“Why not?” I ask with my hands on my hips. Granted, there are some guys who work with Jake that Idefinitelydon’t want her or anyone else I know dating, but I also know there are some fantastic men who have the qualities Chelsi would want in a long-term relationship.
She taps her fingers against her pursed lips. “Hmm…let me think about this. How about when it ends badly, you’ll still haveto see this guy? Could you stomach being around someone who broke my heart on a regular basis? Or would you want to kick their ass?”
“I mean…you’re technically not wrong. I probably wouldn’t love it.”
“That’s my point. And we all know, relationships always end horribly for me, so I’m saving all of us some major heartache. You’re welcome.”
My brow furrows, wondering what she really means. Is she serious about not dating anyone? Or just not someone Jake or I know? “Are you getting out of the dating game?”
She chuckles. “Probably not. I’m just going to become a lot pickier than normal. I’m tired of wasting my time on the men who can’t take care of themselves, have mommy issues, are cat daddies, not in the sexy way, or think they’re God’s gift to humankind. It wouldn’t be so bad if those men were great in bed, but they never are.” She sighs loudly and tucks a piece of curly hair behind her ear. “Is it so hard to find a man who’s halfway decent and fucks like a god? Is that too much to ask?”
I blush, dropping my gaze to the floor. “They’re definitely out there.”
“Oh, trust me, I know. I hear the way Jake makes you scream every fucking night he’s here. Never once did I hear any of those sounds come out of your room when you were with Brian.” She shakes her head and smiles when I look at her. “I want a decent man and great sex. I don’t understand why the universe is so against me finding it.”
“Perhaps if you let me set you up with one of Jake’s friends?—”
“Nope. Absolutely not. Keep pestering me about it and I’ll find my way into Jimmy’s bed the next time I go out on tour with you.”
I gasp. “You wouldn’t. Would you seriously sleep with Jimmy? Ew!”
She chuckles and smirks. “You never know. Sometimes, a girl is desperate for a good time. I’d imagine Jimmy has to at least be decent in bed, based on the various things he claimed the last time I saw him.”
I shake my head and squeeze my eyes shut, trying to avoid picturing anything involving Jimmy. “Please don’t tell me any more. I don’t want those images in my mind.”
“Suit yourself. He did have averycreative imagination,” she adds, walking back into my closet to continue packing.
This is exactly what I’m going to miss—the unexpected conversations with my best friend. Although I’ll likely see her countless times a week, and I wouldn’t put it past her to show up for dinner almost every night, it won’t be the same. We’re headed in two different directions in our lives, and I can’t help but wonder what impact that might have on our friendship long-term.
CHAPTER FORTY-NINE
kate
The living roomis overflowing with boxes as I wait for Jake and the movers to arrive. He chose to stay in a hotel nearby to give Chelsi and me one last evening together in the condo. It was such a thoughtful gesture and truly speaks to the type of man he’s become. The man I can’t imagine not having in my life every day.
A light knock startles me out of my thoughts, and the door slowly opens. “It’s me,” Jake announces as he walks in the front door.
He’s had a key for months, yet he still insists on knocking before he comes in, joking that he doesn’t want to accidentally walk in on Chelsi with any of her male friends. I think that’s merely a ruse, and while he does feel comfortable staying here, it’s never felt like his home. It’s always belonged to Chelsi and me.
As soon as he turns the corner and sees me, his entire face lights up, and the crinkles around his eyes deepen. “Are you excited? Today’s the big day.” He pulls me into his arms and wraps me up in a big hug. “A place to call our own in Chicago.”
“I can’t wait,” I murmur, nuzzling my face into his chest.
“How was last night? Did you and Chelsi have a good time?” he asks, releasing me slightly so he can see my face.
“It was great. We laughed. Cried. Drank wine. You know, the usual.”
He chuckles and kisses my forehead. “I’m glad you were able to spend some time with her. I know you’re both going to miss living together and not seeing each other every day.”
“Think again, Jakey-boy. I’m going to be at your house for dinner every night. Might even show up for breakfast sometimes,” Chelsi says, walking into the room, wearing a mischievous grin. “What’s on the menu for dinner tonight? I haven’t made any plans yet.”
“Kate,” Jake responds quickly, a wicked gleam in his eye.
“Jake!” I yell, lightly smacking his chest with the back of my hand.
“What? I’m only telling the truth. It’s a tradition that my first meal in our new house is always you, or did you forget what happened in Nashville? Happy to remind you.”
My face and neck flush as a wave of heat courses through my entire body, making it feel like it’s twenty degrees warmer in here all of a sudden.
