Page 129 of Unapologetic Obsession

The lab he had repainted in my favorite color.

His new wardrobe that reflected my taste.

The way he gave in to my every whim.

I shook my head to dispel the thoughts.

“One more round,” said the chef, and I had no idea how he was pumping out the deep-fried risotto balls despite his fourth shot of tequila.

When he saw me salivating over the large pan, his eyes twinkled. He set me up with a plate, but only if I took another shot with him.

I tossed back the tequila and felt pleasantly giddy.

“You gamble?” one of the busboys asked me, nudging me toward the card table. Two kitchen staffers were shuffling a deck at lightning speed.

With a smile, I shook my head.

“How about a dance instead?” Jace pulled me to the middle of the kitchen. Others followed us, throwing their heads and hips back with the type of dancing the guests in the ballroom would have been horrified by.

My dancing was clumsy as Jace twirled me around, and we laughed out loud. Dancing with another man was a part of the rebellious streak against Caden’s high-handed ways. There was only one problem.

No amount of sloppy dancing and nonjudgmental eyes could replace Caden’s warmth. The hands touching me didn’t light up the sky with fireworks. The hot breath on my neck didn’t elicit a moan. If I believed in magic, I would think Caden had put a spell on me.

Jace smiled at me kindly. “I’m guessing this is more your scene than that ballroom.”

Being in Caden’s arms was my scene. I sighed, realizing freedom kind of sucked without him. While I was unsure whether I could livewithhim, I was completely positive that I could never livewithouthim.

Jace stopped dancing. “You look sad, Rose. Too sad for someone who just got engaged.”

I stilled.

He laughed. “Don’t look so surprised. I was working the floor when Dr. Maxwell practically announced your engagement to the world. Shouldn’t you be celebrating with your fiancé instead of hiding out in the kitchen?”

I sighed. “It’s complicated.”

“I have got time.”

Jace seemed to be one of those people who had a way of deflecting intensity, like an energy-efficient lamp for bad moods. It was impossible to look at his puppy dog eyes and not want to pour your soul out.

And that was precisely what I did. The alcohol had loosened my tongue, and I spilled my guts. I left out some details that might get Caden into trouble.

We had a toxic relationship, and I ended things with him.

I lost my memories, and he took advantage of it.

I had been hopelessly in love with him since I was eleven, though I left out the part where I mistook him for his twin.

My memories had returned, only to realize that I both loved and hated the man.

After my verbal diarrhea, I tentatively asked, “Got any advice for me?”

“No.” Jace’s brow furrowed as he studied me. “But I do have a question.”

“Only one?” I was surprised, having expected an interrogation after everything I had revealed about his elusive boss.

“Yes. But when I ask you the question, you can’t think about it. Just say the first thing that pops out of your mouth.”

“Okay.”