Page 33 of When Ben Loved Jace

“I love you too,” I say when breaking away. “I’m so glad you’re here. Come inside.”

He shakes his head. “I can’t stay. I have to get home to Samson.”

A cry of anguish starts to escape my throat before I manage to strangle it, but I nod my understanding.

“Although I do have a little time. Wanna go for a drive?”

I’d rather be alone with him, but after my behavior earlier, I’m willing to do this on his terms. All I need is my coat.

“How did you get here so fast?” I ask on the way out.

“It didn’t feel fast to me!” Jace says, taking my hand. “I ran around the airport trying to find a standby flight that would get me home. Sorry I couldn’t answer when you called. We were boarding and I needed Greg’s help with something.”

“And then you drove here,” I say when seeing his car.

“Straight from the airport. Greg met me there. I drove like the devil, which is especially crazy considering—” He stops to open the passenger side door for me. I climb in, but only after kissing him again.

“I still have to fly out in the morning,” Jace says when getting behind the wheel. “I know it sucks, but—”

“It’s okay,” I assure him. “I got the temper tantrum out of my system and now I can see things clearly again.”

He studies me a moment before nodding in approval.

“Where are we going?” I ask once we’re on our way.

“You’ll see. I might be late, but I still have a little surprise for you that will—hopefully—make up for it.”

He must have found a restaurant that’s still open. Works for me! Although, again, I would have been just as happy to stay home. Preferably while in bed together. He loves me!

I ask him about his day and am much more sympathetic when hearing everything he went through.

“The holidays are always crazy,” he confides. “Even this one.”

If that’s the price I have to pay, I’ll do so willingly. I’m sureit’ll take some getting used to, but I promise myself not to add to his stress next time.

We head away from the downtown area, which seems odd. In fact, we’re driving past different subdivisions. There isn’t much else out here besides residential neighborhoods. Jace keeps glancing over at me nervously as he speaks, as if there’s something he wants to say. Then he changes subjects abruptly.

“Have I uh…” Jace hesitates. “Have I ever told you about my college roommate, Adrien?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Oh. Well… We used to date. Don’t worry, this isn’t another maudlin story about an ex-boyfriend of mine. Adrien and I were a bad match. It’s as simple as that.” He seems to reconsider. “Although he might feel differently. Anyway, we stayed friends after we broke up. In fact, he lives out here.”

We’ve turned into one of the subdivisions now. I’m still in full-on repentant sinner mode, but if he really thinks I want to hang out with one of his exes, today of all days, then… I’ll keep my cool. But wewillhave a nice long talk about it some other time.

“That’s great,” I manage.

“Yeah. The only reason I mention it is because—” His car pulls over in front of a house even bigger than Greg’s. I barely notice it though because parked in the driveway is an old Airstream trailer. “—he said I could come live on his property.”

My jaw wags up and down uselessly as I try to comprehend this new development.

Jace turns to me and chuckles. “I wasn’t sure how you would react. This is even better than I imagined.”

“Youlive herenow?” I manage to squeak out.

“Yeah.”

I try to launch myself at him, but the seatbelt restrains me. Jace unbuckles his and leans over. I sob against his lips. I’m so moved. And excited!