Why is he trying to act like my father? He has no say in who I date, but this could cause a problem between Jeremy and my brother at work, and he doesn’t need me making things harder for him. Damnit, what do I do?

“My bed is calling my name. See you later, Tess.”

I brush past Eli, knocking shoulders, and don’t look back. It’s one thing for him to be protective of me, but giving me orders of who not to date, that will not happen. He seems to still be upset about Dean, because Eli liked him, but who would want their sister to stay in an unhealthy marriage?

The front door slams behind me before I get to my car and start it up. Things in my life haven’t been going great, but I refuse to let anyone stand in my way of being happy. And that might be with Jeremy or someone else.

After trekking the six blocks back to my house, and getting inside, I text him back.

Me: Party was lame after you left. Wish you could’ve stayed longer. =)

I take my shoes off by the door, and grab water from the fridge before ending up in the bedroom. My king sized bed is big enough for three of me, but I always end up smack dab in the middle. It’s only like ten o’clock, but I can feel my eyes drooping. So, I go to YouTube and search to see if my favorite author has posted anything new this week.

The notification pops up that he has responded.

Jeremy: I could’ve talked to you all night. Parties aren’t my thing. Being from Dallas though, you are used to them, aren’t you?

His assumptions are false, because being married, we didn’t get invited to things like that. He doesn’t know much about me yet, and I hope I don’t scare him away. The way I look at it, if being divorced is a problem, then he’s not the right guy for me.

Me: Nope. Something you don’t know, I’m divorced. Most people don’t invite married couples to parties, I guess.

I watch my screen to see if the three dots appear.

Jeremy: What fucking guy would divorce you? Have you seen yourself? I could literally stare into your eyes forever, and still not be sick of it. Okay, that’s a little sappy, but oh well.

I laugh, and lay back in bed. His humor is great, and we vibe on a level that my ex-husband and I never did. When we first got together, he was a very serious person, but after a couple years, he changed. He became very spontaneous and happy go-lucky. It’s then that I thought he was cheating on me, but I never could prove it.

Me: I like sappy. Give me more!

I switch on the tv and flip through the channels until I land on some rom-com. Some might call me a hopeless romantic, but learning love languages is my favorite thing to do. Each person has one and knowing which one they respond to will help your relationship be more successful.

Jeremy: Okay, is it weird to say I want to know everything about you? When I saw you tonight, it’s like I could see our future. You are probably blocking me now thinking I’m some psychopath, right?

Quite the opposite. It’s refreshing to have a man be upfront about things, instead of acting uninterested to keep up on the leash. Jeremy being truthful and telling me about how he feels is a plus for me. It shows he isn’t afraid to tell me things.

Me: I find it sexy how open you are. Please don’t end up being some serial killer or something. I’ve watched way too many crime shows. LMAO

My head hits the pillow, and I know it’s time for me to shut my eyes, but I’m enjoying talking to him. Plus, he is supposed to be asleep too.

Me: Aren’t you supposed to be passed out? I didn’t mean to wake you up.

The phone sits beside my pillow with my eyes closed, pretending to fall asleep, until it vibrates again.

Jeremy: Your text woke me up, but I’m not complaining. So, are we still on for dinner tomorrow?

I do nothing on the days I work because of my schedule, but there’s no way I’m turning him down. Guys like Jeremy don’t come around very often, and I’m not letting him slip between the cracks.

Me: Pick me up at 7?

Any earlier and I wouldn’t have time to get home and get ready after work. It’s been years since I’ve been on an actual date. What the hell am I going to wear?

Jeremy: Perfect. See you tomorrow. Get some rest, beautiful.

I don’t respond, but put my phone back next to my pillow and close my eyes. If Tessa didn’t invite me to the party tonight, then Jeremy and I wouldn’t have crossed paths. So, I’m thankful she didn’t tell me about her plans or the likelihood of me showing up is slim. Damon and Tessa’s relationship is what I hope to have one day. Someone who loves me, and doesn’t want me to change who I am to please them.

Can Jeremy be the perfect guy for me? Or, will my brother get in our way?


Tags: Ashley Zakrzewski Rough Edges Romance