My stomach did a small somersault at how intimate this felt. How could Jace make me feel so special with such simple words?
I couldn’t believe he’d be gone for two weeks after tonight. The Lords had qualified directly into the semifinals for the cup, but they had a few friendly games in between, all outside of LA. I was already missing him.
“I have something for you,” he went on, holding a large jewelry box up. I smiled at the Bennett Enterprises logo. I was such a fan.
My heart went pitter-patter as I took it from him. I felt Jace’s gaze on me as I opened the lid and stare
d at the most beautiful set I’d ever seen. Rose quartz earrings, a pendant, and a tennis bracelet.
“Wow. Jace, they’re absolutely beautiful. But this is too much.”
He placed a palm on my belly, resting his chin on my shoulder.
“You said you liked presents.”
“I meant cutesy stuff.”
“You’re mine, Brooke. Let me buy you things. They make you happy. I like making you happy.”
“They’re beautiful. Thank you. And they go perfectly with my dress.”
At Jace’s silence, I became a little suspicious.
“Jace?”
“Hmm?” Stalling. Now I was a lot suspicious.
“You knew what color I was wearing?”
“Hailey mentioned something.”
“Tell me she didn’t send you a picture of the dress.”
“No, no. She didn’t go that far. She just helped me choose them. Will you wear them tonight?”
“Of course.”
“Here, let me put them on.”
He made quick work of putting on the earrings, then the necklace and the bracelet.
I held my breath when he placed a small kiss just under the clasp on my wrist. My pulse intensified, and Jace smiled against my skin, feeling it. I shifted my weight from one leg to the other, making my dress ripple. I knew the precise moment when Jace noticed the split, because a low, primal sound escaped him. He slid his hand straight through it, touching the bare skin of my thigh. I whimpered, attempting to ignore the heat radiating from the point of contact.
I lost that battle when Jace lifted my dress and instructed in a low, commanding voice, “Hold this.”
***
Everyone dressed to impress at the gala—the Lords’ employees as well as the guests. I honestly thought that it wouldn’t be a big deal to pose for photographers. I’d been wrong. Despite having Jace at my side, it was an intimidating experience. Flashes came from various directions, and I had no clue where to look.
And then there were the questions. I’d known there would be a few reporters attending, but I’d assumed they’d have zero interest in me. I’d been wrong. Jace’s arrival with me on his arm had spurred many questions.
“Who is she?”
“Brooke handles the Lords’ sponsorships. And she’s my girlfriend,” he said proudly before whisking me further into the building, away from the photographers.
“Are you okay?” he whispered.
“My head’s spinning. But in a good way. I think.” I grinned. “You called me your girlfriend.”