Page 65 of Somewhere Only We Know
“What a prick.” Is what I settle on.
“I don’t miss him. So I don’t ever want you to question that.”
“It never would have crossed my mind.”
Jax snorts and repositions on the couch, settling into my side. “Now that that’s settled, we’ll tell your team first. Can we do that sooner than later?”
“Yeah.” I tell her because I want that too.
“Monday?”
“You really do want people to know,” I tease her.
“I just want to date my husband out in the open.”
“Fuck I love those words falling from your lips.” I groan and grab my phone with Jax laughing at my hurriedness.
Me: Hey. I need to see you both on Monday.
Me: It’s important.
Sarah: Woah. Yeah. I have time at ten. Does that work for you Mallory?
Mallory: I’ll have to video chat in. I’m in California for the next week.
Me: That’s fine. See you Monday.
“Done.” I state and toss my phone to the side.
“Good. Now press play. They’re at the riff-off.”
30
JAX
I’m putting on my black cowboy boots, yes the ones I wore when Nate and I allegedly got married, when I hear my front door open and close.
“Jaclyn Marie, are you ready?”
I slide my ring on my finger before spritzing myself with some perfume from Jo Malone and then grab my peacoat that I tossed on my bed. It’s been colder than usual in Cincinnati so the thick, dark patterned floral maxi skirt I have on swishes around my legs as I walk down the stairs. I have it paired with a black sweater and a black belt with a gold buckle. My curly hair is styled to perfection as the diffuser was finally on my side today and humidity is low. Small wins for those of us with curly hair. I see Nate playing a soft game of tug-of-war with Sully when I hit the last step and smile.
“I’m ready.” I tell him and I pull on my coat.
We made a game plan last night. Nate will head into Sarah’s office and I’ll stroll in five minutes later. Once we leave Sarah’s office we’re planning to head to Kamryn’s office.
“You look beautiful,” Nate says as he looks up at me.
“Thank you. You look very handsome yourself.”
Nate ruffles Sully’s ears and stands up. I don’t think I’ll ever get over his height. He was tall in college but now that he’s had years in the league it’s like he’s continued to grow. And I know that’s impossible, but now I’ll get to reap the benefits of his training. Lucky me.
“Stop looking at me like that,” Nate scolds.
I shrug and head towards the front door but I’m hooked around the waist and turned into his chest with a gasp. His patchouli scent surrounds and comforts me. It’s the one scent I avoided after he never came back. But now that he’s here it’s like I can bathe in it. Last night we had a classic first date. And when I mean classic, I mean old school. Nate didn’t touch me apart from wrapping his arm around me. And when I confessed about not enjoying sex with my ex, I thought he would throw me over his shoulder and prove just how enjoyable sex can be with the right man. But no. Now I’m back to waiting like I was in college and I hate it.
“I’m not looking at you in a way.” I tell him, finally finding my words.
He kisses me on the forehead and thousands of butterflies take flight. “Yes, you were. Now let’s go.”
