"I pulled out the comfy clothes." I said on a huff.
"So did I." Jace said, obviously failing to see the problem.
"That's your comfy clothing?"
He nodded. "I don't do the whole sweats thing."
"Oh, well what about the whole t-shirt thing?" I asked hopefully.
He shrugged. "Sometimes."
"Well, what about tonight being one of those times?" I proposed.
He shook his head. "Nope. Tonight I wear this, Angel." I felt my mouth form into a pout and I gave my foot a small stomp. I didn't want to dress up. I really wasn't feeling it. My long sweater over leggings was all I wanted to wear. But I would look like a slob next to Jace and his pristine outfit. "What's wrong with what I plan on wearing?"
"I can't wear what I want to wear if you wear that."
"Why not?" He looked to the sweater on the stool. "I like that sweater."
Of course he did. He bought it for me. "Jace, you're wearing dark, sexy, very sexy jeans and an even sexier dress shirt. How am I supposed to wear that frumpy sweater?"
He stepped closer to me, bringing me into his chest. My naked breasts pressed against the smooth fabric of his shirt. "First off, I must say that I do love how sexy you think I am. And second, that sweater is anything but frumpy. I like it. It's the perfect kinda sexy cute." He leaned down to kiss my nose. "It makes me want to hold you all night long."
"In that case," I breathed. "I can't not wear it."
He grinned, releasing me to finish clothing myself for dinner. "Happy to be of service."
"Oh, go…greet your mother." I fumbled for a retort.
Jace shook his head. "We do that together, Angel." He swatted my butt on his way out of the closet. "Hurry that sexy ass."
***
I stood in the kitchen toying with the stem of my wine glass as I watched Jace in the living room with the boys. Trey looked uncomfortable for obvious reasons. With Jace, Caleb and John talking about properties and cars, he didn't really have much to add being that his interests and talents lay in construction. And from what I could see, Gabe was grilling Trey about how he knew me.
After a lovely dinner, courtesy of Karen's talented culinary skills, the men and women separated. The men congregated to the living room, a natural instinct to flee the kitchen as soon as their bellies are full to leave the women to clean.
Trisha nudged me. "This is such a nice place. You totally need to give me a tour."
I scoffed. "I haven't even seen every room. Go ask Jace for a tour."
Jaylah laughed, obviously listening in on the conversation. "You haven't seen the place because you two can't even be in the same room long enough to do anything but stare at each other. Never mind what your hands are doing."
My eyes bugged and I shot a glare at Jaylah. Trisha laughed. "I like her."
Jaylah grinned. "You're not so bad yourself."
"Guys!" I barked, but it was a joyous bark. I was having a lovely evening. "Shush!"
They both laughed and Karen turned around just in time from pouring the last two glasses of wine, handing one to Jaylah and keeping one for herself. The wine was a treat for a sparkling clean kitchen to us women. "I heard it all." She looked to me and I was certain I looked like a ripe tomato. "But I love seeing Jace with you."
Again, my eyes flickered across the room to Jace. Instantly, they met blue eyes that were already looking at me. The corners of his lips quirked in a smile and he winked. My heart fluttered. Without thinking, I said. "I love him."
All three girls gasped. But Karen spoke. "I knew it. I could see it the first time I met you. You're the one for him."
"Thank you," They were the only words I could find. My system was shocked.
I wanted more than anything to close the distance between Jace and myself. I craved him. I almost felt homesick if that was even possible. As though reading the look on my face, or simply feeling the same thing himself Jace strode across the room. He didn't bother excusing himself from the conversation, he just moved, like a stalking panther toward me until he gathered me in his arms. His lips pressed against my temple before moving down to my ear.
"Are you all right?" he asked.
I nodded. "I'm better than all right."
He breathed a sigh of relief. "I love you."
"I know."
"You do?"
"Yes." I smiled. "And I love you."
I was happy no one could hear our hushed conversation. I could however, feel the eyes of every man and woman in the room on us. My face heated for the billionth time tonight and Jace grinned.
He pulled away from me, weaving his fingers with mine. "Come," he commanded and I followed, allowing him to lead me into the living room. The woman followed close behind. As soon as Jace had me standing in front of the fireplace, I felt warm and comfortable. The only thing missing was his arms around me. I was about curl into his side when he moved in front of me, dropping down to his knees.