Of course I don’t want that. But there’s a difference between knowing something and being ready to act on something. I stare out the window, watching blinking neon lights and tourists crowding the streets, blissfully lost in their own lives. Nashville was supposed to be my last stop, a fresh start. And now this place feels almost as chaotic as my mind—loud, restless, filled with empty hope and shattered dreams.
The conversation with Izzy stays with me long after she’s gone. I stare at Dylan’s message, fingers hovering. Should I tell him about the separation? Should I end the conversation here? Should I just let myself enjoy hearing from him for a little while longer?
I type. Delete. Then type again.
Me:Okay. You missed me. Me too. You’re doing good. Awesome. Your sister’s engaged. Congrats. I guess that brings us up to speed.
I hit send, imagining Dylan’s frustration with my abruptness. I know it’s cold, but my flip-fucking-flopping mind knows I never should’ve messaged him. And yet, it’s like I needed a hit. Just a few minutes from him to stop the ache for five damn seconds.
My phone vibrates.
Dylan:Of course I missed you. Not just the sex. I loved having you as a friend and more. I was lucky to have you in my life for the time I did. But are we really all caught up?
My heart softens despite my better judgment.
Me:Shit. I almost forgot how good you make me feel. How easy it is to fall back into this, even with my life upside down. But I should let you get back to your amazing life.
Dylan:That’s it? Why would you tease me like that? Are your girls okay? Are you? Come see me.
Me:The girls are good. And I just messaged you to say hey. See how you’re doing.
And maybe to feel something again. I’m trying to do the right thing. To manage these impossible feelings. But clearly, I’m failing.
Dylan: No, you messaged me asking why we can’t be friends. And now you’re trying to pull away again.
My phone starts ringing, his name flashing on the screen. I answer reluctantly.
“Why do you always listen so closely to what I say?” I blurt out. “I sound insane, I know. I thought maybe we could be just friends. That it’d be better than nothing. That enough time has passed. But talking to you now?” I shake my head, heat rising in my body. “Clearly, I’ve underestimated your superpowers… and my willpower. Because there’s no way I’m not thinking about you naked. Or inside me.”
“Keep going,” Dylan murmurs, his voice low, teasing.
I’m completely coming undone now.
“Six months wasn’t enough time to erase you,” I admit. “Fuck, six years wouldn’t be enough. I’ll be eighty-six years old, still getting wet thinking about your long, curvy, perfect cock.” I pause to catch my breath. “See? I told you, superpowers and no willpower.” My voice drops, barely there. “But I shouldn’t meet you.”
“Fuck me,” he growls, his tone thick and familiar. “You’re the one with superpowers. The way you drive me crazy. The way I’d love to make you wet even at eighty-fucking-six years old.” Hechuckles low. “But that’s not why I want to see you. Meet me, Jenna. As a friend. It sounds like you could use one.”
I stay quiet, but the heaviness in my chest grows as I realize how much I’ve missed his voice… missed him.
“Meet me,” he repeats. “At my ranch.”
“How many times are you going to keep asking me?” I finally reply.
“Until you say yes.”
And in an instant, I’m pulled back in. “Okay,” I whisper, waiting for the tension in my body to unwind.
“Okay, what?” he demands.
“Okay, let’s meet.”
Chapter 38: Second Chances
Dylan: June
I must be dreaming. Watching Jenna pace in and out of the barn, unsure if she should stay. It’s equal parts adorable and maddening. My chest twists every time she hesitates, like she might leave and never come back.
But my mind is screaming louder than my damn heart.
