Page 14 of Jace
“No, but I could probably rent something, right?”
“Yeah, probably. Or we could head that way,” I point south along the beach, “and drive for half an hour. My parents live there, and we have a garage full of surfer stuff.”
His eyes widen in surprise. “You want me to go to your parents' house? You've only known me for like five minutes.”
I shrug. “I know good people when I see them. They won't mind, in fact, they love it when I bring friends over. And since the season doesn't start until next week, I have some time tomorrow. There are some really good surf spots over there.”
He purses his lips, contemplating my offer, but I see the interest there. “Well, if you’re sure… I mean, I could be a serial killer for all you know.”
“Well, you’re Missy’s friend right? I know she’s alright.”
“Have you met her? She’s more likely to be a serial killer than me.”
We both chuckle. “Yeah, she has some dark and twisty vibes. But she always seems like an honest person to me.”
He smiles at that. “True. I’ve known Missy since I was a kid. Met Ava a couple of years ago when she visited Missy’s grandparents with her, who are our neighbors back home.”
“Are those two girls the only friends you have so far here?”
“There you go with the questions again…” He lifts an eyebrow, grinning at me.
“Ah, sorry. I'm just curious. You're the new 'it' guy, right? If I don't come back with at least ten new facts about you, my gossipy girlfriend won't give me any tonight,” I jest, making him laugh once again.
“No worries, I don't mind the questions. You're actually the first person here besides those two who has genuinely talked to me. It's a nice change. I love them, but sometimes I just need...” he trails off, gesturing aimlessly.
“Some dude-love?” I suggest with a mischievous grin.
He grins back at me. “Is that an invite?”
“There you go with the flirting again.”
“Then don’t call hanging out dude-love. That means something entirely different in my world.” He smirks, his playfulness shining through. “But if you ever want some genuine dude-love, just say the word.”
I can't help but chuckle, appreciating his honesty and open nature. “Nice try. You can flirt all you want, but you won't suddenly turn me gay.”
“I feel like that’s a challenge.”
“Maybe it is.”
His brows rise in obvious surprise, a smirk forming on his lips. “Oh you’re on. If you think this is me flirting, then you’re in for a surprise.”
“I’m honestly very confident in my straightness, thank you very much,” I retort.
He stares at me for a moment, cocking his head in thought. “So why would I flirt with you then?”
I shrug, a grin playing on my lips. From what I've observed, Jace's go-to response with everyone usually involves at least something flirty. “Why wouldn't you? It seems to be your MO, and everyone can be who they are, right? There's no need for me to judge people or try to change them.”
That actually earns me a nudge back with his shoulder. “You’re very accepting. A lot of guys would run for the hills.”
“So you're testing me?” I smirk at him. “Well bring it on. I don’t mind. I’ll show you that I’m only trying to make friends here.”
He blinks at me, huffs out a breath, and then shakes his head. “Like you need any more friends, King.”
“There's always room for one more. Don't you think you should have at least one dude friend? Let’s switch numbers?” I raise an eyebrow, extending my hand for his phone.
He complies. As I enter my number and call myself to retrieve his, he gets up and starts stretching.
“So how do I get back to campus?” he asks when I give him his phone back.
