Page 146 of Give Me Redemption

After we ate, Jace and I retired to the guest house.

“So, he likes the idea?” I ask him, slipping my sweater over my head. After dinner, Jace and Lee went to Lee’s office and talked about Jace’s idea for the veterans while Emily and I got to know each other better. Both conversations went well.

And I think it’s an amazing thing that Jace is wanting to do. Coming out here helps me; I can’t imagine how it will help them.

Having something to care for and to take your mind off of the bad you’ve been through can only do them good. Plus, they’ll earn a salary and have a place to call home.

“He thinks it’s great. Only thing is, I’ll have to be spending more time out here and less in the city.”

I nod, unbuttoning my jeans and sliding them down my legs. “We’ll figure something out,” I say, walking into the bathroom.

I turn the shower on and peel my panties and bra off. Jace walks in behind me. His eyes run over my body, and mine do the same to his. His shirt is off, the dog tags around his neck. Scars stand out on his skin, and his jeans are unbuttoned.

I stand naked in front of him. My guard is completely down around this man. I fully trust him inside and out. I am unashamed of my body, knowing it’s not perfect, but it is mine and I give it to him fully. My heart is open, and my soul is bare.

“Earlier you asked me how we were going to take things farther?” he says.

I tilt my head, wondering where he’s going with this.

“Would you move?” he asks me as he steps closer.

“Move?”

“Yes. Would you ever consider moving out here?” The room fills with steam, and the mirrors grow foggy. “For me?” he adds.

My first thought is my work. My life. I can’t leave that. Not until…not until I find her.

What if you never do?

Are you willing to pass up what he’s offering for something that may never happened?

The thought causes my heart to seize. I can’tnotfind her.

“No. I can’t leave.”

“Why?”

“Because I have to—”

“What? Find her? What if that never happens, Dalton? What then? You’ve lived your whole goddamn life chasing. Aren’t you tired?” he asks.

I shake my head. “She’s out there, Jace. I won’t stop looking.”

A knock sounds on the door and I narrow my eyes. “Who’s that?” I ask.

He shrugs. “No one ever bothers me when I’m out here.” He heads toward the door.

“Jace,” I hear, and my eyes grow wide.

“Fuck. It’s Bryce.” Jace turns back toward me. “Stay in here,” he says as he walks out, but I don’t. I slide on my robe before turning the water off.

I creep out of the bathroom and tiptoe closer to the cracked bedroom door so I can listen and see. My heart is pounding. I can’t imagine what would happen if I just stepped out. Part of me wants to, but the other part doesn’t want to piss Jace off.

“You always walk in on people, or is it just me?” I hear Jace ask.

“The door was open,” Bryce says, casually like it’s no big deal.

“What are you doing out here?”

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