Page 37 of Touch Me

“Just saying hi.” Jace moves to put his hands in his pockets, realizes he doesn’t have pockets, then rocks awkwardly back and forth with his hands clasped behind his back.

Fuck, he’s so cute when he’s awkward.

“Well, we’re about to play Professional Barbie Fashion Show if you’d like to join us,” Jess teases.

The thought of Jace staying in here to watch me change has my face blazing hot and my brain conjuring images of me tied to the desk with my own underwear. My eyes swing toward him, and he meets my gaze. What is that look? Curiosity? Lust? Before I can figure it out, he bolts from the room in true Jace fashion—without a word.

“Anyway, how are things going here?” Jess asks.

“Ok, I guess. He doesn’t talk much, but it’s definitely better than it was the first day. We both work separately during the day. I usually cook dinner, then we eat at the same table. No real conversation, though. We watch TV and then go to bed. Rinse, repeat.”

“So he seems okay to you?”

“Well, I don’t really have a baseline to compare to, but he seems fine. He did offer to take me to get hot dogs later and show me around so I know where I’m going on Monday. So that’s something.”

“Thatissomething.” She shoves my shoulder. “That’s great, Cassie.”

I scoff. “It’s just a hot dog.”

“No, it’s not just a hot dog. He offered to take you out.”

A nervous laugh pops out. “It’s not like a date.”

“No, that’s not what I meant.” She laughs. “Of course, it’s not a date.”

What the hell?Is that such an unreasonable scenario? That I’m dateable?

“I just meant he offered to do something outside his comfort zone. And you didn’t even have to ask. That’s a huge step for him.”

I cross my arms and chew on the inside of my cheek. “Well, I guess that is something then.”

“Anyway, let's find you something to wear.”

Yes, please. Something to wear besides this permanent stain of embarrassment on my face.

* * *

Gettingready to leave for dinner puts me in the same position as this morning. What do I wear? Does it matter? It’s just a hot dog truck, not a fancy dinner. Definitely not a date. Why do I care? Maybe it’s a girl thing to want to look cute.Sue me.

I choose a long, flowy, purple maxi skirt and a white tank top with a halter that ties around my neck. Paired with some cute taupe strappy sandals, and I’m confident enough to leave my room. My hair is in loose curls, and I applied mascara and shiny strawberry lip gloss, not that anyone will know it's flavored but me, but whatever.

I grab my purse and make my way out into the foyer where Jace is waiting, looking at his phone. Before I can say anything, the intercom buzzes.

He presses the button to speak. “Yes?”

“Mr. Lancaster, sorry to bother you. Mr. Declan is here with Henry.”

“Oh, right. Send them up, please. Thank you.”

“Henry?”

“I completely forgot Max was bringing him a day early.”

“Who is Max? And who is Henry?”

“Max is my old college roommate. The one I was telling you about. And Henry... well, you’ll see,” he says with a smirk.

The elevator dings, and before the doors fully open, I get a glimpse of a man, at least I think it’s a man. I didn’t get a good look before a giant gray blur comes bounding out of the elevator, heading right for me. I shriek a little, jump back, and suddenly I’m face to face—and I mean his face is the same height as mine–with who I’m assuming is Henry. A light gray Great Dane who has me pinned to the entryway table, tail wagging, tongue hanging out, panting in my face.

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