Page 6 of Jace

“So my ‘I’m a two seater’ shirt with one arrow pointing up and the second pointing down, probably isn’t the best option, right?”

“Oh, wow!” Again laughter bubbles my chest. This is why I adore Zac, there is never a dull moment. It’s hard for me not to smile in his presence, he’s good in bringing out that side of me. “My boss would probably find it hilarious, but I’m not so sure his wife would. She’s a little more on the conservative side, they are like night and day, which is completely crazy, but no, you should definitely find a shirt replacement.”

I end the call to the sound of him chuckling and consider the option of stopping on the way to pick up a back-up shirt, just in case.

Chapter Four

Zac

She ends the call laughing and I turn around toward the front door of Deranged Ink smiling from the sound of it just as Luna comes outside and starts toward me.

“So you and Aurora, huh?” She crosses her arms over her chest and I know she isn’t judging me; it's more a question of concern than anything.

“It’s not what you think,” I tell her. “It’s not what he thinks.” I look toward the shop, half expecting to find Jace glaring out at me from the front window. Only I find it empty.

“Then what is it?” She asks, breaking the silence.

“Two friends hanging out.” I shrug. “She needs a favor, one without expectations, and I’m the guy who can offer that.” It’s not sexual with Aurora and me. She’s beautiful yes, but there is a lot more to her than her looks. She’s smart and challenging, but she’s also an amazing listener. There is never any judgment.

“You know this may be the one thing that could break the two of you.” The idea of that is crippling.

“I hope not.” Jace is my best friend. I’d like to believe that he and I could make it through anything. “Should I not be friends with her because he says so?”

“Maybe explain everything to him.” Luna shrugs like it’s the simplest solution.

“Because right now, he’s being so reasonable.” I arch my brow and the corner of her mouth tips upward. Jace is beyond talking at this point. “The only thing he is seeing right now is me going after the girl he feels something for but is too afraid to admit it. He won’t hear anything I have to say.”

The two of us walk back into the front entrance as the back door opens and both Dax and Olly walk in. I watch for Jace but he never enters.

“I told him to take a walk. He’ll be back for his five-thirty appointment.” Daxton continues past me and pats my shoulder. “He’s as messed up as the rest of us, but I know when his head clears, he’s gonna regret what took place back there.” He’s referring to the punch, and again my throat feels raw from the reminder.

We’ve disagreed more times than I can count, but never—not once—has either of us ever hit the other. This all feels different, and I don’t like the emptiness it leaves in my chest.

I’m left standing alone with Oliver as Luna and Dax get back to their clients.

“I hope you know what you’re doing.” Oliver turns around walking backward as he holds my stare. He didn’t ask for an explanation, he didn't ask questions, instead he leaves me alone to ponder his words.

I consider backing out of the dinner, though its completely innocent I’m not sure I can be in the right headspace to entertain. I know that’s what Aurora wants, me to distract her. She works in an office with a bunch of stuffy people. I’ve learned that Aurora doesn’t ask for recognition, hell she doesn’t even want praise. All she wants is to do what she loves and buy herself pretty things with the rewards she’s earned.

I’ve never in my life seen someone get so excited to buy themselves a set of dishes, or some fluffy towels. But to her it’s the best thing because it’s her hard work and determination that provides the opportunities to spoil herself.

She finds joy in the smallest of things. Whether it costs five dollars or five hundred, it’s the idea that she is able to do it for herself.

I expect there is a story there, but I’ve never asked and she’s never shared.

The truth is we all know very little about the true Aurora Jane Reid, she doesn’t open up, she doesn’t offer details into her life.

Makes me wonder what truly lies beneath the pretty exterior.

What are her secrets?

Chapter Five

Jace

I sit in my car outside of the shop, feeling unsettled even after a few hours of hitting the bags at home. My fists are sore, my shoulder’s ache like a bitch and my mind is still playing games. My thoughts are all over the place.

I’m the one to blame, I know this.

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