JV tried to hide the panic that rushed through her as memories threatened to come alive. It hadn't lasted. His hand on her skin didn't feel the same as anyone else's. Somehow, she knew he wouldn't hurt her. She reveled in knowing his touch didn't burn. 

Over the years, she'd almost gotten used to the biting sting that touching men caused. The only time she didn't feel it was with her brother and father, but she didn't see them often. She ached for the causal touch of others, even just friends. After it had happened and the burning started, JV had pulled away from her college friends. She hadn’t made any close friends in Austin. 

She wanted to lean into him, to beg him to wrap his arms around her and just hold her, but he was too angry. She couldn't ask for fear of how he might react. 

"I'm sorry I've been nasty," he pushed the door open to let her in, "Rebecca sent more than enough. Come in and have lunch with me?" 

His sudden change of heart made her wary. She narrowed her eyes, "I'm not sure I should."

"Please?"

Hopeful that he was warming toward her, she nodded toward a group of chairs on the porch "It's a nice day, how about we eat out here?" For some reason she was reluctant to go inside. She wasn't afraid of him. She didn't think he would hurt her, at least not physically, but she felt better out in the open. 

"All right," he agreed, "do you want something to drink?" 

"A soda or water would be good," she shrugged. 

"Here, have a seat. I'll be right back." He handed her back the bag and ducked inside. 

She sat in one of several chairs scattered along the length of the porch and started pulling out the food, setting it on the table between her chair and another while she waited. 

"How do you like our mountain?" 

She jumped as Steve's voice startled her. Looking up at him, she smiled and hoped he hadn't seen it. "I like it. It's beautiful here, a lot cooler than I'm used to, but it's a nice change."

Steve frowned for a second, then his face cleared, "You ever move back to Tenaha?" He handed her a can of Pepsi and popped the top on his own as he sat on the other side of the small table. 

JV shook her head and swallowed, "I've been in Austin since I graduated." 

He blinked. "You live in a city?" he gave a slow shake of his head, he'd hoped she'd just taken to dressing like a city girl. "Never thought I'd see that." 

"It's not my favorite place, but it was a good place to set up a business. Plus, it was far enough away that my family's not in my back pocket 24/7."

"That’s an advantage. Are you sure leaving Austin won't hurt your business?"

She shrugged, "It might. It shouldn't though, since I have very few clients in Austin anymore, but who knows? Right now, I don't care." 

Steve looked surprised. "You don't care?"

"I don't care. I've got some money set back and enough of a client list that I can take the hit if I need to." 

He frowned, "You said your folks think you're on vacation before going to LA for a job. Is there really a job waiting in LA?" 

"Not this time," she looked away. 

“I hope you're not thinking we could have anything more than friendship between us.”

“Why?” She frowned. 

"We're too different." 

"How so?"

"We just are." 

She knew he was hedging, "I hope you're not talking about our ages."

"What if I am?" He wouldn't look at her.

"I'll grant you, it was a valid argument the last time, but no longer. I'm not seventeen to your twenty-seven anymore."

"I disagree. I'm sure your father would too. It just won't work." He met her eye this time and seemed to be trying to convince her.

"I think my father's feelings on the age difference would surprise you," she met his eyes. "He once told me that ten years can seem like a lot, especially when you're young, but the older you get the less age and age differences matter." 

"I'm not so sure." He looked away.

"Will you at least give it a chance? Don’t fight the instinct. Give us a chance to see where this goes?" 

He hesitated, "I don't know." 

"I'm not asking for a lifetime commitment, not yet. Just a chance. See if we can get along."

"I'll try. That's the best I can give you." 

"That's all I can ask for," she gave him a heartfelt smile. "I'm not sure if it’ll work," she laid a hand on his arm, delighting in the ability to touch someone without pain, "but I have to see what happens. I can't just walk away knowing we both feel it."

Steve ducked his head a moment, "I'm not sure I'm cut out to be with anyone. I've been alone for so long. I'm afraid you're setting yourself up to be hurt just by getting your hopes up."

"I wouldn't say I've gotten my hopes up about anything, as much as I'm interested in what could be and I'm willing to take a chance." 

"I'll try not to fight it, but I'm not sure how receptive I can be anymore." 

"Just let it happen." She leaned close and pressed her lips against his, then got up and headed for the main house, leaving him with that light, gentle kiss.