We don’t even have to double-park when we finally make our way to Brooklyn; there’s a spot open on the street just in front of the brownstone. I take it as a sign from the parking gods above that this move was meant to be.

Nick whistles as he steps out of the van and crosses to the back to open the hatch. “Shit, Sadie. It all makes sense now. Even I’d move to Brooklyn for this.”

“Twenty bucks says he’ll move to Brooklyn within six months,” Gemma mutters in my ear.

“Not dumb enough to take that bet.”

Nick talks a big Manhattan game, but he loves us too much to be a whole borough away from all his best gals.

Pulling my new key from my back pocket, I bound up the front steps. I push open the front door, calling out, “Honey, I’m home!” in a way louder voice than necessary since Jack’s standing right inside the entryway. “Oh, hi.”

He gives me a tight-lipped smile. “I heard the van pull up.”

Gemma and Harley greet Jack as they come in, each of them bearing a potted plant. They already know where my room is, so I wave them up the stairs.

Nick comes in carrying the biggest box from the van, his muscles straining against the sleeves of his definitely-too-tight T-shirt, and oh-so-casually sets it on the kitchen peninsula before crossing to Jack and sticking out his hand, keeping those muscles flexed the entire time. “You must be Jack. I’m Nick.” Pretty sure his voice just dropped an octave or two.

I purse my lips as I watch this exchange. Nick squeezes Jack’s hand so hard I’m surprised I don’t hear bones popping, but Jack doesn’t back down. And now that I see the two of them next to each other, Jack is actually taller than I would’ve thought him to be. Nick’s definitely broader and more built while Jack is lean, but height-wise, they almost stand even.

“Nice to meet you, Nick.” Jack gestures to the stairs leading to the basement. “Did you want to check out the place?”

Nick shrugs, but I can tell he’s dying to explore. I nod for him to go ahead, and he practically leaps down the stairs. I’m turning to head out for another box when I hear him exclaim, “Oh shit, did you know there’s a pool table down here, Sade?”

I roll my eyes, not bothering to respond. Back out at the van, I grab an armful of clothes before turning around and running straight into Jack. “Oh fuck. Sorry. I didn’t know you were coming out. Is it cool to park here?”

Jack grabs a box from the truck. “Of course.”