All This Time: A Billionaire, Bad Boy Romance (Fated Loves Book 3)

by Zee Irwin

  She parallel parked in front of the shop, then turned off the ignition. Neither of us made a move to exit, reaching this point of deeper conversation. “What about you?”

  “What about me?”

  She shifted to face me in the seat. “Is your family around?”

  “I have a little brother. We both joined the Marines, only he stayed in. I see him now and then when he visits on leave. Our parents were older when they had us, using fertility treatments, but both have passed away. My dad from a heart attack two years ago, my mom from MS a few years before that. They were good to us, treated us well. I envy their marriage and how well they got along.”

  “It seems we’ve both lost people we loved. And your scars?”

  Just when I had relaxed, my defenses readied again for their usual flight or fight. “What about them?”

  “What’s the story behind those?” Her voice softened.

  I searched her face. If there was going to be anything between us, even if only friends, then there would be time for details to be shared. But I wasn’t ready for a long story now. “A car bombing in Afganistan. But let’s save that story another time. It’s been a long day, besides I haven’t seen Sammie yet.”

  “Oh no! With everything that happened today, I forgot to feed the cats.”

  Her focus moved off me to feeding the hungry little beasts in the shop, which suited me fine. We worked together to put out fresh water bowls and food. When Sammie finished eating, I sat on the floor and Lily joined me in playing a round of catch the mice with him. She swung a feather on a fishing pole around and a few other cats joined in the fun while some only wanted attention and petting. We shared a few friendly laughs, but eventually Lily yawned.

  “I guess it’s getting late, you must be tired?”

  “Exhausted. What a week so far. And how about you? All packed and ready to move in this weekend?”

  “Yep, I’ll put most of my things in storage for now, but I’m bringing my bed, couch, a dresser, clothes, the basic things I’ll need. I started making lists of things to tackle first in the remodel and a list of materials.”

  She yawned again. “That’s great, Jace.”

  “Come on, let’s get out of here.” I stood and held out my hand to pull her up from the floor and must have pulled too hard because she lost her balance and fell into me.

  She looked up at me and her cheeks turned an adorable shade of rosy. “Sorry.”

  “Don’t be. I’m glad I was here to catch you again.” Still in my arms, I don’t know what possessed me to move a stray, dark curl out of her eye and behind her ear. “Maybe that’ll be our thing? Me always catching you?” For a split second, I thought about kissing her.

  “Oh my,” she changed her tone of voice and batted her eyes, mocking the way Analise talked to me earlier. “My very own police officer protecting me and catching me if I fall?” She pulled away and grabbed her bag and keys. “Do I have competition for your affections from Analise?”

  “There’s no contest. I knew you first, or, I knew Flower65, anyway.” I hesitated. “Do I have competition from Frank?”

  She turned at the door. “Frank? Absolutely not. Why would you think that?”

  “Just a feeling I have. As an onlooker tonight, I wasn’t sure what I saw. If he bothers you too much, I could have a talk with him, get him to back off. Or maybe the better question is, does he think I’m competition for your affections?”

  The rolling of her eyes told me plenty. “Frank is only a friend, and that’s where he’ll stay. He makes overtures sometimes, but he knows I’m not interested. I just have to remind him of it from time to time. But thanks for offering.”

  “Okay good. Because I’d like to see where things lead with you.”

  “Really?”

  I stepped closer to her; she backed against the door. “Yes, really. I like you. I told you before, there’s something about you . . . Flower.” The way she was still staring at me like I was talking through my nose had me questioning myself. “I mean, do you feel the same about me?”

  She cocked her head. “I think I’m still trying to find Blue92. Is he somewhere in there?” She knocked her knuckles on my chest like a door.

  It was my turn to snort. “What does that mean?”

  “It means that through all our interactions so far, you’ve been this tough detective and we haven’t talked one bit about books, art, or anything resembling what we chatted about online. You’re still like two different people to me. It’s not a bad thing, but it might take me longer to find the real you.”

  “Fair enough. I’ll admit I’ve had to wear the tough police guy hat around you, and we haven’t really had a lot of time alone together, but I assure you, the other side of me exists. It was easier to write about books and stuff in our chats, but Blue92 is right here. Still reading. Still hoping to connect.” I gave her my best smolder. Lily was fucking beautiful right now, with her tired eyes peering up at me under heavy eyelids, her dark lashes framing her blue eyes. And some wild thoughts tugged at me, growing the more time I spent near her.

  “Well, I have a new reading group starting next week here at the shop. Maybe you’ll consider joining us and let Blue92 come out to play?” She plucked a copy of her reading group flyer off the table next to the door.

  I took it and looked it over. “Fine. I’ll be there.”

  With a satisfied nod, she walked out to her car. I followed, and we found Simon rolling up the walkway.

  “You’re home early? Isn’t Wednesday your bowling night? And where’s the random girl you usually hook-up with?” Lily snickered and looked above Simon as if expecting him to not be alone.

  “Nice, sis. What? I can’t come home early for once? Besides, after the weekend in Atlantic City, I think it’ll be a few weeks before I get that drunk again. And what are you two up to tonight? Going somewhere together?”

  “Your sister held a community meeting tonight, and she did an amazing job, too. You should be proud of her. I know I am.” If only I could paint a picture of the look on Lily’s face right now so I could recall the way she looked at me—so appreciative, like she’d never had a genuine compliment.

  “Hm. Hey Jace, before you fuck my sister, you’ll need to get my blessing.”

  Lily’s face contorted. “Oh, screw you, Simon.”

  “Not me, him. Nighty night.” Simon waggled his fingers behind his back as he rolled to the shop door.

  Lily stared at his back, her mouth agape. “He has some nerve.”

  “Was he serious? I need his blessing?”

  “You don’t need his blessing. Only mine. And if you’re very lucky, you might get it.”

  I studied her for a moment. She was sweet yet sexy, smart and fierce, yet vulnerable. A pure romantic at heart. If given time, I could let her see all of me. I was cocky enough to think I could drum up romantic things to rival any of her book heroes.

  Under the street lamps and car headlights, her sly smile dared me to do everything I could to earn her. I knew right then I’d work overtime for her.

  13

  Needing Privacy

  Lily

  Once Jace moved in, it seemed full steam ahead on the remodel. I wasn’t expecting the level of enthusiasm or work he put into the apartment. Seeing the daily progress was encouraging. Seeing him daily quickly became a thrill.

  I ran upstairs to the apartment when I knew he’d be at work. My cutest dresses received more attention now that I had a man to show off for. He called me when I was almost finished putting together a few outfits into a bag to take home.

  “What are you doing tonight?”

  I calmed my nervous energy. Was this it? He was finally asking me out on a proper date? “No particular plans. Why?”

  “Can you meet me at my partner’s house? Travis and Marcie recently remodeled their kitchen, leaving their old cabinets and appliances sitting in their garage. The stuff is in great shape. I thought you’d like to look.”

  My shoulders might have fal
len a little. “Oh, sure. Sounds good. Text me their address.”

  Okay, not a date. But he was looking out for my best interests, which was something.

  When I arrived at the house in a cute brownstone neighborhood, the wrought iron window boxes caught my eye with their baskets of pink and purple colors featuring freshly planted petunias for early summer. As if the scene wasn’t adorable enough, Jace waited for me on the curb with a smile.

  “Hi. Thanks for meeting me here. This is Travis, and his wife Marcie.”

  I eyed Marcie’s large baby bump. “Nice to meet you both. Thanks for letting me see what you have.”

  Marcie put her hand on Jace’s arm. “Are you kidding? Anything for this guy. Besides,” she put her hand on her belly. “This little one is overdue and I’m in a major organization battle with the house.”

  “Otherwise known as putting your husband to work every available second of the day.” Travis bumped her with his hip.

  “The other detectives with kids say you’ll be glad you did all this before the baby comes. Afterward, you won’t have time for anything. My godson is going to be one lucky kid to have parents like you to focus on him. And me, of course.”

  Travis brought Marcie into him and put his arms around her, resting his hands on her belly. “Or goddaughter. We aren’t so sure yet. But we will be soon. And I can’t wait for this baby to—”

  “Oh!” Marcie’s hands flew to her stomach. “It’s moving. Feel it?”

  Travis’s eyes grew and his mouth dropped open while his hand explored around her belly hidden under a pink t-shirt. “Hey bubba, we’ll be meeting you real soon. Aww, babe. I can’t believe we’re going to see this kid any day now.” They kissed in front of us.

  I looked at Jace with a slightly shy grin, and he returned the look to me. We waited for an awkward eternity until Travis released his wife from his hold.

  Jace cleared his throat. “Should we have a look?”

  “Yep, come around back.” We followed Travis’s footsteps, and I loved how he kept his hand wrapped around Marcie’s in that protective way some men have by instinct. Protect what’s theirs. Being on the police force had something to do with that. Since being around Jace more, I developed a profile for the man. I could tell between the military and police work, the urge to protect what he cared about was a fierce part of him.

  After Travis opened the garage door, they did not prepare me for what waited within. White cabinets, uppers and lowers, and vintage white appliances, both an oven and fridge, gleamed with the evening sunlight pouring in.

  “Wow, I didn’t know what to expect, but it wasn’t this. These reproductions look straight out of the 1950s.” Sold. I already pictured my Pyrex bowls lining the shelves of the cupboards.

  “They came with the house and well taken care of. I just can’t stand white cabinetry, so I needed an update. We went with cherry. I can show you the new kitchen in a minute, if you’d like a tour.”

  I walked a circle around the cabinetry, opening doors, pulling on the drawers, running my finger along the enamel of the white stove.

  “There’s more cabinetry than what will fit into the apartment. I think we can make it work.” Jace produced a tape measure and busied himself taking photos and then logging the measurements with his phone.

  “But wait. How much do you want for this? I’m not sure my budget can—”

  “Nope, we don’t want a penny. You want it, it’s yours. Anything for this guy.” Travis mock tackled Jace.

  “No, I couldn’t, that’s too kind. Really, I can pay a little . . .” I opened my purse and dug in for my wallet.

  Marcie put a hand on mine and brushed me off. “Your money’s no good here. As long as this stuff moves out of here in a week or two, we’re happy.”

  “Cap’s wife has a big delivery truck from her flower shop. I’ll bet we could get some guys together one night after work to deliver.” Jace turned to his measurements, deep in thought, a look I knew after watching him tackle projects at the apartment. I was sure the result would be amazing. His hands really were working hands, like an artisan taking pride in creating something that would would last. I envied him for his talent.

  Jace asked Travis for some note paper but they couldn’t find a pen. Out of my bag, I produced the pen he gave me. His sly smile and quick wink signified the inside joke between us. Damn, his charm made my heart pump.

  He sketched a floor plan. “I have an idea, Lily. There’s enough cabinetry here for both the apartment and to update the tea room kitchenette in your store.”

  “Really? Are you spying on my dreams? I’ve been wanting to update.”

  “Careful, Lily. This guy is a keeper. I’m warning you now.”

  Jace turned pink from Marcie’s teasing. It was a sight to see. As a burly man, he came across intimidating and all business, often direct and to the point. And his scars added to the look. Menacing to some maybe, not to me. With Marcie chiding him, maybe embarrassing him, his face and the lines of his jaw softened. My insides fluttered, like butterflies suddenly waking up in the wind.

  “Come on, Lily. I’ll show you the new kitchen.”

  Marcie’s home was immaculate. After entering a summer room with gleaming windows, we passed by an antique glass cabinet full of knickknacks from a beloved past. The hall opened into the new kitchen with cherry cabinets and Carrara marble countertops. The new stainless steel appliances gleamed. But I left my vintage loving heart in the garage with the old pieces.

  “You have a beautiful home. How long have you and Travis been married?”

  “About five years. We met about a year before he got out of the military.”

  “Jace mentioned he and Travis were in the Marines together. You must have known Jace that long, too?”

  “Actually, I’ve known Jace longer. He was dating a friend of mine, Janet, for about a year before I met Travis. Needless to say, she’s now an ex-friend because of the way she treated Jace after they returned home.”

  I was sure my smile froze in an awkward state at having this conversation with her. My recently formed connection with Jace hadn’t delved deep into our pasts. While I wanted to learn more about him, I wasn’t sure if I should ask her.

  “Have a seat. So, what do you think of Jace?”

  “Oh, he’s nice. He’s really doing me a favor with all the work he’s doing in the apartment.”

  “Hm. The timing seems perfect. When he needed a place to stay, you came into his life.” She picked up a water bottle, then sipped and eyed me with a gleam, reflective of the chandelier hanging over the island above where we sat. “I love serendipity, don’t you?”

  “There’ve been some interesting events that have brought us together.”

  “And you own a bookstore? Well, that’s appropriate. The one thing I know about Jace is he loves reading. If the man isn’t working, his nose is in a book. If it weren’t for Travis dragging him along to the gym, or outdoorsy adventures, the guy would probably be just as happy sitting at home reading.”

  “I’m looking forward to seeing more of that from him. I guess the remodel has kept him too busy. He joined a book group I host at the shop, though it was all women and he was rather quiet. I guess it’s intimidating to a guy like him.”

  “Ha, rarely does anything intimidate that man, but women? Yes, they do. Ever since the accident he’s had little female company.”

  “Really?”

  “Come on, I’m sure you’ve noticed his scarring. It’s not been easy for him on the dating scene.”

  I couldn’t believe this bit of news. “He lets it get to him that much?”

  “Before the accident, he was a cocky dude. You know the type? So frigging handsome, but such a royal pain in the ass. The type of guy you wanted to slap his face in one instance, but jump his bones the next. He and Janet were so hot together, and supposedly in love. She had a messed up definition of love, though. I mean, what kind of girlfriend treats an injured soldier like shit? After he came home, she played t
wisted games with his head about his looks. Then she started cheating, multiple times. I was so glad the day Jace kicked her out.”

  She took a sip of water, which gave me a chance to digest this new information about Jace.

  “Anyway, between Janet, his mom passing away, all the surgeries he had to endure, and a healthy dose of PTSD, he was different. He had a battle ahead of him, a lot to get over.”

  “And now? Is he better?” Learning all his burning little secrets felt a little underhanded. This conversation might have been better hearing directly from him.

  “In many ways, I think, although it’s like he cursed himself, never believing he could fall for someone again. But trust me Lily, the man is amazing. Hell, if I hadn’t fallen for Travis I might have eventually fallen for Jace myself.” Her pregnant belly shook with laughter.

  “He’s been good to me, so far.”

  “Since he’s moved into your building, all Travis and I hear about is Lily this and Lily that. It’s finally nice to meet you in person.”

  A smile I couldn’t stop spread over my face.

  “He’s like a brother to me now, which makes me protective of him. So, Lily, I have to ask. What are your intentions with Jace? Because if you’re not in this for something long-term, please back off now. It may not be apparent to you, but it is to me—the guy is already into you. And I’m warning you, don’t break his heart.”

  She giggled nervously and rubbed her belly right as we heard the guys coming into the house. “Whoa, maybe this little being in my belly is turning me into a ferocious mama bear. All I want is to protect those I love.”

  I should have giggled with her, but I also took her words seriously. Where were Jace and I headed?

  The guys entered the kitchen and my eyes fluttered down Jace’s body and back up, translating to butterflies in my stomach again. He stood near me, much like I’d imagine a partner would, wanting to discuss an important decision which might affect the rest of our lives, like kitchen cabinets.