He smiled softly, nodding as he finally moved away from the wall and stepped toward her.
“How did you even get that?”
“Brian gave it to me.”
Only then did Dani remember that Jenn and Bri had driven her over here. She ran to the front door, glancing out the window. When she saw their car was gone, she walked back to Jace. Brian had known? Had helped him?
She turned to Jace, confusion pushing aside all other emotions. “Jace, I… I just don’t understand.”
* * * * *
Jace sat down on the stairs just below Dani. She was finally ready to listen.
“Dani, I asked you to stay. Not for the night, not even for a week. I was asking you to move home.” He saw the total shock on her face. She was blank, completely blank. So, he kept going, trying to put what he was feeling into words, knowing he only had one chance.
“Look, I know that you have a life in L.A. I know that you belong there, in the movie industry, making a name for yourself. I know that I’m no prize. I’m angry, I suck at actually saying what I feel, I cuss too much, yell even more. I own a bar, for God’s sake. You could do so much better. You at least deserve someone who can give you happy dreams, not nightmares, but…”
“Wait…what?”
Something he’d said had finally made it through the fog… too bad he didn’t know what it was. “What…what?”
“The nightmares… What did you mean? Is that why you walked out?”
“Walked out?”
“When I was here last time. You walked out that front door after the most amazing sex of my life. Is that why you left? Because I can see your dreams?”
Jace shrugged, running his hands over his face, while he tried to collect his thoughts.
“Well…yeah. Kind of.” He took a deep breath. He didn’t want to talk about this. “You shouldn’t have to see that. No one should, but especially not you. And…it’s bad enough that I have to relive it, but to make you see it too… It’s not right.”
“So you didn’t leave because you hated me?”
His gaze whipped around, meeting hers. He could see the pain in her eyes, the tears lurking behind them, making them glassy without ever spilling over. He’d obviously hurt her again, but this time, he really had no idea how. “Why would I hate you?”
“Because I could have stopped it…could have saved your friend…could have saved you.”
* * * * *
With the words, her tears finally broke over, spilling down her cheeks. Damn him! She’d been dry eyed for months, but every time she came back here she cried like a baby! Furiously swiping at her face, she jerked her hand back when he tried to grab it. After a moment, he got back up, pacing the entryway.
She saw his quick, jerky movements and knew he was waging a war within himself. She just had no idea what the war was about. She wanted to call back the words, once again wishing they could just start over, with a clean slate. But this was her battle to win or lose. And whatever he said next, it was hers to live with. She had to know.
When Jace finally turned to face her again, she saw his jaw clenching, his eyes tight. He was angry. She held her breath, waiting for the final blow.
His voice was steady, quiet almost, when he finally spoke. “Listen to me, very carefully. There is nothing that you, or anyone else, could have done to stop that. If you had been able to reach me, which is unlikely, I wouldn’t have taken the call, or opened the e-mail. If I had read it, I would have thought you were cracked. Psychics aren’t real, or at least, I didn’t think they were then. And if, by some miracle I had believed you, I would have gone anyway.”
“What?”
As he looked straight into her eyes, he nodded once, firmly. He needed her to believe what he was about to tell her. To understand it was absolute truth.
“I would have gone anyway. I pulled out four men. Three lived to go home to their families. Only one died, and his body was buried with military honors because we got him out, brought him home. I wouldn’t change that, even if I could.”
Dani heard the truth ringing clear in his words, the resolve in his voice. She looked at Jace. Here in front of her was a man who thought so little of himself; thought that she would be better off without him. Thought she should be in L.A. She scanned through her memories, trying to see it from his side. Remembering his words as he left that last morning, trying to understand why he would have said that. He had told her he loved her; she had felt how much in her kitchen during their kiss. It was true, real.
When it finally registered that he hadn’t really been trying to hurt her, had in fact been trying to do what he thought was honorable, she thought she might…finally…understand him. She only had one more question.
“Jace, why did you buy this house?”
It was long, silent moments before he finally answered. “Because I had to. I couldn’t believe you actually listed it to sell, not really. No one else could live here. So, I bought it.”
She jumped, flying off the stairs as fast as her feet could move. She threw herself forward, wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing her lips against his before he even had time to breathe. When she felt his arms close around her waist, she knew. She was finally home.
* * * * *
Jace let himself fall into the kiss, desperate to feel her in his arms again. As her lips softened, melting against his, he wanted nothing more than to stay this way, to lose himself in her. But there was one more thing he had to do first.
He loosened his grip, letting her slide down to her feet before gently pushing her away. “No, wait. We’re going to do this right this time. No misunderstandings, no confusion. I can’t make love to you and watch you walk out the door. Not again. So…”
Jace fell down on one knee, looking up at Dani as he reached into his pocket. He heard her gasp and smiled a little.
She watched the smile spread, reaching all the way to his eyes. He looked years younger, happy and carefree. More like the boy she’d known in school. Her heart swelled as she realized that he was hers. She was going to have a life with him, if she wanted it.
She knew her answer before he ever spoke the words.
“Dani, will you marry me?”
Simple. No extra words, no poetry, no flowers. It was so much like him, so true to character. Just a smirky little grin and five little words. And it was perfect.
“Yes.”
While he slid the ring on her finger, he started talking again. “You know, we’ll fight. I’m not the easiest person to live with. And, you can’t do movies here. You’re giving up your career, and…”
As he stood in front of her, she looked down at her left hand, smiling a little, before she smacked him in the chest. “Trying to talk me out of it?”
“No, just making sure you know what you’re getting yourself into. This is forever, Dani. I’m not going to let you go.”
“I’m counting on it.”
This time, when she pressed her lips to his, she felt him relax against her. Felt the sizzle of heat, the promise of passion. The desire that was never far from the surface rose, overwhelming them both with just one kiss. As his tongue darted out to meet hers, she felt the insistent tug of longing pulse through her, bringing with it, frenzy.
Chapter 47
As his blood began to heat, he barely registered the words Dani said. “Couch… Jace.”
Pulling his lips away, he shook his head, partly in answer but mostly to clear it a little. He grabbed her, tossing her over his shoulder much like he’d carried her into the house. He started up the stairs, bypassing her bedroom and heading into the master.
This time, instead of pounding on his back, she was lifting his shirt, rubbing lazy little circles against his skin, right at the waist of his jeans. When he felt her finger dip under the edge, he tightened his hold on her legs. “You’re making it very difficult to walk, Danielle.”
He heard her soft chuckle, just before a couple more fingers dipped into his jeans, her little nail
s scraping over his skin. He grabbed her legs with his other hand, reaching up to gently smack her ass. Feeling her little sigh against his back had his already aching shaft pulsing against his zipper.
As they finally reached the master bedroom, Jace gave her one more, harder, slap before tossing her backwards onto the bed. He knew he should give her a chance to look around, but he couldn’t wait. She would have years to look at the bedroom set he’d picked, but right now, he needed her. One roaming look later, he knew she felt the same.
Her legs were slightly parted, inviting even though she was still fully clothed. Her stomach rose and fell rapidly as her breathing sped up, racing to keep pace with her desire. Her nipples were taut little buds pressing against her shirt, leaving little doubt as to her wants. When he reached her face, her lips open, her eyes glazed over, his own arousal rushed to new heights.
She was here, in Austin. She was wearing his ring. His overwhelming need to claim her rolled through him once again. He knew it was foolish, should be sated since she’d agreed to marry him. Yet instead it was somehow stronger; an almost primal need to take her, to prove that she was his. He took a few deep breaths, trying to push the need back. When he felt her hands lifting his shirt, grabbing for the snap on his jeans, he let go, giving in to the urgency.
* * * * *
He shoved her backwards, bringing a little cry from her lips as the breath whooshed out. He grabbed at her jeans, yanking them down and throwing them across the room before he finally fell forward onto her.
When she felt his weight pressing her back into the mattress, she went crazy. She needed to taste him, feel his skin against her lips, her tongue. She pressed her face into his neck, nipping a little as she worked her way down, then soothing her bites with her tongue.
As his chest pressed into her breasts, she could feel the heat of his body even through her shirt. She rubbed her breasts back and forth, needing the friction. When he bit gently on her ear, a whimper escaped her lips. Her hips pushed up, pressing against him, trying to get closer.
She could feel the moisture rushing down, prepping her body for him. She felt hollow, needy. She reached down, desperate to get his shirt off, and grabbed the hem, tugging up until she couldn’t go any further.
Jace rolled off her, yanking his shirt off and tossing it to join her jeans. Seeing his chest, all lean corded muscle, the light trail of hair leading down into his jeans, she had to have him. Now.
She swung her leg, straddling him, feeling his hard length pressing against her core. She grabbed her shirt, throwing it off. As her bra joined the other clothes, Jace’s hands came up to knead her breasts. When his thumbs grazed her nipples, her soft sigh joined his deep growl.
She had missed him. She had tried to ignore it, tried to move on, move forward, but her heart had always belonged to Jace. Now, being here with him, feeling the weight of his ring on her finger, felt too good to be true. But if this was a dream, she never wanted to wake.
She covered his hands with her own, pressing harder, encouraging him to use more strength, to squeeze tighter. She twisted her hips, grinding against his shaft. When he ran his finger over her nipple again, grazing it with his thumbnail, she felt the flutters start low in her belly.
“God, yes… Jace! Aaahh!”
* * * * *
He heard her, felt the muscles in her thighs start to clench his hips, and couldn’t stop himself from thrusting against her. He knew she was on the verge, was going to come any second. His cock throbbed, pressing against her core, trying to break through his zipper and sink home.
He sat upright, squeezing her hips to hold her in place as she twisted faster and faster against him. He cupped her breast, lifting it to his lips, rasping his tongue over the taut bud before sucking it into his mouth.
As his lips closed over the peak, Dani went over too. He felt her body tighten, the muscles clenching as she threw her head back and moaned. Hearing her pleasure, seeing her let go, Jace fought not to follow her to his own release. The blood in his groin surged, making him so hard he hurt.
He gripped her hips, thrusting against her once more before tossing her onto her back again. He stripped off his jeans as fast as he could, settling back on top of her and pressing his mouth down onto hers.
As their tongues battled, he ran a hand between them, tugging her silky underwear to the side so he could plunge his fingers into her waiting heat. Her orgasm had made her wetter than he could ever remember feeling. He gritted his teeth, thrusting against her leg.
When she cried out, writhing against his hand, he lost the battle. He grabbed her hands, pushing them up over her head as he moved his hips, sliding his aching cock into her tight sheath.
“God, Dani…you’re so damn hot. I need you!”
“Yes, Jace… Yes…” she cried out, throwing her head back, lost in her own pleasure.
When her legs wrapped around his hips, he gripped both wrists in one hand, using his other for leverage as he worked his hips, pistoning in and out of her as hard as he could.
When her orgasm broke over her this time, he could feel every contraction, every pulse squeezing his aching shaft. He kept thrusting, making sure she had her pleasure before giving in to his own.
* * * * *
Jace woke later that afternoon, feeling Dani soft and warm beside him. A rush of feeling assailed him, making his heart swell. No matter what life threw at them, he knew that if he could only wake beside her each day, he could handle it. They’d be happy.
He wanted to find a way to tell her how he felt. He knew there was no way she could ever really understand what she brought to him. She was giving up so much to come back here, to be with him. And he was unbelievably grateful. Whatever she saw in him, he couldn’t see it. But, he wanted to be that. Wanted to be a husband, someday a father, who was worthy of her love.
When she started to stir, she reached back, grabbing his arm and pulling it over her. He was hard already. Always was when she was near. As she wiggled her hips, pressing against him, he gently lifted her leg, sliding inside her waiting heat.
He reached his arm around, softly brushing her nipple, feeling it pebble against his hand. If he couldn’t tell her, he would show her. This time wasn’t about sex, wasn’t about need. He wanted to show her just how much he loved her.
He kissed her neck, soft, teasing brushes. He grazed his hand down her side, reaching around to find her nub, rubbing softly to bring her pleasure. When he heard her quiet sighs, he thrust a little faster, feeling her sheath tighten around him. As her orgasm broke through her, he followed.
As the quakes settled, the relaxation set in. He leaned forward and whispered in her ear. “I love you…always.”
She kissed his fingertips before dozing off again, a soft smile on her face.
Epilogue
The reception was perfect, just as the wedding had been. As she danced with Jace, her husband, she smiled softly and looked around at their friends, their family. Jace’s parents and brother were there, smiling, delighted to see their son married. And, if David was to be believed, even happier that it was to Dani.
Jenn’s dad had walked her down the aisle and claimed the father/daughter dance. They’d had two candles at the ceremony, lit in the background in honor of her parents, but Jenn’s family had filled the void. Dani knew that she wasn’t alone.
Dani’d had her own set of fireworks to deal with at the rehearsal dinner. Nina had flown in a few days ago to be a bridesmaid, and sparks had flown between her and Zack. Nothing compared to what she and Jace put Jenn through, but sparks nonetheless. As she thought back to Nina’s teasing smile, and Zack’s total discomfiture, she knew there was something there. She kept hoping to get a vision to confirm that, but so far it was just women’s intuition.
Dani was thrilled! She would love to have Nina move out here to Austin. She missed her. Most things about L.A. already felt like a distant memory. A dream you can remember in vivid detail, but not quite real. But she truly missed Nina.
She felt Jace’s lips, soft on her neck, just before he whispered in her ear. “I love you, Mrs. Bradford.”
She smiled, glancing up to meet his eyes. “And I love you.”
“Are you about ready to go?”
“No, not yet. We only get one wedding—let’s stay and enjoy it awhile.”
With a long, exaggerated sigh, Jace stepped back. “Okay. Then I think we should stop dancing for now. Otherwise, I might just toss you over my shoulder and carry you out of here.”
Dani quirked an eyebrow, smiling a little smile that clearly said, I dare you.
When Jace pulled her to him with a growl, Dani laughed and danced backwards. When Jace reached for her hands, Dani froze in place, her muscles locking, her eyes glazing over.
* * * * *
Jace watched it happen and moved in next to her so no one else would notice. After just a minute, she blinked, trying to refocus her eyes on the room around her.
When he saw the soft smile, he felt his lungs suck in air, and only then did he realize he’d been holding his breath. He had only had a few nightmares in the six months since Dani had been back, but every time, she’d lived through it all with him. And he hated it. But she’d also been having more and more positive visions. Not just the bad things she’d seen in the past, but happy things as well. Now, she looked not only happy, but excited to the point of bursting.
With a quick glance around, making sure no one else was listening, she bounced up and down on her toes before announcing, “It’s a boy!”
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