Page 57 of Hard To Leave

“Don’t worry. We haven’t even picked out china patterns yet, but as soon as we book the Waldorf and register at Bed Bath & Beyond, I’ll let you know.”

I kicked him with my foot under the table. He leaned into me, kissing my temple. “What, you don’t like Bed, Bath & Beyond?”

“So how is pregnancy going?” Nick asked, switching the topic of conversation. He was, by far, my favorite one of the group.

“Amazing.” Cassie’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “I’ve never had so much sex in my life. I can’t get enough of it lately. Thank God I’m married to a man with such great stamina and a talented tongue.”

Nick chuckled and raised his glass. “To Liam’s stamina.”

Liam ran a hand through his short brown hair. He seemed shy compared to his outgoing wife. “Yeah, that’s me, a nine-month nymphomaniac. Although, these kids may be all we have. I’m not sure I’m going to have any sperm left after this pregnancy.”

I looked at my empty wineglass, thinking I really needed a refill.

Everyone chatted easily around the table as we ate, laughed, drank, and told stories. It was fun listening to them all tease each other relentlessly. It was almost impossible not to like them. Even Cassie.

I looked over at Jack and smiled. I loved seeing him so relaxed. Being here on his home turf had me seeing him in a new light. He looked so comfortable and seemed so carefree.

Our waiter cleared our plates as Cassie was finishing up with a huge piece of peanut butter chocolate pie that was the size of a football. God, I didn’t miss those pregnancy cravings and the weight gain. Although, it looked like Cassie could eat just about anything and still keep a striking figure.

“So, Nick.” I stared at him for a minute. He had that tall, dark, and mysterious look to him that women ate up. There was no doubt, with his looks and his personality, that he had the ladies lined up around the block. “Jack mentioned you’re a lawyer.”

He took a sip of his drink and set it down. “That’s correct. I specialize in corporate law, but can do pretty much anything.”

“It sounds like it keeps you busy. You must enjoy it.”

He sat up taller in his chair. “It has its moments.”

Jack smirked next to me. “Don’t let him fool you. His favorite part of the job is working with the new, female interns.”

Nick grinned over the top of his glass. “Can you blame me? Somebody has to teach these pretty, young girls right from wrong. Have you seen what these women look like today? They sure as hell didn’t look like that when we were in college.”

“Excuse you.” Cassie smacked his shoulder. “That’s a sexist thing to say.”

“I meant to say, except you two beauties,” he added with a wink. “I’m sure you were both heartbreakers back in your day.”

“Back in the day, huh?” I said through a laugh. “You better stop while you’re ahead.”

Liam chuckled and stretched out his long legs. “I hope you’re better with the one-liners in the courtroom, buddy. With comments like that, I can see why you’re still single.”

The five of us sat around chatting long after our drinks were empty, and our bill was paid. It wasn’t until I started yawning that Jack stood up and announced that we had to get going. On the drive back to his apartment, I couldn’t help but think about how much fun I had.

A part of me wished I didn’t have to leave tomorrow. It seemed like no matter how much time we had together, it was never enough.