“It’s Jericho.”
“Huh?”
“My name is Jericho. JJ stands for Jericho James. I preferred going by JJ because Franklin always called me Jericho.”
“That’s too bad because Jericho is hot.”
I grit my teeth and shake my head.Really, Miles? That’s where we’re going?
JJ chuckles. I missed the sound.
“I don’t want him to control any aspect of my life anymore, so if you want to call me Jericho, you can.”
“I don’t want to bring up bad memories or—”
“I’m actually hoping we can make new ones. Better ones.”
“Really?” The word comes out a whisper.
He lets out a long breath. “I’ve missed you, Miles. I’ve done so much reflecting and thinking. I’ve gone through the good things and bad things in my life, trying to figure out what’s healthy and what I need to let go of. And no matter what, you were never one of the things I felt I needed to let go of. I know I messed up. I know I broke your trust. But I’d really,reallylove a second chance.”
Fuck, my heart.
“You do?” I say.
“More than anything.” He clears his throat. “What are you doing tomorrow?”
“Uh, nothing,” I answer. “No plans.”
“Can we get lunch?”
“I’d really like that.”
“So would I.” I hear the smile in his voice, and it makes me smile too.
“Will you tell me about your trip?” I ask.
“Anything you want to know, I’ll tell you. How’s Noah?”
God, and he’s asking about my nephew? Ugh…
“He’s great. Thank you for talking to your friend AJ… I really appreciate you not shunning Noah.”
“I would never do that,” he says sincerely.
“Because you’re not a bad guy.”
He huffs. “Sure.”
“Although, we may have to have some words…” I say sternly but playfully.
“About what?”
“Someone at the firehouse named Sam? Or should I say…Slammy?”
“What did he do?” he asks, sounding almost protective on my behalf.
“Oh, nothing bad—other than heavily flirting with my sister.”