Chapter 20

I sat at the kitchen table lost in thought as Jace gave me a loving smile and carefully slid a mug of tea in front of me. I stared down at the little blue mug and stifled back a grin. Things weren’t what I’d expected.

The events of last night replayed repeatedly in my mind and I couldn't believe that Jace was still there, in front of me, and breathing. When I thought that I had lost him, I would have given anything to get him back. I would never be able to forget that feeling.

"Jace," I whispered, looking up at him as he ate his food.

Jace looked up from his plate and reached for my hand. He softly ran his fingers over mine and smiled. "Are you feeling okay?" he questioned.

I nodded my head and looked him in the eye. I wanted to scream out that I loved him, but I didn't know if I had the courage to.

I swallowed hard and said the first thing that popped in my head. I hadn't even told him yet and I felt so ashamed. "I have a new apartment," I blurted, my heart racing.

Jace's eyes widened as a look of hurt crossed his once relaxed face. He turned his head away, taking a deep breath before biting down on his bottom lip. My heart dropped as I watched him. He looked hurt.

The room stayed silent. I didn't know what to say. We both sat there looking down at our plates, until Jackie entered the kitchen wearing a fitted black suit. She looked back and forth between the both of us and then leaned against the counter. "Well, everyone seems a little out of it today," she mumbled. "What's going on?"

Jace gave me a weak smile before looking up at his sister and motioning for her to join us at the table. "Everything's fine." He squeezed my hand and pulled my chair closer to his. "You look nice today, Jackie. Do you have some special plans that we don't know about," he questioned, trying to sound excited.

He was right. She looked great. Her black suit fit her perfectly and she had her hair pulled back into a tight bun, with a loose strand of hair that hung perfectly around her face. She looked very professional. She was quite beautiful.

She flashed us a huge smile and dug into her food. "I'm going job hunting today." She shoved a forkful of eggs into her mouth and then slammed back her whole mug of tea. "I'm really nervous, but excited at the same time.” She sat back in her seat. “I've been doing a lot of thinking and I'm ready to change my life. Joe has kept me back for so long and I haven't even experienced life yet." She looked over at Jace and reached for his shoulder. "I can't do this without you, little brother. I really need your help." Her eyes watered as her bottom lip began to quiver.

She really did need his help. She needed his help much more than I did now. Maybe me getting the apartment was perfect timing. Jace's place was only big enough for two people and now, Jackie was the one that needed him the most.

Jace wrapped his arms around his sister and pulled her in close for a hug. The sight made my eyes water. Jace was the greatest and most loving person that I’d ever met. Jackie and I were both lucky to have him in our lives.

"Jackie," I said with a slight smile.

Jackie peered over Jace's shoulder and smiled back. "Yeah."

"I'm moving out today. My old room will be empty if you'd like it." I glanced over at Jace and he nodded his head in approval.

"I have enough money saved up so that I can buy a new bed and a few other things to get me started. You should take my old room and be close to Jace.” I paused. “You guys need each other."

Jackie's eyes fell down to Jace's shoulders before she pulled away and looked Jace in the eye. "I don't know. I don't want you guys to think that Avery has to move just to make room for me." Her face scrunched up as a tear fell down her cheek. "I can't-"

"It's not like that. I would have let you stay no matter what.” He said firmly. “I would have been perfectly fine on the couch or in Avery's room." He looked over at me and smiled. "Avery just needs to be on her own for a bit. She's been working really hard to get on her feet and now is her chance to do that. It's not a problem, Jackie."

Looking at Jackie, I suddenly got the urge to reach out and give her a hug. She felt like a big part of me now. Maybe that was because she was the biggest part of Jace. I wanted Jace and everything that came with him.

I stood up from my chair, pushing it under the table, before walking over to Jackie. I looked down at her and then slowly bent down and wrapped my arms around her. Her hands felt stiff for a moment before she squeezed me close to her and rubbed my back. "I'm so happy that you are here with Jace."

Jackie grabbed both of my arms and looked me in the eye. "You have no idea how happy I am to be back. Jace was the only place that I had ever really felt safe. He took care of the whole family for so long. He was the glue that held us together." She turned her head away and squeezed my arms. "I lost that for a long time. Don't let that happen to you."

We both looked over at Jace to see him staring in shock at the both of us. To be honest, I was in shock myself. I never really felt the need to hug anyone in my life before. Jace had changed me. Love had changed me. The feeling scared the living crap out of me. I never wanted to feel that I needed someone to be happy. Or that I needed someone to be close to. Now, even the thought of being out of Jace's arms broke my heart into a million little pieces

Jace cleared his throat and then stood up from the table. "Well ladies. I'll do these dishes." He kissed Jackie on the forehead. "Good luck." Then he walked over, grabbed my face and pressed his lips to my cheek. "Go and get ready so I can buy you a few things for this apartment of yours." He smiled and then looked down at the ground, his eyes looking sad.

I just stood there staring as Jackie walked out of the kitchen and Jace stood in front of the sink with his back toward me.

The whole kitchen spun around me as I tried to put my life together. In just a few hours, I would be on my own, in my own apartment, and with two decent jobs. No more crappy apartment or job as a stripper. I felt... normal for once and alive. More alive than I had ever felt.

"Avery."

The sound of Jace's voice broke me from my reverie. I shook my head and looked up. "Huh?"

He chuckled at my expression and turned off the sink. "Are you alright?" He walked over and lightly rubbed my shoulders. "Are you going to get dressed or do you need another day of rest?"

I placed my hands on his bare chest and took a deep breath. His skin felt so soft and warm against my bare hands. It made me want to lose myself in him. "No." I shook my head. "No, I'm fine. I told the landlord that I would show up today with the deposit and first month’s rent."

Jace ran his hands up my arms, lightly tickling me, as he smiled. "It's okay, Avery. You don't have to be upset or worried," he breathed. "At first I was sad that you were leaving, but now that I've had time for it all to sink in; I realize that it's a good thing for you. We can still be together anytime that we want. It's all just a part of a new beginning for you. One that you've needed for so long."

I swallowed hard and stifled back tears. He always had a way of making me feel as ease. "I know, but-"

"No buts," he cut in. "Everything is going to be... perfect." He pressed his lips to my forehead and then kissed all the way down to my lips. "I promise. Now go get dressed."

~•~

An hour later, we both stood inside of Bergstroms a small furniture store, about twenty minutes away from Jace's place.

Jace held my hand as he took me around the store and showed me the various couches and beds that they had on display.

The prices seemed to be fairly decent for the quality that they offered, but I was overwhelmed. I didn't even know where to start.

"This is nice. It almost looks like ours... I mean mine." His words stopped my heart as we both stood there looking at each other. Ours?

Jace coughed and pulled my arm, bringing me over to stand in front of a black leather sectional. He was right; it was almost identical to his. It was beautiful.

"This is very nice." My eyes wandered over the leather couch before settling on the price tag. “Thirteen hundred dollars! Oh no." I shook my head back and forth and stepped away. "That is way too expensive."

Jace ran his hand over the arm of the couch and smiled. Then he waved one of the workers over. "I think this one is actually better than mine."

A man in about his mid-thirties walked over with a welcoming smile on his pudgy face. His red polo shirt clung tightly to his round belly, but was entirely too long for his short body. Even his khakis seemed to be excessively long for his legs.

He held out a short, hairy arm and reached for Jace's hand. "Good morning, sir." He nodded his head at me. "Ma'am." He looked at us both, anxious to make a sale. "I see that you are interested in this couch. My name is Tom. Can I answer any questions that you may have?"

Jace ran his tongue over his bottom lip and then grinned. "Yes. How soon can you have this couch delivered, if we purchase this today?"

I lightly elbowed Jace in the side. "I can't afford this," I said soft enough for only the two of us to hear.

Tom ignored me and set his full attention on Jace. "Depending on the location we can have it delivered and set up in an hour. Where would the drop off be?"

Jace scrunched up his face and looked lost in thought. Then he turned to me and rubbed my cheek. "What's the address?"

"But-"

"What's the address?" he cut in.

I huffed and reached into my purse to pull out the envelope with the address on it. I glanced down at it and read it aloud. "5324 Victory Lane."

A huge smile spread across Jace's face as he nodded his head at Tom and repeated what I said. "5324 Victory Lane. What's the verdict, Tom?"

Tom smiled and shook Jace's hand again. "An hour at the latest."

Jace wrapped his arm around me and then leaned in to kiss my neck. "We have a little more shopping to do first. We'll find you when we find our next purchase. Thank you, Tom."

I watched in horror as Tom walked away with the sales tag in his hand. "I really can't afford that. I only have $600 to spare."

Jace gave me a sincere smile and pulled me close to him. He softly ran his hand under my hairline and gripped the small of my back with his free hand. "Just because you're on your own, doesn't mean I can't take care of my woman. The couch is on me."

My breath caught in my throat and I started choking.

"Are you okay?" Jace softly rubbed my back and held my arm above my head. "Breathe." He chuckled.

I got my breathing under control once again and managed to look Jace in the eye. I was in complete shock that he had just called me his woman. I was speechless. "I don't... you don't have... thank you," I just finally whispered.

Jace laced his fingers through mine and pulled me beside him. "I have more than enough money to help out. I've been saving for years now. It's not a problem for me and it shouldn't be for you either." He kissed my hand. "Let's go find you a bed."

~•~

We arrived at my empty apartment, thirty minutes later, with a 42-inch TV, a black coffee table, a glass entertainment center and little black dresser. The couch and the queen-sized bed would arrive within the next forty minutes. The excitement was starting to settle in and I couldn't help but to smile.

Jace and I both looked around the small apartment, checking out all of the rooms. The living room was complete with caramel shag carpet, burgundy shades and black windowsill and trim. It was the perfect size to fit all of my new furniture in it. It actually felt like a home.

Jace ran his hand along the freshly painted wall and smiled. "This place is perfect. I really like it." He pulled up the shade and looked out the window. "I might even spend most of my time here. It's...cozy."

I laughed and reached for Jace's hand. It felt good to see that Jace approved of my new place. "I really like it here. It seems peaceful. It's like having my own place for the very first time. The last apartment never felt like home." I ran my hand over Jace's chest and grinned. "I'm just not so sure that I should allow boys into my first place."

Jace chuckled as he gripped my hips and hoisted me off  the ground. "I'm not just any boy." He smirked. "At least, I'd like to not think so."

I reached out and cupped Jace's face, the same way that he always cupped mine. "Trust me. You're not just any boy." I roughly pressed my lips against his, desperate to get a taste of his sweet mouth. Everything about Jace was sweet.

He squeezed me tightly, while walking us into the kitchen. He stopped in front of the stove before setting me down on top of it. Our lips didn't separate as he wrapped my legs around his waist, pressing his crotch into my inner thigh. It sent chills all through my heated body and made me want to rip his clothing off. He had a way of turning me on, that I couldn't even explain.

Jace roughly bit my lip, while pulling my jacket off and tossing it down onto the white linoleum flooring. Things were getting heated and I wanted nothing more than to be with him. "I want-"

We both stopped and looked up in shock as Jackie came strolling into the kitchen holding a huge box. She just eyed us both, with raised eyebrows and laughed. "Well... a little help."

Jace snapped out of the stare and playfully ran his hand through his hair. "Of course. Sorry," he said. He gave me an apologetic smile before pulling away from me and grabbing the box from Jackie's arms. "How did you know where Avery's apartment was? Did you have any luck on the job search?" he questioned. "And what's all of this stuff?"

Jackie walked over and grabbed my arm, helping me down from the stove. "Dex stopped over looking for you two. I told him that you were helping Avery move into her new apartment." She grinned and walked over to the box. "No luck yet, though on the job. I hope to hear back soon," she answered with a smile. "I went through some of mom's old dishes that she never really used, along with some other kitchenware."

She reached into the box and pulled out a toaster. "I found, a toaster, a can opener, some plates, silverware and her old microwave is in the car." She reached back into the box. "Oh and I even went and picked up a four pack of these purple cups." She smiled holding up the cups. "Purple is my favorite color."

Jace walked over toward the door and shook his head in disbelief. "Where did you find all of this stuff?"

Jackie laughed and gave him dumbfound look. "In your basement. You don't remember storing mom’s things down there?"

“I forgot.” Jace gave Jackie a grateful look and walked outside to fetch the microwave.

I just watched Jackie as she continued to pull things from out of the box. I couldn't believe that she was treating me so much like family. It made me feel... good. "Thank you, Jackie." I grinned and started helping her. "You really didn't have to."

Jackie brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and smiled. "Anything for family." She looked me in the eye, making me feel like crying, before she opened the fridge and frowned. "You don't have anything in here. We're going to have to get you some groceries later. We'll just order pizza for lunch."

I shook my head, not knowing what to say. Then a smile crept over my face as Jace entered the kitchen, holding the microwave. "Thank you, both," I beamed.

Jace set the microwave on the black countertop and then watched as Jackie grabbed my arm and pulled me with her. "Show me around your new place."

I walked her through the living room and then into the decent sized bedroom. The bedroom was pretty much painted the same as the living room, except the carpet was a bright shade of white. It also had a walk in closet that was big enough to fit a single bed in and still have room. It was even bigger than the room that I had at Jace's. I loved it.

Jackie nodded her head and crossed her arms. "I like this place. Maybe one day, I will come and take this place from you." She paused and gave me a sad smile. "After I'm stronger of course. I couldn't manage to live alone right now. Joe has a very strong influence."

I reached out and gently grabbed her arm. "It will happen one day. You just have to be strong." I surprised, even myself with my words of encouragement.

Less than two months ago, I was the one in dire need of help. Now I was the one trying to give someone else the hope that I never had.

Jackie let out a small laugh and then reached out to hug me. "I know. I realized that, after seeing my brother and you at the bowling alley that day. I saw how happy you guys made each other and I missed being that happy. It made me miss my little brother." She smiled and then headed for the door. "Let’s see this bathroom of yours. Is it just as nice as the rest?"

She didn't even wait for me to answer before she took off, strolling to the bathroom. I followed close behind her as she stepped into the bathroom and ran her hand over the glass door that surrounded the shower. She nodded her head in approval and then stepped over to the oval sink. She reached above her and screwed in the fourth light bulb that didn't seem to shine as bright as the rest. When the light flickered and then brightened up, she grinned and waved her hand in front of it. "All fixed."       "The couch and bed are here."

Jackie and I both laughed and then walked into the living room together. It took the movers a total of twenty-five minutes before they had both the bed and the couch set up and ready for use. It was slowly coming together before my eyes and I felt so happy.

Jace walked the movers outside and thanked them both for their help before handing them each a ten-dollar bill. He really knew how to handle everything and make everyone happy. I was very thankful.

Jackie and I both went into the living room and sat on the couch as Jace started putting the entertainment center together. I had to admit, he looked masculine and sexy, down on the floor putting my table together. I could have sat there and watched him all day.

Finally, Jace glanced up from the table and looked over at Jackie. "Why don't you take Avery to the store and get her some stuff to put into the fridge. I'll order a couple of pizzas and everything should be ready before you two return."

Jackie stood up from the couch and grabbed my hand. "Perfect. We'll be back in thirty."

Jace stood up from the floor and dropped his tools. Then he walked over and grabbed me by the waist. "You girls take care of each other." He pressed his lips against mine and then playfully slapped my butt. "Have fun."

~•~

We arrived back at the apartment with soda, bread, butter, milk, cheese and a few frozen boxes of chicken. It wasn't much, but it was all that I really needed to get me through the next day. After work tomorrow, I would have to go and get a few more things for the house. It was exciting.

Jackie walked in front of me the whole time, pushing the door open for me and holding it open. I stepped inside to see Dex, Stacy and Jace all standing in the kitchen. The counter was covered with plates, cups, napkins and pizza boxes. It made me smile to see everyone.

I tossed the bags onto the empty space on the counter and laughed. I was completely surprised. "Hi everyone!"

Stacy grinned and bounced over to me. "I love your new place. Now we'll have to start hanging out more." She leaned in and gave me a hug. "It won't be as awkward as me trying to invite myself to the boss' house." She giggled and looked over at Jace.

Jace just shook his head and laughed at her innocent ways. "I didn't realize that the boss was so big and scary."

Dex patted Jace on the back and laughed. "Trust me... you're not, bro." Then he walked over to stand in front of me. "This is apartment is great. I'm glad that you decided on this one."

I looked around the place and at everyone that stood around chatting and smiled. "Me too," I said. "I really owe a lot of thanks to you. You helped me in more ways than you know." I turned around to look at everyone. "All of you have helped me more than you even know. Thank you."

Jace walked over and grabbed me by the waist. Then he gently rubbed away the tear that I hadn't even noticed had fallen. "You are so special. You're special to all of us." He ran a finger over my lip, while biting his own. "I-"

"I love you," I cut him off. "I really, truly love you." My heart raced, as I looked him in the eye, in shock that I had found the courage to say those words again. He almost looked as if he could fall over at any moment. It was true though. I loved him. I knew that now. A big part of me had even known for a while. I had just been too afraid to admit it.

Jace cupped my face with trembling hands as he pulled my face close to his. "I love you too," he whispered. "More than you will ever know."

I tangled my hands through his hair and pulled his lips to mine, crushing him with my desire for him. He wanted me, just as badly as I wanted him.

Suddenly, I heard whistling, clapping and shouting from behind us, followed by laughter.

"About damn time." Stacy laughed. "Holy shit! I never thought I'd witness Jace in love."

Dex patted Jace on the back and then looked over at me. "I knew it, bro. I knew it." He smiled and then grabbed a slice of pizza. "I could tell from the very first day that I met Avery."

Jace just shook his head and laughed at our friends. Everyone had something to say except for Jackie. That was when I noticed that she wasn't even in the room. I tilted my head at Jace and got ready to question where she had been. "Where-"

My words were cut short when I heard barking coming from right outside the kitchen door. I gave Jace a questionable look and then reached for the door handle.

Jace just smiled and looked up toward the ceiling as if everything was normal.

The door swung open to Jackie standing there with a beautiful Siberian husky in her arms. She looked up at me and then handed me the puppy. "Look what I found in the back of Jace's car," she laughed. "Weird, huh?"

I took the puppy in my arms and looked behind me at Jace. "Holy... what is this?" I asked amazed. I had never had a dog or any other kind of pet before and I really didn't know how to react.

Jace smirked and walked over to stand next to me. He reached out and rubbed the puppy's head before kissing my cheek. "I couldn't let my lady be alone, when I'm not around. I want you to always feel wanted and needed. Just like you are."

I set my lip into a pout and rubbed the dog’s soft fur. It looked up at me with beautiful baby blues and whined. "I don't know what to say." I set the puppy down in the kitchen and it took off running around in excitement while taking turns being sure to jump up on everyone. The sight made me giggle. It was so playful and free. "Thank you, Jace."

Jace grabbed for a slice of pizza and handed it to me. "You're welcome." He grinned and then grabbed a slice for himself. "Go look in that closet." He pointed over to the closet, next to the pantry and then took a bite of his pizza.

I looked around at everyone as they all stared at me. It actually made me somewhat nervous to have all eyes on me.

"Okay," I said nervously. I walked over to the closet and pulled the door open. The bottom shelf was full of puppy food, puppy treats and puppy toys. Then right above that, were the puppy dishes and leashes. They were all blue.

"A boy," I said with a laugh. "Thank you. Thank you for all of this. You didn't have to."

Jace walked over and reached up on the top shelf. "That's not all." He smiled as he pulled down a huge puppy bed and handed it to me. "He needs somewhere to sleep as well."

I looked down at the soft bed, smiled, and then set it down next to the fridge. "What is his name?"

Jace looked down at the puppy that was now jumping all over Stacy as she giggled in delight. Then he looked back over at me, leaning against the fridge. "What do you want it to be?"

I pointed to myself and shook my head. "I can't name him. You-"

Jace grabbed my hand and placed it on his chest. Then he ran his hand over my face and sucked his bottom lip in. "He's yours. You name him."

I looked down at my new puppy and laughed as he came running over to me, slipping across the floor in the process. "Look at you. You're so darn cute." I crouched down and picked him up as he licked the side of my face. "Lucky. That will be your name because I'm lucky to have all of this." I waved my arms out in front of me and ended up falling back as Lucky jumped on me.

Jace bent down next to us and patted Lucky's head. "Lucky," he paused. "I like that name."

"Lucky," Jackie called.

Lucky glanced behind him, but didn't make a move.

Jace stood up and watched as Lucky plopped down in front of his feet. He shrugged his shoulders and smiled at Jackie. "Well... it will take him a little time to get used to his name."

Jackie waved a dismissive hand at Jace and then reached for her cell. "I'll be right back," she said nonchalantly.

I just stood back and watched as everyone enjoyed each other's company, laughing and telling stories. It was an amazing feeling and things were starting to feel complete.

I felt complete…