Chapter 28

 

Ava

 

I DON’T KNOW what Jayce said to the guys in the parking lot, but soon after he pulled away, they took off.

Relieved, I called Millie and apologized for not answering and for calling her back so late again.

“It’s okay. You’re a busy girl. I understand.”

“You have no idea.”

“You work too hard. How long are you going to be away?”

“A week or two. It might be longer. It’s hard to say.”

“I hope you find time to relax so you don’t overwork yourself.”

“I do.”

“Good.”

“By the way, I’m going to a production party tomorrow night,” I said to her. “So, I probably won’t call you until Saturday.”

“Oh, that sounds like fun. I’m glad you’re able to enjoy yourself a little out there.”

I thought of Jayce’s kiss, which admittedly, I’d enjoyed the hell out of. “Yeah, me, too.”

We talked a little longer and then hung up.

Yawning, I headed to the bathroom, removed my makeup and changed into an oversized T-shirt. As I got into bed, my mind lingered on the kiss we’d shared. It had been unexpected and had taken my breath away. The man certainly knew his way around a woman’s mouth and I started to wonder if he was just as talented with the female body, too.

Reminding myself that he was associated with the enemy, I closed my eyes and went to sleep. I dreamed that I was Jayce’s girl, riding on the back of his bike and happy to be there. At first, it was all good, but then his club surrounded and then tore us apart. At one point, they were threatening to kill Jayce for being with me, and that’s when I awoke.

Relieved that it was just a dream, I turned to look at the clock and saw that it was almost nine a.m. I crawled out of bed, used the bathroom, and then prepared for my shower. I took the bandage off carefully and saw that the skin under my tattoo was still very pink. After taking a cool shower, I followed Jayce’s instructions by drying the tattoo carefully and then putting the moisturizer on. I then put on a two-piece bikini with a pair of loose-fitting black cotton capris and a midriff T-shirt, featuring Tweety Bird on my boobs. I wound my hair up into a messy bun, grabbed the car keys, and left my room.

The weather was perfect. The sun was shining and almost eighty degrees. Humming to myself, I got into the car and drove to a bagel shop a couple miles away. I bought myself something to eat, a along with a cold-pressed coffee. Not knowing what else to do with my time before meeting up with Peyton, I stopped at a bookstore. Remembering that Jayce liked fantasy books, I headed over in that direction, and after a few minutes of searching, found The Hobbit. Although I’d never read it or had seen any of the movies, I decided to give it a try. It would give us something to talk about later.

After buying the book, I went to a nearby park and began to read. Admittedly, it wasn’t the easiest book to get into. Especially for one who wasn’t into reading to being with. But, I forced myself not to give up.

About an hour later, when I was actually starting to enjoy the book, I received a text on my new cell phone.

It was Jayce.

He asked me about my tattoo and then after I answered him, apologized for forcing me kiss him.

You didn’t make me, I typed back, thinking it was kind of sweet. Besides, it was for a good cause.

 

Jayce: I agree. It was also a good kiss.

 

Me: I thought so.

 

Jayce: I might have to do it again at the party tonight. Just to make sure you’re left alone by other guys.

 

I grinned.

 

Me: If you think it will help.

 

Jayce: Definitely.

 

He sent me a devil emoji, which made me smile again. I was about to flirt back, when I caught myself. As much as I was enjoying the banter between us, and the kiss, it was dangerous. I couldn’t let myself get too comfortable or I’d fall for him. And, from the butterflies in my stomach, I was already heading in that direction.

 

Me: Have a good day at work.

 

Jayce: Thanks. What are you up to on this beautiful day?

 

I told him that I was in a park and reading The Hobbit.

 

Jayce: Cool? How’s it going?

 

I admitted that it was hard to read, but I was still enjoying it. He then asked if I’d seen the movies and I told him I hadn’t.

 

Jayce: I have the entire series. We should watch it together.

 

Me: Sure.

 

He sent a happy face and then told me he had to get back to work.

 

Me: See you at eight.

 

Jayce: Looking forward to it.

 

I put my phone away, frustrated that I was giddy about seeing him later. Almost like a love-struck teenager. He was definitely getting under my skin and I couldn’t have that. I picked up the book and started reading again, determined to take my mind off of Jayce.

 

 

A couple hours later, I was stiff from sitting on the bench, my side was aching where the tattoo was, and the park was getting crowded. Kids were racing around and laughing and screaming. Not that I disliked children, but it was hard to concentrate.

I closed the book, headed to my car, and ended up at a nearby mall. As I was walking by one of the shops, enjoying an ice-cream cone, a summery, wrap-style dress caught my eye. It was white with yellow flowers and spaghetti straps. Flowy and cute and maybe even a little sexy. I finished my cone, tried on the dress, and purchased it for the party.