Page 21 of Finding Home

With more pep in my step, and cheeks that hurt from smiling, I head back to the roof and Tink rushes inside.

Chapter 16

Harper

Jace comes in just as I’m setting the table. “Wow, something smells good in here,” he says, smiling. I nearly trip over my feet. I’m so nervous about tonight but also excited beyond belief.

“Hope you like fettuccine alfredo,” I call over my shoulder as I get Lizzie’s plate made.

“Love it, can I help with anything?”

“No, everything is ready. Just getting Lizzie some dino nuggets and mac and cheese; she’s a picky eater.” Smiling, I try to hide my anxiousness. I’ve never had a guy over for dinner with Lizzie and me. This is all such unchartered territory with Jace.

“Ah, I see she has refined taste. Dino nuggets are the superior nuggets, after all.” And just like that, he put me at ease.

“Oh, yes, she has a very discerning palate. Kraft mac and cheese is the only acceptable form of mac and cheese to pair with any meal.”

He chuckles, opening his mouth to speak, but Lizzie races in, halting all conversation. She looks at the table and instantly starts to protest, shaking her head and pointing at the offensive pasta sitting on the table.

“Lizzie, that is for mommy and Jace, but this is for you!” I say, showing her the plate I’m filling with all her favorites. Not wanting to risk a food meltdown in front of Jace, I had pulled out the sure things in Lizzie's diet. She claps her hands then crawls into her booster seat, ready to dig in.

Once we are all settled in our seats, Jace and I fill our plates. It’s then that I realize we still have Sofia the First playing in the living room. I know proper etiquette would be to turn it off, but Lizzie is content and happy, and having someone new at dinner is so out of routine, so I decide to let it stay on, hoping it keeps Lizzie content and doesn’t make Jace go crazy.

There is a lull at the table, and I realize I need to say something, anything to fill the silence, but fuck, my mind has gone blank. As in, I cannot think of a single thing to say that isn’t about chicken nuggets, mac and cheese, and kids’ shows. Dammit, what am I doing? I’ve been solely in mom mode for so long, and apparently, I have lost the ability to make small talk with a sexy man.

I glance up to find Jace watching me, and I feel my cheeks go pink, knowing I probably look frazzled. He grins, giving me a wink before turning his attention to Lizzie.

“Hey, Lizzie, are those dino nuggets good?” She turns to look at his plate then at her own. I watch curiously to see what she will do. Lizzie picks up one and starts to reach out to give it to him, then snatches it back and puts it down on her plate. Which she covers with a napkin then hops up and patters over to the counter where a plate of nuggets sits. She grabs one in her little fist and runs full speed to Jace, holding it out. He starts to reach for it, and she drops it on his plate instead then stands there watching him closely out of the corner of her eye.

“You don’t have to…” I start but Jace picks up the now squished nugget and inspects it carefully before biting off its head with a growl.

“This is delicious, Lizzie, thank you.” Lizzie’s peals of laughter fill the room, and I watch in awe at his easy way with her.

Lizzie moves back to her plate and digs in. After that moment of utter cuteness, Jace and I find our rhythm and chat comfortably the rest of dinner. He’s gifted two more nuggets from Lizzie, one missing its head because she decided to take a bite. He takes it all in stride, and my heart flutters at their budding friendship. Lizzie is very discerning and doesn’t like just anyone, but those that she connects with are friends for life, and based on what I just saw, I think she might have a new best bud.

“Harper, that was delicious, thank you so much. My cabin only has a tiny stove and no oven, so I’ve been living on takeout mostly. I didn’t realize how much I missed a home cooked meal.”

“Well, it was the least I could do, and it was nice having company tonight.” I bite my lower lip, working up the nerve to see if he will stay while I get Lizzie to bed, but after the fiasco at The Toasted Bean today, I’m scared it’ll look like a booty call.

Lizzie yawns dramatically and starts rubbing her eyes, halting my tumbling thoughts. I know that look, and I have maybe fifteen minutes before we hit drama mode, and bedtime becomes a battlefield. Other than Bree and Wren, I’ve never had a guest at this time, and I’m unsure how to gracefully handle the situation, so I just dive in.

“Lizzie, sweetie. It’s time for bed. Go get ready for your bath, I’ll be there in a minute.” Turning, still working on what to say, Jace beats me to it.

“Why don’t I take care of the dishes, while you get Lizzie to bed? Once the kitchen’s cleaned up, Tink and I can get out of your hair.”

“Oh. Yeah. Sure. That sounds great, but you don’t have to do dishes, Jace. Dinner was my treat and the least I can do.” He nods, and I swear disappointment flits through his eyes before it’s masked with a bright smile.

“Then, I guess, Tink and I will just head out.” He stands, rotating his shoulder absently, and moving toward the door. Panic fills me. I don’t want him to leave.

“Wait!” I cry, then realize I have no clue what I want to say, just that I don’t want him to go. “Uh. Can you hang out while I get Lizzie to bed? Shouldn’t be more than half an hour, and I want to check your shoulder. Maybe I can work on the muscles and alleviate some of the pain from that board?” Holding my breath, I wait for his response.

“I’d love that. Go. I’ll be here whenever you’re done, no rush.” Borderline giddy, I make my way up the stairs, trying to remember if I’m wearing sexy underwear, just in case things go where I hope they do tonight.

Lizzie was too tired to notice the way I sped through her bath and bedtime routine. At the top of the stairs, I peek under my shirt and skirt, relieved that I’m wearing one of my black lace sets. It’s been a while since I cared about my undergarments, but if tonight is my first night with Jace, then the last thing I want him to see me in is white cotton panties and a worn-out bra.

Descending the stairs, butterflies take root in my stomach. I know he still might leave, but Bree’s right. I can’t let fear keep me from seeing where things might go with him. I turn the corner and Jace is in the kitchen, which is now spotless. “Jace. I meant it, you didn’t need to do that.”

“It’s nothing. You cooked. I’m happy to do some dishes in return.”