Page 25 of Head Over Wheels
His hand makes a slowdown motion. “I’m getting there. She told me all of that, and I told her that I will always love what we had and that she’s a great friend. I’ve moved on though, and I am not interested in getting back together.”
“And the hugging?” I need to hear it all so that I can figure out how I feel about it.
“She was upset, and I was comforting her. It wasn’t anything more. Ella, it’s over between Deb and me. We didn’t work as a couple, and she’ll remember that soon as well.”
“So why did she corner me and stake her claim?”
“This is the first time she’s seen me around another woman, and I expect it made our breakup more real and permanent. I’m not sure. But what really matters is that I’m here now, and it’s you that I want.” He puts his arm around my shoulders and pulls me in for a side hug.
I sit there for a moment and relish in the warmth of his arm. Everything he’s said makes sense. Although I can hear Jess playing devil’s advocate and saying it’s in Jace’s best interest to tell me what I want to hear. I ponder the last two days. Has he given me any reason to doubt him yet this weekend? He’s been pretty upfront and honest as far as I can tell. The drama isn’t coming from him. I sink into his side a little deeper. We sit together in silence while I process my thoughts. I like that he lets me have some time to think about it without pressuring me.
“Are we okay?” He nudges me gently with his shoulder.
“We’re okay.” I grin to let him know I mean it.
“I’m sorry about everything that happened tonight. I’ll talk to Deb tomorrow and make sure she doesn’t get in the way again.” He’s speaking softly, his voice a shadow of the one I’m used to hearing on my bike speakers.
“Please don’t do that. It’ll only make it worse. I really don’t want any more drama.” I sigh, thinking about all the wasted energy spent worrying tonight.
“I get it. I won’t say anything.” He turns his body so he’s facing me.
“Thanks.” I get lost looking in his eyes. There’s a big part of me that still can’t believe that Jace Altman is in my room.
He taps an index finger on my temple. “What are you thinking right now? You have the funniest expression on your face.”
I immediately duck my head into the corner of his chest. There’s no way I can answer that question honestly.
“Hey. What’s going on?” He pulls away so that he can see me.
With my hand over my face, I play that game little kids play where if I can’t see him he definitely can’t see me, right?
“Ella, you’re starting to worry me.”
His tone is serious enough that I drop my hand to face him. “It’s nothing Jace, I’m just embarrassed.”
He rubs at the stubble on his chin. “What could you possibly have to be embarrassed about?”
“I just can’t believe you’re here, in the room with me. It’s like I’m dreaming or something. Two days ago, I’d never even imagined that something like this could happen. Now you’re here, and you’re real, and it’s a little bit mind blowing.” My hand goes from a fist to fully open, mimicking an explosion.
Jace laughs out loud. “You’re so funny. I’m just a person, I’m not that guy you see on screen.”
“I get that. But that guy on screen has been the only version of you that I’ve known for a long time, so it will take some time to get used to this new reality.”
“Guess I’ll have to be patient while you adjust. Maybe this will help?” He leans in and brushes his lips against mine.
It catches me so off guard that I remain frozen in place, even after he’s pulled away. Did that just happen? Did Jace just kiss me?
“Ella, was that okay?”
I open my eyes and give my head a little shake. Jace is gazing at me, his brow wrinkled. I snap out of it. “Yes, thanks.”
Oh my gosh, did I just thank him for kissing me?
“That does sound like what you just did. But I’m good with it.” He’s laughing, his ocean eyes twinkling.
“Did I say that out loud? Wow, I’m obviously the coolest person you’ve ever met.” My head drops into my hand while I try to forget the last few seconds.
Jace pulls my hand away. “If I kiss you again, will that make it worse or better?”