“Did you go to the bakery in Williston?”
Ace kisses me again. And yup, he definitely tastes like s’mores cookies.
“I didn’t go,” he replies. “Webb and Noelle did. They brought some back while you were at Bea’s.”
He shifts me to his side, still keeping his arm around me. We walk inside his apartment, and he shuts and locks the door behind us. “Did you save me any cookies?” I tease. “Or did you eat them all already?”
With a look of mock offense, he says, “Of course not. I had one—actually, two—but there are still twenty-two left over for you.”
“Twenty-two?” I laugh. “I think twenty-two might be a bit much. Then I reallywouldneed to get back to my regular workout routine. I’m already falling behind.”
Ace takes my hand and takes a few steps away from me. His gaze moves up and down my body, but it’s with appreciation this time. Desire flares in his eyes. “You look perfect, Yara. Whether you eat twenty cookies or two hundred, or you work out five minutes a day or fifty.”
“Not likely if I eat two hundred cookies.”
“Yes. Even then.” An earnest expression crosses his face. “I’ve never seen anyone as beautiful as you. Insideandout. Nothing could change that.”
My heart squeezes.“Ace.”
“I mean it,” he insists. “I always thought you were gorgeous. Even when I didn’t think—” He stops. “Well. Anyway. You can eat as many cookies as you want. And if you’d like more, I’ll go out and get them for you.”
I’m curious what he was about to say, but I decide not to push it. Not now, at least. But there’s something I think Ace isn’t telling me—nothing horrible, I don’t think—but over the last few days, I’ve definitely gotten the feeling something’s bothering him.
Part of it comes from little half-statements, like the one he just said. Brief references to not thinking things could work out between us, or that he never expected we’d end up dating. But it’s not just that. It’s some of the things he does, like triple-checking the locks every night and asking me at least ten times a day if I’m really,reallysure I’m feeling okay. It’s the way he cleans the kitchen counters even when they’re spotless and never seems to sleep, no matter what time it is.
I wish he’d just tell me, but of all people, I understand that opening up about something deeply personal isn’t an easy thing. Especially when you’re used to keeping your emotions locked down. But whenever heisready, I’ll be here for him.
“Maybe we can go together,” I suggest. “To Williston, I mean.”
“For more cookies?” Ace asks.
“Just to walk around. Explore. I’ve heard you guys talk about how nice of a town it is, but I’ve never actually been there. I’d like to see the diner where Noelle worked. And the theater she runs. The town park—Bea mentioned they do all sorts of stuff for the holidays, and I thought it might be fun to take a look.”
Ace looks at me in surprise. “I didn’t think you were interested in celebrating the holidays.” A beat later, he flushes. “Shit. I didn’t mean it like that. I just… You said you stay homefor Thanksgiving and Christmas. And you didn’t seem interested when I asked you to celebrate with us here. But I shouldn’t assume?—”
“No, you’re right.” Threading my fingers through his, I give his hand a small squeeze. “The last few years, I have avoided the holidays. I send gifts because… well, because I feel obligated to. But I haven’t done anything beyond that.”
Sympathy softens his expression. “Do you want to tell me about it?”
My chest tightens. But instead of deflecting, I decide to tell him the truth. “It’s not some big, dramatic story or anything. Holidays were always tough after I lost my parents. But I had my team, and we always did something to celebrate. Little things, like exchanging gag gifts or ordering Chinese on Christmas Eve. But after my team fell apart and we lost?—”
My throat thickens. “The rest of us all split up,” I continue. “Everyone has their own life now. It’s not the same anymore. And I guess… I thought celebrating again would make the losses hurt even more.”
“Tink.” Ace strokes my cheek. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.”
“It’s fine. I want you to know. And honestly, being here, seeing all the decorations going up, it makes me want to try celebrating again.”
“We can go to Williston,” he replies quickly. “I’ll see what’s going on this weekend. And you know you’re welcome here for Thanksgiving. And Christmas.” An almost shy smile curves his lips. “You’re welcome anytime. All the time, really.”
My heart squeezes again.
“So,” Ace adds. “You never answered my question. Did you have a nice time with Bea?”
“Oh, yes. She showed me all the stuff they’ve added to the house, like the outdoor hot tub and the three-season porch. Plus,I got to play with their new kitten. And we talked about doing a movie night with Eden and Noelle sometime soon.”
Interest sparks. “You like hot tubs?”
“Ace. Who doesn’t like hot tubs?”
