“Come on, I was out late last night. I need caffeine before I head to the store to pick up the laundry list of shit Colt sent me to come get in town,” he pleaded.
“Stay out too late at the bar, throwing back shots while some chick grinded on your lap?”
“No, actually. I stayed up late, sitting in my truck, watching some fiery redhead paint on her coffee shop window so I could make sure nobody messed with her and she got home safely.”
Oh.
For once in my life, I was speechless, the surprise clearly written all over my face.
Just then, Ellie walked up behind me, unlocking the door. “I told you he wasn’t so bad,” she whispered in my ear.
“That’s creepy.”
“That’s sweet, and you know it,” she said as Jace walked through the door.
Tomato, tomahto.
“So you’ve resorted to stalking?” I teased, trying to bait him.
“Call it what you want to, sugar, but the way I see it, I was just being a gentleman trying to make sure someone I care about stayed safe. I’d do the same for Ellie or Molly.” He walked up to the counter, scanning the menu on the wall as if what he’d done was no big deal.
“Molly’s your sister, and in a matter of weeks, Ellie will be your sister-in-law. I’m just some girl you know.”
“And yet, I still care enough to make sure you’re safe. I know what you think of me, but contrary to what that brain in yourcute little head tells you, I’m a decent guy,” he said nonchalantly, pulling out his wallet.
I couldn’t even look in Ellie’s direction because she was probably over in the corner, googly-eyed, loving every second of this. Ellie was a hopeless romantic. I wasn’t.
Love made people vulnerable, and I wasn’t willing to be vulnerable anymore. I’d had my heart broken too many times from wearing it on my sleeve—though less by men and more by my own blood. Like all the times my mom said she was going to get clean but quickly broke her promises. Or all the times I sat home at night, hoping my dad would change his mind and come back to his family. Wishful thinking got me nowhere.
“I’ll take a black coffee, two creams, please,” Jace said, handing over a wrinkly ten-dollar bill.
“What? No sugar?” I asked, not really sure why I was sparking up a conversation with him.
“I like to get my sugar from other sources,” he joked, winking at me.
I rolled my eyes and started making his coffee. The faster I finished his order, the faster he would leave.
“So I’ve been thinking,” he started.
“About?” God only knew what would come out of his mouth next.
“How you can make it up to me for breaking my foot.”
“If it involves sexual favors, just know I’m not above throwing this hot cup of coffee on you, McKinley. Choose your next words very carefully,” I warned, giving him a sharp look.
“Easy, tiger. Not even close,” he said, chuckling under his breath. “Actually, I want you to come with me to the Grizzlies game this weekend. Nothing wild, just football, fun, and a friend. How does that sound?”
I paused.
I couldn’t believe Jace was going that easy on me for breaking his actual bone. A football game? I could do that. There had to be a catch.
“If I go, that’s it? I don’t owe you anything afterwards. I go to one football game with you, and we’re even?” I asked, trying not to sound happy about my “punishment.”
“Yup. Easy as that,” he said, grabbing his coffee cup off the counter, bringing it to his lips.
I eyed him for a few seconds longer, waiting on him to sneak in something else. He didn’t.
“Deal,” I said, extending my hand for a handshake to solidify our imaginary contract.
