“I was just thinking about how I won’t be part of your life after this,” I continue, staring straight ahead. “And I guess what I mean is… I’ll miss you.”
Oh no.
That sounded desperate.
Too raw. Too real.
Heat crawls up my neck. I want to rewind the last thirty seconds of my life.
Did I say too much?
Can he hear what I’m not saying?
Jake doesn’t respond.
And why would he?
He already told me what he wants.
A divorce.
To cancel out this mistake.
I nod faintly, like this is exactly what I expected.
Of course he doesn’t want more.
But the longer he stays silent, the tighter my insides twist.
“I mean,” I add quickly, forcing lightness into my voice, “you’re a great roommate. And friend. And… you know.”
Jake’s jaw flexes.
God, stop talking.
“Forget it,” I say finally, waving a hand like I can physically erase the moment. “I know how you feel. That’s fine. I was just being silly. We both knew this wasn’t permanent.”
When we pull into the driveway, I unbuckle quickly, desperate to get out before I embarrass myself further.
But before I can open the door, Jake is already out of the car.
He walks around the front and opens my door.
Like a gentleman.
He holds out his hand, like he did for Katia, but he doesn’t let go like he did with her.
He pulls me to my feet and then, without hesitation, cups my face in both hands.
My breath catches.
“Don’t,” he says quietly.
“Don’t what?”
“Don’t decide what I feel without asking me.”
My heart pounds.
