First

Chapter 13

The rest of Saturday and Sunday passed in a blur for me. Jace had made me feel more secure in our relationship but as Monday rolled around, the nervousness returned in full force.

The day started as it normally did. Jace was picking me up—something he did every morning—so I wasn't nervous for that. It was what lay ahead at school that had me scared shitless.

Jace picked me up just as he normally did on Monday morning. I climbed into the cab of his truck when he pulled up and I was greeted by his smiling face. I felt bad for all the other girls out there that didn't get to see his glorious face first thing in the morning; it was the best sight a girl could ask for.

"Hey beautiful," he greeted, reaching over to rest his hand on the back of my seat as he backed out of the driveway.

"Hey yourself." God, I really wanted to kiss him.

Seeming to echo my thoughts Jace said, "I'd kiss you good morning but I figured I'd wait until we were safely out of eyesight." He threw a wink my way that made me fall in love with him a little more. If that was even possible.

I laughed and squeezed his hand when he lowered it from my seat. "Thank you," I said sincerely.

Without even having to explain, Jace understood exactly what I meant.

"You don't have to thank me. I want to make you feel comfortable with all this." He gestured between us. "And if that means not acting like a couple in front of your family right now, I'm okay with that, Kadence."

I smiled and kissed his knuckles. How did I get so lucky? I thought. I didn't comment on what he had just said; I didn't need to. Thankfully, Jace let the topic drop for now and we made small talk for the rest of the drive.

After Jace pulled into the parking lot and cut the engine, he hauled me into his chest. "Come here."

I helped him by lifting the center console and slid across the bench seat towards him. Jace's lips met mine and both hands cupped my face gingerly as if I might break with the slightest touch.

His lips were soft against mine as his tongue invaded my mouth. I moaned when his lips momentarily travelled down to my neck.

I sighed when Jace finally pulled away and let me go. Forever was never enough time to be in his arms.

"Good morning," I smiled.

Jace laughed and pressed one last kiss to my nose. "I was away from you for too long," he said by way of explanation for that scorching kiss.

"You didn't see me for one day," I replied.

"Yeah well that was one day too long. And just so you know, now that I've got you, I'm not letting you go anytime soon," Jace responded, hopping out of his truck and not giving me a chance to argue.

Jace slung his bag over his shoulder and came around to my side. When he got to my door, he helped me hop out of the truck as I grabbed my backpack.

Once I was steadily set on my feet, Jace settled his hands on my hips and smirked at me. "So are you ready?" he asked.

I looked at him, tilting my head in confusion. "Ready for what?"

Jace grabbed my hand and headed toward the school. "To walk in there and rule the school. You are my girlfriend now after all."

I laughed and gently shoved him. I always teased Jace that he ran the school even thought he objected every time I brought it up. So the fact that he was turning it back on me made me smile.

"I don't think I'll ever be ready for that," I admitted, ducking my head.

Jace pulled me suddenly to a stop. "You know I don't expect that of you, right?"

"I know."

"Ok." Jace pressed a quick kiss to my lips. "Anyway, before we go in there, I just want to make sure of one thing. You're okay with being a couple at school?"

I knew he wouldn't trust my answer, always worried about me. So I did the one thing I knew he would trust without a doubt; my actions. I kissed him right there on the sidewalk in front of everyone. Jace had kissed me in front of everyone but I needed to be the one to initiate it.

When I pulled away, Jace's eyes were filled with emotion and yet they were serene.

"I want everyone to know that you're my boyfriend. And I know it's not going to get back to my parents."

Jace's eyes creased slightly so I rubbed the nape of his neck and he partially relaxed. Despite his easy acceptance and reassurance earlier about my dad, I could tell that the situation still bothered him. I felt like I needed to explain a little more; so I did.

"Listen, I don't want our relationship to hurt you in any way. If my dad finds out, you know as well as I do that you'll lose your job. I'm just hoping that our being together for a while before I tell him will make it easier on everyone," I explained. "I'm not embarrassed by you; that's not what this is, Jason. I know that's where your mind is going so stop it. I'll tell him; I promise you that. Just give me some time and trust me."

Jace sighed and leaned into the palm I'd slipped to his cheek. "Okay, I trust you. "

I smiled up at him. "Now let's go rule that school."

Jace laughed and we walked hand in hand inside.