Page 15 of When Ben Loved Jace

“You’re so tall,” I say. “And everything here is so small.”

“That’s what makes it cozy.”

“You’ve been to a lot of places,” I comment, nodding at a bronze Leaning Tower of Pisa.

“I’ve been to a lot of airports,” he corrects. “I want to see more of the world, but I’m waiting for the right circumstances.”

“How so?”

He drapes an arm across the back of the couch, his fingers touching my shoulder. “The world is built for two.”

“I’ll be your travel buddy!”

“I’m looking for more than just that.” His eyes are searching mine. “What about you?”

I hesitate, but not because of him. A lot of guys feel that a committed relationship limits their options, unwilling to give up the game of conquest. “I want someone I can spend the rest of my life with,” I admit.

“Good,” he says as if the issue has been settled.

Samson hops up on his lap, gets comfortable, and afterconsidering me briefly, begins licking a paw. Jace smiles down at him serenely.

“How are you still single?” I ask, voicing a hint of concern.

“Oh, I don’t know,” Jace says casually. “Something about sleeping in a different city every night makes people suspicious. Or restless while I’m away. It’s always one or the other.” He tilts his head briefly, as if reconsidering. “Although I’ve been guilty of that myself.”

“You’ve cheated?”

“Only once. I was in a bad relationship and still loved the guy I ended up sleeping with so… That’s no excuse. But at least it wasn’t me simply wanting to add another notch to my bedpost.” He meets my gaze, and all I see is sincerity. “What about you?”

“I wouldn’t mind one more notch,” I say to lighten the mood. Then I hit him with my own confession. “I helped someone cheat. Repeatedly. Because I loved him, but like you said, that’s no excuse. I learned from it though. And never did it again.”

“How do you feel about open relationships?” he asks.

I don’t want to disqualify myself, but I have to be honest. “Not for me.”

“Me either,” Jace says. “Marriage?”

“Can’t wait.”

“Kids?”

“We’ll need a bigger trailer.”

He laughs. “Please tell me you like cats.”

Samson considers me again, which is unsettling.

“Can he understand us?”

“Are you avoiding the question?”

“I don’t have a lot of experience,” I say diplomatically, “but I’m willing to learn.”

Samson resumes grooming himself.

“You’re not in,” Jace says, “but you’re also not out.”

We talk a little longer while finishing our drinks, testing our compatibility without making promises. I still want to get to know him better, because in my experience, people have a lot of layers. I’m putting my best foot forward. I’m sure he is too. Who we really are, especially when together, has yet to be revealed.