Page 120 of Accidental Roommates

I couldn’t believe Jace had done all that for my mom. Some people would say he only did it to impress her, but that’s not Jace. He did it because he’s a great guy and wanted my mom to feel welcome. Liam never would’ve even thought to do something like that. Most guys wouldn’t. I really lucked out with Jace.

“Uncle Greg,” Jace says. “Good to have you back.”

A man with dark hair and a neatly trimmed beard walks in. He’s big, like Jace, his button-up shirt tugging at his broad shoulders. This is the first time I’ve met him. He’s hot for a guy in his late forties. I guess hotness runs in the family. Jace’s dad is good-looking too.

I met Jace’s parents last month when I went home with him for Thanksgiving. His parents are really nice. Since they’re divorced, we had Thanksgiving dinner at two different houses. By the end of the day, I was stuffed. Both of his parents are traveling during Christmas, which worked out well because Jace and I really wanted to spend the holiday here.

“You must be Kenzie,” Greg says, coming up to me.

“That’s me.” I shake his hand. “Sorry rent was late last month. I got busy and forgot.”

He smiles. “Don’t worry about it. I don’t mind if it’s late. My property manager says you’re the best tenant we’ve ever had.”

“Want a drink?” Jace asks his uncle. “We made these mint vodka drinks for the holiday, but if you want wine or beer, we have that too.”

“I’ll have a beer.”

Jace hands him one.

“You know, if you two are interested in fixing this place up,” Greg says, “I’d give you a couple months off from paying rent.”

“Really?” I glance at Jace. “What do you mean by fixing it up?”

“Replace the tile in the bathroom. Put in a new kitchen faucet. Fix the deck out back.”

“I don’t know how to do that stuff,” I say.

“Jace does. He could teach you. I’ve got a list of things that need to be done, some easier than others.”

“You sure you want to do all that?” Jace says. “You rent to college students. They tend to destroy shit.”

“Then they’ll pay for the damages. Or their parents will. The improvements need to be made. If I don’t do it now, I’ll end up doing it later. Just think about it and let me know.”

“I’d do it.” I look at Jace. “What do you think?”

He pulls me against his side and kisses me. “You really want to replace tile?”

“Sure. It might be fun. And it’s practice for when we have our own house.”

I didn’t mean to say that. Although I’d love to have a house with Jace someday, we’ve never talked about it. We’re taking our relationship a day at a time.

“I’m going to run back to the car,” Greg says. “I brought some wine but forgot to bring it in.”

Jace waits for him to leave, then turns me toward him, a big smile on his face. “Our house?”

I feel my face getting hot. “I didn’t mean it that way.”

“What way? Our house means a house we’d share together. It doesn’t really need explanation.”

“Well, yes, but I didn’t mean to assume anything. It could mean houses we have separately.”

“So you’re saying you don’t want to own a house with me someday?”

“I do, but I think it’s probably too early to talk about that.”

“Why is it too early?”

“I don’t know.” I try to wiggle out of his arms, but he won’t let me. “Why are you asking so many questions?”

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