It wasn’t until Jace pointed out that I had kissed both of them that it really sunk in. As much as I want them both, I can’t continue on this way. I have to make a decision before I destroy any chance I have at something more with one of them. That means, letting go of one so I can hold on to the other.
It sure would be nice if I could make that decision, though. Because when I’m with Jace, he’s the one I want. Yet the second I’m alone with Lennon, my opinion sways in the other direction. They’re two completely different people. I like them for different reasons. It makes me wish I could smush them together and make one perfect person. Not that they aren’t perfect the way they are, I just want what they both have to offer.
I’m greedy.
Fuck!
“Will you at least listen to what I have to say? Even if you don’t think you need to hear it, I need to say it.” He’s pleading with me to state his case, and I can’t refuse him. With a slight nod of my head, I open my door and leave it open so he can follow me inside.
Twenty minutes later, Lennon is leaving me to get ready for my date with Jace, both of us feeling lighter for talking it through. Jace had been right, he was playing the game. Courtney had made a snide comment about him liking me that made him think she was going to try sending him home, which made him panic and think the other girls were out to get rid of him, or Jace, or both. He did what he had to do.
It makes me wonder if the guys are plotting against me as well. If I’m not giving them a fair shake, and because of that, because they know how I feel about Jace and Lennon, if they want to send me home too. I don’t plan on letting that happen, but I’m also not about to whore myself out to stay in their good graces. I’m more of a wiggle my way into your heart so you feel bad for voting me off kind of girl. You know... the person you like despite the fact they’re not interested in you. Your best friend of the opposite sex. The one you want here with you because you like hanging out with them even though you realize there’s no chance you’re going to get them in bed.
That’s me and that’s who I plan to continue to be.
Callen, Drake, and Milo will have to understand that or else I’m going to be headed home sooner than I want to. Which means no more make-out sessions with Lennon or Jace. Which makes my heart hurt more than it should considering I’ve only known them a few weeks. I shouldn’t be this attached to either of them, let alone both of them. A fact that’s currently causing me more trouble than I think my heart can handle.
The crowd threatensto swallow us as Jace tugs me along beside him. We’ve been walking around for an hour, stopping to play games, ride a few rides, and visit the animals in the barns, but now it’s time for food. And as bad for you as it is, nothing tastes better than food from a truck at a local fair. The smells alone make my stomach growl in anticipation of salt and vinegar fries or fried sweet treats.
When Jace told me to dress comfortably, that he was taking me on an epic adventure that included food, games, and scary attractions, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised when I spotted the lights from the Ferris wheel as we approached.
He’s already won me a giant stuffed unicorn and a goldfish, though we opted not to take the fish with us, giving it to a little girl with pigtails who couldn’t manage to win one herself. Where would I put it? I’m not exactly in a position to take care of an animal right now, even if it is one that requires minimal attention.
Now, though... we eat. And I plan to eat a little bit of everything because I know I won’t be able to choose just one thing. Who would? It all smells amazing.
“Vinegar?” Jace asks in disbelief as I shake the jar over my fries multiple times.
“There’s no other way to eat fries at the fair.” At least, not where I grew up.
His hands are loaded with fresh-squeezed lemonade, corn dogs, and fried Oreo’s. I’m carrying the fries and two gyros. It’s a small feast, and my mouth is watering in anticipation of every flavor.
“I did good, didn’t I?” Jace asks after we find a corner of a picnic table to share with another couple.
“Yes. Very good.” I shove a fry in my mouth, savoring it.
“I thought you might like this.”
“What was your backup plan if I wasn’t impressed?” I tease.
“Me.” The serious look on his face as he deadpans in my direction causes my heart to skip a beat.
He was prepared to impress me any way he could. And if the fair didn’t cut it? Was he really going to throw himself at me? Not that I wouldn’t have been happy to catch him, especially after this afternoon.
“Well, I guess it’s my lucky day, then,” I reply cheerfully, shoving another fry in my mouth and chewing slowly. “I was rewarded with both.”
Pressing my lips together to keep from laughing, I’m not prepared when Jace leans over the table and presses his against mine. Unlike most of the kisses we’ve shared before, this one is sweet but just as passionate. Sensual and intense but not greedy.
His kiss tells me more than his words ever could. And if I’m reading it right, I should be scared of kisses like this from Jace. They beg for more than just my mouth. They demand everything from me. Including my heart.