Danger II // J.N

Chapter 17

Jace's POV.

I sit on the couch in my apartment with Corey and Sean. Corey sits in the chair next to the couch, and Sean sits next to me.

"So how's getting Anna back going for you?" Sean asks. I smirk. "Fucking amazing," I say.

Corey laughs. "Yeah, Anna's enjoying the free babysitter," He says.

I roll my eyes. "Do you guys think I'm sucking up to her just so she'll date me again?" I ask, exchanging looks from Sean and Corey.

"Yeah," Sean says, holding back from laughing. Corey chuckles.

"I'm actually not. I genuinely feel bad for Anna. She gets stressed out a lot, you can tell. Plus, Violet and I are close," I say.

Sean raises an eyebrow. "You and Violet are close?"

I nod. "I'm gonna be honest, I played Disney princesses with her last night. I had fun watching her have fun. She doesn't have a dad, you guys. I'm probably the first guy she's ever actually had around her that interacted with her," I say.

Sean nods. "That seemed real."

I squint my eyes. "Because it is? I'm being fully honest."

"You gotta show Anna love. Not just take other her responsibilities because she's stressed and needs a break," Corey says.

"I took her out to dinner Monday night! I do these things because I love her! What are you talking about?" I ask.

"Anna's a smart girl, Jace. If you make it seem like you're just taking over her duties as a mom and adult, she'll probably kick you out."

I scrunch my face and shake my head. "After talking with her and catching up, I really do love her. I always did, we both just fell down toxic paths. But now, there's something about her that just makes me love her more." I explain.

"I'm really afraid if this ends up happening, that history will come back and repeat itself," Sean says.

"I don't think it will," Corey shakes his head.

"You know, it feels like we never broke up. We clicked right away when we reunited. We've gotten closer and it's only been a few days."

I shrug my shoulders. "Im starting to love Violet too. She's just so sweet and cute. I feel like if I'm with Anna, I kinda should be her dad. Since she doesn't have one," I say. Corey nods.

"Adopt her," Corey says. Sean's eyes widen. He looks at the floor.

"Should I?" I ask.

Corey nods. "Talk with Anna about it. I'm sure she'll go through. Just give it a little time, though. You're pushing things too soon," He says. I nod.

***

Anna's POV.

I sit on the basement floor, organizing the toys from the daycare. I sort the dolls and action figures, and pick up the blocks that are scattered. Once I'm finished with organizing, I take a deep breath and walk into the kitchen and dining area of the basement. I pick up the crafts that are left out and put away the coloring books.

"Anna? Jace is calling you," Addy says, walking downstairs from the main floor. "Where are you?" She asks.

"In the kitchen!" I say, cleaning off the plates from snack time and putting them away. Addy walks in and hands me my phone. I smile and mouth "thank you."

"How's Violet?" I ask.

"She's in her room playing with her dollhouse. Should I make dinner?" She offers.