Page 33 of Jace

“He left the shop saying he was running home to grab a shower and the two of you would be right back,” Luna leans over resting her elbows on the countertop. “So let me just ask, how is his water pressure?” When she waggles her brows I snort, practically spitting out my drink.

I can hear the guys carrying on in the living room and I know if I don’t give them something I will never get out of this kitchen. So I glance toward the doorway and when I see no movement I give them a morsel. “The pressure was perfect; it was the best shower of my life.”

“You hussy.” Presley is smiling so big all her teeth are on display.

“Oh me,” I challenge her, “how’s Zac doing?” Instantly that smile fades and her eyes widen.

“She is avoiding him like the plague.” Luna laughs. “She keeps someone between the two of them at all times. It’s hilarious to watch. After a few hours I figure she’ll be too exhausted to keep up this charade and then we can all watch the next phase unfold.”

“There will be no next phase,” she assures us, downing the rest of her drink. Quickly grabbing the pitcher she fills her cup once more.

“Ladies.” We all look up from our little huddle to find the object of our current conversation standing in the doorway. Unsure of how much if anything he’s heard.

“Just came in to grab another round of beers.” He moves around me and pulls open the fridge.

Turning around he walks toward the doorway once more before pausing to look back over his shoulder. “Presley,” he says looking at only her and no longer caring that they are not alone. “Whenever you’re tired of running from me, we do need to talk.”

“I can’t think of a single thing we have to discuss.” She shrugs, and I feel like a bobble head looking from my cousin to one of my best friends. Torn between the two of them I say nothing and neither does Bree or Luna.

“Are you sure about that?”

“Whatever it is you have to say you can say it right here.”

The two of them stare at one another, and suddenly the room feels so much smaller. We watch in silence as Zac sets the four beer bottles back onto the counter and moves closer. Stepping in closer to Presley’s side he reaches into his pocket and ever so slowly pulls out something pink. Lifting them before us, there hanging from his pinky are a pair of lace panties.

Her eyes widen in horror, Bree covers her mouth and Luna giggles.

I stare, wondering what will happen next.

“Like I said,” Zac drops the panties on the counter in front of her, “we need to talk.”

He says nothing more but instead walks back over to the space he left the beers picks them up and walks out of the room.

“Oh my.” Bree snickers. “The look on his face.”

“I don’t think I have ever seen him so serious,” I state. Remembering the hours and hours of silly banter he and I have shared. Even when I was at my worst, he still found ways to make me laugh.

“You are going to have to talk to him,” Luna tells her. “He isn’t the kind of guy that tucks things under the rug.”

Presley groans, falls forward and rests her head on the countertop. “I’m just glad he didn’t give them to me in front of the guys.”

“You can’t avoid him forever,” I tell her, grabbing my drink and walking in the same direction Zac did.

“No,” she says grabbing her panties and shoving them in her pocket and lifting her drink. “But I can get so drunk that I sleep right through the conversation.”

“Getting drunk is what got you into this mess in the first place,” Luna interjects, following behind us with her own drink. “Please promise me you will not drop to your knees in the middle of my living room and do a repeat.”

“Wait,” Presley spins around and narrows her eyes at Luna. “I didn’t tell you about the details.”

“Um…” She shrugs, realizing she’s said more than intending too. “I uh…” She lifts her glass and takes a big sip. “I heard him telling Jace.”

“Great,” she throws her free hand up in the air and lets out a huff, “that’s just great.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

Jace

Aurora curls into my side like a little kitten, seeking warmth. I lay still allowing her to find it, her head laying on my chest, one arm wrapped around my waist and the other tucked along my side. One leg thrown up over both of mine she practically purrs as she settles in.

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