“You okay?” Jess calls out.
“I’m fine,” I say, my heart still racing.
“And the cookies?”
I glance over to see the Tupperware container still closed though it has rolled halfway into Cam’s giant tennis shoe. “Also fine, but what are you… How did you…”
“Nothing gets past me,” Jess says. “You should know that by now. I appear to see nothing, but I see all. Like the Eye of Sauron. And no, I haven’t told Cameron or Harlow and I’m not too disappointed. Ian would have been a means to an end for me. I mean, I like the guy and he’s undeniably hot, but he’s not my type. Too interested in sweating and sports and being outdoors. But you two…well, it could be something special, I think.”
“I—no,” I sputter as I collect the cookies. “We’re just friends. With benefits. Some benefits. Not all of them.”
“No sledgehammering yet?”
“No,” I say, dropping the open cookie container beside her swiftly tapping fingers. “And how did you know he has a…you know.”
“Giant penile protrusion?” She chuckles as she reaches for a cookie without slowing the tip-tapping of her other hand. “Sweatpant shots, my dear. They’re all over the internet. Apparently, there’s a group of women who lie in wait outside his gym in Midtown in the colder months to catch The Fox in his most tempting ensembles.”
“Sweatpants. Huh…who knew?” I mutter, snatching a cookie before Jess can reach for another one.
“Everyone, my dear,” she says, chewing. “Even I knew sweatpants were a thing. Gray ones, in particular. Probably because they’re a lighter color and it’s easier to see the protrusion that way than with say…black or navy.”
“You don’t call it a protrusion for real, do you?”
“Why?” she asks, grabbing another cookie. “Is that weird? I thought guys would find that sexy.”
I nudge her shoulder with my hip. “You’re fucking with me.”
“I am,” she says with a happy sigh. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t tease you after you were sweet enough to share your cookie stash.”
“It’s okay, I don’t mind,” I say, perching on the seat beside her. “But back to the other stuff. I’m so glad you guessed what’s going on because I could really use some advice.”
“You do remember that I’m a virgin, too, right? And I’m pretty sure I’m even less experienced than you are. I’ve never been to third base with anyone but myself. Though I am pretty great in bed. Just FYI.”
“I bet,” I say with a laugh. “But not that kind of advice. Feelings advice.” I study my cookie, trying to find the bite with the most chocolate chips. “We’re supposed to meet up on Friday for the sledgehammering but Ian’s under so much stress right now. I can’t go into details, but things are really rough for him at work. I’m wondering if maybe we should put the first-time stuff on hold until that’s resolved. Maybe that’s just too much drama on top of all the drama he’s dealing with already.”
I realize the tapping has stopped and look up to find Jess starting at me with a dubious expression. “What?” I ask, pulling my cookie closer to my chest. “I’m looking for the bite with the most chocolate. I like to save it for last.”
“Not that,” she says. “You’re doing it again—putting everyone else’s needs before your own and finding excuses not to go after what you want.”
“I don’t do that,” I say, chomping one buttery edge before I mumble around the bite of cookie, “At least not with friends. Just new school acquaintances and clients because I want to make friends at school and clients need extra patience and understanding. That’s like…my job.”
“Then why do I get three cookies and you only have one?” she asks. “And I know you let Harlow have at least seven before you hid the rest.”
“She’s on her period,” I mumble. “She needs chocolate more than I do.”
Jess’s expression softens. “Your sweetness is sweet and always has been, but there comes a time when you need to put yourself first and let other people worry about setting their own boundaries. If Ian’s not feeling up to punching your V-Card on Friday, I’m sure he’ll let you know. He’s a grown man.” She arches a brow. “But he’s also a man, and from what I can tell, they really enjoy putting their protrusions in other people. Aside from myself, of course.”
I squeeze her knee. “Stop it. You’re gorgeous and sexy and fun and you’re going to find a guy who sees all that. You just may have to look a little harder to find one who gets your sense of humor.”
“Because I’m weird.”
“Because you’re unique,” I say. “And brilliant and one of a kind. So…you’re going to need a guy who’s as special as you are. Like Sam. You remember Sam? From high school? He always reminded me of you. I mean, not physically since he’s a massive Sasquatch person, but your spirits vibrated on the same wavelength, I think.”