Standing up to leave the kitchen, I’m thrown off guard when I see Trey sneaking in the front door. The smirk across his face tells me he finally scored with Kailey. “Hey, man,” he whispers as he walks in.

“Hey, Trey. Kailey?” I raise my eyebrows.

“Yeah, man, she has me all screwed up.” He sits down on the stool I just occupied, and I sigh, feeling obligated to join him. Walking over to the fridge, I grab another water and toss it to him. “Thanks,” he says.

“So, why does she have you so screwed up?” I ask him, leaning against the counter.

“She hasn’t slept with me yet,” he tells me, unscrewing his bottle cap. I can’t figure out the look on his face, but it almost seems like sadness.

“Okay, we only have two more nights before we’re back in Western,” I remind him. In the short time I’ve known Trey, I’ve realized that he isn’t a relationship guy. I wasn’t either…until Jessa. Then it dawns on me. “Shit, are you fucking kidding me? Trey Michaels is falling?” my voice raises and Trey pushes his arms down in the air, silently telling me to quiet down.

“I might have already fallen.” His head lies low while he’s twirling the bottle around. Why do I feel like the one who has his shit together tonight? First Brady and now Trey. Who would’ve ever thought I would be the one with no drama? My only problem right now is that I want to be in bed with Jessa. Instead, I’m stuck out here giving advice. But hey, God only knows it’s time to give back for all the advice I’ve needed recently.

“Do you think she feels the same?” I ask him. From his expression, you would assume no.

“I honestly don’t know. That’s why I’m so fucked up. When I touch her, she shivers. She never pulls away when I grab her hand, and when I put my arm around her shoulders, she melts into me. But when I tried to kiss her, she stopped me and said she has too much going on in her life right now, and that she can’t get involved with someone. I’ll admit that when this started, I just thought she was hot and I wanted to fuck her. Now, only four short days later, my head is all over the place,” he finishes. I admire him for being so forthcoming. I’ve never been able to be that open with anyone, not even Brady. He’s just known me so long, he’s able to read my facial expressions and body movements.

“Give her time. Remember, it’s only been four days,” I attempt to assure him, but I know how he feels. I was right there with Jessa, especially when I had to see her with Rob.

“I just wish I could shake her from my mind.” He shakes his head back and forth, biting the corner of his lip in apparent thought. “I think I’ll go get a tattoo tomorrow. That should calm me.” His face lights up just thinking about it. “Speaking of which?” He smirks up at me, and I instantly know she’s told him.

“Jesus, does she tell you everything?” I chuckle. Normally, I would’ve been upset for my girlfriend to have such a close relationship with another guy, but if Jessa was going to get together with Trey, it would’ve already happened. It took me a little while to get used to how close they are, but over time, I’ve gotten better with it.

“Unfortunately, yes,” he deadpans, and then starts laughing. “I have to say, it makes me jealous. Here I am, not getting anything, and you’re not only getting it, but in some awesome places, I might add.” He takes another sip of his water. Looking at him now, it makes me wonder why he and Jessa never got involved. Anyone looking at them would think they’d make a good couple. Trey isn’t half as fucked up as I am. A twinge of jealousy hits me at the thought of them together, but I quickly push it aside, knowing she’s with me and nothing will change that.

“It’s been fun, that’s for damn sure, but I have to top hers and I only have one more day left,” I tell him.

“You’ll think of something. Aren’t you guys going out, just the two of you, tomorrow night?” he asks and I nod.

“Yeah, then we’ll meet you all at Sam’s. I’ve gotta tell you, I’m a little worried about her going down to Boulder.” Trey is the only other person who knows Jessa’s entire story besides Sadie and me.

“We’ll all be there to make sure nothing goes down,” he assures me. I do feel better, but I still worry what will happen if anyone says anything to her. I don’t want her going into a depression again. I keep that from Trey, because although Jessa tells him a lot, I don’t think he knows how bad it was for her after the incident.

“Yeah, maybe he’ll be there and I can beat his ass,” I say with a smile.

“I’ll be right behind you,” he says. “That jackass deserves multiple beat-downs.” He stands up from the stool and I’m thankful. After all this talk about Jessa, I’m desperate to get back in bed with her to feel her small body up against mine.

Trey and I walk down the hall and then give each other a fist bump when we reach our separate bedrooms. Jessa looks so peaceful and serene lying in her bed. Not able to wait another second, I crawl under the covers with her, pulling her to me. Kissing her temple, I whisper, “I love you, baby. More than you’ll ever know.”

Chapter 19

Grant

So far, Jessa and I are tied two to two. She took me on the ski lift and in the restroom at a restaurant. I have the spa and an alley outside the bar where we met Kailey last night on my side.

Tonight is different. I’m taking her out for dinner, just us. Then we’re meeting the guys and Sadie at Sam’s apartment in Boulder. Jessa seems apprehensive about it, but I’ll stay by her the whole time.

She comes down the stairs in a hot pink number and I rack my brain, trying to figure out if I’ve ever seen her wear a dress. “You look gorgeous,” I tell her, and she shyly thanks me.

We say our goodbyes to everyone and I escort her out to her dad’s car. He’s been pretty cool after our talk the first night. Even Jessa’s mom, now Grace to me, has been warmer toward me. Time will eventually fix that situation.

I open the car door for her, and she slides in before I make my way over to the driver’s side. Once I’m in and I’ve put the keys in the ignition to start heating the car, I turn to her. “You’re so beautiful.” I lean over the armrest to kiss her, and she meets me halfway.

“You’re mighty fine, yourself,” she says softly before capturing my lips again.

We park along the street outside the restaurant her parents suggested. It’s a small and quaint place in the downtown area. I open the door for her, and she hurries inside to get out of the cold air. The small space contains about twenty tables, and most of them are for parties of two. I tell the hostess our name, and she leads us to a table in front of a window. As people pass by on the sidewalk, we look over the menu.

“What are you getting?” I ask her.

“I don’t know,” she says, continuing to study the menu, “maybe a salad.” She places the menu down.

I pick it back up and hand it to her. “Try again,” I demand.

“Maybe I want a salad?” We both know she’s only doing it for my benefit. She thinks I’m poor and doesn’t want me spending money on her. In my mind, she’s the only thing in my life worth spending money on.

“Jessa…” I sigh. “It’s a steakhouse. Either you get a steak, or I’ll order one for you,” I threaten.

“Alright, twist my arm, why don’t you,” she jokes. “I’ll get the filet mignon.”

“Much better.”

The waiter comes by and he appears to be around our age. I suddenly wonder if she knows him, by the way he’s staring down at her. Although it’s obvious he likes what he sees, I’m thankful that there’s clearly no recognition. We order our meals and wait for the wine.

“Have I already told you how beautiful you look?” I ask her, knowing I’ve told her many times. But, like my mother’s letter said, I need to tell her every time I think it, and that’s quite often.