Page 13 of When Ben Loved Jace
I don’t hear the countdown anymore, too drawn in by everything he has to offer. The world around us erupts in cheers as soon as our lips touch, as if celebrating something long awaited. Jace takes my glass and sets them both on the rail so he can wrap me in his arms, shielding me from the cold. His heart is racing against the ear that I’ve got pressed against his chest. I think it might be the most beautiful song I’ve ever heard.
He releases me again when booming explosions erupt. We turn to see colorful bursts of light fill the sky. We really do have the best seat in the house.
“Shit,” Jace hisses under his breath. “He hates fireworks.”
“Who?”
He grimaces. “There’s something I need to tell you.”
I knew it! Here it comes…
“I’m a single dad.”
“You’rewhat?”
“A cat dad,” he clarifies with a sheepish grin.
I glance toward the sky. “And he’s scared of fireworks?”
“Yeah. I’m worried about him. I hate to cut this short but— Actually, are you sober enough to drive?”
“Stone cold,” I assure him. “Let’s go!”
We dodge left and right through the crowd to reach the elevators.
“You probably think I’m crazy,” Jace says on the way down.
“Nope. The dog I grew up with was terrified of thunderstorms. He’d always press against one of us while shaking, the poor guy. So I totally get it.”
I’m eager to be alone with him anyway. We collect our coats and my car. On the drive to his place, I sing along to the radio. He doesn’t make a big deal out of it. After looking surprised, Jace shifts to face me, his head resting on the seat. His eyes are glassy. He must be really feeling those martinis!
We end up in a neighborhood not so different than the one I grew up in, although I have to assume the homes here are more expensive due to the close proximity to the downtown area. He’s done well for himself, I conclude when we park in the driveway of a brick two-story house with tasteful landscaping.
Jace hops out of the car and leads us around the side of the house. “I hope he’s indoors.”
His concern is transparent.
I find it endearing.
“Sam?” he calls as we cross the backyard.
We pass a large stone patio with an impressive grill. Just how much do flight attendants earn? There’s even an old Airstream trailer back here. I might not know much about cars, but even I recognize the iconic pill-shape and riveted silver panels—a bygone vision of the future. Jace leads us right to it, still calling the cat’s name. I guess the trailer is one of its hiding places.
Jace opens the door and turns to me. “Come on in.”
“Uhh…” I hesitate, thinking of serial killer headlines.
He’s already disappeared inside. A light switches on.
I shrug and follow. If he murders me, at least he’s handsome!
The inside is actually very charming. And surprisingly well maintained. A red couch is attached to one of the walls, across from it a kitchenette. At the far end of the trailer, windows circle a small table and two padded benches. I don’t take in further details because a gray blur darts out to reach Jace.
“Samson!” he cries happily.
The cat yowls and begins winding in and out of his legs.
Jace scoops him up. “Were you brave? I’m sorry that Daddy was busy, but I had a good reason.”
