Page 33 of Entangled

I open my eyes, haughtily dragging them up and down his T-shirt and jean-clad body. “Only slightly.”

He rolls his eyes again. “Go get ready. I’ll be here when you’re done.”

I pause for moment, debating whether to go along with this or tell him to fuck off so I can get some more sleep and he rises from the counter at my hesitation, seeming to read my mind.

“Unless you’d prefer to go back to bed?” He lifts his blond brows in question, sensual energy in full force as he walks toward me. “Because that’s an idea I could get on board with.”

“Oh shut up,” I snap, spinning around and heading out of the kitchen. Not allowing myself to dwell on how good that idea actually sounds as his amused laughter follows me.

I almost make it into my gram’s room before remembering my suitcase is still in the entry and sigh in defeat. Turning around, I head back down the hallway, holding up a finger of silence to Jace along the way. “Not a word, Dawson!” His laughter redoubles but he remains silent and I count that as a win. I search through my clothes and snag some underwear before taking stock of the outfits I packed.

I’m going to need some armor for today.

I settle on an oversized Seether concert tee and a pair of skinny jeans, bundling it all up in my arms and walking to the bathroom without a glance Jace’s way. Firmly scolding myself that Iwilltake my suitcase into my gram’s room when I get back today. And just to spite him for waking me up at such an ungodly hour, I take as long as possible to get ready. Dragging out what is usually a fairly quick process for me.

I wash and condition my hair twice because…. Rinse and repeat, right? I use a sugar scrub that is probably a year old and until this day has remained unopened, pondering why I even brought the damn thing. I shave my legs and the, ahem, intimate parts of my body with the utmost attention. When I finally emerge from the shower, I check my phone and smirk when I see that an hour has passed. I pull on my clothes and yank a brush through my hair before sliding on my Converse and taking a sip of my lukewarm coffee to celebrate the victory.

But instead of being greeted by Jace’s irritated face like I expect, when I open the door I’m engulfed by a medley of scents that are most definitely not my sugar scrub. I walk toward the kitchen in confusion with my thermos in hand and come to a screeching halt at the sight that greets me. He made breakfast. And not like slapping together a sandwich like I would… but actual food. There’s two paper plates set out on the counter with a piece of avocado toast and a scone on each.

Where the hell did he find paper plates?

A grin lights up his face when he notices me. “Figured I’d make breakfast since you were taking forever.”

“Oh.”

“Unless you’re not a breakfast person?”

Well, when left to myself I’m not really a meal person outside of takeout but this… maybe I should invite him over and take ridiculously long showers every day.

“No. No. This looks great,” I rush out, walking the rest of the way into the kitchen. “Thanks,” I tack on awkwardly, not quite sure what to do with my bratty self now.

“Great.” Jace scoops up the plates and hands one to me. “Figured we could eat on the way.”

“Okay.”

He moves to walk out of the kitchen and I know I should follow but my feet are rooted in place.

“Blondie?” he questions, turning when he gets to the entry and notices I’m not behind him.

“Yeah?” I turn my head, meeting his unusually solemn gaze.

He walks a few steps back toward me, eyes searching my face. “You sure you want to do this?”

“Yeah.” I nod, assuring myself as much as him.

“Okay, then.” He holds out his hand to me. “You’ve got this.”

I stare at his hand for a moment before forcing my body into action and taking it, letting him gently pull me out the door. Taking comfort in the feeling of his hand in mine, in not being completely alone in this. When we reach the driveway, he pauses, tilting his head down toward me.

“Your car or mine?”

“Mine.” I exhale a deep breath. “I want to know how to get back there and I’ll remember better if I drive.”

“Okay.” He nods and lets go of my hand, heading to the passenger door as I open the driver's side and slide in.

Setting my plate on the center console, I grab the avocado toast and take a bite. Knowing that I should eat even though it settles like a lead ball in my stomach. I start the car and pull out before flicking my eyes to Jace.

“Where to?”

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