“Stop,” I say, laughing despite myself.
Nina smiles warmly. “She’s right, though. You’re glowing. You like him more than you planned to.”
I sigh, setting my fork down. “I do. Things have been going really well. Better than I expected.”
Willow tilts her head. “I’m glad. But don’t lose your head just yet. This is Jordan we’re talking about. The man’s kind of a mess.”
“Love’s worth a little mess, don’t you think?” Nina asks.
I shrug. “So far, it’s been easy. He’s been kind, patient, and so sweet it’s almost suspicious.”
“And sexy,” Nina adds. “Don’t forget that part.”
I can’t help the small smile that pulls at my lips. “Oh, I haven’t.”
Willow leans forward. “But he’s still Jordan—the guy who hooks up with vacationers so he doesn’t have to deal with the aftermath.”
I exhale. “I’m aware.”
Willow reaches out, rubbing my arm. “I’m not trying to dim your glow, I swear. I just don’t want you to get hurt. If that means I play bad cop and keep you grounded, I’ll do it.”
“If you think I haven’t thought about it, you’re wrong,” I say quietly. “His past isn’t easy to ignore. He’s avoided commitment like it’s contagious.”
“That doesn’t mean his feelings for you aren’t real,” Nina points out.
“I’m not saying they aren’t. But I’d be stupid not to wonder how deep they run and how long they’ll last.”
Nina gives me a sympathetic smile. “I believe there’s the right person for everyone, and when they get together, things click into place. Look at Travis and me. He was done with relationships until we met.”
“Yeah, but he wasn’t a manwhore,” Willow cuts in. “If you’ve spent years eating something new every night, it’s hard to stick with the same meal forever. You’ll start craving variety.”
She’s not wrong, and the thought twists something low in my stomach. How long before Jordan gets bored with me? I’m not glamorous or bold like the women he’s “dated” before. My body’s average, my makeup routine nonexistent, and my wardrobe screams comfort over style.
“What are you thinking?” Nina’s question pulls me back.
“That I’m pretty much the opposite of his usual type. In looks anyway.”
“Yeah, because you’re better,” Willow jumps in. “You’re the real deal, Ginger.”
I chuckle. “I love you for saying that, but you’re biased.”
“No, we’re not,” Nina insists. “He’s lucky you’re giving him the time of day, and he’s smart enough to know it.”
“You two are good for my ego.”
Willow grins. “That’s our job.”
Nina nods. “We want to make sure the guy who’s making you glow like that knows what a gem he’s got.”
Me too.
Nina’s phone rings, and she jumps up to grab it from the counter. “Ooh, my sister is FaceTiming me.” She hurries back to the table, drops into her seat, and accepts the call. “Hey, Irene!”
We hear Irene squeal with happiness.
Nina beams at her. “I’m so glad you called when you did. Willow and Ginger are here with me, so you can finally meet them.” She flips the phone toward me, and I smile.
“I’m Ginger. It’s great to meet you.”
