I’m acutely aware of how close he is, even in my drunken haze. My movements are deliberately slow as I turn back around to face the bar. Heat radiates from his arm as he shifts his weight, leaning closer.
The silence stretches between us and I study his drink as the bartender sets it in front of him. Jace extends his arm, the cool air in the bar replacing his warmth as he pulls it closer, lifting it to his lips to take a sip. I can’t quite tell what it is, but I know it’s not his normal choice of beer that I’ve seen him with in the past.
“What are you drinking?” I ask as my curiosity gets the better of me. “I always thought you were more of a beer guy.”
He turns to look at me, his tongue darting out to catch every drop of moisture from his lips as his eyes meet mine. The corners of his mouth lift. “I am.” He pauses, lowering his glass onto the bar. “It’s just soda.”
My eyebrow lifts. “Really?”
He slowly nods. “How did you guys get here?”
“I drove.”
“I’ll drive you both home.” He didn’t even hesitate.
My eyes widen slightly before I lower my brows. “That’s okay, you don’t have to do that.”
I don’t know why I say those stupid words. He doesn’t have to do it, but it would be greatly appreciated. Mia and I are both in no condition to drive and I really don’t feel like calling one of my brothers instead.
“Yeah, I know, but I’m going to.”
Pushing my own drink to the side, I grab my water a little faster than I intend and some of the liquid splashes out over the edge. A chuckle rumbles in Jace’s chest and I blow out a breath that starts out as frustration and a little embarrassment, but quickly dissolves into laughter.
Turning in my seat, I angle my body so I’m half facing him. I take a sip of the ice cold liquid, feeling the coolness as it slides down my throat. Jace stares down at his own drink and I take the moment to drinkhimin.
His jaw is sharp and defined, a perfect straight line from his neck to his chin. He was blessed with not sustaining any damage to his nose while playing hockey and my eyes trail along the other angled line. The tip bends up, just subtly.
He looks like he was handcrafted and hand carved by one of the most skilled sculptures in history.
“You’re staring, Willow,” he rasps, his voice hoarse as he turns to look at me. Even in my drunken haze, I don’t miss the embers burning in his gaze.
A shiver trails down my spine. “Do you want me to stop?”
His stare is so intense, it ignites the fire in me. “No.”
My gaze doesn’t leave his, even as my heart pounds erratically inside my chest. “You know, I wasn’t so sure you’d come out tonight.”
“Why’s that?”
A simple shrug lifts my shoulder. “I—” I pause, relaxing on a big exhale. “Why would you?”
His eyebrows furrow and tug downward, his body shifting as he slowly leans closer. “I’ll always come find you, Willow.” His gaze drifts down to my mouth. “You know, I’ve always told myself that I’d never?—”
A soft, warm body collides with my arm, catching me off guard and breaking the moment. A gasp escapes me and I turn to look at Mia now leaning against me.
“Oh my god,” Mia says, slurring her words as she tips her head onto my shoulder. “Can we go? I don’t mean to be the one who ruins the night, but I think I’ve had too much to drink and I know when it’s time to go to bed.”
Jace chuckles, not missing a beat as he throws a hundred dollar bill on the bar and rises to his feet. “Let’s get you guys home.” He reaches for Mia, pausing as his eyes search her face. “Can I help you?”
A lazy smile lifts her lips. “Please,” she laughs quietly, her eyes shut. “My feet don’t want to cooperate.”
Clearly, I’m not as drunk as her and I’m able to maintain composure on my feet. Jace helps Mia out of the bar and I stay on her other side, just in case. My legs aren’t as steady as I wish they would be and I can’t tell if it’s from the alcohol or the way Jace keeps looking at me over the top of my best friend’s head.
Like there’s so much he still wants to say.
And I want to hear whatever it is.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
