Page 54 of Forbidden Billionaire Rockstar

The Jace who walked into this tour wouldn't recognize the man walking away from her door now and I'm okay with that. Because this version of me, the one who's willing to risk it all for one woman, feels more real than any stage persona I've ever worn.

As I step into the elevator, I make a silent vow. I'll show Mallory that what we have is worth fighting for. That I'm worth taking a chance on. Because she sure as hell is worth it to me.

19

Mallory

This is impossible.

Clothes litter my bed like fallen soldiers, each outfit a failed attempt at perfection. With less than an hour until Jace arrives, panic creeps in. This isn’t a date, I remind myself. So why does it feel like I’m preparing for battle?

It’s not a date.He’s just trying to get back into my good graces.

I’m not entirely sure why I agreed to thenotdate in the first place, but I can’t back out now and that’s why I’m struggling to figure out what I’ll wear. Luckily for me, only a single floor separates me from my best friend and she’d love nothing more than to help me with this.

Before any more time passes by, I quickly slip my feet into a pair of slippers, push through the door, and hurry down the hall full of nerves. It doesn’t take long for the elevator to open its doors onto my brother’s floor, and even less time for me to come to a stop in front of his door.

He’s going to wonder what I’m doing here. I’m sure something will come to me in the heat of the moment.

I tap my knuckles against the thick wood and hold my breath as I wait for him to answer. He pulls it open slowly, a frown on his face when he sees me standing there, and he leans against the door frame.

“Mal, what’s up?”

“Uh, I need your wife.”

His brow furrows, and he steps out into the hall, shutting the door softly behind him. “She’s not feeling well today. Is it anything I can help with?”

My cheeks heat, and he nods in understanding before I can get a word out. “Ah, is this about Trevor?”

Trevor?

“What about him?”

He sighs. “I’ll admit, I was against it at first, but I think dating someone would be good for you. Is that what this surprise visit is about? Going on a fancy date?”

The idea of him thinking I’m dating one of my clients has my stomach filling with dread, but at least he’s not questioning me about one of his best friends. I clear my throat and nod, giving him a small smile. “Sorta, I’m struggling to pick out an outfit.”

I can tell he’s about to offer his help even further, but the door behind him opens, and Julia pokes her head outside with a small smile. “Dear God, please don’t let him help you. I’ll meet you up there in a few, babe.”

“Hey,” Brent says, a look of offense in his eyes. “I would be a great helper.”

“Whatever you need to make yourself feel better, babe,” Julia says with a chuckle.

While she disappears back into the room, Brent and I stare at each other silently. He clears his throat and runs a hand through his hair. “Just be careful, sis, there’s something about him that doesn’t sit right with me?”

“Would you rather me go on a date with Donny or Jace?” I mask my expression, but I’m asking this question for a reason — to gauge his reaction to the idea.

Might as well get his emotions out of the way now.

Brent bristles and shakes his head. “God, no. Donny has too much going on with his family, and Jace isn’t the dating type.”

“How would you know?”

He arches a brow. “Is there something you want to tell me?”

I chuckle, then nudge his arm. “Nah, just trying to get under your skin like a little sister should.”

“Go, get ready for your date.”

---