"I just..." He takes a deep breath. "I'm a good nurse. I know that. But I don't think nursing is good for me. Especially right now while I'm trying to settle and find myself you know?"
Now he peeks up at us as if needing our reassurance. I'm already nodding and leaning in to kiss his cheek. Fire licks down my spine when our mouths connect unintentionally. He gasps and I do too, deepening our connection for just a moment. WhenI pull back, I replace my touch with a hand around the back of his neck.
"Proud of you," I rumble. "We'll support whatever you choose to do."
Ellis' eyes shine with emotion, but he keeps it under control and gives me a small smile instead. "Thank you."
"Ellis, come here," Nate demands quietly, reaching across the table. Ellis doesn't hesitate to lean toward his partner, letting Nate devour his mouth in a far more passionate kiss than I gave. "You're doing great," Nate praises. His statement encompasses a wide range of steps Ellis has been making toward being the best version of himself and I agree.
"Thanks," Ellis murmurs and settles back beside me. He's blushing, but he looks lighter. "I also want to use my time off to go on one of Violet's trips."
Immediately I groan. "Yes. Count me in. I don't know if I can let her go on another fucking hike without me yet. Not after what happened."
"Will she let us, though?" Nate wonders with humor lacing his tone.
"Well." Ellis chuckles. "You two are pretty good at bulldozing. So just don't give her a choice."
Nate cocks his head and contemplates Ellis' words, but I'm already nodding. "I was talking to her about safety rules. Honestly, I think she'll understand if we express our concerns and feelings on the matter. Less demanding, more collaborative. Can you do that?" I tease Nate, flicking his hand as it reaches for onion rings that literallyjusthit the table.
"Of course. I'm not a caveman," he retorts.
Ellis snorts and waves his hand around as he chokes on a mozzarella stick. "No, but your face does love a good bush."
My heart triples in size throughout the rest of our dinner. We joke and chat. Our opinions are heard and our futures discussed.
It went better than well...which means.
"Lingerie show!" Ellis hoots as he sprints through the parking lot.
Nate and I shout at the same time. "CAREFUL!" The smile we share is genuine and filled with hope.
Thirty-Nine
VIOLET
Unlocking Jamie's apartment without him here was surreal. I didn't think much of it until I kicked my shoes off and went to the fridge. As if it were second nature, I made myself comfortable in his space.
I've spent a lot of time here the past five years, so it makes sense, but me being here alone to relax and wait for him to finish his date is new.
That flare of jealousy was there when Jamie asked me how I felt about him going out with the guys. But it faded so fast and lifted into a silly smile.
You mean adate?I teased him because no way do those three just go out like bros. Jamie had laughed and kissed me stupid before relenting and agreeing that it was in fact a romantic date.
Although I don't know how romantic a sports bar is, but I'm still happy for them. Honestly. Plus, it has finally given me the chance to take the next step with Jamie and use the code for his apartment.
It doesn't seem like much, but this is big.
Dragging my bag to his bedroom, I dig through it to find my pajamas. It's dark out, but it's not late. Jamie promised me a movie night with popcorn and vodka. My kind of Friday night.
I check my phone and see I haven't received a text quite yet, so I beeline for his bathtub and start the hot water. He told me what's his is mine, so that's going to include a bubble bath tonight.
With the tub filling, I grab my water and undress. My hands are freezing from the cold drive here, and my muscles are still a bit tense from the nightmare I had last night. It sucks sleeping alone so I'm hopeful that tonight Jamie will keep the scary dreams away.
Groaning at the sheer delight of the steamy water encompassing my toes and pulling me under, I relax against the back.
Choosing to close my eyes is tough considering I have a book I want to read, but it's good to justbesometimes too. With that in mind, I let the bubbles rise until they tickle my chin and turn the water off with my toes. Not once opening my eyes.
An unknown amount of glorious time later, I hear the front door open and close. Excitement pulls me from my doze, then I hear male voices talking.
