Page 14 of Head Over Wheels
“Yes.” My voice comes out all breathy. I really have zero chill. I try to discreetly clear my throat.
“Are you feeling a little better now? Your colour is coming back.” He pauses on the stair and runs a fingertip over my cheekbone.
Seriously, I’m swooning. This guy is hitting all my buttons. I try to drag my answer out of the puddle of mush that has become my corporeal self. “Yes.”
He laughs at my repeated one-word answers. He must be used to women melting at his feet. His dimples alone could thaw the iciest veins, never mind his eyes and that voice. I shiver a little at the memory of his rumbly voice in my ear earlier.
“Are you cold?” He lets go of my hand and slings his arm over my shoulder, pulling me into his side. His body is warm, and even though I’m not cold, it feels amazing. Safe. Like home.
Like home? Where did that come from? No, it’s way too early for thoughts like that. I can’t dwell on my wild thoughts for too long as we have a lot of stairs to climb. He drops his arm and we continue walking until we’re on my floor, and I direct Jace to my room. We draw up to my door, and he turns me into him and puts his arms around me. He squeezes me once and then lets go, taking a step back. Before I can process how it feels to be this close to him (to Jace!), it’s over. He kisses me on the cheek and stands back so I can let myself into my room.
“Good night, Sweet Ella.”
“Thanks for walking me back. I had fun.”
He nods and walks away, watching to make sure I walk into the room before he turns around.
I close the door behind me and sink to the floor. The memory of our brief hug is fresh, and now that he’s gone, I can think about how tall and strong and solid he felt against me. My fingers graze my cheek to find the spot that his lips pressed moments ago. It’s hot to the touch, and I’m both excited and confused. Is Jace interested in me? Is he just being a gentleman and making sure I get home safely? Argh, is it too soon for him to be moving on from Deb? They were such a fantastic couple. How can I ever compare to her? My mind is swirling, and I sit here for a while letting my thoughts zoom around. The moment that keeps taking centre stage is that hug and sweet kiss. I know that once I drag myself off the ground and into bed, that will be the image I fall asleep to tonight.
My phone is buzzing on my nightstand. I open one eye to see the light streaming in through the window. There’s another buzz from beside me, so I reach up and grab my phone. Eight a.m. Ugh, early. I guess that’s good since there’s a nine a.m. spin class I really want to attend. I open my texting app to see a text from an unknown number.
Want to meet for breakfast before classes start today?
Hmmm, who is this from? We exchanged some numbers yesterday, but I programmed them all into my phone.
Who is this?
It’s Jeff :)
Jeff? How did he get my number? I guess he must have been there when we were exchanging contact info, and I must have forgotten to add him in. Although I can’t remember him being there. I shake my head. I’m still a little foggy from my night’s sleep. He must have been there, how else would he have gotten this number?
I have to pass on breakfast, but maybe I’ll see you at class? I’m going to spin.
Oh, I’m going to strength first. No problem. Maybe we can go for coffee after?
He sure is persistent. But yeah, I’ll definitely want a latte after spinning. Maybe the rest of the group will want to join us.
kk, sounds good.
See you soon.
I scroll through the rest of my apps getting caught up on messages and social media. Clicking on the Elevate app, I check out my event schedule for the day. There are several different tracks, so the classes won’t be too crowded. I have the spinning class at nine a.m., followed by a strength class at eleven a.m.. Then there’s a couple hours free for everyone to get refueled, with an optional lunch in the main hall. After that, there are two more afternoon classes, a treadmill walk, and a yoga class. It’s going to be a jam-packed day.
My fingers brush against my cheek briefly. I still feel exactly where Jace kissed me goodnight. The grin that spreads over my face at the thought of his touch is definitely too big and bright for public consumption. One look at me and people are going to be asking me what’s up. I’m glad I’m surrounded by acquaintances this weekend so I don’t have to undergo the third degree from anyone before I know if there is anything to talk about.
As much as I’d love to just lie around and think about Jace and his full pouty lips for the rest of the morning, I have a spinning class to get to. I glance at my phone and confirm that it’s now 8:15 and I’m still in bed. The schedule says Kathy is leading it and I feel a twinge of disappointment that it’s not Jace but I shrug it off. I throw the blankets off me and head off to get ready for my class.
CHAPTER 11
The studio is all set up for spin class. Several rows of Elevate bikes are set up in a semicircle, with one bike at the front for the instructor. My eyes light up when I see which coach is setting up.
“Hey Ella, welcome.” Jace looks up from adjusting his bike as I walk into the room. I guess Kathy and him switched classes for some reason?
“Hi.” I blush and quickly look away to find a bike for today’s class. We had to pre-register for the spin classes, and they filled up quickly so I know it will be packed. It’s about half full now. I find a bike in a corner of the room—in the second row so that I can see, but also hide a little from Jace’s view.
I hear him saying hello to people as they come in, making introductions to the ones he hasn’t met yet. Lisa and Tara come in together and grab bikes near me. It’s nice to have familiar faces nearby today. For some reason I’m tense this morning, unsure what the day will bring, I guess. Last night was so exciting and fun, and now I’m not sure where anything stands.
Using the few minutes left before class starts, I make the adjustments to my seat and handlebars. I log in on the screen so it will log my class. I start pedaling it out, loosening up my muscles and turn my attention to Jace.