t know how to enjoy yourself, Rachel. Relax.”
    Pulling herself out of her depressing reverie, she looked at Jess. “Friends is fine with me, I couldn’t cope with anything more. So good friends is perfect.”
    Jess said, “Friends then,” and stuck out her hand.
    “Friends,” came the reply, as they shook on it.

Chapter Ten
     
    The next couple of months flew by. The summer was proving to be just as busy as the winter. The disc in Don’s back had to be surgically removed so he had been of little help around the estate, for which he felt guilty. Jean constantly worried he would try to do too much and not be fit to emigrate. Jack worried over Jess. Jess worried about Jack, and Marie just worried about them all.
    This particular day was a bad one for Jess. Her uncle had received the results to further tests and they hadn’t been good. The cancer had spread. She had tried to prepare herself for bad news. There had been no real improvement in his energy and fitness levels since the previous ones and his appetite and interest in food had dwindled again.
    The only thought that brought a smile to her face, as she sat staring out of her bedroom window, was Rachel. She had been busy with exhibitions, presentations, sketching, painting and meetings. Any free time she had she spent with Uncle Jack or helping Jess where she could. She had proved to be a quick leaner and her enthusiasm was marvelous. They had become the very good friends that Jess had wanted.
    Sighing, she stood. Uncle Jack and Marie would be waiting for her. Marie’s sobs had echoed through the house at the news, yet she rallied herself quickly and disappeared into the kitchen to prepare afternoon tea for the three of them. At the hospital they had discussed with the consultant the terminal diagnosis. He had offered Jack further radiation to slow things down, but he had refused. In her head she understood his decision. He didn’t want to go through all the discomfort again. He wanted to enjoy, as best he could, the time he had left with as much dignity as possible. She fought back the tears again before heading down the stairs. You’re thinking of yourself. Think of him.
    ***
     
    Rachel waited in anticipation. Jack had asked her if she would invite Jess to dinner this evening. He