Page 5 of Feels Like Home

After spritzing body spray all over himself, Jace went with a pair of relaxed-fit jeans and a dark plum Polo. The color always made his hazel eyes appear more honeyed.

Jace stood in the mirror trying to get his black hair to look as if he’d just rolled out of bed.

“You got this,” he said to his reflection. “Open your mouth and have a conversation. It’s just the diner. Nothing fancy.”

He was totally going to botch this.

“Friends, my ass,” his grandma said when Jace walked through the living room on his way out the door. She was on the couch with a pack of peanut butter cookies on her lap and a glass of milk on the side table. She sniffed the air and grinned. “You done used half the bottle of body spray. Who’s the lucky fella you’re sneaking off to see?”

Jace glanced over his shoulder.

“Your mom is in the kitchen cooking and drinking wine. Don’t you hear the music playing?” she asked. “She’s oblivious to you sneaking off.” His grandma stood and set the package aside. “You’re such a stunning boy, Jace. You look just like your father, god rest his soul.”

“I’m just—”

“Save it. I know a polished man going on a date when I see one.” She brushed her hands over his shoulders. “I’m happy you’re getting back out there after your bad breakup with Tucker. That boy didn’t deserve you.”

Jace didn’t want to think of Tucker or their bad breakup. Especially not before a date with Ian. “I have to go.”

She patted his cheek lovingly. “Make sure you have fun.” Her eyes sparkled. “Remember to open your mouth and talk, dearie. Don’t let your shyness get in the way. But most importantly, you make sure this one treats you right.”

“I’ll bring you back one of Roman’s delicious desserts.” For a woman so thin, his grandma loved her sweets.

“If Roman was older and into women, I’d snatch him up.” She snickered. “Tell that stud your grandmama said hello.”

Not in a million years. “My grandmother is a saint. She doesn’t get all worked up over a guy.”

“You should have seen me back in my day when your grandfather courted me.” She winked. “I was a knockout, honey. Had men lining up to take my hand.”

“I’m gonna go.” Jace headed for the door as he tried to get that image out of his head.

“No kissing on the first date,” she called out behind him. “No sex, either. Make him work for what he wants.”

Jace groaned. Now, if Ian wanted a kiss, all Jace would think about was a line of lust-filled men after his grandma. He should have just crawled out of his bedroom window instead of using the front door.

When he turned the car key, the dashboard lit up and the fan kicked on, but his car only sputtered. It had started with no problem when he’d left work. Jace tried again, only to get the same results.

“You pick a fine time to act up on me.” He didn’t know the first thing about cars, except how to fill the gas tank. Sadly, Jace didn’t even know how to change a flat. That was what roadside assistance was for.

Even though he was nervous about having dinner with Ian, Jace didn’t want to miss his date. There was just something about the guy that made Jace’s heart somersault all over the place.

Either they would have to reschedule or maybe Ian would agree to pick him up. He bit his thumbnail as he made the call.

“Jace.” Ian said his name as if he were purring the four letters. “What’s up?”

“I, uh—” Jace cleared his throat as he tried to force back his timidity. “My car.”

“Are you having car trouble?”

“Yes!” Jace palmed his face. “I mean, yes. It won’t…it won’t start.”

“Do you know why?” Ian asked. “Has it been giving you problems before now?”

Jace shook his head and then realized Ian couldn’t see him. “No, and I don’t know anything about cars. I bought this one used, and so far, it’s been good to me. It worked fine when I left the gym, and now …I don’t know. The dash lights come on, but I can’t get it going.” That was way too much explaining. “We can reschedule,” he said.

“Or I could take a look at it,” Ian offered. “I know my way around an engine. The problem might be something simple, saving you a mechanic bill.”

Something Jace couldn’t afford. He had some money saved, but he helped out with household expenses. His mom worked from home as a tax accountant, and his grandma lived on a fixed income. Jace didn’t have extra money for repairs.

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