Page 6 of When Ben Loved Jace

“Hm. Why did you sound sad when saying that?”

“Ancient history. I guess what I’m wondering is why you aren’t with him.”

“Greg?” Jace laughs, dispelling my fears. “First of all, he’s straight. Secondly, I’ve known him since we were little. I just don’t see him that way. Greg is more like a brother to me. Besides, he’s not really my type.”

“No?”

“Nope. I wish we were doing this in person.”

“How come?”

“To get the full picture. Due to the counter you stand behindat work, I’ve only ever seen you from the waist up. For all I know, you slither around on octopus tentacles.”

“Busted!” I think about what Allison said, how I’ll need to take risks if I’m ever going to find the right guy. Persistence holds the key… “So why don’t we continue this conversation in person?”

“I’m out of town for the moment,” he says apologetically. “Although itisdrivable. How about tomorrow?”

I wince. “I’m going home for the holidays.”

“Which is where, exactly?”

When I tell him, he starts laughing. “Guess where I am now?”

“No!”

“Uh-huh.”

We discuss options on how we could meet. I’m not too picky. I just want to see him again. Once the time and the location are set, the tension grows thick.

“I guess I’ll see you soon,” I say.

“Not soon enough for me,” Jace replies. “Have a good night, Ben.”

“You too.”

After saying goodbye and hanging up, I tumble backward onto the sheets and place a hand over my racing heart.

I’m so ready for this!

Chapter Two

I’m not sure why Jace chose a mall as the location of our first date. Maybe he wants to lavish me with gifts, which I wouldn’t mind, because money is perpetually tight. Allison and I opted for an apartment rather than dorm rooms, so we could live together. That, and it sounded more grown-up. Which it is, complete with a stack of bills that have to be paid each month. Allison’s dad takes care of her half of the rent, but even then, she often has to cover for the utilities that I can’t afford.

I’m taking the escalator down to the bottom floor when I see Jace. He hasn’t noticed me yet, allowing me to reassess him. His blond hair is short on the sides and swept forward in the middle, lifting away from his forehead like a gravity-defying wave. I’m not sure if he uses any product to achieve this, because his ruffled hair looks appealingly soft. He’s dressed in a long dark coat that gives him a sophisticated air. Maybe he picked it up in Paris or New York during his travels. Even his shoes are classy, polished black leather suitable for formal occasions.

Mine are scuffed trainers, I’m reminded when stumbling at the bottom of the escalator. An orange hoodie beneath a tweed jacket and jeans make up the rest. My brown hair is long enough to sweep over the top of my ears. I thought about getting it cut, but this is how I looked when he saw me previously, so I have to assume he likes the style. I hope Jace isn’t disappointed. He sure is a snappy dresser!

I watch him scan the crowds of last-minute shoppers before he finally spots me. Then he smiles, which is encouraging enough that I do the same. We close the gap, both of us seeming unsure what to do with ourselves. Is a hug appropriate? Or maybe a handshake?

Jace’s sparkling eyes move over me. “You look nice.”

“Thanks! You look amazingly hot!”

He doesn’t seem put off by this praise, which is good, because when I find a guy attractive, I’m not exactly subtle.

“Although…” he says as if reassessing. “I’m a little disappointed that you only have two legs.” He shrugs, as if making peace with the fact. “It’ll save money when it comes to renting skates.”

I glance over my shoulder at the indoor ice rink. “That’swhy you wanted to meet me here?”