His reply had a smile pulling at the corners of my lips. “You did?”
He nodded and started to smile, too. “Oh, she’s pleased with that.”
“I’m just happy to hear that Laura didn’t get her way on at least one occasion in her life. The woman is a terror. She has all the parents petrified of stepping out of line. Last year, one parent tried suggesting a tracksuit version of the school uniform that the kids could wear to be more comfortable if they chose. His daughter has autism, and wearing the full uniform was causing difficulties. Laura launched a massive campaign against the suggestion, and the father was beaten into submission, metaphorically speaking.”
His smile faded as he studied me. “That’s messed up. She ever try that kind of shit with you?”
I shook my head. “I make sure to stay in my lane and avoid her. I also keep my distance from the parents’ association. They’re not my kind of people, plus they’re all super nosy and know that my ex-husband is a famous rockstar.” I waggled my eyebrows at him, and he laughed. “If I went to their meetings, they’d just use it as an opportunity to grill me about you and the rest of the band.”
Jace frowned. “I’m sorry you have to do that because of me.”
I shrugged. “I don’t mind. Even if it weren’t for you being Zara’s dad, I’d still avoid them.”
“Well, parents’ association aside, it seems like a great school, and Zara has tons of friends.”
“It is. She loves it there.”
A small quiet fell, and we simply stood, a few feet between us, before I remembered I needed to ask a favour. Normally, I’d ask it of his mother, but since Jace and I were now dealing with one another directly, I’d have to make the request of him instead.
“Are you free on Sunday morning?” I asked. “I was wondering if you could take Zara for a couple hours?”
“Yeah, I’m free.”
“Good. I’ll walk her over to your parents’ house around ten.”
I thought he might make a move to leave but instead he asked, “What’s happening on Sunday? Got a hot date?”
I knew he was only teasing, but my cheeks chose that exact moment to turn bright red, giving me away entirely. Jace’s expression flattened while he studied me, and I decided to be honest, “Yes, actually. A first date. We’re meeting for coffee.”
“I see,” he continued staring at me, and the tension became almost unbearable before he went on, “Who’s the lucky guy?”
I swallowed thickly. “His name is Rufus, and he’s a web developer, same as me, so I’m hoping we’ll have a bit in common.”
His flat expression morphed into something harder. “Right, well, that’s great. I hope the two of you hit it off.” I almost laughed because his tone said the opposite. It said,I hope the two of you have zero chemistry and hate each other’s guts.
“Jace, I haven’t dated since the divorce. This is my first attempt at putting myself out there, and I’d really like it if you could be happy for me. It’s lonely being single.”
“So that’s the reason you’re going on a date? Because of loneliness?”
“Well, sure, and I am a woman. I have needs.” Did I really just say that? I must’ve been more exhausted than usual.
He stared at me for a long,longmoment. “You have needs.” A statement, not a question. He tapped his fingers against his arm, eyes lasering into me.
“Yes, Jace,needsjust like every other human being on the planet. I don’t want to be alone forever and—”
“Let me take care of them for you,” he blurted, and I stared at him in open-mouthed shock.
“Pardon?” I whispered.
He closed the distance between us, and I hitched a sharp breath when he reached out and tucked an errant strand of hair behind my ear. Shivers skittered across the back of my neck.
“I said, let me take care of you. If you have needs, use me to satisfy them. I’ll happily volunteer.”
The gravel in his voice had my insides in a tailspin. I honestly couldn’t believe what he was suggesting. It was completely outrageous. I opened my mouth to respond, but no sound came out. I didn’t know what to say.
“We’re divorced, Jace,” I finally managed.
He gave a flat chuckle. “And no divorced couple has ever had sex again once the papers were signed?” He moved even closer, so close I could feel the heat of him. He was so sexy, everything I’d ever found attractive in a man right there in front of me offering himself up. But he’d also hurt me like no one else, and I refused to put myself at his mercy ever again.
