“Turns out, I’m a huge pain in the ass. Who would have thought?”
His eyes narrowed on her. “That’s not exactly a New World Order, Jade. I’m sure he had to know this going into the relationship. You did challenge him after Jinx died, remember.”
“Seems there are some boundaries he’ll let me cross. Disobeying him is not one of them.”
“Ah yes. You do have a rebellious streak.”
“He told me to stay in the village last night. But I had no choice than to go with Tanner, and I defend that action. Still…” She rubbed her finger along a groove in the wooden bar. “I understand where he’s coming from. I got a healthy dose of my own medicine during our battle.”
“How so?”
She smiled softly at her friend. “I was worried about you, until I realized you were doing exactly as I’d asked by staying out of the way. You reacted when you needed to, rather than purposely putting yourself in danger. I tend to find myself in it when I don’t sit tight the way I’m supposed to.”
“Actually,” he mused in a low tone, “maybe you’re not meant for the sidelines, Jade. As potentially deadly as it could be for you, I get the feeling being in the thick of conflict is your strong suit.”
“Wow,” she said as her gaze locked with his. “You finally get me.”
“Little late in the day,” he admitted. “But it’s exhausting to keep fighting you, Jade. You’re going to do and say whatever the hell you want, anyway. I’m not the one who can tame you.” He frowned, as though he found that a disconcerting notion. Then added, “I’m not sure the king can either.”
With a sigh, she said, “There’s a very good possibility he’s given up trying.” She lifted her hand and wiggled her fingers to show she wasn’t wearing his ring. “I think I’ve gone beyond infuriating him.”
Michael reached for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Maybe that’s for the best. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to gloat. There’s much more to you than I can handle, Jade. I’ve learned that over the past few months.”
“I’m sorry it didn’t work out between you and me,” she said in a humble tone. “I’m a little more complicated than the average woman.”
“You can say that again.”
She laughed. “Let’s not rub it in.”
He was quiet a moment then said, “I realize it’s time I move on. Maybe ask Jessica Delfino or Krista Parks on a date.”
Her brow furrowed out of curiosity. “Where would you go? What would you do?”
“Beats the hell out of me,” he said with a shrug. “I’ve never been on a date.”
“Well, whatever you decide, make it romantic. Apparently, we females like that.”
He grinned. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
She stood on the foot rail of her stool and leaned over the bar. After kissing Michael on the cheek, she said, “You’re still my best friend.”
“Even though I’m not a demon?”
“Don’t be a jerk.” She jumped to the ground. “Gotta go. I have more work to do.” She headed toward the door but turned back and said, “You know, people around town started sprucing up their storefronts and displays when the king began sending a variety of new items our way. Maybe you should consider sanding the ridges out of the bar and jazzing the place up a bit.”
“Is this your idea of spreading goodwill?”
She gave it thought, then nodded. “Part of it. I’ll see you later.”
As Jade wandered toward the library, she realized what she was doing with her unplanned visits. She’d consciously chosen not to stay at the cottage and wallow in her sorrow.
Granted, she wasn’t facing the pain of heartbreak head on, but she also wasn’t holding back when it came to discussing her ill-fated romance with Darien. Surprisingly, she found a measure of relief in not keeping the tormenting debacle locked inside her. For the first time, she was truly confiding in her human friends. And it felt good.
Entering the library, she smiled as Lisette glanced up from a book.
“No coffee?” her friend quipped.
“Totally forgot it. You want some?”