Bodyguard: Ace Cain

|22| Mom

|Mom|

After much deliberation, we were deciding whether to just sit in a McDonald's parking lot and make out before returning home. Ace chose not to do that, which would have been nice for me. Let's just say that he is far more sensible than I am. Taking our relationship to the next level presents additional challenges, even though it gives me more confidence in my decision to trust him. We weren't dating by any means, but playing around could have serious repercussions. Especially if anybody found out. Ace was very adamant about that.

Before we even reached the driveway, Ace decided it would be a good idea to go over some ground rules. Although I'm not one to follow rules, he made sense in this particular situation. I found it annoying to keep our situation a secret, but I was always a trooper. Though I won't lie and say it didn't feel like he was trying to keep me secret because it does feel that way. While I'm understanding of the circumstances, does this mean our fling is temporary?

Ace turned to face me, his eyes full of resolve as he turned off the SUV. "There will be no mention of this," he was stern. "I mean it. Not even to Tana."

I licked my lips because I was going to tell that exact person. "Pshh, I wasn't going to say anything," I crossed my arms.

"You and I both know that's a lie," he jested. "We also need to stop having these adorable exchanges. I'm just Ace in front of other people." Wasn't he just that all the time?

Either way, I accepted his terms in full as we went inside. We were returning later than usual, so I was anxious as I approached the door. Despite our lack of familiarity, Hailey was quick to pick up on any irregularities. If she felt that we were too close for comfort, she was always on our ass. I didn't care for her opinion, but I think it was best to avoid offending her. Reminding her of her employer wouldn't have hurt, though.

Tyler stood out among the others for his laid-back demeanor. With him, you really only need to be concerned about his comedic timing. Although Ace didn't find them particularly funny, I thought his jokes were hilarious. Especially with the way he seemed to get under Ace's skin.

I was taken aback to see the company that was waiting for me in a weird turn of events. It's been awhile since anyone had come over that weren't hired by my father. Tana's parents rarely let her come no matter how much we begged. I'm guessing with the adage of protection they were more willing. They saw how Ace protected us both that faithful night. I'm sure they've built up a great deal of respect for him.

Who I'm most shocked to see was Jake Trubisky. I never officially agreed to be friends with him and now he just showed up at my house. I get enough of his delinquency at school. This wasn't the grandiose gesture he thought it was.

Leave it to Jake to take things a step further by engulfing me. His squeeze was tight and I had to admit how handsomely he smelled. It was so captivating that I got lost when hugging him. It was hard to stop my nostrils from sniffing with how close he was. My face snuggled in between his chest, inhaling the scent of pine trees and rustic air as much as I could. This was heaven.

Jake liked that, smiling rather hard. "I'll have to wear this scent more often if it'll get you to react this way," he cooed.

I quickly pushed him aside embarrassed that I got so caught up. "Jake, what are you doing here?" I couldn't stop myself from asking.

"Yeah, Jake, what are you doing here?" Ace stepped in with a disdain so venomous it was hard for him to hide it.

And so, the stare down commenced with them bearing frowns at one another. The animosity in the room felt so heavy. Between the both of them, I'm not sure whose hatred was stronger. I know that night turned Ace off from Jake, but there has to be more to this story. I'm not understanding how one interaction could make you dislike someone to such great lengths. It probably doesn't help that, for a minute there, I was lost in the sauce. It's not my fault Jake smelled so good.