Page 93 of Sixty Days Of Summer

I can still see the simmering anger beneath Ace's calm exterior, but there's also something more—determination, fierce protectiveness. He’s not just trying to reassure me; he’s trying to protect me from everything I’m afraid of.

“He’s okay,” Ace says, his voice firm but soft, like he’s trying to steady the storm inside me. “A bit roughed up, sure. But don’t forget what he did to you—how he touched you when he had no fucking right. I told him if he even thought about going to the cops or coming near you again, I’d make sure his career in the music industry was over. Neil handled the rest, got him in a car, and sent him home.”

Ace leans into me, his lips pressing softly against mine. His kiss is a promise, full of reassurance and raw intensity. "You never have to fucking worry about him again."

As the tour continues, days blend together, the cities spinning past like a blur on a never-ending carousel. But somehow, in the midst of the chaos, Ace and I find our rhythm, settling into a routine that feels unexpectedly natural. It’s strange to think that just weeks ago, I was wishing for the kind of love Poppy has with Xander. Now, I can’t help but realize that I’ve found it—with Ace. Who would’ve thought that Ace Roberts, with his rough edges and guarded exterior, could love with such fierce, raw intensity?

Every time he looks at me, every time he touches me, it’s like he’s burning away all the doubts and fears I’ve ever carried. And in those moments, I realize that this—us—is everything I never knew I needed.

We never spoke of Beck again after that night, as if it had become an unspoken rule between us. Still, I knew Nate had called Ace after Theo filled him in. I didn’t ask about their conversation—I didn’t need to. According to Theo, Nate had actually thanked Ace for doing what he couldn’t.

Nate got his cast off today, and in the coming days, he'll be flying out to join us on tour. Theo’s pumped and the rest of the guys are just as excited to have him back. I miss my brother, but there’s this strange feeling creeping in. Having Ace around Nate... it’s going to be different.

Nate has always been the one looking out for me, the constant protector. But now, things have shifted. Ace has taken up that role, in his own way, and I can’t help but wonder how Nate will handle it. Seeing us together, especially after everything that’s happened... It's going to be a delicate balancing act. I don’t know if Nate’s ready for this change, or if he’ll be okay with how things have evolved between me and Ace. But one thing’s for sure—this isn’t something that’s going to be easy for any of us to navigate.

Since our time in New York, Ace and I have practically been living together, and I can feel something has changed in him. It's hard to pinpoint exactly what it is, but maybe it's because he finally faced his mother and confronted the demons that have been haunting him for years. There’s a softness in him now, a warmth that wasn’t there before, and he’s become more affectionate, even around the guys. It’s like he's shedding some of his old armor, letting me see the side of him that used to stay hidden. And, for once, it feels like we’re both in this together, fully.

Although it is still a bit strange when the guys watch us—especially Theo, who smirks at every opportunity. I can’t quite figure out if it’s because he’s never seen Ace like this and wants to tease him, or if he’s genuinely enjoying seeing how happy Ace makes me.

Tonight, on our night off in yet another new city, Ace told me to be ready by seven in something fancy. He knows my wardrobe inside out—he’s practically seen everything I own and has definitely undressed me in most of it. But nothing I had felt right for whatever he has planned, so I ended up asking Kit for help. I hate doing that. Kit’s wonderful and always willing to lend a hand, but she has enough on her plate without playing stylist for me too. The dress she sent, though? It’s stunning—beautiful and sexy, just the right mix of elegance and allure. It hugs my curves in all the right places, and as soon as I slip it on, I feel like I’m stepping into something unforgettable.

Ace isn’t here with me in our hotel room—I haven’t seen him all afternoon. He mentioned he had something to take care of but didn’t elaborate. I’ve been waiting, sitting on the bed, my mind running in circles, trying to figure out what’s going on. Then, I hear a knock on the door. I get up and walk over, half-expecting it to be Theo. We’ve been speculating all day about Ace’s plans for tonight, and if Theo’s here to ask me again, Imight just lose it. My nerves are already frayed from the waiting, and the last thing I need is another round of questioning.

I open the door to find Ace standing there, looking absolutely irresistible in a sharp suit. His dark eyes brim with nervous excitement, and his tousled hair strikes the perfect balance between messy and hot. He holds a big bouquet of flowers, their vibrant colors popping against his sleek outfit.

I can’t help but notice how his gaze slides over me, his tongue flicking out to wet his bottom lip. He clearly likes what he sees, and I struggle to restrain myself from yanking him into the room and begging him to fuck me, to pleasure me just as much as I want to pleasure him. The way he looks at me makes it clear that if I make that move, we’ll end up lost in each other all night—because that’s usually how it goes.

“Hey,” I say, instead.

As I meet his gaze, I notice a shift in him. The intense, sexual look has vanished, replaced by a sweet yet slightly nervous smile. He shifts from foot to foot, looking downright adorable and unsure, as if he’s still figuring out this whole “dating” thing.

“I’m not sure if I’m doing this right,” he admits, a hint of vulnerability in his voice. “I’ve never been on a date before.”

I can’t help but laugh; his nervousness is kind of cute. I step aside to let him in. “You’re doing great,” I reassure him. “Trust me, you’re doing just fine.”

His face lights up with a relieved smile as he hands me the flowers. “I hope you like them,” he says, nerves lacing his voice. “This is my first time buying flowers for a chick.”

“They’re perfect,” I reply, my smile warm and sincere. “Thank you.” I take the bouquet, my fingers brushing against his as I look up at him, a wave of affection washing over me. Turning away, I walk across the room, carefully placing the flowers on the table. Before placing them down, I lift them to my nose, inhalingtheir sweet scent. “So, where are we headed?” I ask, glancing back at him.

“You’ll have to wait and see,” he replies.

I grab my purse, curiosity piqued. I can't help but wonder if one of the guys helped him put this together. Ace has to have gotten changed somewhere, and since Theo didn’t have a clue, I’m guessing Xander might be in on it. He’s likely the one who helped Ace organize this date.

As I walk over to him, still standing just inside the door, the look in his eyes catches me off guard. It’s one of deep admiration and love, a gaze I’ve longed for and dreamt about for years. Having him look at me as if I’m his entire world stirs something inside me that I can’t quite put into words.

As soon as I reach him, he turns and opens the door for me, a gesture that makes me smile. I step out into the hall, and he follows closely behind. We make our way to the lobby and slip out through the back entrance to avoid the throng of fans waiting out front.

We ride in silence, the hum of the car and the soft glow of city lights reflecting off the windows. The streets grow quieter as we leave the lively downtown behind, giving way to older, more quaint buildings that exude character. When the car finally slows to a stop, I glance out the window, catching sight of a sign: Rooftop Revel. Even as I take in the name, I’m still completely in the dark about where we’re headed.

I glance at Ace and catch the smirk tugging at his lips, clearly savoring the fact that tonight’s a complete surprise for me. The car door swings open, and he gets out first, offering his hand with a knowing look in his eyes. I take it without hesitation, my fingers slipping into his. Lately, he’s been doing this more often—reaching for me, touching me without a second thought, not caring who’s watching.

We step into the building, and my curiosity deepens as we approach the old-fashioned metal grate elevator. Ace pulls down the grate with ease, the smoothness of his movements making it look effortless. He presses a button, and the elevator jolts to life, its old mechanisms creaking as it begins to ascend. I stand beside him, my mind racing with questions, still completely in the dark about what’s coming next. The anticipation is almost unbearable but in the best way possible. Every moment of this night feels like a small mystery unfolding, and I’m more than ready to see where it leads.

When the elevator stops and Ace opens the doors, the scene before me takes my breath away.

We step onto the rooftop, and the noise of the city fades away, replaced by the tranquil ambiance of a restaurant. The soft, golden glow of fairy lights threaded through delicate latticework along the edges of the roof, casts a dreamy, almost ethereal light. Lanterns flicker in the evening breeze, their gentle glow creating shadows that dance and shift across the floor. As I take it all in, a smile tugs at my lips. I instantly recognize why he brought me here. Back in New York, I told him how much I missed the rooftop coffee shop I’d shared with him, and this place—so enchanting, so serene—feels like a beautiful tribute to those precious memories. It’s as if Ace has somehow captured that feeling and turned it into this perfect moment.

In the center of the rooftop, a table for two is dressed with meticulous care. Crystal glasses catch the light from a flickering candle. To one side, a small fire pit crackles softly, surrounded by a cozy loveseat and a plush rug that beckons invitingly. The entire space feels impeccably private, and I know without a doubt that Ace has arranged for us to have this place all to ourselves tonight.

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