Mila Wilson is quiet, anxious and a little bit of a mess. Panic attacks have ruled her life for as long as she can remember - but starting college is her chance to take control. Love? Not something she believes she's built for.
Then she meets Jace E...
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His words make me pause. Done a lot of things wrong—what does he mean by that? The drug dealing? Or maybe choosing not to maintain a relationship? I decide not to ask, even though curiosity tugs at me. Still, a small wave of disappointment rises in my chest. I understand where he's coming from, but that doesn't stop me from feeling rejected.
I reach for my sweater and pull it over my head quickly, smoothing my hair down with my hands as I settle back under the blanket. A small attempt to regain control.
"I'm sorry, Mila, okay?" Jace says, trying to catch my eye. "I just don't want you to do anything you'll regret," he adds, looking down at the floor. His voice is careful, sincere. I can't help but soften a little. He really is trying.
I let the cold wall I'd just built between us fall, and turn toward him.
"Why would I regret it?" I ask gently, hoping he hears the honesty in my voice.
"You know I'm new to this. I'm just trying not to fuck anything up," he replies.
I want to ask more—what exactly is he new to? But I sense it's a conversation better saved for another time. "No, I'm sorry," I say, placing a hand on his shoulder and leaning against it. "I appreciate you putting in the effort."
He presses a kiss to the top of my head, and I feel the last bit of tension ease between us. Who would've guessed Jace Evans had insecurities?
"Do you want to go grab some popcorn then?" he asks, clearly noticing how restless I still am.
"I'd like that," I tell him with a smile, kissing his cheek before standing up to pull on my jeans.
"Just leave my sweatpants on," Jace says as he stretches.
"They're way too big. I look ridiculous," I reply, laughing.
"That's right—you actually care what people think about you," he teases, and I stick my tongue out at him like a kid. He grabs his keys and heads toward the door, but I stop him.
"There's a supermarket around the corner. Let's just walk." He gives in without protest.
We're about halfway there when his phone rings. Jace slows his pace and steps a few feet away before answering.
"Yeah?" he says flatly. I can't hear the other voice, but I already know. His next words confirm it. "Not tonight. I'll text you," he says, then ends the call. Without looking at me, he slips his phone back into his pocket.
"Was that—" I begin, but he cuts me off.
"Yeah," he says simply. Silence stretches between us. It was a client. I'm relieved he told them no. That he chose to stay with me instead.
"Can I ask you something?" I say as we round the corner toward the market.
"Sure," he says, hands buried in his pockets.
"Where do you keep it all?" I ask, my voice quiet but curious.
Jace takes a moment before answering. "I think it's best you don't know," he finally says. Fair. Illegal and all that.
"Right," I say as we step into the fluorescent brightness of the store.
We find the popcorn quickly and make our way back to the apartment. But something's shifted. The intimacy from earlier has faded. The air between us feels strained now, distant.
"Are you sure you want me to come back inside?" I ask, sensing the weird tension. "I could go home if you'd prefer."
"Don't be stupid," Jace says as he unlocks the door. "Just... give me a little time to get used to everything, okay? It's two worlds colliding—you and me." So he felt it too.
I nod silently. It must be strange for him—me, the so-called 'good girl,' knowing about his dealing and confronting it head-on. It's strange for me too. And maybe I'll never get fully used to it. But for now, I'm choosing not to overthink it.
We step back inside and warmth envelops me. I hadn't realized how cold it had gotten outside. Jace puts the popcorn on the stove, and soon the comforting, buttery smell fills the space. As we wait, I swap my jeans for his sweatpants again.
"I was thinking we'd just crawl into bed?" Jace calls from across the room.
"That sounds good," I say, rummaging for something more comfortable to wear.
"Here, take this," he says, pulling his black hoodie over his head and tossing it to me. "If you want it."
I smile, slipping into the soft, oversized sweater. His scent surrounds me and I melt into it, climbing onto the bed. From the kitchen, I watch him—shirtless, in nothing but his sweatpants.
He joins me after a few minutes, popcorn in hand. We spend the rest of the night watching movies, side by side, wrapped in quiet comfort. Midway through the second film, my eyelids begin to droop. I just need to rest them for a second...
When I wake, I'm too warm. The credits are rolling on the screen, and my head is resting against Jace's chest.
"Hey," he murmurs, smirking. "I was just about to wake you." He lifts the blanket off of us, letting cool air rush in.
"Sorry," I mutter. "Guess I was more tired than I thought."
"Don't worry about it. It's one in the morning," he says, checking his phone. "Come on," he adds, standing and stretching. "Let's brush our teeth."
I follow him to the bathroom, my bare feet hitting cold tile. "Jace?" I ask as he hands me my toothbrush.
"Yeah?"
"Do you maybe have a T-shirt I could sleep in? The hoodie's kind of warm, especially with the blanket and, well... you next to me."
He grins, toothbrush already in his mouth. "You mean 'cause I'm so hot?" I roll my eyes and shake my head, not wanting to laugh with toothpaste in my mouth. He rinses, puts his toothbrush away, and touches my cheek. "Just pick one. You don't have to ask," he says, kissing me softly before heading back to bed.
I follow after rinsing, padding over to his closet.
"Top left drawer," he calls from under the covers.
"Thanks," I say, opening it to grab a plain black T-shirt before heading back into the bathroom to change. "You know," I say as I crawl back under the blanket, "for a guy, you're surprisingly organized. Everything's so clean. I'd swear you have a housekeeper."
"Nope. That job's still open if you're interested," he smirks, setting his phone on the nightstand.
"You wish," I laugh, switching mine to flight mode like always.
"Come here," he says, pulling me closer until I'm tucked against him. "Do you have any idea how sexy you look in my clothes?" His words make my cheeks burn. That warm, fluttery feeling spreads through me again. I try to avoid his eyes, but his thumb lifts my chin gently. "Do I make you uncomfortable when I say stuff like that?" he asks softly.
I shake my head. "No," I whisper. "I'm just not used to it. That's all."
He grins slightly. "What, your ex didn't talk to you?"
"Not like that," I admit. "But... I like it. I just don't know what to say back."
"You don't have to," he says, brushing my cheek. "Just get used to it." He takes my face in his hands and presses a soft, lingering kiss to my lips. "Let's go to sleep. Good night," he whispers, closing his eyes.
"Good night," I whisper back, letting myself drift into sleep beside him.
