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Sadly, that wasn’t their reality. Could never be their reality.
She loathed reality.
ChapterTen
Before Ayla could riddle out how to explain to Jace why she couldn’t accept the job or girlfriend offers, her phone rang. She’d left it on the counter, not wanting to be distracted by it on their date, especially if Bryan called. She wanted to talk to Jace more about his job offer and even more intriguing be-my-girlfriend offer. She needed to explain why she had to say no. Maybe she could even share about Tim and Shayna.
Would he be interested in a long-distance relationship? But what would that amount to if she couldn’t leave ugly Barstow and he didn’t appear ready to ditch his ski resort, family, or beautiful spot of earth?
Ayla tugged her hands from his grip, stood, and walked to the counter. Picking up the phone, she wasn’t surprised to see it was the jerk Bryan. “Speak of the devil,” she muttered.
Jace stood and walked swiftly to her. “Are you okay if I answer it?”
“Knock yourself out.” She wouldn’t mind not having to deal with Bryan. Actually, it sounded great not to deal with her unreasonable boss. Jace was protecting her once again. How could she not trust and fall for a man this impressive and willing to help her in every way possible?
Jace pushed the speaker button so she could listen in, which she appreciated, and he didn’t waste any time. “Bryan. Jace Jardine here, the owner of the ski resort.”
“I need Ayla.”
“No, you’ll be communicating with me and you’ll stay far away from Ayla.” Jace gave her a reassuring look as Bryan sputtered. Her breath caught in her throat. This man excelled at being there for her.
“Ayla explained your predicament,” Jace cut off Bryan’s protests with a loud, firm tone. “I’ve reached out to the Delta family for you.”
“Oh … well, thank you. I really appreciate that.” Bryan sounded surprised and a little humble. She’d never heard that from her boss before.
“Of course. They explained that there used to be a load of gold bars in a cave in the mountains, but after their grandfather was killed, they moved the gold to a bank and exploded the cave so treasure hunters would leave them alone.”
Bryan cursed. “This is going to be the end of my life.”
“Possibly. You should go to the FBI. If someone’s threatening to kill you, they can get you into a protection program.”
Bryan cursed again.
“I don’t need the language,” Jace told him firmly. “I’m trying to help you.”
“Why would you help me?”
Jace met her gaze and said simply, “For Ayla.”
A settled, warm feeling traced through her. For Ayla. Was Jace as good as he seemed? She already wished she didn’t have to say goodbye to him Monday morning.
There was silence on the line, then Bryan asked, “Can I … go look anyway?”
“Sure. I know where it is. I’ll send you the coordinates so you can see it for yourself. Anything to get you off our backs.”
“Thanks,” he muttered.
“Uh-huh,” Jace said. He was still studying her. “Oh, and Bryan …”
“Yeah?”
“If you involve Ayla any further in this, or the scum who are after you get anywhere near her, the last thing you’ll have to worry about is your gambling debts being called due.”
Ayla sucked in a breath, staring at Jace. He was protecting her and threatening Bryan. His dark gaze was meaningful and deep. She’d never seen any man so appealing.
“Do you understand me?” he asked Bryan.
“Yes,” Bryan responded in a small voice.
