13. JACE

1015 Words
Sweat dripped down the back of Jace’s neck as he sat on the plush grey couch in Isabelle’s living room. His foot tapped nervously, waiting for Isabelle to emerge, and he fought against cringing under her Father’s shrewd gaze. “So Jace, have you lived here long?” He turned to Isabelle’s Dad, his nerves really kicking in. “My whole life, Sir.” Her Dad’s lips quirked. “James is fine…for now.” Jace nodded, wiping sweaty hands on his shorts. “Women,” James said, in exasperation. “Why it takes so long to get ready is beyond me.” “Perfection takes time, Dad.” Jace nearly gave himself whiplash, he turned to Isabelle so fast. His mouth dropped. “Wow!” Isabelle looked incredible. Her long hair was half pulled up and braided across her head like a halo, the rest falling in soft curls. She was dressed in one of Maia’s fitted, black dresses that dipped down low at the front so her bikini was visible, along with ample cleavage. She’d put some make up on so the bruises were mostly covered, and her eyes were nearly blazing they were so bright. It took James clearing his throat loudly for Jace to realise he was practically drooling in her house in front of her parents. He finally gave an approving nod. “You look good, Angel.” James snorted. “Angel? Please, devil in angel’s clothing seems more fitting.” Isabelle stomped down the stairs, shooting her Dad a withering look, before grabbing Jace’s arm and attempting to tow him away. “Whoa now, young lady, not so fast.” Isabelle sighed in frustration. “What now, Dad?” James Mason crossed his arms, all humour gone from his face. “I don’t want you getting into any trouble tonight - no drugs, no hard partying-” “No fun,” Isabelle interrupted. “I know the drill, Dad.” James turned to Jace his eyes cold and deadly. “No sex.” Jace felt his face redden as he nodded. At the same time Isabelle smacked her hand to her forehead. “Dad! You couldn’t even give me one night without embarrassing me?” James remained stoic. “No later than one o’clock, got that?” “I’ll have her home in time,” Jace said firmly. James eyed him piercingly, his eyes searching for something, anything that would indicate it was a mistake to let his daughter out. “I’ll be waiting up,” he said gruffly. “Keep your phone on you.” With one last threatening look at Jace, James strode out of the room leaving the two of them alone. “I’m so sorry,” Isabelle cried, her cheeks flaming. “It’s all good. You’re lucky to have a Dad who cares so much.” “I’m so embarrassed!” Jace shook his head. “You don’t know how lucky you are.” She looked at him then, or rather, looked through him, and Jace felt more exposed than ever. She didn’t break eye contact until her phone started ringing. She pulled it out hastily, and silenced it, but not quickly enough for Jace to miss the name. Tate, with a heart next to it. “Admirer of yours?” he asked casually. Isabelle’s eyes widened. “Tate? No, he’s just my friend, well he’s my best friend…was…well I guess he still…I mean…” She broke off and took a deep breath. “We grew up together; our Dads are best friends.” “Any reason you’re dodging his calls?” Please say it’s not some messy, love thing. Isabelle flinched visibly before her shoulders sagged. “I’m the worst.” “I don’t believe that for a second.” Her eyes became haunted once more. “He knows me better than anyone, and that means there’s no hiding or shielding myself from him. Any lie that I might tell, any secret I may want to hide, he will see right through, and I guess I’m just not ready to be that vulnerable just yet.” Who was this girl? “Makes me a coward, right?” she sighed. Jace thought about how he kept everyone, even his own twin, at arm’s length, and shook his head. “Not at all.” Isabelle seemed to realise just how much she’d opened up to him, and immediately crossed her arms over her chest, moving back a bit defensively. “Should we get going?” she asked, briskly. Jace smiled and led the way out. “Sure.” He guided her over to his house and then through his garage where his black V8 Ute was parked. “Is it just us?” she asked, eyeing the Ute with interest. Jace grinned playfully. “My baby only seats three. I didn’t think you would want to sit on my lap, so Matt and Maia took her car and went ahead.” He was rewarded with a blush. He loved that he affected her, no matter how small. “Are we going to be late?” she asked, eyes wide with worry. “We are the party, Angel, so it’s impossible for us to be late,” he laughed, feeling on top of the world. “Are you always this cheesy with your other girls?” “What other girls? I only see you.” “That’s because I’m the only one here,” she said impatiently. He winked. “Exactly.” As she blushed again, he brushed past her to open the passenger door. “Ladies first.” She looked at him, eyes speculative. “What?” he said, feeling self-conscious. “You’re weird.” “Is that a good thing?” Please say yes. Please say yes. She actually gave him a mischievous smile. “Maybe.” Making sure she was in safely, he shut her door and practically danced over to his side. So far, so good. Now all he needed to do was fend off about twenty testosterone filled guys, and he’d be sweet.
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