Jace (Kings of Country 1)

It took a minute for her text to come in.

Not a good idea. Momma’s on the warpath. I’d like to keep you out of the line of fire.

He frowned, then dialed her number. FaceTime.

“Hello?” Her hair was in a tangled bun on her head. “What are you doing?” She was walking quickly across the marble hallway.

“Calling you.” He smiled.

She rolled her eyes. “Why? You left, like, an hour ago.”

“Figure I should set the record straight.” He slid off the kitchen stool.

“That sounds ominous.” She was practically running down the hall.

“Where are we going?” he asked.

“My room.” She glanced back over her shoulder. “Hold on.”

He did, his view alternating between her bare feet and the tile floor. Once they were in her room, it was white carpet and then her face. “Okay, go ahead.”

He smiled. She smiled back.

“Hi.”

She flopped onto her bed, holding the phone up and over her.

Just like he’d been this morning. Braced over her. Staring into her eyes. Making love to her. In that moment, he’d have given just about anything to have her within reach. He cleared his throat.

“What record are you setting straight?” Against the muted green of her quilt, her eyes were bright, more mesmerizing than ever.

“It’s not your job to protect me from the media or your mother.”

She blinked. “That’s why you called me?” Her forehead wrinkled.

“Maybe I miss…having company.” He shrugged.

Her eyes narrowed. “Company?”

“You.”

She smiled. “Oh.”

“I know you miss me, too. You don’t have to say it.” He shook his head.

She was still smiling. “I didn’t say a thing. How’s your place?”

He shrugged. “Big. Too big for just me. Empty.”

“You need a dog.” Krystal turned away as Clementine ran into view, doing her best to bathe Krystal’s face in doggy kisses.

“I’m good. Wouldn’t want Clem to get jealous.” He paused. “If I were going to find a good steak place, around six, where should I go?”

She nibbled on her bottom lip. “Are you looking for a recommendation? Or trying to get me to meet you?”

“A man’s got to eat.”

She rolled over, her phone resting on the bed and looking down at him. Most of her hair had slipped loose. He liked this view just as much. Better if she were naked and here with him. “Damn,” he bit out.