Chapter 13
YARA
“Did you have a nice time with Bea?”
Ace smiles at me from the open doorway of his apartment as I approach.
His gaze moves up and down my body, quickly assessing.
A moment later—after determining I haven’t suffered some sort of traumatic injury since the last time he saw me, I’m guessing—the last of the worry fades from his eyes, and his smile expands.
Given that I only walked from the backyard to here, roughly a five-minute trip, there wasn’t much chance of running into any trouble. But I’ll admit, it feels nice knowing he was worried about me. To excess, for sure, but it’s nice just the same.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise, really, that Ace is about as protective as they come. Most of the guys I worked with in the Army were naturally protective—I think it’s part of what made them want to join Special Forces—but Ace takes it to another level.
Or maybe it’s because I’m his girlfriend now, and not just a friend or a fellow soldier. And maybe that’s why I’m learning to accept his overprotectiveness instead of pushing back against it.
As I head down the hallway towards him, I ask teasingly, “Were you watching for me?”
The faintest hint of pink colors his cheeks. “What do you mean?”
“Well.” My lips curve up of their own volition. “I’m not sure how else you’d know I was coming back from Bea and Indy’s. Unless you’ve been standing here for the last”—I glance at my watch—“two hours. Which would be pretty boring, if you ask me.”
That’s how long I was visiting with Bea, out at the little house she shares with Indy right on the property. Indy used to have an apartment in the main building, like Ace, but once Indy and Bea got together, they decided to build a cottage in the backyard for some added privacy.
Well, maybe backyard isn’t quite the right word for it, considering the Shadow Team HQ is located on over ten acres. And their house is tucked into the woods, so when you’re there, it feels more like you’re out in the wilderness than just a few minutes’ walk from the main building.
Personally, I like Ace’s apartment better.
I like being right in the center of everything, with all the conveniences like the gym and the home theater only steps away.
And I’ll admit, I feel safer here. I never used to think about stuff like that, but after everything that happened in Iran, my personal safety became more of a concern.
And now? After I was attacked in my own house? Held hostage right in my basement? I’m not sure I’ll ever feel safe going back there again.
I know I’ll have to get past it. I can’t stay at Blade and Arrow forever, after all.
Five days out from the attack, I’m already feeling a lot better.
And I have work to get back to. Projects to check up on in person, instead of just virtually.
Plus, I’m sure Ace doesn’t want me staying with him indefinitely.
That implies a level of commitment I’m not sure we’re at yet.
Would I like it if we were?
Maybe.
Okay, probably.
Something I’ve discovered while staying in Ace’s apartment is that I really, really like spending time with him.
I like all the little parts of the day, like sharing coffee before he heads to the gym and making dinner together—well, he cooks, and I help—and snuggling on the couch in the evening while we watch BattleBots or Ancient Aliens.
It’s a different dynamic than regular dating, when you only share the polished part of yourself at first. You don’t show up to a date in baggy sweats and a makeup-free face. You edit yourself, so you make the best impression.
But staying here with Ace, it’s different.
He sees me in my most natural state—unvarnished and sometimes more vulnerable than I’d like.
He sits with me at three AM after I have a nightmare.
He insists on cleaning my cuts and replacing the bandages.
He wiped my freaking nose with his sleeve when I was all snotty after crying without missing a beat.
Things like that make me feel like I wouldn’t mind staying.
“I wasn’t standing in the hallway the entire time,” Ace replies. “I agree. That would be boring.”
“Did you look on the security cameras?”
He shakes his head. “No. We don’t use the interior cameras unless there’s an emergency.” Then he ducks his head, like he’s embarrassed. “I asked Bea to text me when you left. I know it’s silly.”
“It’s not silly. It’s nice.” I meet Ace at the doorway, and he pulls me into his arms. His body envelops mine, surrounding me with reassuring strength and solidity. His warmth seeps into me, chasing away the last of the chill from outside.
As I lean against him, hugging him back, he dips his head to kiss me. I part my lips for him, and he kisses me more deeply, stroking my tongue with his. He tastes of sugar and chocolate with a hint of cinnamon, and when we break apart, I ask, “Have you been eating s’mores cookies?”
He grins, and his eyes crinkle up at the corners, erasing years from his features. “Maybe.”
“Did you go to the bakery in Williston?”
Ace kisses me again. And yup, he definitely tastes like s’mores cookies.
“I didn’t go,” he replies. “Webb and Noelle did. They brought some back while you were at Bea’s.”
He shifts me to his side, still keeping his arm around me. We walk inside his apartment, and he shuts and locks the door behind us. “Did you save me any cookies?” I tease. “Or did you eat them all already?”
With a look of mock offense, he says, “Of course not. I had one—actually, two—but there are still twenty-two left over for you.”
“Twenty-two?” I laugh. “I think twenty-two might be a bit much. Then I really would need to get back to my regular workout routine. I’m already falling behind.”
Ace takes my hand and takes a few steps away from me. His gaze moves up and down my body, but it’s with appreciation this time. Desire flares in his eyes. “You look perfect, Yara. Whether you eat twenty cookies or two hundred, or you work out five minutes a day or fifty.”
“Not likely if I eat two hundred cookies.”
“Yes. Even then.” An earnest expression crosses his face. “I’ve never seen anyone as beautiful as you. Inside and out. Nothing could change that.”
My heart squeezes. “Ace.”
“I mean it,” he insists. “I always thought you were gorgeous. Even when I didn’t think—” He stops. “Well. Anyway. You can eat as many cookies as you want. And if you’d like more, I’ll go out and get them for you.”
I’m curious what he was about to say, but I decide not to push it. Not now, at least. But there’s something I think Ace isn’t telling me—nothing horrible, I don’t think—but over the last few days, I’ve definitely gotten the feeling something’s bothering him.
Part of it comes from little half-statements, like the one he just said.
Brief references to not thinking things could work out between us, or that he never expected we’d end up dating.
But it’s not just that. It’s some of the things he does, like triple-checking the locks every night and asking me at least ten times a day if I’m really, really sure I’m feeling okay.
It’s the way he cleans the kitchen counters even when they’re spotless and never seems to sleep, no matter what time it is.
I wish he’d just tell me, but of all people, I understand that opening up about something deeply personal isn’t an easy thing. Especially when you’re used to keeping your emotions locked down. But whenever he is ready, I’ll be here for him.
“Maybe we can go together,” I suggest. “To Williston, I mean.”
“For more cookies?” Ace asks.
“Just to walk around. Explore. I’ve heard you guys talk about how nice of a town it is, but I’ve never actually been there.
I’d like to see the diner where Noelle worked.
And the theater she runs. The town park—Bea mentioned they do all sorts of stuff for the holidays, and I thought it might be fun to take a look. ”
Ace looks at me in surprise. “I didn’t think you were interested in celebrating the holidays.
” A beat later, he flushes. “Shit. I didn’t mean it like that.
I just… You said you stay home for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
And you didn’t seem interested when I asked you to celebrate with us here. But I shouldn’t assume—”
“No, you’re right.” Threading my fingers through his, I give his hand a small squeeze. “The last few years, I have avoided the holidays. I send gifts because… well, because I feel obligated to. But I haven’t done anything beyond that.”
Sympathy softens his expression. “Do you want to tell me about it?”
My chest tightens. But instead of deflecting, I decide to tell him the truth.
“It’s not some big, dramatic story or anything.
Holidays were always tough after I lost my parents.
But I had my team, and we always did something to celebrate.
Little things, like exchanging gag gifts or ordering Chinese on Christmas Eve.
But after my team fell apart and we lost—”
My throat thickens. “The rest of us all split up,” I continue. “Everyone has their own life now. It’s not the same anymore. And I guess… I thought celebrating again would make the losses hurt even more.”
“Tink.” Ace strokes my cheek. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.”
“It’s fine. I want you to know. And honestly, being here, seeing all the decorations going up, it makes me want to try celebrating again.”
“We can go to Williston,” he replies quickly. “I’ll see what’s going on this weekend. And you know you’re welcome here for Thanksgiving. And Christmas.” An almost shy smile curves his lips. “You’re welcome anytime. All the time, really.”
My heart squeezes again.
“So,” Ace adds. “You never answered my question. Did you have a nice time with Bea?”
“Oh, yes. She showed me all the stuff they’ve added to the house, like the outdoor hot tub and the three-season porch. Plus, I got to play with their new kitten. And we talked about doing a movie night with Eden and Noelle sometime soon.”
Interest sparks. “You like hot tubs?”