"I would feel honored if you called her Mom." Jace moved easily, with long strides across the kitchen. He wound his arms around my waist and pulled my back into his chest. He pressed his lips against the back of my head and I felt his smile.
My heart fluttered at the look Jaylah shot me from where she stood. Maybe she was right?
"If that's how you feel, then, I guess, Mom it is." I smiled and Karen beamed a brilliant smile back at me.
"So glad you caved." She teased and Jace laughed.
"She's easy to convince." Jace added. "All you need is a white hot chocolate and your bribe is a success."
My mouth dropped. "That is, so not, all it would take."
Jace's chest shook, vibrating me with laughter. He released me and walked to the fridge. "I think I found a property in Italy I might like to purchase." He spoke as though it were an every day conversation. My eyes bugged and Jaylah laughed aloud.
"Italy?" Karen asked. "What inspired that?"
I already knew the answer. Me. When he'd asked where I wanted to travel to...I'd answered Italy.
Jace shrugged. "I think a hotel would do well there. Apparently Italy is a popular tourist destination." Jace's eyes danced as he spoke the words and I blushed. "Would you like to view the property with me, Olivia?"
I narrowed my eyes. "I'm not sure I can get away from my own project, Jace."
He cocked his head. "I'm sure Jaylah would oversee the construction."
I sighed. "Jace, I am already going to Paris with you..." I shrugged. I did not want to have this conversation here in front of his family. It was highly uncomfortable. "I can't take anymore time away. I'm sorry."
Jace shrugged, leaning into the fridge for two beers. "We will discuss this later over a white hot chocolate."
I knew he was teasing. Karen and Jaylah laughed so hard, I thought they would bust a gut. I felt my face flush and I glared hotly at Jace, daring him to continue. "You won't get anywhere with hot chocolate, Jace."
"We'll see about that, Angel." Jace leaned down to plant a kiss on my forehead, and then, he was out the door.
Karen shook her head in laughter at me and I flushed deeper. "He's your son." I accused and her laugh got louder.
"Oh Honey, but he's your man." Karen shot her retort.
***
Karen pulled me into her arms, hugging me close to her chest. My heart swelled with the feeling of belonging and I couldn't wait to see her again. I already missed her. She was so easy to talk to and laugh with. Her and Jaylah had the perfect mother daughter relationship. It was the relationship I had always wanted with my mother...the relationship I knew I would never attain.
I couldn't help but wonder why Jace was so different from them. I didn't understand where his calculated control originated from when Karen was obviously so joyful. I wished I had a moment alone with her to draw some of my questions to the surface.
"You two come back soon." Karen demanded.
"Of course we will." I beamed my joy and Jace rubbed the small of my back.
John held out his hand for me to shake. "I hope I didn't frighten you away forever, Liv." His barrel laughter roared. "We would love to see you around again. I just love property hunting with Jace."
"I'm sure you do John." I teased. "And, as for scaring me away, you will have to step up your game."
He stepped back. "Is that a challenge?"
"Take it at face value." I grinned and Karen shook her head.
"I think you've met your match." She teased.
John shook his head. "No, I think Jace met his match."
Chapter 25
I let myself fall back into the couch cushion and sighed at the peaceful sight of Jace's living room at night. The fireplace was on, casting a warm, orange glimmer over the contrasting shades in Jace's penthouse.
Outside, dark, heavy clouds rolled over the city in a gloom, threatening rain. The wind howled and lightning flashed in the sky. A storm was soon to rage war on the city, but I was safe with Jace.
"A blush wine for you," Jace handed me a crystal glass. The pink liquid twinkled in the dim light of the fireplace.
I brought the wine to my lips and reveled in the sweet taste. Jace preferred red wine. I watched as he moved fluidly to sit next to me. His hand rested on my bare feet I had tucked into the split in the cushions and he sighed.
"My Mother adored you." His tone was gruff and thick with emotion.
"The feeling is mutual."
"I'm happy I took you to meet her." He stated. "My sister is in love with you and John liked you, too."
I rested my head back against the cushion. "And, I liked them as well."
"You have my entire family wrapped around your little finger." Jace said seriously. I lifted my head from the cushion and stared into his eyes.