Chapter 9
MIA
After my talk with Nana, I was finally able to sleep.
It wasn’t much because I’m still upset about how I left things with Jace, but at least I have a plan now.
I know at some point, he must’ve come home because his truck is in his driveway.
I wonder if he tossed and turned all night too… or if he even thought of me at all.
It doesn’t matter. I know how I feel about him, and I know what I want. If he feels even half of what I do for him, it’ll be worth staying here. And I’m determined to pursue that.
It’s still pretty early in the morning, but I need to see him. After getting dressed, I walk into the kitchen expecting to see Nana having her morning coffee and her usual breakfast. But instead, I find a basket of muffins and a note:
Boots,
Since I missed out on my nightcap, Thomas is picking me up for the early bird special (wink, wink). I made your favorite muffins for breakfast, and there’re plenty to share.
Follow your heart, baby girl. Follow it across the lawn and next door.
XOXO,
Nana
I’m slightly freaked out by her early bird innuendo, and I refuse to think about my Nana being sexually active.
Instead, I’m going to take her advice—and her muffins—and get my man.
I pick up the basket from the kitchen table and head out the back.
When I get to Jace’s front door, I suddenly find myself with a tummy full of nerves and a pair of clammy palms. I wipe them on the flowy skirt of my petal-pink sundress, then lift my fist to knock.
But just as I do, the door swings open, and the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen stands before me. For a brief moment, I can’t speak.
Jace is fresh out of the shower, his damp, dark locks tousled about his head with a few wayward strands falling onto his forehead.
His towel is folded in half and hung around his neck while he’s shirtless, displaying all that smooth, lickable skin covering his hard, firm muscles.
And those low-slung jeans, which showcase the most deliciously defined V-cut I've ever seen, essentially command my gaze to look at his cock.
“My eyes are up here, Mia.”
My lips tighten, and my cheeks heat with embarrassment. I flick my gaze up to his, and instead of his usual full, cocky smile, I see a smaller one that doesn’t quite reach his eyes. It hurts my heart to know he’s not happy, but I won’t let that deter me from why I’m here.
“I saw you walking over. You wanna come in?”
“Yeah, that’d be great. I brought you strawberry muffins.”
He holds the door and backs out of the way. My bare arm brushes across his warm chest as his fresh ocean scent fills my nose. I want him so badly I can almost taste it.
“Strawberry’s my favorite.”
“Mine too. Guess we’re perfect for each other, then, huh?” I follow him to his living room and take a seat on the couch, setting the muffins on the coffee table.
“We are, baby.” He props his thigh on the cushion between us so he can face me. “I'm glad you came back.”
At the same time, I say, “I need to tell you something.” We both smile as nervous tension fills the air.
“I know it’s customary to let the lady speak first, but do you mind? Just this once?”
“Well, I—“ He tilts his head and gives me an adorable puppy face. I roll my eyes, but there’s no way I can say no to him. “Go ahead, but it better be good.”
He reaches for my hand and laces our fingers together. “I’m sorry, Mia. I was a fucking asshole, and I’m sorry.”
I feel my eyebrows lift in shock, but I don’t interrupt him.
“I did exactly what your mother does, and I tried to make you live the way I thought you should. But I just want you to be happy. It’s your life, baby. And I want to be a part of it… if you’ll let me.”
“I… I wasn’t expecting that.” I’m stunned by his apology, and though I’m grateful, it’s entirely unnecessary.
“I shouldn’t have left last night, but I was afraid to lose you. Then, while driving around like an idiot, I realized I just couldn’t let you go. I’ve wanted you for so long, and now that I have you, I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you. You’re mine, Mia.”
“I am?”
“Fuck yeah, you are. Atlanta’s only two hours away. I can see you every off day. And you can come here on the weekends. We can make it work, baby.” He cups my face with his hand, and I lean into it.
“Well, this was easier than I thought it would be.” I smile at him as he caresses my cheek with his thumb.
“What do you mean?”
“What if I told you I’m sorry too? That I know you meant well and that you care about me?” He drops his hand and shakes his head.
“I’m not being very clear, Mia. I’m falling in love with you, honey.”
“That’s good, Jace. Because I’m falling in love with you too. And I've decided I’m staying.”
“Fuck.” Jace moves so fast that I barely have a second to blink.
He hauls me to his lap, forcing me to straddle his waist, and pulls my mouth down to his.
His kiss is searing, like he’s branding himself on my soul, and I know I’ll never get enough of this.
Of him. Of us. We finally come up for air, and he rests his forehead against mine, both of us dragging in lungfuls of air.
“I do love you, baby. I promise I’m gonna make you happy that you stayed.”
“I love you too. But I will have to go to Atlanta, you know, to get everything sorted. Then I’ll be right back here, with you, where I belong. Where I’ve always belonged.”
We both close our eyes and savor this moment between us. Finally, when I feel his lips on the tip of my nose, I open my eyes and find him grinning at me.
“Wanna know where I belong?” A hint of wickedness flashes in his eyes.
“Oh yeah? Where’s that?” He lifts his hips in response, and I feel his lengthening cock grind into my panty-covered pussy. “Oh? You belong in there, do you?”
“Fuck yeah. Lemme show you. Hold on tight, baby.”
He embraces me and stands as I lock my legs around his waist. We’re in his bedroom in no time, and he has me undressed, lying on the mattress and writhing with anticipation. He strips and joins me on the bed, worshiping my body and showering me with touches and kisses.
He leans over me and looks into my eyes. “You’re everything to me, Mia.”
“Show me, Jace.” He slowly, softly kisses my lips.
“My pleasure, baby. Or better yet, I’ll make it yours.”