All Good Things(74)

I closed my eyes. It was easier to tell him of my fears when I was not intimidated by his blue eyes. Sometimes, I felt his eyes were able to brake through the barriers of my soul, digging so deep he uncovered even my most buried secrets. It was nerve wracking.

"Well, I don't know what to tell her...about us." I opened one eye to peek up at him and he was grinning. A big shit-grin was plastered over his face and my fear turned to raging anger. Without thinking, I poked him in the chest. "You, Mr. Rush, have no right to laugh at me. My fears are valid. What if I tell her something that angers you?"

My reaction only seemed to make him smile wider. "I told her the truth."

I rolled my eyes. "And, what is the truth, Jace?"

Jace cocked his head. "I told her you were my girlfriend and you refused to come to Paris with me because you needed to remain here to oversee your project."

Oh...My...God. "You said I was your girlfriend?"

"Aren't you?"

"Well," I paused. "I thought I was more of a...hobby."

Jace frowned. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"Well, I had to sign a contract to be with you, Jace...what should I think?"

"The contract is only there for both of our protection, Olivia." He growled. "Think of it as a prenuptial agreement."

"We aren't married." I snapped.

"No," he smiled stiffly. "We most certainly are not. But just like a prenuptial, the contract is there to protect us both from later allegations that could possibly be made."

"Who hurt you so badly that you are incapable of trust?" I asked softly.

His eyes flashed and his jaw hardened. He glanced down at his watch. "You should finish getting ready. You're to meet Jaylah in two hours."

"Where?"

"Gabe will drive you to the Starbucks closest to your shop. You will be within walking distance to show her the space." His eyes swept the length of my body. "I will be in the kitchen. I have a work to do."

I watched with a heavy heart as Jace turned his back and walked from the room.

I didn't know who had hurt Jace, but he was most definitely scarred. I vowed I would uncover the marks he tried so hard to hide and I would do everything within my power to heal them. I loved him. As impossible as he was to love, I did. There was nothing I could do about it now, but accept everything he dished out and hope I was strong enough to fight the demons he held within. He was damaged...but, he was mine.





Chapter 18

My heart jumped into my throat as the door fell closed behind me. The scent of coffee beans and sweet sugars assaulted my senses. I took another step into the café and tried to even my unsteady breaths.

Was I ready to meet Jace's sister? Was I ready to meet her as his girlfriend?

My heart raced as my mind worked to supply myself with the answers to my questions. What in the world was I doing here? Had I lost my mind? I had to admit I liked the thought of being Jace's girlfriend. It made me feel as though he was not about to go poof and be gone from my life. I knew the title was just another factor in a well-crafted illusion, but for now it warmed my heart. And, he warmed my bed.

"Miss LeRoux?" A female voice sounded behind me. My spine stiffened and shivers claimed every inch of bared skin. I turned around slowly.

Blue eyes, the same as Jace's, looked back at me. Jaylah was tall, just a few inches shorter than Jace. She had jet-black hair and high cheekbones. She was stunning. I felt inferior just standing next to her.

"Hello," I slid my hand into hers, shaking it formerly. "You can call me Olivia."

Her eyes twinkled. "And you can call me Jaylah." She beamed. "I cannot believe Jace has a girlfriend."

I swallowed. "Why not?"

She cocked her head to the side. "Jace does not date. This is new for him and for me. I never thought I would live to see this day."

"Oh,"

"And I cannot wait to tell Mother. She will be so happy." Jaylah's eyes misted over as though she were about to cry and I stiffened. Shock rolled through my system as I stared into her face. "Anyway," she huffed. "Now that I have made a complete and utter fool of myself, I should probably show you I can be professional or you aren't going to trust me with your project."

I smiled. I liked her already. Whereas Jace was always so controlled, Jaylah was a bundle of emotions and she was not afraid or ashamed to show them.

"I already trust you." I beamed. "But let's grab a coffee and settle in."

***

I leaned over the pile of paperwork on my desk and wished, for a moment, I liked the thought of having a personal assistant. Life would be so much easier if I had one, but I couldn't overcome my trust issues. It was because of that I could not allow myself an assistant. If Jaylah hadn't been so determined to make a name for herself on her own, I would have had her as my assistant, but I couldn't tie her to me. She was bright and I would only take her down with me, dimming her shine. She deserved more than I could give. She deserved more than Rush Industries could give...and so, I allowed her to pursue her dreams. And she grew out of the little girl I had always loved into the confident woman I adored. She was the only woman apart from my Mother...and now Olivia, who made me feel like a normal guy. Just Jace...without the Rush. It was exhilarating and relieving at the same time.