His eyes widened. “What? No!”
“Even though you took me on the best date ever?” I pushed, the ‘should’ pressing on my mind again.
“I didn’t do that for sex. Last night was perfect, just how it was.” He didn’t look away. “I thought I made that clear earlier.”
I nodded. “You did.” The strand of guilt trying to wind around me floated away. “Then what about my ex? I was kind of… weak in the way I dealt with him.”
“Hailey, no. I’ve got nothing but respect for how you handled that. You were with him for a long time, and he was a huge part of your life. You dealt with it in the best way for you.”
My eyes burned. “I had to call for help.” I swallowed the lump in my throat as I remembered the helpless feeling of sitting on the bathroom floor crying while waiting for Sean. “I’m not sure what I would have done without Sean that day.”
“Everyone needs help. I’m glad you called him.” Jack’s hand rose to brush the hair behind my ear, his touch gentle. But his eyes shifted away from mine, and he swallowed.
“Oh,” I breathed, leaning toward him. My hand found his chin, and I turned his face to mine again, searching his eyes. “Were you upset I called him instead of you?”
His eyes widened. “No. Not at all. I really am glad you had him.”
My hand dropped away from his chin. “It was because things had been awkward between us that morning. And Neil was already so upset about the time I spent with you. I thought—”
“Hailey,” Jack interrupted, shaking his head. “I get it. You don’t have to explain.”
“But there was something…” My eyebrows drew together as I tried to figure it out.
Jack took a breath. “I’ve been avoiding talking about Sean with you,” he admitted quietly.
I swallowed. “So me calling him did bother you?”
“No, it’s not that. I really am glad you called him then.” Jack ran a hand over his hair. “It’s—Sean told you he loves you.”
I blinked at him. My neck grew warm as we stared at each other.
“He told you before I did. And you obviously trust him and like him. That one time, when he and I—” His cheeks turned red, and he cleared his throat. “Well, you were good with him, too. Physically. As more than friends.”
I was suddenly a little embarrassed about the times I’d fantasized about Sean while I masturbated when I was still with Neil. “I really enjoyed that night with both of you,” I admitted.
“That night was—” He swallowed hard. “I wouldn’t take back that night. I’m fine with what we did. Glad even.”
“Then what?” I tried to search his eyes, but he was looking away again. “Do you… not want me to be friends with him?” A rock formed in my stomach and sank, making me feel nauseous.
“No! I’d never ask that of you. I like that you and Sean are friends. He’s my friend, too. I like the days we all hang out. I even like that he understands how great you are. He really does love you, and I—” He lowered his head, his hands moving to his thighs and gripping tightly. “Are you sure? That you want to be with me?” His head lifted, his eyes returning to mine. “You could be with him. He’s great. I don’t get why you chose me over him.”
“Jack.” I leaned forward, my hands settling over his. “Of course I chose you. I told you before, I’m crazy about you.” I leaned forward, kissing his nose and enjoying the shiver that ran through him. “I’ve been into your looks from that first night in the bar. Oh, and remember that girl I met there, I think the second night?” I waited for his confused nod. “She was teasing me about you. I didn’t get it at the time, but she told me good luck with the bartender. She totally picked up that I was crushing on you.”
“That far back?” Jack asked, stunned.
“Neil picked up on it, too. He wasn’t mad about me spending the night with just anyone; he was mad about me spending the night withyou. He knew I had feelings for you.”
“I was so close to kissing you that morning. I wanted to so badly.” The dull look in his eyes had faded. The intentness I loved was back.
“I was hurt we didn’t kiss. I didn’t understand it.” I closed my eyes. “I thought I’d made a fool of myself and ruined everything.”
“I should have explained it better.” Jack made a pained sound, drawing my eyes open. “I never wanted to hurt you. I just couldn’t, not when you were still Neil’s. I wanted you to be mine.”
I shifted even closer, my knees brushing along the outside of his. “Now, I am yours. I love you, Jack. The words might have come out too soon, but I meant them.”
“I know you did. I’m just worried you’re hoping I’ll change my mind about being exclusive. Do you want to sometimes be with Sean, too? Like that night?”
I blinked at him. “Sean knew I had a thing for you. He understands. He encouraged me to be with you.”
