Jenna

jenna

F elicia and Bambi had transformed their three-story townhouse into a Valentine's Day extravaganza, each floor offering a unique theme to captivate their guests.

Upon entering, guests were greeted by a Pretty in Pink theme, a whimsical pink paradise. The rooms were adorned with pink balloons and streamers. The centerpiece table showcased a crystal bowl filled with pink champagne punch, its effervescent bubbles catching the light, and sweet treats in various shades of pink.

Ascending to the second floor, the mood shifted to one of sultry sophistication for the Red-Hot Romance theme. Deep red drapery and dim lighting set an intimate tone. A bar area offered an array of Jello shooters in various flavors, their vibrant reds and pinks enticing guests. The air was filled with the smooth sounds of jazz, encouraging close conversations and lingering glances.

Cupid's Playground on the top floor was a playful nod to love's mischievous side. Here, the most charming nurses, including Bambi, donned pink devil costumes, complete with glittering horns and mischievous smiles. They mingled with guests, offering heart-shaped chocolates and playful winks. A DJ spun upbeat tracks, encouraging dancing and laughter, making this floor the heart of the party.

The nurses swarmed Jake, smothering him with kisses and leaving lipstick marks all over his face.

“I’m still not used to seeing you without the beard,” Bambi cooed, draping her slender frame around him. “You’re so adorable. Will you be my Valentine, Jake Morgan?”

Jake’s dimpled smile widened. “As long as you promise to be mine, gorgeous.”

tried to stay close to Jake, though the other nurses kept nudging her out of the way. When she spotted Gabe through the crowd, she gave him a small wave, and he began making his way toward her.

“Is that the friend you wanted me to meet?” Gabe asked, his eyes fixed on Jake as a red-sequin-clad Felicia rested her head on Jake’s shoulder.

’s stomach tightened as an unexpected pang of jealousy washed over her. “Yep. We’ve been best friends since high school. I’d introduce you, but he’s busy at the moment.”

“Clearly. He’s the life of the party.”

and Gabe watched the scene unfold beside them.

“Why hasn’t some lucky girl snatched you up?” Felicia asked, walking her fingers up Jake’s chest.

Jake shrugged. “I’m too picky, I guess.”

“You can afford to be picky,” Felicia said. “You’re the real deal, Jake Morgan. Not only are you incredibly attractive, you’re also thoughtful—one of the most compassionate guys I’ve ever met. Some of our doctors could take bedside manner lessons from you.”

Bambi ran a hand down her pink devil costume. “I’m Cupid’s sidekick. I have a long list of single girlfriends. Tell me your type, and I’ll get to work on finding you that perfect match.”

Jake chuckled, his eyes drifting to . “I don’t have a type. Call me old-fashioned, but I’m saving myself for true love.”

Bambi followed his gaze to , a knowing smile spreading across her lips. “Of course you are.”

Placing a possessive hand on ’s back, Gabe leaned in close and whispered in her ear, “By the way, you look amazing. I love the dress. I’m ready to take our relationship public.”

wanted to ask him, “Why now?” but she already knew the answer. Gabe had seen the way Jake looked at her. Jake was the most desirable man in the room. His attraction to made her the most desirable woman there.

For more than a month, she’d been focused solely on taking her relationship with Gabe public. But now, she wasn’t so sure that’s what she wanted anymore.

“Excuse me a minute, I need to use the restroom,” said to Gabe. But when she saw the long line outside the bathroom, she hurried down two flights of stairs and out the front door.

She replayed scenes from the night on her way home in the Uber. The nurses’ sincere praise of Jake resonated with her. She hadn’t realized how highly regarded he was among their coworkers. His kiss had stirred something deep within her, emotions she’d locked away since his betrayal in college. Determined to protect herself, she’d built an emotional wall, vowing to never let a man hurt her again. She’d never given any of the poor SoulSync guys a chance. But Gabe? He seemed different, the type of man she thought she wanted. To him, she’d been nothing more than a booty call. To her, he’d been a valuable lesson learned.

She had just gotten to her apartment when Gabe texted her.

Where’d you go?

Home,

she quickly responded.

She was typing out a follow-up text, explaining she didn’t want to see him anymore, when he called.

“This party is off the chain! Why did you leave?” he shouted over the loud music.

“I’m sorry, Gabe. I’m not feeling it tonight. I’m not feeling us anymore. It’s over.”

“I can’t hear you. It’s crazy loud in here. Hang on a second.” A minute passed, and when he came back on the line, the music was gone. “Are you breaking up with me?”

“ Breaking up would imply we are in a relationship, which we definitely are not. You’ve been toying with me like a cheap plaything, only calling me late at night for sex. And like a lovesick teenager, I let you use me. But no more. Goodbye, Gabe,” she said, ending the call.

Taking a deep breath, she felt a weight lift off her shoulders. “Yes!” she exclaimed, a triumphant smile spreading across her face. Throwing her hands in the air, she twirled around the living room, dancing toward her bedroom, embracing the self-respect she had reclaimed.

Slipping into her favorite flannel pajamas, she brushed her teeth and washed her face. She nestled into bed, the Egyptian cotton sheets soft against her skin. As she closed her eyes, vivid memories flooded her mind—the laughter and tears she and Jake had shared over the years, the exhilaration of spontaneous road trips, the camaraderie of late-night study sessions in college and nursing school, and the profound sorrow of losing a parent—her father and his mother. Through all the good times and hardships, an unspoken love had simmered beneath the surface, like embers waiting to reignite. Now, it seemed, the time had come for that love to be renewed.