“This doesn’t mean anything,” I tell Jace, trying to sound serious.
He leans over and wipes the chocolate from the corner of my mouth with the pad of his thumb, looking like he’s trying to contain a smile.
“Of course not,” Jace says simply.
The guys pretend to give us space, moving to the kitchen table.
“I’m sorry, Ro,” Jace says, softly. “I shouldn’t have said any of that. I didn’t mean it.”
I look down. “Then why did you say it?” I ask in a small voice.
Jace sighs. “Because I’m scared.”
My betraying eyes glance up, seeking his. Regret spins around the grey hues.
“I’ve already lost you once, Ro. I can’t bear to lose you again,” he murmurs. “You were right. My life meant nothing to me without you and Declan in it so I drank you both away. Knowing you were out there somewhere, probably hating me for not protecting you…I couldn’t deal with it. So I drank away the pain and I lashed out at everyone who tried to help me.”
This time, Jace is the one to cast his gaze away, swallowing deeply.
Guilt hits me. “I’m sorry too. I shouldn’t have said what I did,” I say quietly.
“It was called for.” Jace smiles faintly.
I tap my fingers on the counter briefly, thinking over everything. Without breaking our eye contact, I slide the cake towards him. Jace’s eyes widen.
I’m sure he thought I’d make him grovel more but I don’t want to fight anymore. I hate being mad at him. Why hold onto the resentment? I did enough of that for three years.
His eyes search mine, seeing if I’m being serious. He must find what he needs because he quickly eats a forkful of cake.
Whenever Jace did something to really piss me off as kids to the point where I wouldn’t talk to him, he bought me cake. Or he got Helen to make it. I always ate it regardless of where it came from but he’d know I’d forgiven him when I left him a little piece. He eats it, then we’re good.
He swallows then turns my chair and steps between my legs to kiss me deeply. Mmmm, chocolate.
“I’m sorry,” he mumbles against my lips. “I love you crazy.”
“Love you wild, J,” I whisper softly.
I grab his shirt, keeping those lips on mine. He kisses me desperately, nibbling on my lip. I decide turnabouts a fair play and drag his bottom lip between my teeth before releasing it.
“I’m guessing this means everything’s okay now?” Dominic interrupts, amusement lacing his words.
Jace pouts when I pull away. I reach up and nip his bottom lip, swallowing his groan with a kiss before slumping in the stool.
“Now we’re good,” I announce. The guys chuckle.
I see Mase come up behind me out of the corner of my eye. His hand reaches for my fork and I slap it away.
I point my finger at him and say sternly, “No.”
He pouts. “Jace got some.”
“Because he’s an idiot,” I tell Mase, closing up the box but not without giving him a spoonful. Cause I’m nice like that.
Jace doesn’t bother denying it. “Word of advice guys, do not touch Rory’s forgiveness cake. I get one little bit which is heraccepting my apology but the rest of it is hers to make up for me being a dick.”
The guys don’t seem to understand that but decide to take Jace’s word for it.
I hop up and carefully place the box in the fridge.
