All Good Things(96)

"And, where do I have you?" I didn't know what made me ask the question, but once I did...I realized I needed an answer.

Jace thought for a moment and my heartbeat hindered. "Where do you want me, Olivia?"

What a way to turn that question back around on me! I had not been expecting to be bombarded with a question so difficult to form an answer for. But, I had no choice. This was not a moment I was able to walk away from, no matter how uncomfortable it might be. This was my chance to tell him what I wanted most. And, I refused to shy away from an answer.

"I want you with me, Jace." I said softly, tracing my finger around the rim of my glass. "Always."

His breath hitched. It was so terrifyingly beautiful to see such an intimate reaction to my words. It made me feel both empowered and hesitant.

"I think we can manage that." Jace's words were husky, but it was their meaning that set me over the edge.

Without thinking anything through, I reached for his wine glass. He surrendered it to me without hesitation and I set it on the coffee table. I didn't know why I felt the need to be as close as I could physically get to him, but I did. I wanted him inside me. I wanted him to fill me. I needed this. Him. Now.

I pulled my dress up just past my knees and straddled him. His hands moved to rest against my hips as I leaned in to claim his lips. My lips touched his in an explosion of passion so intense, I had to fight the tears that welled up inside of me. Oh, God...if I never loved again, I knew I would be okay. Because, I loved Jace so completely. There would never be another in which I would find this passion, desperation, and thrill, all in one. Jace was everything to me and more. I couldn't think of a single scenario to make me run from him.

In the distance, thunder roared and lightning flared, igniting the room for only a moment. But, that moment was enough. In that single moment, I saw everything I would ever need in Jace's eyes. He loved me.

And, I was, undeniably and irrefutably in love with him.

I jumped at the shrill sound of Jace's cell phone. His face fell and the moment was lost. Sorrow filled my chest as I moved to climb from his lap. But, rather than letting me go as I thought he would, he held me to him.

"Don't." The word was a plea on his lips. I couldn't deny him.

His phone silenced and I sighed my relief. He slid his hand to the back of my neck to pull me in for another kiss and his phone rang again.

"Fuck." Jace growled. "I'm sorry, Angel. I should answer."

"I understand." I slid off his lap as he fished his phone from his pocket.

"Rush." His answer was clipped, bordering on harsh. I watched the features of his face tense and my heart stilled before resuming at a pace so painfully high, I thought I would surely pass out. "Laura, calm down. You did nothing wrong. I'll be right in."

Jace hung up and flashed stress filled eyes toward me. "I have to go to the office. One of our biggest deals just fell through. Laura is in a panic over my absence in the office." Regret flashed in the depths of his blue eyes and I shook my head. "I have to go."

"Jace, I understand." I smiled gently. The last thing I wanted him to feel was fear I would be angry. He had an emergency at work, and I understood his need as the head of the company, to be there. I loved him. I would support him.

He stood and walked briskly to the door. I followed quickly behind him as he shrugged into his suit jacket. "Will you be here when I get home?"

My heart fluttered. "Do you want me to be here?"

He nodded. "I do."

"Then I will be here, waiting." I promised. "So long as you drive safe. That rain is torturous."

"Anything for you, Angel." Jace leaned in to kiss me on the lips. It was a gentle, quick peck...but within it was a promise of so much more. "I will see you as soon as I can."

I smiled. "I will be here."

I watched with a heavy heart as Jace walked quickly from the penthouse.

***

Two hours later, I was still at a loss for what to do. The man must not spend much time here, because he really didn't have much in the category of entertainment. He had a massive television, but I'd never really been one to enjoy loosing myself in acting. I preferred reading and I wished I had my ereader. As I made my way back to the couch in a pout, there was a heavy knock on the door.

My step stuttered as I contemplated ignoring the visitor, but in a fleeting moment of bravery, I padded across the floor. I opened the door to find a thin blond staring back at me. She was gorgeous. Her blue eyes were pretty, not nearly as piercing a blue as Jace's, but they were nice. Almost the shade of clear water.

"Hello?" I cocked my head. "Is there something I can help you with?"