Page 96 of Receiving His Mercy
She gaped at Jace in shock.
“Who the fuck are you?” Travis demanded. “Second-chance romance?”
Jace shrugged, not looking in the slightest bit embarrassed. “I read lots of stuff. No shame in romance books.”
She glanced at Rory who was staring at Jace with a look of complete hero worship on her face.
Hmm.
This could be good. Jace could be just what Rory needed. As long as he was prepared to go slow.
Whether Gray would see it that way, though . . .
“I’ll be back out in five,” she promised Oliver.
“After she eats something.” Travis gave her a firm look.
Right. Fun.
Not.
23
Travis was willing to bet everything he owned that Caren didn’t realize she was leaning on him as he walked her to her apartment door.
He had kind of expected her to fall asleep in the car. As soon as they’d left the exhibition, she’d started going downhill. It was like she’d been acting all night. Smiling and chatting with people. Then once everyone was gone, she’d just deflated. Of course, it could also have something to do with the glass of bubbles that she’d drunk really quickly.
“Nearly there, Goldie,” he murmured as she let out a grumble when they reached her door. “Just need your key.”
“Wanna go bed.”
“I know. I’ll have you there soon.” She hadn’t even argued with him when he said he was taking her home. “Is your key in your handbag?”
“Uh-huh.” She made no move to grab her bag.
“Can I get it, Goldie?”
“Sure.” She let out a huge yawn, taking a step back with the force of it and nearly stumbling.
“Whoa, baby.” He slid his arm around her back, holding her against him as he grabbed her handbag.
It was tricky, but he managed to pull out her key with one hand and opened the door. Then he swept her up into his arms and carried her inside.
“Yay!” she cried. “This is my favorite ride at the fair!”
Whoa.
She threw her arms back.
“That glass of champagne you had really went to your head, huh?” he muttered, trying to keep hold of her and shut and lock the door.
“Not good with alcohol,” she muttered. “Lightweight. Rarely drink. But the bubbles are so ticklish. I like them. Plus, I haven’t really eaten.”
“You didn’t eat dinner tonight?” he asked, concerned as he carried her into her bedroom.
Was she going to remember this tomorrow?
Damn it. He’d hoped to have a serious talk with her tonight. He guessed it would have to wait until tomorrow.
