Page 56 of Embers of Torment

"I am not. But here are the terms. I'll stay at your apartment Saturday night, in addition to Friday, if you'll come back to bed and cuddle for a few more minutes." I knew Jace didn't mind spending the night at my place, although I could tell he liked it better when I stayed at his. I couldn't blame him. Who didn't prefer staying in their home over someone else's? It was certainly more convenient, more so during the work week. Plus, his unit was bigger.

"Mmm, that does sound tempting. Let me see." Jace pressed his index finger to his chin and stared at the ceiling, pretending to mull over my offer.

I wanted to comment on how adorable he looked, standing there in his underwear with his hair all rumpled from the bed, but I thought better of it. I didn't want to distract him from saying yes.

We'd created a schedule since living in the same building made spending nights together easy, and we needed it to be fair. I spent the night with Jace on Tuesdays and Fridays, and he stayed with me on Wednesdays and Saturdays. We took the other evenings off for some "alone time" and to care for personal needs. Giving up my Saturday was worth an additional snuggle this morning.

"Ahh, come on. You know you want to," I said when Jace still hadn't moved or responded.

Jace gave me an adorably crooked smile. "A few minutes, no more."

"Yes!" I threw my hands in the air. "Score one for Della."

"Hey, if you're going to be smug about it, I might change my mind." Jace attempted to act stern, but the twitch at the corner of his mouth gave him away.

"Sorry, I didn't mean it. I'm not acting that way. Nope, not at all." I tried to hide my grin as Jace slid underneath the covers.

He leaned down and kissed me before pulling me close and tucking me against his side. His body was wonderfully warm, and his hand soft as it caressed my hip and thigh.

After a long stretch of holding each other in comfortable silence, Jace laughed. "Okay, little Miss Devious, or better yet, my Queen Procrastinator. So much for getting to work on time, although we might make it if we hurry. That is providing we skip breakfast."

"It was worth it, and I can live without protein for a few hours." I didn't care. I got what I wanted—extra time with Jace. I couldn't get enough of him, and the attraction went beyond physical. It was emotional and intellectual as well. When Jace was with me, I felt so sated. It was like my life was a banquet, and I had every delicious food imaginable at my fingertips.

Jace pulled away and sat on the edge of my bed. He leaned back and nudged my rear when I failed to move. "Up with you. Now. We have to get to work."

"Fine," I groaned. I tossed the covers back and stretched. Gloriously content, I stole a peek at him and smiled. He was a one-of-a-kind delicacy, and each nibble had me wanting more.

Jace stood and reached for his pants, glancing at me when he slipped them on. "I'm going to take off. I'll meet you downstairs in half an hour. Don't be late."

I frowned as I slid from the bed. "I'll be there." I brushed past him and went into the bathroom. Moments later, my front door closed.

Trying to hurry, I took a super quick shower, dressed, and filled a baggie full of grapes before rushing out my door. Joking about being late was one thing. Doing so was another. I was not a fan of breaking the rules, and I didn't want Jace to end up in trouble, especially since I was the culprit.

Arriving several minutes early, I stepped off the elevator and dashed around the corner. Jace was waiting for me in our building's lobby.

"You got ready in record time, " Jace said, giving me a delicious but way too quick kiss. Slipping his arm across my shoulder, we headed toward the exit.

I pulled a grape from the bundle-filled plastic bag and held it in the air. "Open your mouth. This is the best I could do for breakfast. Dang, and I'm hungrier than I thought I was." Jace did as I asked, and I dropped the piece of fruit onto his tongue.

We polished off the grapes as we hustled down the street, surrounded by a rush of others doing the same. It appeared we weren't the only ones on the verge of running late.

When we reached my office building, Jace maneuvered me out of the way to tell me goodbye. My stomach growled before he had a chance to say a word.

Jace peered at the grumbly offender and grinned. "I guess you weren't kidding when you said you were hungry."

"Nope, I wasn't. But I'll take cuddling with you and some bedroom rodeo over food any day of the week."

Jace burst out laughing. "Excuse me? Bedroom rodeo? Where the hell did that come from?"

I giggled and glanced around to make sure no one was listening. "You know. Giddy up, ride 'em, cowgirl. I like it when you let me take the reins." My cheeks burned like hot coals when Jace raised his brow, a knowing smile transforming his mouth.

"I admit. I enjoy watching you and ensuring you get what you want and are fully satisfied." After our shared moment of fun reflection, Jace's expression turned thoughtful. "Since you're so hungry, I'll order you some breakfast from that café down the street from my office when I get to my desk. They have delivery."

"Oh, yum. I've been there. Can I have the blueberry pancakes with bacon and a side of hashbrowns?"

"Of course. Anything else?"

"Not at the moment. But…umm…later is another story."

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