Jace poured body wash into his hand and looked at me with warm eyes. "Let me wash you."
I was not sure if it was a question or a command, but I nodded regardless. When his hands moved over my body, spreading the smooth suds across my skin, I tried to ignore the need for him that swelled in my belly. How could I still want him? How many times would I have to have him before I quelled the pressing desire for him?
"I love the way you feel under my hands." He said, as he moved his hands over every inch of my skin before directing me into the water. When I was rinsed of the soap, he threated his fingers into my hair, massaging my scalp with heavenly scented shampoo. It was awfully girly, but I didn't question why he had this in his bathroom. I closed my eyes and reveled in his touch.
When I was rinsed completely of the suds, Jace moved me to the stone bench in the shower and I watched as he washed himself quickly. I would have preferred to wash him myself, lavishing him with the same attention he had, so generously, given my body, but I chose not to say anything. Instead, I remained quiet, as I tried to commit every inch of him to my memory.
Jace turned off the water as he eyed me curiously. "Come here." He pulled a fluffy black towel from a built in shelf and wrapped it around my body before wrapping another around his. I smiled a small smile, as I turned away from him to step closer to the mirror. I looked exhausted. Jace had drained me. How could I look so damned tired when he looked ready to run a damned marathon? It was so unfair.
"Is something wrong, Olivia?" Jace asked from the door. He was already wearing his pants and he was dabbing his hair with the towel.
I tightened the towel around myself. "No. I'm fine."
His jaw clenched, but he nodded. "You need to sleep."
"I'm not really tired."
"Then just lay in bed." Jace shrugged. "Come."
"Let me get dressed."
Jace walked across the room and my heart pounded nervously in my chest. He took my towel and bent. He picked up one foot and patted it dry before moving to the other. He then moved the towel up over my legs and then addressing my body. When he was done with my body, he moved to my hair. He twisted the long brown locks and squeezed the towel around my hair until it was nearly void of water. He dropped the towel to the floor and took my wrist in his hand, as he led me from the room.
I wanted to ask how he could go from being so gentle and caring, as he dried my body, to this cold man who led me by my wrist as though I was nothing more than a possession. He confused me and intrigued me with equal intensities. I knew that was dangerous, but I couldn't help it. I wanted to know more about him, just as much, as I wanted to run from him.
"Lay down and get comfortable." Jace commanded, as I moved to snuggle beneath the covers of his bed and he climbed in beside me. This time, he didn't touch me and I didn't make a move to touch him. I pulled the blankets tight to my chest and closed my eyes against the tears that threatened to spill from my lids. What was I doing with a man like Jace? I should have listened to Trisha. She knew the kind of guy I needed. I should have taken Trey up on his offer for dinner. Then, I wouldn't have been at the store to see Jace...I wouldn't be feeling so lost and alone beside a man I couldn't help but entertain feelings for.
Chapter 9
My shoulder shook and a deep warm voice spoke next to my ear. "Coffee's fresh."
I moaned as I opened my eyes to see Jace impeccably dressed in a black suit with a bright blue tie that rivaled his eyes. His black hair was styled messily and his eyes were serious. Why was he awake? I felt like it was three in the morning. Jeez, did the man never sleep? I glanced around the room and my eyes locked on the blackened window. I didn't know what time of day it was. There was no sky visible for me to judge.
"What time is it?" I croaked, as I sat up clutching the blanket to my chest.
Jace looked at my white knuckled grip on the blanket and clenched his jaw. "It's quarter after four." He said stiffly. "I have to get to the office."
"Oh," He was kicking me out. I felt my cheeks flush and I wished I could find it in me to regret the night before. "If you will leave me alone to get dressed, I'll meet you in a few minutes."
Jace's eyes hardened. "Have you forgotten I've seen every inch of your body?"
My heart pounded in anger against the cage of my chest and I glared at him. "Please, leave me alone to get dressed, Jace."
He shook his head as he moved to the door and slipped out into the hall. I sighed shakily, as I fought another wave of tears. I scrambled around his bedroom as I dressed myself in the clothing I had worn the day before. I had never had to do the walk of shame from a man's home before. I decided then, I hated it. I couldn't wait to get back to my condo and strip from these clothes...and possibly burn them.