Professor Feelgood (Page 80)

I raise my eyebrows. “Well, if you ever want me to introduce you to a fantastic man who’d treat you like a queen, let me know. Eden’s boss is a total catch, and I know you two would get on like a house on fire.”

She smiles. “You have me intrigued. We’ll talk about it more next week, but right now, I have to get home. I have an incredible book to get ready for publication.”

After she bids us goodnight, Jake pulls me into his arms, and we sway to the music. I smile when I see Mom’s ring glinting on my finger in the low light.

“Nan gave you this?” I ask.

He rests his cheek on the top of my head. “Yes, when I asked permission for your hand. She told me she always knew I’d end up with it someday. Do you think Eden minds? It probably should have gone to her.”

I gaze over at Eden who’s beyond blissed-out dancing in Max’s arms. “I think Eden’s just happy we’re happy.” She sees me looking at her and smiles, and I smile back. In this moment, I think the world’s happiest people are right here on this rooftop. Even Toby and Joanna look cozy.

I look up at Jake, and his expression confirms my suspicions.

“I love you,” I say, so only he can hear. “Thank you for choosing me.”

He leans down and brushes his lips over mine. “Loving you isn’t a choice. It’s who I am. Don’t you know that by now?”

We keep dancing as we kiss, and I realize that loving Jake will never cease to thrill me to my core. He’s like a thunderstorm and the sweet calm that follows. He’s a blazing fire, as well as the smoldering coals. And even when what I feel for him shakes me to my very foundation, I know one thing for certain: I could read every romance novel on earth and still not find a tale as compelling, satisfying, and passionate as the one I’m living.

The story of us.