Page 10 of Screwed By My Roommate

“So do I, Penny. See you Monday.”

When she hangs up, I scream and dance around the apartment. “I got the job!”

I’m so excited. Tonight, I’m going to make sure Jace knows that he’s the reason for this. I never would’ve called if he didn’t tell me to fight.

With a smile on my face, I call my brother.

“Hey, baby sister,” he answers.

I miss him and my smile falters for a moment, but I remember the reason I’m calling, and I squeal. “Henry, I got the job. My dream job. I went for the interview and hadn’t heard anything, but Jace suggested I fight for it, and I did. I called to follow up and she was so impressed that she hired me. I’m gonna be a design assistant,” I excitedly say.

I can hear the smile on his face as he talks. “I’m so proud of you, Penny. You deserve all the happiness and success in the world. I never doubted you’d get the job.”

“I did,” I say, laughing.

“You have more confidence than that. Listen, I’d love to keep talking, but I need to be in a meeting. I’m so damn proud of you,” he says.

“Thanks, Henry.”

“Real quick, everything else is good? Jace is stepping in for me right?”

That’s not something I want to focus on. It’s not how I view Jace, and I hate the idea that he’s treating me like his little sister.

“Everything is good,” I reply. Purposely ignoring the part about Jace.

“Good. Kick ass at work. I’ll call you to see how it all went,” he says, hanging up.

I call Jessica and my mom next. I’m so excited I can’t wait to tell everyone.

I spend the rest of the day cleaning the apartment, doing laundry, and preparing dinner. I assumed Jace would have his dirty clothes in the hamper in the bathroom, but there was nothing of his in there. I wanted to go into his room and look for them, but I felt like I was crossing a huge line doing that. So, I figure I’ll just stay on neutral ground.

The apartment smells like lasagna, I set the table and even made some homemade garlic bread. This used to be one of Jace’s favorite dinners. Maybe it’s changed, but I took a risk making the grilled cheese for him, so I figured I would take another risk.

I showered and put on my favorite jeans and a black shirt that cuts down low in the front. I did my hair and makeup, pretty much preparing as if I was going on a date. Which is absurd and now I’m nervous. I don’t want this to come across as anything other than a thank you. The last thing I need is for Jace to think I’m trying to come on to him.

I mean hell if he was for it, I’d be all over him, but considering he can hardly look at me, that’s never going to happen.

I hear the front door open, and I wipe my hands on my jeans, taking a deep breath to try and relax the butterflies that have exploded in my stomach.

He stands next to the island and stares into the kitchen. He looks so fucking hot in his suit. His black and blue tie is loosened like it’s been a rough day. His jacket is off, and the sleeves of his white shirt are pushed up a bit. What I wouldn’t give to unbutton that shirt and slide it off of him. Learn every dip and curve of his muscular body. Press my lips to his skin and taste him.

He clears his throat, and my eyes snap up to his. His scowl is in place, but his dark eyes are not as hard as usual. I take that as a good sign.

“I took your advice and I called about the job I really wanted. She was so impressed with my motivation that I got the job.” I squeal as a huge smile hits my lips. “I got the job, Jace, and I have you to thank for that. So, I made dinner as a small way of saying thank you.”

For a split second, a very small grin shows through as his eyes lock on mine. “You got the job because you busted your ass. I didn’t do anything.”

“You told me to fight,” I whisper, searching his eyes.

My heart is pounding in my chest having this moment with him. He never keeps eye contact but right now it’s like he’s looking into my soul.

“Congratulations, Lucky Penny,” he whispers.

Tears fill my eyes at the nickname he used to call me. I haven’t heard it in years. He used to say I always brought him luck, just like a lucky penny.

I swallow my emotions and blink back my tears. “Thank you, Jace.”

He doesn’t say anything, but he doesn’t move either. He continues to stare at me and it’s causing my body to heat up. This isn’t a friendly stare, it’s a hungry one. One that says he’s as turned on as I am, and the realization has me trembling. I take a step toward him, and the bubble fucking pops.

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