I agree to FaceTime after I watch it. Jayce’s body language is intimidating in the video. He’s scowling and his fists clench. But his voice is even and sounds calm. I have to give it to the woman interviewing him; she doesn’t react or change her tone with his expressions. Usually, he’s relaxed and charming until the camera’s on.

The phone connects, and Jayce’s handsome but tired face appears on my screen.

“What do you think?” He scrunches his brow with worry.

“You did great. You controlled your voice and your answers were fantastic and by the end, you lost your scowl and relaxed your hands. Overall, it went well.”

He exhales and his sad blue eyes clear. “Are you sure?”

“I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t mean it.” I air kiss him. “I’m proud of you. Imagine I’m giving you a big hug!” I circle my arms wide and tilt the phone so he can see.

A genuine laugh makes my heart leap. I love being his person. The one who can calm his anxiety and support him like no one else has ever done.

“How was your day?” he asks.

“Ugh, there’s a serious chat with my assistant in my future. She left work early for an emergency, but I noticed a dress and makeup in her bag.” I rub my forehead with the heel of my palm.

“I was afraid she’d let you down.” He frowns. “I’m sorry she isn’t better for you.”

“You thought she’d do this?” I ask and he nods. “Why didn’t you say something?”

“I was hoping I was wrong. You need an assistant and you like her.”

I hum in agreement because I thought the same thing. But it would’ve been nice if he had voiced his concerns. I might have gotten my head out of my ass and given her the position on a trial basis. No, that’s not true. Emmet suggested it as a way to put an assistant on probation without sounding bitchy.

For being so young, Emmet’s really good at understanding people and how to have a conversation without being confrontational.

“Baby Girl?” Jayce says loudly.

“Sorry, I zoned out. What did you say?”

“I asked if you got home okay.” He’s demanding, but since he’s already stressed about the interview, I’m unwilling to add to it.

“As you can see, I’m home in our bed, so don’t worry about me. I’m all good. Safe and sound.”

“You had someone with you at closing time?”

“I did, and he made sure I got home. So here I am.” I’m not lying. Every single word is true.

“We should buy a piece of his art as a thank you.” He assumes and I don’t correct him.

We can talk about it when he gets back. After we’ve had amazing sex, he’s much more likely to agree to anything.

“I can’t wait for you to get home.” I roll to my side and snuggle under the covers. We keep the video on all night when he’s away. “I love you, Daddy.”

“You own my heart, Baby Girl.”

“See you tomorrow.”

I drift off and dream of ice skating with him and Emmet.

Chapter ten

Jayce

Iswear the Enforcers don’t pay me enough.

I’m so happy to be home but dying to get on the ice since it’s been a couple of weeks.