for the shit with Ian. As long as we have them, we should be able to scrape through the next couple of gigs, but don’t be surprised if we end up cutting the tour short.” He paused. “How long were you planning on being away?”
“Not that long,” I answered evasively, unwilling to provide any more detail than that. “Keep me posted, okay? But text next time unless it’s really important.”
“Eva ...”
“I’m really glad you’re with them, Ross. Thank you. I’ll talk to you later.” I thumbed the End Call icon and tossed my phone back onto the nightstand, refusing to answer when it immediately rang again and flashed Ross’s number.
“Problems?” Jace asked, pressing a series of kisses between my shoulder blades.
I shivered, my nipples hardening further with every brush of those talented lips.
“You could say that.” I turned, giving him access to my jealous front, and relayed the highlights.
Jace listened while lavishing kisses on my breasts. I threaded my fingers into his hair, holding him to me as I arched beneath him. He really did the most wonderful things with his tongue.
“Did he say when?” he asked, the words muffled against my skin.
“Couple of weeks at least.”
“Hmm,” he hummed, taking his attention southward. “Plenty of time ...”
Chapter 15
Dear Ida,
I’m falling more in love every day. I’m convinced I’ve found my soul mate. I think she feels the same way, but she’s holding back, and I don’t know how to convince her that my feelings for her are true. – Frustrated & Impatient Rocker
* * *
Dear Frustrated & Impatient,
First and foremost, you must identify the source of her reticence. Is it because of something you’re doing, or is it something from her past that makes it difficult for her to trust? If you’re sending mixed signals, she’s right to be cautious. If she’s been hurt in the past, then the only thing you can do is be patient and let your actions do the talking. Some old wounds are hard to heal.
~ * ~
Jace
“Oh, Jace, it’s breathtaking,” Eva said as we stood on the deck outside of the breakfast nook, looking out over a scenic vista of rolling hills and forest.
Standing there with her in the pristine silence, it was hard to believe there was anyone or anything else in the world.
She leaned back into me as she sipped her coffee. I soaked in the feel of her body, breathed in the scent of warm, fragrant, satisfied woman. My desire for her had climbed to unparalleled levels. I wanted to start my day like this every day for the rest of my life.
“Glad you like it.”
I had hoped she would. I’d dreamed of eventually moving back here one day and settling down.
Eva had oohed and aahed through the grand tour earlier, a tour that took much longer than expected because we’d christened several rooms in creative ways. I’d designed and built the home with the possibility of a big family in mind, so there was lots of open space, plenty of bedrooms and bathrooms.
“Why is it so empty?” Eva asked again.
Structurally, the place was complete, but the interior was unfinished. In the light of day, it was stark. Besides my very large, very comfortable bed, there was little else in the way of furnishings. A good percentage of the outside walls was insulated, solar-sensitive glass, devoid of draperies or accoutrements. The spacious kitchen boasted marble countertops but only the bare minimum in terms of appliances. Everything inside was purposely utilitarian and meant to be temporary.
I considered my words carefully before I answered, wanting to be honest but not wanting to scare her.
“I never meant to live here alone.” My fingers played with her silky hair, fascinated by how the strands seemed to capture the sunlight and intensify it. “The design is all mine. I wanted the woman who would share it with me to make it hers too.”
“Hmm,” Eva hummed, pulling away. “When are we expected at your parents’?”
That wasn’t exactly the reaction I’d been hoping for. When I’d imagined this moment, I’d envisioned a bit of anticipation or excitement on her part, maybe some playful teasing. Definitely not this blatant neutrality.
Then again, maybe it was a defensive mechanism. Eva did scare easily, and it wouldn’t be the first time I’d inadvertently stumbled onto some internal trip wire. As loving and passionate as she was, she was also afraid to trust.
That was something I’d have to work on. Eva was the only woman I wanted to share this house—this life—with. For