Further to Fall in Love のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 1 - チャプター 10

 I am a glutton for punishment. Ever since the tender age of fourteen, I knew there was something wrong with me. Because of all the boys in all the world, I could go and have a crush on, I fall for him.My older brother’s college roommate. The mysterious boy with a troubled past could have any girl he wants. The cute boy with dark hair and deep brown eyes who’s as smart as he is cocky, who somehow managed to both get into med school and win over a lifetime friendship from sports-loving Jacob, who only attended the same college because of a basketball scholarship.And those girls? I was never one of them. Not then, and I won’t be again now.I don’t expect to see him here tonight, but if he shows up, I won’t be surprised. Everyone is back in town for Jacob’s engagement party, and it’s inevitable we all end up at Getaway, the bar owned by my twin brothers. My heel catches on the toe of my other shoe, t

The air leaves my lungs and I’m left standing there, watching Jim walk up ahead of me. What the hell? Did I say something wrong? One minute we were talking, feeling like the old friends we should be, and the next he’s acting like he can’t get away from me fast enough.He stops at the employee door, needing me to punch in a code to unlock it. I fold the scrubs over my arm, careful not to press them against my wet dress, and take a spot next to him to enter the code. He doesn’t look at me, doesn’t say a damn thing. The tension rolls off him in waves, and as nice as our chat was a minute ago, I cannot wait to get back into the bar and away from him.That’s how Jim Jones has been since the moment I met him. Closed off. Guarded. Letting the walls inch down just enough for me to get a glimpse of the man inside only to bring them up again.A little green light flashes after I punch in the four-digit code and Jim opens the door for me

My phone rings, startling me awake. I rapidly blink, trying to get my eyes to focus. I’m disoriented, and it takes me a few seconds to realize where I am. It’s been so long since I’ve done anything but work, and on my days off I spend most of my time catching up onthe sleep I’ve missed.I feel around on the nightstand for my phone, and have a minor panic attack when I see my mom’s name. Unless it’s my birthday, I always do. And even then, my anxiety goes up every time I see her name on the caller ID.Maybe today is the day the Narcan didn’t work. Maybe today is the day they found him a little too late. “Hello?” I answer, pushing myself up onto my elbows.“Hey, Archie.” Mom’s voice is calm, but that doesn’t mean much. “How’s my favorite doctor?”I let out a breath and realize it’s going on ten o’clock. She’s not waking me up early in th

“Well, kids, it looks like you’re going to be here for a while.” Mr. Langford hangs up the phone and goes to the window, watching the storm. “A tree fell and knocked out power lines. The road is blocked.”“How bad?” Jacob asks.“Weston said there’s been a lot of damage in town they have to get to first. He’ll keep us posted. I know Alyson and Jim need to leave soon to make it home in time. Though you shouldn’t drive in this rain anyway.”Alyson shifts in her seat, and the collar of her oversized sweatshirt falls down her shoulder. Her hair is in a messy braid, she’s not wearing any makeup, and she’s refused to look at me all morning. She’s done an impressive job of pretending I’m not here, actually. No one else has noticed her go about the kitchen, getting coffee and helping her mom make breakfast and act like it’s just her family sitting around the large island

“You have got to be kidding me.” I blink. Once. Twice.Jim Jones is still there. He’s staring back at me, and good Lord, that man looks fine as hell inthat navy blue suit. His dark hair is a little messy, and the scruff on his face enhances the strong, masculine features.I’m instantly turned on. And equally annoyed. What the hell is he doing here?“Alyson? Is everything all right?” Jacob follows my line of sight out the glass door. “What’s wrong?”“Nothing, nothing’s wrong.” I force a smile and look back up. Jacob McMillan works at our sister company and is partnering with me on this new big project. We dated for a while a year ago, and are better friends than lovers. He’s a nice guy, too nice really, and working with my ex isn’t as awkward as I thought it would be.Don’t get me wrong, it is awkward to work with an ex when he’s still in