“I said I stayed with her friends, not that I was on the streets,” I replied, surprised by his reaction. “I was fine.” Although, I could tell by his expression that he was skeptical, which was fitting considering I was lying out of my ass. “Told you I didn’t have the best mom in theworld.”
“But you said you still talk toher?”
“Yeah, she’s better now. She’s been clean for five years, and as long as she stays that way, I’m fine with keeping her in mylife.”
“I’m sorry. No kid should have to deal withthat.”
I understood why a guy with a mom like Nance felt that way. “You mind if we change the subject? I’m having too good a night for Serena to spoil itnow.”
I could tell he was forcing his smirk, but I’d settle for that as long as we didn’t have to talk about her anymore. Didn’t want to focus on my past any more than I hadto.
“Then come on,” he pressed. “You gotta be tired. I’m beat, and you can just admit you like spending time withme.”
“Well, you’re right about me being beat. And you’re lucky you’re dealing with an arrogant fuck, because otherwise I’m not sure I’d be able to tolerate being around your bighead.”
“That sounds like a yes tome.”
It was amazing how easily I caved to him. Not only with that, but with bottoming and even just wanting to spend more time with him. “As long as you’re not expecting this ass again,” I said, and he beamed, making me that muchhappier.
Jesus Christ, what the hell was I thinking? Staying with a client for some adultsleepover?
Most guys, I was eager to hit and quit, but Jace was fun and the most no-hassle guy ever. Our whole situation was effortless pleasure. I could vividly imagine all the red flags and warning bells we’d set off, but I just couldn’t see Jace causing anydrama.
“Great! I rented this romantic comedy at Redbox that I haven’t watched yet, but I’ve had it for like aweek.”
“Is this someBridget Jones’s Diarycrap?”
A smile played on his lips. “We can switch it up, if you’dlike.”
“No, no. I want to see what Jace Kruse considers a good movie. Then I’ll run and leak that to thepress.”
Beaming, he took his empty plate and pushed to his feet. He still had on just the towel around his waist, and I appreciated the view of the V dipping beneath thematerial.
Ooh, yes, it was going to be a fun nightalright.
* * *
Jace skimmedthe local paper set on the table beside him as he devoured a stack of pancakes, not seeming to give any thought to the carb tower smothered in maple syrup that smelled so good, I was half-tempted to give up my parfait and dive in with him. Although, the way he was eating, as though he hadn’t eaten in weeks, I figured he was liable to fork anyone who tried to disturbhim.
I took a sip of my coffee, enjoying the way we’d eased into themorning.
The night with Jace had stayed totally cool. We’d finished our dinner, then headed up to his room. Keeping space between us on the bed, we watched a rom-com that wasn’t even fit for Hallmark. It was fun giving him hell about it and watching him shamelessly enjoy the tripe. And I enjoyed it simply because I was viewing it withhim.
The laid-back way we spent the night, without cuddling or any mushy stuff, assured me there weren’t any feelings coming from Jace outside of the friendship forming betweenus.
In the morning there wasn’t any weirdness. We got up and dressed, me working a bit of a walk of shame when we hit up the local diner forbreakfast.
“Big plans today?” I askedJace.
He shrugged. “Probably gonna head up to see Nance and Keeg. Hang with them some.You?”
“I’ll be reviewing the photos from the shoot yesterday and selecting the best ones to use for promo. And then your interview should be going live later today, which Carter and I will be blasting around to different newssites.”
“Is it really news if that’s what they’re talkingabout?”
“Have you watched the news these days? You might actually be more newsworthy than some of the crap they talkabout.”
My phone vibrated in my pocket, and I retrieved it to see Carter wascalling.
