“My mom’s friend asked if I worked at Kinder Street, and they made fun of it, saying that it’s not a job for a grown-up and that I was going to get a real job soon.”
I’m quiet, clenching and unclenching my fists under the table.
“It’s my dream, you know? To work there. It always has been.” Her voice is so quiet, I can barely make out the words.
I know you should respect your elders, but what a bunch of assholes. Those are the kind of people that kick you when you’re already down. There’s no excuse for that behavior. People like that get off hurting others. Putting them down, crushing their dreams, making them feel like less so they can feel like more. Pathetic.
Pushing back my chair, I get up and crouch down beside Em. “I’m so sorry. They don’t deserve you. They don’t see what’s right in front of their eyes, and it’s their loss.” She gazes down at me, her eyes shimmering. “You’re beautiful, funny, and so damn talented, and you have a heart of gold. They’re blind and not worthy of it.”
I push some of her hair behind her ear before cupping her cheeks. “This is your family, so it might not be any of my business, but maybe it’s time to put your own happiness first, not theirs. If it’s your dream to be part of that show, then do it. Fucking chase that dream like the devil’s right on your heels because you deserve it. You deserve the world.”
Then, since I’m unable to control myself where she’s concerned, I lean in and kiss her.
A soft press of my lips to hers, reveling in the nearness this contact brings me.
If Em’s relieved sigh is anything to go by, it means just as much to her.
For now, it’s enough. More than enough.
It’s everything I want and need, even though the burning need for her is growing inside of me, ready to be unleashed when she’s ready.
Twenty-One
Emilia
Jace is all I see.
Jace is all I hear.
Jace is all I taste.
His handsome face, his sweet words, his lips.
His kindness and fierce speech have caused warmth to spread through my chest at a rapid speed, engulfing me in a blanket of comfort, soothing my soul.
It hasn’t erased the run-in with my mom and all the million thoughts that have been racing through my head ever since, but it has eased the sting.
Being with Jace does that. It makes me feel safe and protected, like no one can hurt me when I’m with him.
“Hey.” His hands are still on my face, cupping my jaw.
I already miss his lips on mine.
“Hey.” I smile at him, sure he can see the timidity in it, but there’s no point in hiding it.
He leans in and touches his lips to mine once more. “I love your mouth.”
“Thank you.”
I try to tilt my head to escape his intense gaze but there’s no going anywhere with his hold on me.
“Where did my ferocious ladybug go that attacked me the second she stepped foot into the house?”
Heat travels from my chest to my cheeks, and I want to hide from Jace. Badly. But since I can’t, I go with the truth. “I’m so embarrassed. I’ve never done anything like that before.”
He chuckles and grabs my hand to pull me up. We walk to the couch and sit down. Close to each other, really close. I like it.
“You can jump me like that anytime you want. No questions asked. No complaints uttered. Trust me.” He winks at me, he freaking winks at me, and I’m positive there’s a firework going off behind my rib cage.
His eyes roam over me, like they’re taking in every single inch of me, and he doesn’t try to hide it. My body comes alive, firing up in all the right places at his open perusal.
I like his eyes on me. He makes me feel wanted . . . like I’m enough.
It’s simple, yet powerful.
Without another thought, I close the distance between us and kiss him.
My fingers ache with the need to touch, to feel him, to explore. I want more, I need more of everything. The way this exciting hum circulates through my blood, warming me from the inside out, or the way my desire burns a hotspot in the pit of my belly.
It’s all-consuming, addictive.
And he tastes like absolute perfection.
His mouth is smooth and warm, his lips and tongue talented as they mold perfectly together with mine, exploring new corners, and re-learning old ones.
My heart pounds hard, but I welcome the sensation. It’s been so long since I’ve felt this elated, this excited about anything, least of all a man. Maybe I’ve never felt this passionate before.
I’ve certainly never been the aggressor, even though I think Jace is only humoring me, quickly showing me who’s really in control without suppressing my wants and needs.
His hands leave my hair and move to my waist. He grips me, and in one swift move, lifts me off the couch and over on his lap so I straddle him.
Well, who would have thought? If that wasn’t hot as hell, I don’t know what is.
With his hands behind me, he kneads my butt, gently massaging my flesh through my jeans, and I’ve officially gone off the rails.
Why does something so simple feel so good, even a little naughty?
Maybe it’s because I can feel his erection pressing against my center every time he squeezes, every delicious time he pushes me the slightest bit toward him.
I hold back a moan and bite my lip instead.
With his gaze trained on my face, Jace doesn’t miss it and smirks. “You like that?”
This time, a tiny whimper escapes my mouth as the contact is stronger, the responding buzz at my core more intense. I can’t think straight when he sets off these sparks everywhere inside my body. “Kiss me.”
It comes out as a half-stutter, and I couldn’t care less. He drives me wild, and it’s too much work to pretend otherwise.
Thankfully, Jace doesn’t need to be asked twice. He pulls me as close to him as possible before pushing one hand into my hair, his fingertips gently pressing into my neck and scalp.
He nips on my bottom lip, gently sucking it into his mouth before tracing his tongue over it. He leans back into the cushions and takes me down with him, his hard length aligned with me so perfectly, I almost see stars.
I gasp in Jace’s mouth and he changes the angle, diving in deeper, pushing up with his hips in a rhythm so hypnotic I can’t help myself and rock against him. Heat travels over my skin, setting it afire everywhere we touch, while scorching flames threaten to burn me up from inside.
The kisses get more out of control, the rocking quicker as our moans and groans blend together in the air, creating their own sound of pleasure, as I’m racing toward something I’m not sure I’m ready for.
But I don’t get a chance to even think about that as I fall over the edge, an orgasm ripping through me so strong that Jace has to hold me up by the arms to prevent me from falling off his lap like a limp noodle.
“So fucking sexy.” Jace’s mumbled words are a blur before he kisses me again.
When he lifts me off his lap, I want to protest at first, but then he lies both of us down on the cushions, our limbs entangled as he brushes the hair out of my face.
We stare at each other like it’s the first time we catch sight of the other one.
It’s a mix of wonder, fascination, and undeniable attraction that runs deep in my veins, humming steadily and growing by the second.
I’m lost in him, a free-falling sensation taking over my body, and I hope like hell Jace will be on the other side to catch me.
We both freeze when the front door opens and two sets of footsteps enter a few seconds later, reaching the living room before either one of us can react.
“Oh . . . ooooooh.” Patricia’s voice doesn’t do a thing to hide her surprise. “Tanner, no, come here. Daddy and Millie are sleeping.”
While she whispers, Tanner’s babbling in all his loud toddler glory.
“Yes, sleeping. Let’s get your ball and go to the park.
Come on.”
He babbles some more but his footsteps are retreating, and after a moment the front door shuts with a loud click.
I cover my face with my hands and lean in to Jace’s chest. How embarrassing.
“Well, that was . . . something.” Jace chuckles, a deep rumble vibrating through his body.
“This is so bad.” I shake my head as much as my current position allows.
“No, it’s not.” His hand brushes over my hair. Front to back, front to back. It’s soothing, and I cherish the contact. “You know my mom. She’s cool.”
He’s right. She is cool. Very laid-back and likes to look at the good side of things. This won’t be too bad, right?
“One thing’s for sure, between you and your mom, I’ve had my embarrassment fill for today. Or probably the whole week. First, I jump you like a crazy person, and then your mom practically catches us red-handed.” I peek at him through my fingers.
With a shake of his head, he goes for my hands, gently prying off one finger after the other. “We already talked about you jumping me. It was the hottest thing, the absolute highlight of my life. And about my mom, I don’t mind if she knows about us. Do you?”
That gets my attention. “Us?”
“Yes, Em. Us. You and me.” He tilts his head to the side, studying me. “If it hasn’t been obvious, I like you, and I’d like to see where this is going. Unless that’s not what you want.”
I push myself up on my elbows to see him better. “No, no. I mean yes, I’d like that too. A lot.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.” My cheeks are warm as he pulls me to him.
His lips find mine but this time he keeps it short. His warm touch lingers long after he pulled back, and I resist the urge to touch my lips to chase the lingering buzz.
Grinning at me, he touches the tip of my nose with his finger. “Want to go to the park?”
“I thought you’d never ask.”
Thankfully, the park is only a few minutes away, or I’d feel even worse about sending Patricia scrambling off to it. Jace and I wear identical grins when we hear Tanner’s happy squeal far before we can see him.
A few steps later and we round the corner to the park that’s not much more than a playground with a small patch of grass next to it. In short, a dream come true for Tanner. It’s also only a few minutes away from the university where Patricia works, and sometimes she meets us here when her schedule allows it. Or she drops by the house. She’s been a wonderful grandma to Tanner, affectionate and loving.
She’s at the top of the tall slide with Tanner on her lap. When she sees us, she points her finger in our direction to get Tanner’s attention.
He squeals again and waves, a big grin sporting his face.
Patricia grins too, her gaze flickering between Jace and me. At our hands. We’re holding hands. Why on earth are we holding hands? Jace reached out for me when we left his house, and I took his without a second thought. It was so natural and felt good. I think my head was still in the clouds.
As inconspicuous as possible, I pull my hand out of Jace’s and walk to the bottom of the slide.
“Are you going down the slide with Grandma? Let’s see it.”
Tanner’s smile gets even bigger when Patricia tightens her grip on him with one arm and pushes off the top with the other. They both squeal as they slide down, slowing as the bottom levels out.
“Good job. Was that fun?” I grab Tanner so it’s easier for Patricia to get off the slide.
Jace is next to me and takes Tanner from me to swing him around.
I stare at them as Patricia comes up next to me. “Looks like you guys had a great lunch?”
She says it like a question, and my cheeks are blazing hot in less than two seconds.
Ground, open up already please.
“Mmm, yes. The lasagna was delicious.” Feigning innocence. Worth a try.
Patricia chuckles. So much about that. “I’m glad you enjoyed his cooking.”
Is she trying to get at something? I’m not sure how much hotter my face can get before it explodes.
“He’s a good guy.” Patricia’s eyes are on her two boys, but the words are clearly for me. “Some days I can’t believe what an amazing man he’s become. When my husband . . . when his dad passed away, I didn’t know how to continue. But I had to be strong for Jace, I had to keep going for him, and there isn’t a day where he doesn’t make me proud.”
The thought of having someone pass away who meant so much is almost impossible for me to imagine.
I touch Patricia’s shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. “You did an amazing job raising him.”
She puts her hand over mine, patting it a few times. “I’m so glad we found you, Millie. I can’t imagine someone better than you.”
The warmth flooding my chest is almost too much to bear.
How have I gotten this lucky to not only have an adorable boy and his amazing dad in my life, but also someone as wonderful as Patricia?
Nicole stands in the entryway of our house when I make it back home several hours later.
She greets me with a big smirk, her black curls gently framing her face. “Hey, roomie. I feel like I haven’t seen you in forever.”
Putting my keys in the bowl on the side table, I look at the duffel by her feet. “That’s probably because it has been forever.” I nod my chin to the floor. “Another round of one-of-us-is-coming-while-the-other-one-is-leaving?”
“I’m afraid so. Justin will be here in a minute.” She looks at the phone in her hand. “I thought you’d be back earlier so we could catch up.”
Her voice is quiet, her smile a little less happy, and a sense of guilt washes over me. “I’m sorry. I’ve been a terrible friend. Patricia came back earlier than expected with Tanner, so we spent some time together at the park.”
She shakes her head and holds up a hand. “No, don’t apologize. I’ve barely been around either.”
“That means things are still going well with Justin though, right? That’s good.”
The second I mention her boyfriend’s name, the radiant smile is back full force. “They really are. I think he might be it, Millie.”
A weight settles in my chest, and I swallow before speaking. “I’m so happy for you, Nic. Justin’s a good guy, and you guys make an adorable couple.”
“Thank you.” She averts her gaze, looking at her feet. Something very untypical of her.
“What is it?” I take a step closer. “Everything okay?”
Her eyes snap back to mine, the smile on her face timid. “Yes, yes. But about Justin . . . He asked me to move in with him.”
“That’s awesome.” I rush forward and hug her. “Unless that’s not what you want, of course, but I thought you might.”
“No, I do. Gosh, I really do.” Her brown eyes shine with excitement.
“So what’s the problem, then?”
“Well, that would mean I’d have to, you know, move out.”
Ah. It all clicks in place. “Oh, stop it. You’re worried about me? I’d never stand in the way of this, you know that, right?”
“I know. I wasn’t worried about that.”
“Well, what is it, then?” Time to get to the point of this.
“There’s obviously the money situation, even though I’d pay my portion for the rest of our lease or until you find someone new. But if I move out, you’ll be all alone, Millie. I don’t want that.”
Oh man. The backs of my eyes burn as I blink a few times. “Nic, stop being silly. I’ll be fine. Look how busy I’ve been. I won’t even have time to feel lonely.”
“You have been rather busy. Spending most of your free time with your boss.”
The implication is easy to hear, and I can’t hold back my smile, my thoughts immediately going to what said boss and I just did several hours ago.
When I lose the fight with my body, and my cheeks turn hot, Nicole points her finger at me, a triumphant smile gracing her face.
“Ha. I told you. You’re totally into him. When did this happen?”
“Just today.” I mumble the words but know she heard them when she chuckles.
“He’s gorgeous, Millie. And I’m not surprised he’s into you.”
“Really? But I’m . . . me, and he’s—”
“Smart.”
I smile. “I’ve missed you, Nicole.”
“Oh, hon. I’ve missed you too. So, you two are officially a thing?”
I nod. “He said he wants to see where this thing with us leads.”
Nicole tilts her head to the side and reaches out to gently squeeze my arm. “That sounds very promising. As long as you’re happy, and he treats you well, I’m thrilled for you. And after what happened at your parents’, he sounds exactly like that. You deserve someone good in your life. Someone who puts you first and helps you achieve your dreams and goals.”
Her words hit me right in the chest, my mind immediately reminding me of Jace’s words.
Chase that dream like the devil’s right on your heels because you deserve it. You deserve the world.
“I got the invitation for the audition.”
Nicole’s eyes go wide. “You did? Yes. I’m so happy you did. I knew they’d invite you, because you’re absolutely perfect for the job. They’d be stupid not to take you.”
Her words wash over me, cementing my resolve of doing this. I’m going to audition for Kinder Street. I’m really going to do it.
Nicole’s phone vibrates in her hand. “Justin’s here.”
“Well, go already. Have fun.”
“You too. I’m glad we got a minute to catch up. Let’s get together soon, okay?” She gives me a hug, squeezing the life out of me for a moment. “Love you, Millie. I’m so happy things are going well for you. You deserve it.”
“Love you too, Nic. Thank you. I’m super happy for you too.”
I watch my best friend wave one more time before picking up her bag to meet with her boyfriend. The boyfriend she’s going to move in with and possibly spend the rest of her life with.
And I’m happy for her, I really am.
The dull ache in my chest is there because I just realized I really want that too.
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