I stretch out on the bed, moving my limbs into a wide star, reaching my fingers and toes as far into the corners of the mattress as they will go.

Then I burrow my head into my pillow, sucking in one last whiff of eau de hoodie, before I pull myself out of bed and head downstairs. The house is quiet, and I don’t spot Jack when I reach the kitchen, in need of coffee as always.

Jack is nowhere to be found, but there’s an iced vanilla latte and a paper bag sitting on the counter with a note.

Had to run into town to talk to some people, but I won’t be long. Make yourself at home, text me if you need anything. —Jack

And see? This right here? This next-level boyfriend shit?

Yeah. Not helping.

Still, I gulp down half the latte in one sip, pulling a croissant from the bag and devouring it. While I eat, I text Harley and Gemma, making sure they are on their way out to their deliveries even though I know they’d never let me down because they’re kind and giving and selfless, unlike their BFF.

Harley texts me back a string of photos, one of each of her assigned arrangements, held up in front of the address it was delivered to. Gemma sends back a selfie where she’s caught herself mid–eye roll.

ME: I love you guys the most. Harley, a little bit more, but Gem, you’re pretty up there. Drinks and dinner on me as soon as I get back!

HARLEY: How’s everything going?

ME: Good. This house is insane. Like the brownstone but bigger and with waterfront views.

GEMMA: Did you guys bang yet?

ME: Seriously? We’re not banging.

GEMMA: But you want to.

GEMMA: Don’t bother lying because we know. So just admit it. You want to bang Jack.

I don’t respond for a minute, taking a long sip of my coffee and then chewing on my lip before finally working up the courage to type the actual words.

ME: Okay, fine. I want to bang Jack.

The text thread explodes with GIFs. Happy dancing ones from Harley, lewd ones from Gemma.

ME: BUT.

ME: I’m not going to. I don’t want to mess this up.

GEMMA: “This” being your living situation?

ME: Yeah.

HARLEY: Or “this” being your chance for an actual relationship that includes not just hot sex but also genuine care for another person?

ME: Yeah, maybe that too.

GEMMA: I literally just stopped in my tracks. Are you trying to say you actually like him?

GEMMA: I don’t mean that to sound like you shouldn’t because you totally should.

HARLEY: I think it’s just a surprise that you’re willing to admit it.

ME: Only over text. And only to you two.