Chapter 65

 

Jayce

 

 

I WOKE UP late, a little hungover from partying the last couple of nights. 

After texting Ava, I packed an overnight bag and pulled up the airline ticket I’d purchased the night before for Miami on my phone. I hadn’t told Ava about it because I wanted it to be a surprise. I’d missed the hell out of her and was still determined to find a way to get her to move to Minnesota. I also hoped to change her mind about the movie so at least we’d get to see each other more. And if she did, I’d accompany her to the set and make sure that Calloway knew to stay the fuck away.

An hour later, Dover picked me up and gave me a ride to the airport. He’d also gotten patched the night before and so we were both now official Gold Vipers. It had been a proud moment for both of us after so much hard work. And a relief. No more grunt work and being available twenty-four hours a day when needed.

“Thanks,” I said, when he dropped me off in front of the terminal.

“You need a ride when you get back, call me.”

“Thank you. I appreciate it.”

“No problem, club brother.” He held out his fist and we bumped knuckles.

 

 

I ARRIVED IN Miami at just past three in the afternoon. Instead of renting a car, I verified that she was home by texting her and then took a cab to her place. Fortunately, someone let me into the building so I was able to really surprise her.

“Oh, my God!” she squealed, jumping into my arms. “What are you doing here?”

I walked her back into the condo and kicked the door shut behind us. “I had to see you,” I said, noticing the tears in her eyes. It filled my heart with joy, knowing that she was so happy to see me.

We started kissing and soon we were on her bed, making love. Afterward, she ordered some Asian food and had it delivered.

“You sure you can eat all that?” I asked, staring at the huge pile of fried rice and lo mein she was adding to her plate.

She smirked. “Just watch me.”

Not only did she eat all of it, but she had an egg roll and some cream-cheese wontons, too.

“I’m impressed,” I said, pushing my empty plate away. I had a hearty appetite, but this time, she’d eaten more than I’d been able to put down. “All of that and you’re still sexy as all hell. You must not eat like this all the time.”

“Lately, I’ve been pigging out,” she replied. “I guess boredom will do that to you.”

“Bored? Are you saying you’re bored right now?” I teased.

She smiled “No. Of course not. Now that you’re here, at least.”

“Move to Minnesota and I’ll make sure you’re never bored again,” I replied.

“You never quit, do you?” she replied laughing. Ava got up and started clearing away the plates.

I grabbed her waist and pulled her onto my lap. “I’m never going to quit because I want the woman I love with me all the time.”

Her eyes filled with tears again. She wrapped her arms around my neck and hugged me tightly. “I love you, too, Jayce.”

“You’re crying,” I said, pulling away. I stared into her eyes. “Is there something wrong?”

Looking embarrassed, she laughed. “Nothing. I’ve just been so emotional lately. And don’t you dare ask me if I’m on the rag. You already know I’m not.”

“I wasn’t going to,” I said, rubbing her back, concerned. “I shouldn’t have given you any shit about your period. You were cursed with something we could never handle because we’re wimps at heart. And to have to deal with it every month, too.”

Her smile suddenly fell. “Oh, my God.”

“What’s wrong?”

She blinked. “I’m not on the rag.”

“Yeah, we’ve established that,” I said, chuckling. “Lucky timing.”

“I haven’t been for…” she began counting her fingers. Her face turned white and she put a hand over her mouth. “Oh, my God, it’s been two months since I had my last period.”