“That’s the plan,” I say with a wink.
A ghost of a smile dances across his lips and he slowly nods. “I really hope you do.” He glances over his shoulder as headlights flash against the side of the barn. “Is that Jace?”
My heart skips a beat and I fight off the urge to look at his truck as he drives it down the lane.
“Yeah,” Noah says.
Turning in my seat, I focus my attention on Natalie. “I’m so glad you were able to come by and hangout too.” The sound of Jace’s engine rumbles and then it stops.
“I’m so glad you asked,” she says, adjusting in her seat. “I’ve been so busy trying to manage things for Aunt Maggie. It’s been great, but it’s been a lot.”
“If there’s anything I can do, please let me know.”
“Oh, no,” she says, waving her hand dismissively. “You have enough of your own stuff going on.” She smiles. “This is helpful enough.”
“Well, then I’m glad to help.”
A car door slams shut. “I’m going to put these in the fridge,” Jace’s voice cuts through the dark. My stomach flips and I glance over my shoulder as he lifts a case of drinks into the air.
“Do you want anything to drink?” I ask Natalie. “We have water, beer, I think there are some hard seltzers and wine too.”
“I’d love a glass of wine,” she says as she holds out the container for my brothers to each take another cookie.
“I can get it for her,” Noah offers as he pokes the fire and chews on another cookie.
“I got it,” I say a little too quickly as I get up from my seat. “I need to use the restroom, fill my drink, and switch the laundry over anyway.” I look at Natalie. “Are you okay if I run inside?”
My brothers are harmless, but she doesn’t know either of them and I don’t want her to feel uncomfortable with two strangers.
“Of course,” she says, nodding her head as the corners of her mouth twitch. “My aunt speaks so highly of your brothers, so if she trusts them, it must be with good reason.” She lifts an eyebrow. “Plus, you’re coming back, right?”
A chuckle escapes me and I bob my head. “Of course! I’ll be back out in a few minutes.”
Clutching my wine glass, I cross the yard. Jace is ahead of me as he climbs the steps to the front porch. He pulls open the door and glances over his shoulder, his eyes meeting mine as the soles of my shoes hit the walkway that leads to the steps.
His lips part slightly, a smirk tugging on his lips as mischief dances in his eyes.
And then he disappears inside.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
WILLOW
My heart thrums harder inside my chest when I make my way into the kitchen expecting to find Jace, but he’s not here. The case of hard seltzers he was carrying sits on top of the counter, but there isn’t a sign of him anywhere.
“Jace?”
All I’m met with is silence. Confusion washes over me and my bladder screams in protest. Leaving my wine glass on the counter, I head over to the bathroom and slip inside to relieve myself. I pump some soap onto my hands, working it into a lather under the water as I stare back at myself in the mirror.
My hair is pulled back in a high ponytail and my cheeks are flushed from the cold air outside and the contrasting warmth in the house. As I finish washing and drying my hands, my mind drifts back to Jace.
I know he’s in the house somewhere, but where the hell is he?
Hanging the hand towel up, I twist the lock on the door knob and glance down at my feet, noticing a small hole in my sock as I pull the door open. Someone steps into the doorway, blocking the opening.
A gasp escapes me as my eyes lift, scanning the body in front of me. “Jace!” I swat playfully at his chest. “You scared me!”
Jace stares down at me, hunger in his gaze. He steps closer, pushing into my space. His eyes bounce back and forth between mine as he backs me into the bathroom. Once we’re far enough in, he tips the door with his foot and pushes it shut.
