“Nah.” I run a hand through my hair. “I was a songwriter, both music and lyrics, but I gave it up after my parents…” I trail off, glancing away, until Jenna forces me to look at her, much like I’ve done to her several times this week.
Her eyes bore into mine, sharing her strength, and a shallow breath escapes me. “My career would have taken me away from home, and my parents needed me there. Jack needed me there.”
“And now?” She visibly swallows as if holding back something she wants to say.
“Now, I’m focused on you.” I stare back at her, my expression determined, making her see my unwavering contentment. “Maybe I’ll get back into it one day, but I didn’t do this for me. I did it for you. To show you how much you mean to me. To show you a part of me I’ve kept hidden for years.”
Her breath shakes before her lips pull into a slow, secret smile. “Okay.” She nods, but I have a feeling she’s not going to let meoff the hook, especially after her eyes flash to the harmonica again. “I’ll allow it. You can focus on me. For now.”
And there it is. I chuckle to myself, ignoring the nerves that wash over me. I have no doubt that Jenna’s going to challenge me. Daily. But for the first time in years, I’m ready for it. And I’m ready to challenge her right back.
“I think you’re going to be good for me.”
Jenna’s smile widens, and she glances away thoughtfully before closing her eyes and laughing under her breath. “You know, I never really believed in soulmates or ‘the one.’ But I have to wonder if maybe there is someone for everyone.”
“Oh, yeah?” My heart races as she turns back to face me.
“Yeah. And if that is true, it’s possible you could be mine.”
EPILOGUE
Mason
VALENTINE’S DAY
Jenna brushes a stray hair behind her ear and I study her features, my heart lodged in my throat, as her smiling eyes pass over the letter Jack sent.
I knew it was coming; he texted me to ask if it was okay. But this is the first Jenna’s hearing about it, and while it’s nice to see that the letter makes her happy, it’s going to take some getting used to.
She laughs at something she reads then folds the paper and tucks it back into the envelope, her not-so-innocent gaze lifting to mine.
“Whatcha doin’?” she asks, struggling to suppress a mischievous grin.
“Waiting.”
“For what?”
I stare at her deadpan, and her shoulder lifts in a half shrug before she tries to squeeze past me, miscalculating the distance she needs to stay out of my reach. I lean forward, easily catching her wrist. “Are you going to tell me what the letter says?”
“Which one?” She spins to face me, a coy smile in place as she straddles my legs. “I’ve been inundated. So many admirers.” She bites her lip, and I can’t stop my playful groan.
“Very funny. You know the one.”
“This one?” She shakes out of my grasp and leaps onto the couch, holding the letter above her head.
“That’d be it.” I stay where I am, despite the fact that it wouldn’t take much to reach it.
Jenna’s smile widens and I preemptively chuckle. “Oh, you know… Jack’s professing his undying love for me. No big deal.”
“Jenna,” I warn and her expression softens. I trust her completely, and she knows that, but Jack’s still a sore subject for me. Mainly out of guilt.
Things have been great between Jenna and me. We spent Christmas and New Year’s together, getting to know each other. Now she’s back at work, playing a spy in her first feature film, while I’ve spent the time she’s on set exploring LA, taking in the sights of the city I plan to call home. I miss Australia and my friends. Hell, I even miss Jack being a constant pain in my ass, but it didn’t take long for me to discover I belong here. Everything feels right. I don’t have a job, a purpose, or friends—other than those Jenna has introduced me to—and yet I’ve never been happier.And free.
All those things will come. I truly feel like I’m finding myself again.
“What would you do if hehadwritten that or something similar?” Jenna questions, bringing me back to the present, and the instant I picture that, I growl. I may miss him but…
“I’d be on the next flight to Sydney, ready to show him what’s what.”
