Page 45 of Head Over Wheels

“Are you ready to go in?”

I’m startled out of my daydream by Jess’ question. “Yeah, I think so. Do I look worthy of being Jace Altman’s girlfriend?” My hair is hanging in long curls, and I’ve added in some blonde highlights that frame my face. I’m wearing dark blue jeans and a long-sleeved maroon Elevate top with my favourite white sneakers.

“The question is if Jace Altman is worthy of dating my bestie.” Jess looks at me meaningfully and gently tugs on a lock of my hair.

“Yeah, yeah.” I brush her off both physically and mentally.

“Seriously Ella, it’s been a year. You love each other, you live together, everyone needs to just embrace you as a couple or move on already. That’s old news.”

“This is why I needed you with me. You always know what to say.” I throw my arms around her and squeeze tightly.

She pulls away, and grins at me. “Let’s go.”

“You just want to see John.” I wink at her and grab my phone to text Jace that we’re here.

“Heck yeah, I do. One of the perks of being your friend is hanging out with ridiculously hot muscly men all the time. I am not complaining.”

We both giggle and head into the room for the meet and greet. I’ve stayed in touch with Tara and Lisa, who are both here again this weekend too. Jess has met them over the past year, and we scan the room to find them.

“Oh, they’re over in the corner.” I point them out to Jess, and we make our way there.

As we walk through the room, people are smiling and saying hello and snapping pictures. I smile and keep my arm linked with Jess’ so we don’t get separated. Jace and the other instructors aren’t here yet because they are doing a big entrance like last year. We get to my group of friends and say hello and give hugs all around. Then the lights dim, and the event starts.

I can’t help but squeal when Jace’s name is announced, and he jogs up onto the stage. His blue eyes find me immediately, and we share a grin. After a year, I still can’t believe he chose me. He looks hot in black Lululemon athletic pants and a black long-sleeve Elevate tee. His shirt clings to his muscles in all the right places.

“Oh my gosh, Ella, you live with him! Stop drooling.” Jess is laughing at me as I ogle my guy.

Soon all the instructors have been introduced, and they leave the stage to start mingling. I know that Jace will come over later. He’s working and needs to make sure he says hello to all his fans first. The other instructors come by to say hello, and it’s so much fun to be back here again a year later. So much has changed, but the excitement and fun are still palpable.

After the event, Jace pulls me aside. “Hi.” He presses his lips chastely against mine.

“Hi.” His kisses still knock the breath out of me, even after a year.

“Can I steal you away for an hour before dinner tonight?” His breath tickles my lips and makes me giggle.

“Sure! What’s going on?” He hadn’t mentioned anything earlier about plans today, so his question catches me off guard.

“It’s a surprise.” He kisses my forehead and steps back.

“Do I need to bring anything? Wear anything special? Will we be staying inside?” My brain is suddenly firing off questions.

He lets out a soft chuckle. “You don’t need to bring anything, wear what you’re going to wear to dinner so we don’t have to go back to our rooms before it starts, and yes, we’ll be inside. Any more questions?”

“Stop making fun of me. You know that I’m not great with surprises.” I bite my lip, wondering if there’s anything else I should ask.

Jace brushes my cheekbone with his index finger. “It’s a good surprise, I promise. I’ll meet you outside your room at five, okay?”

“People always say surprises are good, until they aren’t. Are you sure you don’t want to just tell me what we’re doing now?” I stare up at him with wide eyes, and yes, I may even flutter my lashes for extra effect.

He appears to consider my question for a second. “As much as I know that would make you happy, babe, I think I’ll wait and stick with the surprise.”

He flashes a huge grin at me, and then laughs when I jut my lower lip out. Taking me by the shoulders, he turns me slightly away from him and sends me off to where Jess is waiting. He calls out right before I get to Jess.

“See you at five, Ella!”

At his words, a grin stretches over my face. I wonder what the good surprise is? How am I going to last a whole hour until then?

CHAPTER 34

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