Page 28 of Until Ace

I’ve felt happiness and even glimpses of joy.

But never in my life have I witnessed something I know will stay with me for the rest of my life and be a most-precious memory.

Until now.

Until Ace laughed.

But his laughter soon dies down, he straightens his head, and after a few chuckles, he says, “You don’t scare me, Mandy. Your bitch act won’t work on me.”

Gone is the serenity his laugh produced in me, and all that’s left is pure, unadulterated panic.

“Besides, you yourself just told me it’s all an act.” He comes even closer. Then he whispers, “And, baby, even if it weren’t, I can’t deny this pull you have over me. It’s like you have your hand around my heart and refuse to let it go.”

I can’t breathe. There's a high-pitched tone echoing in my ears, and stars are flashing in the corners of my vision.

He feels it too?

This intense need to be near him?

But that’s… that’s crazy.

How could that be?

“I know you feel it too,” he purrs, watching me closely for any reaction.

It’s a good thing I excel at my job, since it’s given me the ability to hide my true feelings and put on a mask.

He told me he sees right through me. Still, I give it my best shot and say once again, “You need to let me go.”

“There’s nothing you could do that would get me to let you go.” He’s quick to refuse me. “Not even when you’re giving what I’m guessing is your best cold princess performance.”

“You don’t know that. You don’t even know me.” I try a different tactic and go with reason. Maybe that will set him straight and make him leave.

“I know what I need to know.” With each word, he comes even closer. Soon, there will be no space left between us.

“I bet if I kissed you right now, it would be… phenomenal and leave no room for all that doubt that’s clouding your mind,” he muses. “Still, you’re right. We don’t know each other, and that’s why I’m picking you up tonight at seven and we’re going out.”

After delivering his demand, a demand I both want to comply with and run away from, he steps back, taking all that’s warm and wonderful in the world with him.

“Out?” I croak. I was so lost in his proximity, hoping he would kiss me, that the loss of his body warmth feels like a blow to my stomach.

“Yes, out.” He pulls his shades from where they were hanging from his shirt’s neckline and puts them on. Giving me a half smile, he walks past me and throws his parting shot. “I’ll text, and you’ll answer. And Mandy?”

I turn, trailing him as he walks.

“Don’t even think about saying no or hiding. I’ll find you.”

And then, just as suddenly as he appeared, he’s gone, leaving me at a total loss for what to say and how to handle this situation.

* * *

“Okay, spill.” Mia corners me in the breakroom. I came in here to hide and get my head on straight.

I know I can’t go out with Ace, no matter how much I want to. The situation with Jim still isn’t handled, and even though I’m burying my head in the sand right now, I still know I’m the one who will somehow have to rectify everything.

Not to mention, I have to figure out a way to get my family to understand and accept the fact that I’m my own person with my own life, and I can’t be at their beck and call. This silence from them won’t last forever.

Especially from my mom.