Page 99 of The Fire We Make

Ace licked his lips, his eyes never wavering from hers. “I think I’m starting to.”

Joy tried to look away but Ace brought her eyes back to his with a firm hand gripping her jaw. He looked so deep into her eyes Joy thought he would penetrate her soul.

“Come home with me, Rose.”

“I can’t.”

“Why not?”

“A lot of reasons.”

“Give me one good one.”

“I work for you. Aren’t there rules about mixing business with pleasure?”

“You signed the fraternization form during your onboarding right?”

“Yes but–”

“Next reason.

“I don’t know you like that,” Joy said, crossing her arms. “That wouldn’t be safe or smart.”

Ace laughed. “I’m sure you’ll be fine. You’re a big girl remember?” His head tilted slightly. “Try again.”

“Why won’t you leave me alone?” Joy asked, exasperated.

“Because…,” he shrugged. “I like you.” He said it like it was the most simple thing in the world.

Joy quirked a brow. “Yeah? What do you like about me?”

“A lot of things.”

Joy’s tone hardened. “Name one nigga.”

“I like your fire,” he licked his lips.

Joy scoffed. “Fire is destructive.”

People always liked the fire but never what was left in the ashes.

Not the anger.

Not the grief.

Not the parts of her that burned too hot and too long.

Ace shook his head, taking a slow sip of his drink. “Not yours. Not to me.”

“Your fire is like…,” he sighed, looking up at the ceiling like the word he was searching for would be written there. “Like sunshine.”

Joy blinked.

He nodded to himself. “Yeah. That’s how you feel. Like sunshine on my face after a cold front. Being around you warms me from the inside out. Your fire isn’t destructive or painful to me. It’s peaceful and I can’t lie, I’m starting to need it.”

Joy was struck speechless. “Adonis, are you a poet?”

He threw his head back and laughed. “Nah,” he denied. His tongue dragged over his lips when he turned back to her.