Page 38 of Challenging Jayce

“I forgot where we were.” Her words were muffled by his shirt but he must’ve heard what she said because she felt the rumble of his laughter.

“I can assure you no one cares based on the grins they’re all wearing.”

She turned her head but didn’t let go. Sure enough, everyone in the room had a smile from ear to ear on their face.

“If I didn’t suspect all the staring was because you’re happy for your friend, I would think you’re all creepers.”

Ryker was the first to bust out laughing. “I knew she would fit in perfectly.”

She was sure her face was even more red now than it had been a few moments ago.

“Okay, enough,” Luke chuckled. “Clearly we’re embarrassing her. Job well done. It’s late, so how about we get the hell out of here?”

Kennedy liked that plan and so did everyone else. She waited until everyone left before stepping out of Jayce’s arms. “What do you say we go back to your house?”

“Ourhouse.”

She almost choked on the air that got caught in her throat. “Huh?” The one-word squeak was all she managed to get out.

“Do you really think after you picked out the house, and are currently helping renovate it, that the house isn’t yours as well?”

Well, when he said it like that …

“I mean, I kinda hoped you would want me to stay there with you occasionally.”

She nearly melted when he framed her face with his hands. “I want more than occasionally. I want always.”

Kennedy needed to insert some humor before she turned into a pile of goo on his work floor. “Let’s see if you feel the same way after I finish designing the space. Oh, and speaking of the house, I have a surprise for you!”

“A surprise, huh?” Jayce raised his eyebrow.

“Yup, but I’m not telling you until we get there.”

Jayce took her hand and was practically sprinting for the door. “Let’s get a move on, then.”

It was great to see this playful side of him. She hoped their relationship was always like this.

CHAPTER24

When Kennedy saidshe had a surprise for him, he didn’t expect to walk into his new house and see a romantic setup.

A king-size mattress sat in the middle of what would soon be the living room. A teepee tent covered half of it and twinkling lights made the whole thing glow. Colorful pillows were tossed haphazardly near the top and a large lush blanket was folded on the lower half of the mattress. A tray with candles and a deck of cards sat in the middle of the blanket just waiting for someone to use.

“You set this all up?”

“There’s also a cooler in the kitchen with some snacks and drinks. I figured we could spend our nights here like this while construction is going on rather than you going back to your apartment.”

Ah, so that was what this was about.

“Are you worried about my well-being?”

He snagged her around the waist and brought her close that she had to lean her head back to look at him.

“Maybe a little,” she practically whispered to him.

He smiled at the concern. “Then I guess it’s a good thing I had no intention of going back there anyway.”

“Really?” He could see the hope in her eyes.

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