Chapter 13
Jay woke slowly, the golden rays of the morning sun streaming into his room, painting the walls with a soft glow. His breathing was calm, steady, matching the serene rhythm of the moment. For once, there were no alarms, no shouting from his teammates at practice, and no stress clawing at the back of his mind. Just peace.
He turned his head slightly, his gaze falling on Erin beside him. Her head rested against his chest, her hand splayed over his abdomen as her breathing came slow and even, her hair tousled across the pillow in loose waves. She looked utterly relaxed, and Jay couldn't help the small smile tugging at his lips. It wasn't often he saw her like this, without the guarded walls she so often kept up. Seeing her so unburdened made him feel something deep in his chest, something he couldn't quite name.
His fingers found her hair, the strands soft against his touch, and he brushed them back gently, careful not to wake her just yet. But as if sensing his thoughts, Erin stirred, her lips parting as she let out a quiet sigh. Her green eyes fluttered open, slightly hazy from sleep, and she gave him a drowsy smile that made his heart skip.
"Morning," she murmured, her voice thick with sleep, the sound of it like a melody he wanted to wake up to every day.
"Morning," he replied softly, his hand still brushing her hair. "Sleep okay?"
Erin gave a small hum of affirmation, her eyes slipping closed again for a moment before she looked back up at him. "Better than okay. I forgot how nice it feels to sleep in."
"Well, we've got the whole day ahead of us," Jay said, his voice carrying a note of excitement as he shifted slightly to prop himself up on his elbow. "And I've got a plan."
Her brow quirked, curiosity piquing as she pushed herself up just enough to meet his gaze. "A plan, huh? Should I be nervous?"
Jay chuckled, the sound low and warm. "Not unless you're scared of waterfalls and hiking trails."
Her lips parted in surprise, and she tilted her head at him. "Waterfalls?"
"There's a place about an hour outside the city," he explained, his tone lighter now, like he'd been waiting to share this with her. "Sunset Ridge. It's quiet, no crowds, no cameras—just us. I thought we could spend the day out there, get away from all the noise."
Erin studied him for a moment, her features softening as she processed his words. "You planned all that?" she asked, her voice quieter now, touched by the thoughtfulness behind his idea.
"I've been thinking about it for a while," Jay admitted, his hand brushing over her shoulder as he offered a small shrug. "With our schedules, it feels like we barely have time to just… be. So, yeah. I thought maybe we could use a day like this."
She smiled at him, the corners of her mouth tugging upward in a way that made her entire face light up. "For someone who claims not to do relationships, you're pretty good at this."
"I'm a fast learner," he teased, his grin widening as he leaned in closer, his forehead brushing against hers. "And besides, I've got good motivation."
"Smooth," Erin muttered, though her tone was filled with warmth as she shook her head. "Okay, I'm in. But I only have jeans since I stayed over last night. Hiking in those might not be ideal."
Jay smirked, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Actually, I've got you covered. I picked up a pair of leggings for you—you know, that brand you love for yoga—and I thought maybe one of my hoodies could complete the look. You seem to like those."
Her eyes widened slightly, a mix of surprise and amusement crossing her features. "You really went all out, didn't you?"
"Like I said, good motivation," he replied, pressing a quick kiss to her forehead before slipping out of bed. "Come on, let's get ready. I promise, it'll be worth it."
Erin shook her head, a soft laugh escaping her lips as she watched him move toward his closet. "You're lucky you're charming," she called after him, though her heart swelled at the thoughtfulness behind his gestures.
A short while later, Erin emerged from the bathroom dressed in the leggings and oversized hoodie Jay had laid out for her. The hoodie smelled like him—a comforting mix of cedar and faint traces of cologne—and she found herself tugging it closer as she stepped into the living room.
Jay was waiting for her, a small backpack slung over one shoulder as he glanced up from his phone. His eyes softened as they landed on her, a smile spreading across his face. "See? Told you it'd look good."
Erin rolled her eyes, though she couldn't hide her own smile. "Alright, I'll admit it—you did good."
Jay chuckled, taking her hand as they headed out the door. "I'll take that as a win."
The drive to Sunset Ridge was filled with easy conversation and soft laughter, the kind of effortless back-and-forth that felt so natural between them. Jay played a playlist he'd made—songs Erin recognized from their past conversations—and by the time they pulled into the small lot at the park's entrance, Erin was already feeling more at ease.
The air was crisp and cool as they stepped out of the car, the scent of pine and earth filling her lungs. Towering trees lined the trail ahead, their branches swaying gently in the breeze, and in the distance, the faint sound of rushing water could be heard.
"This is incredible," Erin said, her voice filled with awe as she looked around. "How did you even find this place?"
"I've got my secrets," Jay replied with a grin, his hand brushing against hers as he adjusted the backpack on his shoulder. "Come on, there's a spot I want to show you."
They walked along the trail, the soft crunch of leaves underfoot the only sound apart from the occasional birdcall. As they made their way deeper into the forest, their conversation shifted from lighthearted banter to deeper topics—favorite childhood memories, their most embarrassing moments, the people who had shaped them into who they were today.
By the time they reached the waterfall, Erin was feeling a sense of calm she hadn't experienced in years. The sight before her was breathtaking: water cascading down smooth rocks into a clear pool below, surrounded by vibrant greenery. The sound was soothing, like nature's own lullaby.
"Wow," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the rush of the water. "This is… amazing."
Jay watched her, his gaze soft as he took in her expression. "I thought you'd like it," he said quietly, stepping closer until their shoulders brushed.
Erin turned to him, her green eyes shining with a mix of gratitude and something deeper. "Thank you," she said, her voice sincere. "For all of this. For thinking of me."
"You deserve it," Jay replied, his hand finding hers. "I just want to make you happy."
And in that moment, standing by the waterfall with Jay's hand in hers, Erin realized she was. Truly, undeniably happy.
Without hesitation, Jay leaned in, his lips brushing gently against hers in a kiss that felt as natural as breathing. It wasn't rushed or calculated—it was instinctive, as though the moment itself had called for it. Erin responded immediately, a soft hum escaping her as she leaned into him, her fingers curling lightly against his chest. The kiss was tender and full of meaning, an unspoken acknowledgment of the trust and connection between them.
It wasn't just a kiss; it was everything—the shared vulnerability, the unspoken promises, the way they fit together so effortlessly, like pieces of a puzzle they hadn't realized they were missing.
When they finally pulled apart, Erin's cheeks were tinged with a soft pink, her lips curved into a smile as she looked up at him. Her hand stayed on his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her palm. "So… what now?" she teased lightly. "Do we keep walking? Or was that the grand finale?"
Jay let out a low chuckle, his thumb brushing over her knuckles as he held her hand. "We could keep walking," he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Or… we could just stay here for a bit. I may or may not have brought lunch."
Her eyebrows shot up in surprise. "You planned a picnic too?"
He shrugged, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "You really think I'd bring you all the way out here and not have something to offer? What kind of guy do you think I am?"
Erin laughed, the sound soft and warm, shaking her head as she gazed at him with a mix of amusement and fondness. "You're full of surprises, Halstead."
"Stick around," he teased, crouching down to pull a small blanket out of his backpack. "I've got plenty more where that came from."
She helped him spread the blanket out on a soft patch of grass, the sound of the nearby waterfall filling the space around them. The air felt fresher here, untouched by the chaos of the city or the ever-present buzz of their high-profile lives. They sat together, shoulders brushing, as Jay unpacked the simple yet thoughtful lunch he'd prepared—sandwiches, fruit, and a couple of drinks.
"This is perfect," Erin said softly, her voice barely above the sound of the water. She leaned back on her hands, letting the sunlight warm her skin. "How did you even find this spot?"
Jay smiled, handing her a bottle of sparkling water. "I came across it a while back during the off-season. It's kind of my go-to when I need to clear my head."
Erin nodded, understanding. "It makes sense," she murmured, glancing around at the secluded beauty of the place. "It's so peaceful."
For a while, they just sat there, sharing stories, stealing bites of each other's food, and enjoying the rare tranquility. There was no rush, no pressure—just the sound of the waterfall, the warmth of the sun on their skin, and the way their fingers intertwined so naturally, as though they'd been doing it for years.
When the food was gone and the blanket had turned into a makeshift spot to lounge on, Erin leaned back, her head tilted toward the sky. "You were right," she said, her voice soft and content. "I needed this. No cameras, no deadlines. Just… this."
Jay turned his head to look at her, his gaze softening as he took in her relaxed expression. "You deserve it," he said simply.
A moment of comfortable silence passed before Jay reached into his bag again, pulling out a small camera. He held it up with a grin. "Okay, we need a picture of this day. You know, to remember it."
Erin sat up, brushing her hair out of her face. "I agree," she said, her green eyes sparkling as she glanced at the camera. "But no cheesy staged selfies."
Jay chuckled, adjusting the lens. "Who said anything about cheesy?" He snapped a candid shot of her before she could react, capturing the way the sunlight caught in her hair and the natural curve of her smile.
"Hey!" Erin laughed, playfully swatting at him. "Warn a girl next time."
He smirked, lowering the camera. "Why? That was perfect."
Erin rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile. She picked up her phone, setting it up on a nearby rock to use the self-timer. "Okay, let's do one together. Waterfall in the background."
Jay raised a skeptical brow. "You sure? You're the expert here."
"Oh, come on," Erin teased, adjusting the angle. "It's not rocket science. Just stand here and smile."
Jay stepped closer to her, his arm sliding around her waist as they waited for the timer to tick down. The camera clicked, capturing their laughter and easy smiles.
"Okay, now let's do one where we kiss," Erin suggested, turning to face him with a playful glint in her eyes.
Jay raised a brow, his smirk returning. "Not wasting any time, huh?"
"Not when it's this perfect," she replied softly, her fingers resting lightly on his chest.
They repositioned themselves, the camera timer counting down again. Just as the shutter clicked, Jay leaned in, capturing her lips in a kiss that was as sweet and unhurried as the day itself. The soft sound of the waterfall filled the air, but it was easy to lose themselves in the moment.
When they finally pulled back, Erin rested her forehead against his, her fingers lightly tracing the line of his jaw. "That was better than any staged shot, don't you think?"
Jay smiled, his voice low and warm. "Yeah," he agreed. "Definitely."
They reviewed the photos together, laughing at some of the sillier shots but lingering on the ones that captured the essence of the day. One in particular stood out—Erin looking up at Jay, her eyes bright with happiness, while he gazed down at her like she was the only thing in the world.
"These are perfect," Erin said softly, her voice filled with quiet awe. And they were. Because they weren't just pictures—they were memories of a moment neither of them would ever forget.
"Yeah," Jay said, glancing down at the photos with a soft look, his smile genuine and warm. He scanned the images once more before his gaze flicked up to Erin, a quiet admiration in his eyes. His fingers hovered over his phone for a moment, uncertain. He had never been one to share much on social media, keeping most of his life private, but this felt different—different in a way that made him want to share it with the world.
This wasn't just a picture, it was a part of them, a moment they'd created, and for the first time, he felt ready to stop hiding it.
Erin, sensing the change, raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a playful smile. "What are you thinking?" she asked, her voice light, though there was a hint of curiosity.
Jay met her gaze, his expression a mix of confidence and something else—something deeper. "Let's make this offiical," he said softly, taking the phone from her hands.
He wasn't asking, not really. It was as if the decision had already been made in his mind, and now, he was just following through, and as he saw her wide smile, he knew she was more than happy about his idea.
Erin chuckled and tilted her head to one side, studying him for a moment. "Okay, but I'm watching you," she teased, leaning back against the blanket, her eyes twinkling with amusement. She was suddenly more aware of the weight of the moment, the quiet anticipation hanging between them.
Jay shot her a playful smirk, then focused on the phone, his fingers moving with intention over the screen. He wasn't one for long captions or over-the-top declarations. It was never his style. What he wanted, what felt right, was something simple, something raw. He typed out the words, and as he did, it felt like a weight lifting off his shoulders. It wasn't just a photo—it was an announcement of sorts, a small declaration of what they had without making a spectacle of it.
Finally, he hit "Post" and handed the phone back to her, his fingers lingering for just a second longer than necessary.
Erin glanced down at the caption, her breath catching for a moment. It was simple, almost understated, but it said everything she needed to hear.
Just us.
A warmth spread through her chest, and she couldn't help but smile, her heart swelling with affection. It wasn't a flashy statement, but it felt like the truth. It was a reflection of what they shared—what they were starting to share—and it felt more real than anything she could have imagined. "I think that's about as official as it gets," she said, looking up at him, her smile soft but genuine.
Jay pulled her close then, his arm wrapping around her shoulders, and for a moment, everything felt just right. "You're damn right," he said with a grin, his voice steady but filled with a sense of pride. "And if anyone has a problem with it, well… they'll have to deal with it."
Erin laughed, a low, relieved sound, and leaned into him. She rested her head on his shoulder, the rhythm of his heartbeat a steady, comforting presence. They stood there for a moment longer, taking in the scene before them, the quiet beauty of the waterfall and the peacefulness that had settled around them.
It wasn't just the perfect day—it was something more. It was the start of something real, something that felt solid, and it filled her with a sense of contentment she hadn't realized she was missing.
The drive back was quieter, the kind of quiet that only felt right after a perfect day. The setting sun cast a golden light over the road, and the radio played a few old songs, the familiar tunes drifting through the car like a soundtrack to their moment. The wind from the open windows ruffled Erin's hair, and the world outside seemed distant—far away from the noise, the expectations, and the distractions they were both used to.
Erin's breath caught in her throat as she glanced at the phone once more, and Jay couldn't help but notice the sudden shift in her demeanor. Her fingers tightened around the seatbelt, and her gaze flickered nervously between the phone and the passing scenery. Her lips parted as if she wanted to say something, but no words came out immediately.
Jay frowned, sensing the change in her. "Er?" he asked, his voice soft but concerned. "What's wrong?"
Her voice trembled slightly when she finally spoke, and Jay's stomach dropped at the panic in her tone. "Our friends. Your team. My family…" Her words came out in a rush, each one tinged with panic. "They'll see the photo with zero forewarning from us." She passed her hand through her hair, her movements anxious. "God, we're horrible. We should've talked about this first. We should've—"
"Erin," Jay interrupted, his voice calm but firm. He reached out instinctively, his hand finding her knee, offering her a grounding touch. The simple contact was meant to comfort, to steady her. He didn't want her to spiral, not over something like this. "Can you calm down, please?" He asked gently, but there was a note of concern that crept into his voice.
But Erin didn't seem to hear him. Her breath came in short, panicked bursts, her eyes darting between the phone and the window as if she was seeing a thousand possible scenarios play out in her mind. Jay's own heartbeat picked up, though for a different reason entirely. He hated seeing her like this—so overwhelmed, so out of control. It wasn't something she was used to, and it certainly wasn't something he wanted for her.
"Do I need to pull over?" Jay asked, his grip tightening around the wheel, his voice low and steady. His gaze flicked to her quickly, a flash of concern in his eyes.
Erin shook her head quickly, her chest rising and falling with every frantic breath she took.
"I'll pull over," Jay said firmly, not waiting for her to respond. He guided the car smoothly to the shoulder of the road, the soft glow of the setting sun casting its warm hues across the windshield and over their quiet moment.
"Jay, no, we're fine,you dont have to," Erin protested, but Jay was already shutting off the engine and turning to face her.
"Er," he interrupted, his voice gentle but resolute as he reached over, taking her hand and pulling it away from her tangled hair. "Breathe. Just take a second."
Erin exhaled sharply, a shaky breath leaving her as she rubbed her face with the back of her free hand. "They're going to freak out, Jay," she muttered, her eyes filled with worry. "Kim's going to call me in five minutes demanding answers, and your brother—"
"Will already texted me," Jay cut her off with a calmness that seemed to settle the air between them. "And Antonio. Ruzek. Kevin. They're fine, Er. No one's mad or blindsided—they're just… curious. Maybe a little excited, but that's it. It's nothing you need to freak out over."
Erin frowned, unconvinced, her gaze flickering to the phone in her lap. "You don't know my family, Jay. They're… overprotective. And my dad? He's going to be furious I haven't told him anything. Justin—"
Jay leaned in slightly, tilting his head as he studied her with gentle curiosity. "Your dad?" he asked, his thumb rubbing small, soothing circles on the back of her hand. "Okay, so I haven't met him yet, but from what you've told me… he sounds intense. Maybe a little scary?"
Erin couldn't help but let out a shaky laugh, her head falling back against the headrest with a defeated sigh. "That's putting it lightly. He's… scary-level overprotective, Jay. And Justin's not much better. They're both going to think I should've told them about us first—before the whole world found out."
Jay was quiet for a moment, letting her words sink in, before his brow furrowed slightly as he considered her concerns. "I get that, Er. I do. But you're not a kid anymore. You're a grown woman, a bestselling author. You don't need to ask for anyone's permission to live your life."
Erin's gaze softened, but her lips pressed into a thin line. "You're forgetting that Voight's still a sergeant," she said, her voice almost matter-of-fact. "He could probably make you disappear if he wanted to."
Jay let out a low chuckle, shaking his head in amusement. "Okay, fair point. I'll give you that." He smiled, the tension easing from his shoulders. "But Er, if I can survive getting sacked by 300-pound linemen every Sunday, I think I can handle meeting your dad… eventually."
"Eventually?" Erin raised an eyebrow at him, a mix of disbelief and amusement flashing across her face.
Jay smirked, his eyes twinkling with that familiar confidence. "Yeah, eventually. You're not dragging me into the lion's den tonight. But when the time's right, I'll meet him. And Justin too. And if they've got questions or concerns, I'll answer them. I'm not going anywhere, Erin. You can count on that."
Erin stared at him, her breath slowing as the panic melted away, replaced by something softer—something that felt a lot like trust. "You're really not scared, are you?"
Jay shrugged casually, a smirk spreading into a real, genuine smile. "I'm not saying I won't be nervous. But scared? Nah. As long as I've got you, I think I'll be fine."
Erin let out a breath she hadn't even realized she was holding, her shoulders relaxing in the quiet after the storm. "Okay," she said softly, her voice more at ease. "Okay. I can handle the calls and the questions. Just… promise me you'll pick up when Voight inevitably calls you to 'have a talk.'"
Jay's grin widened as he leaned back in his seat, giving her hand one last reassuring squeeze. "Deal. And when he does, I'll let you know exactly how that 'talk' goes. But I've got your back, Er. Always."
She smiled, the weight in her chest easing for the first time that day. "I think I can handle it," she murmured, her voice steady once more."Sorry for freaking out."
"Don't apologise," Jay whispered as he placed soft kiss over her lips,"I've got you."
Jay turned the key back in the ignition, the engine humming to life as the world outside seemed a little brighter now. It wasn't going to be easy, but they'd handle it. Together.
With that, they were back on the road, the orange and pink hues of the sunset stretching across the sky as they headed home. The peaceful drive was a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions Erin had just gone through, but there was a quiet sense of relief in the air now that the tension had passed.
"You know," Erin said, her voice lightening as she shifted in her seat. "My dad's a huge Bears fan. If you promise him a Super Bowl win this year, maybe he won't be as scary."
Jay chuckled, his eyes flicking to her for a moment before returning to the road. His hands were steady on the wheel, a playful glint in his eyes. "Promise him that? You think a Super Bowl win is going to get me off the hook?"
Erin smirked, raising an eyebrow. "Well, I mean, if you really want to get on his good side, I think that might just do the trick."
Jay let out a deep laugh, shaking his head as he glanced at her with a grin. "Well, in that case, I might just have to make sure we get there. All for your dad's peace of mind." He winked, his humor easing the tension between them.
As they neared the city, the familiar buildings coming into view, Erin's phone buzzed on the console between them. She glanced at the screen, her heart lurching when she saw the caller ID—her dad.
Jay noticed the immediate shift in her posture, her shoulders tensing as she stared at the phone. "You okay?" he asked softly, the concern in his voice evident as he flicked his gaze to her briefly.
Erin hesitated for a split second, her hand hovering over the phone, before she let out a slow breath. "It's my dad," she said, her voice tight with apprehension.
Jay gave her a small, understanding nod. "You got this, Er," he said, his tone gentle but steady. He reached over and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze, offering her a smile that was equal parts warmth and confidence.
Erin looked at him for a moment, the weight of everything rushing back as the nerves crept up again. But then, the steadiness of Jay's gaze, the quiet assurance he always seemed to have, helped calm the storm in her chest.
"Thanks," she whispered, offering him a small, grateful smile before she finally swiped to answer the call.
"Hey, Dad," Erin said, her voice a little steadier than she felt.
Jay watched her for a moment before turning his attention back to the road.
"Erin," Hank's voice was deeper than usual, but not as sharp as she had expected. "We need to talk."
Erin's stomach dropped, her mind instantly racing with all the worst-case scenarios, but she forced herself to stay calm. "I know, I know. We didn't exactly give you a heads-up before the photo went up…"
"Look, kid," Hank interrupted, his tone softer now, "I'm not gonna yell at you over it. You're an adult, and I know you can make your own choices. But I need you to be straight with me. This is… serious, right? No games?"
Erin glanced at Jay, his steady presence beside her a silent reassurance. He gave her an encouraging nod, and she took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment. "Yeah, it's serious, Dad. I… I care about him. A lot."
There was a pause on the other end of the line, and Erin could almost hear her dad processing her words. When he finally spoke again, his voice was softer but firm. "Well, you know I'm always looking out for you, kid. Just don't let anyone hurt you again, okay?"
Erin let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding, her shoulders relaxing as the tension began to ease. "I promise, Dad. I'm not rushing into anything, I swear."
There was another long pause, and Erin could almost feel the weight of her dad's thoughts. When he spoke again, it was quieter, almost vulnerable. "Just remember, I'm here. And don't think for a second that I won't be keeping an eye on this one."
Erin smiled, her heart warmed by his words. "I know, Dad. Thanks."
With a deep sigh, Hank added, "Now, go enjoy your day. But you better be ready to answer some questions when I see you next."
"I will. Love you, Dad."
"Love you too, kid."
Erin ended the call, feeling the weight on her chest finally lift. She exhaled deeply, her heart slowing as the conversation wrapped up. She turned to Jay, her eyes a little brighter now, a soft smile on her face. "That wasn't too bad, was it?"
"No," Erin admitted, her voice lighter than before, "I was expecting worse, to be honest."
Jay chuckled, reaching over to squeeze her hand. "Good. Because I'm not going anywhere, Erin. And I'm not letting you go either."
Erin smiled, her heart swelling at his words, a sense of peace settling in her chest. They still had a lot to figure out, but in that moment, she felt like they were on the right path.
Jay pulled into the parking lot of Erin's apartment, the hum of the engine filling the comfortable silence between them. The golden glow of the sunset had faded into a tranquil twilight, casting soft hues of purple and orange over the city, the buildings and streets bathed in the peaceful calm of the evening. He slid the car into park, his eyes flicking briefly to Erin before he turned off the engine, his smile playful as he looked over at her.
"Well, here we are," Jay said, his voice teasing, the warmth of the moment lingering in his words.
Erin unbuckled her seatbelt and turned her body slightly to face him, raising a skeptical eyebrow. "You sound a little too proud of your driving skills."
Jay chuckled, giving her a sidelong glance. "Hey, I got you here in one piece, didn't I?" He leaned a little closer, his arm casually draped over the back of her seat, his hand brushing against her hair. His gaze softened, the light in his eyes shifting as he looked at her.
"You're insufferable, Halstead," Erin shot back, but her voice couldn't hide the amusement in it, the corners of her lips curling up as she looked at him.
"And yet, you keep agreeing to spend time with me," Jay quipped, a mischievous grin stretching across his face.
Erin couldn't help but laugh, shaking her head as she leaned in to press a soft, quick kiss to his lips. The kiss was brief, sweet, but it left a warm buzz on her skin. When she pulled back, her eyes glinted with affection. "Guess I must like you or something," she teased, her voice low, almost playful.
Jay's smile softened as he stared at her, something in his chest tightening with warmth. There was something about the way she said it that made his heart skip. But before he could respond, Erin shifted, pulling the door handle and stepping out of the car. He followed quickly, rounding the vehicle and meeting her on the sidewalk, his steps purposeful, his eyes never leaving her as he caught up to her.
"You sure you're good for dinner with Kim and Annie?" Jay asked, his voice carrying the hint of concern, though there was a casualness to it. His hand brushed against hers as they walked, his fingers lingering for a second longer than necessary, a gentle reassurance.
Erin adjusted the strap of her bag on her shoulder, looking over at him with a small but genuine smile. "Yeah, I haven't seen Annie in forever, and Kim's been dying to ask me about the photo you posted. I'm bracing myself for the interrogation." She let out a small laugh, shaking her head, but the uncertainty was still there, the soft edge to her voice betraying her nerves.
Jay chuckled, a knowing smile tugging at his lips. "Good luck with that. I've got boys' night with Adam, Kev, and Mouse. I'm pretty sure I'll be getting my own round of questions." There was a lightness in his tone, but he could sense the tension still clinging to Erin. He reached out, tucking a loose strand of her hair behind her ear, his fingers brushing softly against her skin. "You've got this. Just like I will."
"Just don't let them give you too much grief," Erin said, the corner of her lips curling into a teasing grin. She looked up at him, her eyes twinkling with humor, trying to push aside the lingering anxiety.
"I can handle it," Jay assured her, his voice low, more sincere than teasing. He stepped a little closer, his proximity adding a warmth to the space between them. "You sure you don't want me to stay? I can cancel with the guys. It's not like they'd care if I bailed."
Erin shook her head, her heart swelling with affection for him. She appreciated the thought more than he probably realized, but she couldn't let him skip out on time with his friends for her sake. "No, go. Have fun with the guys. You deserve it." She paused, adjusting the strap of her bag again, but her voice softened. "I'll survive a dinner with Kim and Annie. Besides, you've earned your night off."
Jay hesitated for a second, his eyes searching hers for any sign that she might want him to stay. But he found none—only the warmth and understanding in her gaze. He leaned down then, pressing his lips to hers once again, this time slow and deliberate, savoring the moment. The kiss was longer, more tender, and when he pulled away, he kept his forehead resting against hers, his hand cupping her cheek gently.
"I'll call you later, okay?" he whispered, his voice barely above a murmur, the words feeling like a promise.
Erin smiled softly, her eyes closing for a second as she breathed in the moment. "Okay," she replied, her voice warm and steady, but with the undercurrent of something deeper—a sense of connection, of certainty. She leaned into him for a second longer, and when she pulled away, there was a quiet calm settling between them. "I'll be here," she added, the words meaning more than just the physical space.
Jay took a small step back, his hands lingering in his pockets, his gaze following her as she turned to head toward her building. She looked back once, her gaze soft, and gave him a small wave before disappearing inside.
He stood there for a moment, hands in his pockets, before heading back to his car.
Despite the night ahead with his friends, he couldn't shake the feeling that he'd already had the best part of his day.