Fever (Breathless #2)(69)

Gabe slapped Jace on the back and then turned to Bethany.

“Hi, Bethany. I’m Gabe, Jace’s friend and business partner. About to become his brother-in-law, if my bride to be will put me out of my misery and set a wedding date.”

“Hi, Gabe,” she managed to choke out.

Jace’s arm came around her, steadying her and offering silent support. In that moment she loved him for that.

“Come on in the kitchen,” Mia said. “That’s where everyone is congregated, drinking wine and snacking on the fruit and cheese tray.”

She tucked Bethany’s arm underneath hers so that Bethany was flanked by both Mia and Jace and then pulled them both toward the kitchen.

Bethany’s stomach dropped when they met Ash in the doorway. She nearly ran into him as he scooted to the side to get out of the way.

“Hey, man,” Ash said. “Glad you two made it.”

Then he leaned forward and kissed Bethany on the cheek.

“Hello, Bethany. You look beautiful.”

She was positive she blushed. Try as she might, she couldn’t control her instant mortification as she stared at Ash. Ash was playing it cool. Jace was playing it cool. She was the only one acting like an idiot.

“Thank you,” she said, forcing a smile to her lips.

Ash smiled warmly at her and then reached down to squeeze her hand. He leaned forward as if to kiss her other cheek in greeting and whispered so only she could hear.

“It’ll be fine, Bethany. Don’t be nervous.”

With that simple gesture, Bethany relaxed and allowed herself to fully breathe for the first time since leaving Jace’s apartment. This time her smile was genuine and she squeezed Ash’s hand back in thanks.

Jace shot Ash a look of gratitude and the tension that perhaps she’d imagined to begin with dissipated. Jace curled his arm around Ash’s shoulders and the two engaged in mock wrestling.

“Not much changes around here,” an older woman said as she pushed forward. Her smile was indulgent and it was obvious that she regarded Ash and Jace with affection. “You boys still act like you did as teenagers.”

Jace smiled and pulled her into his arms. “Hello, Mama H.” He kissed her temple and then turned to Bethany. “Bethany, I’d like you to meet Gabe’s mom. Mrs. H., this is Bethany Willis.”

Enfolded in another warm hug, Bethany felt her reserve slowly melting around the infectious charm of Jace’s family.

“It’s wonderful to meet you, dear.”

“Oh hey, here’s Mr. H. now,” Jace said.

Bethany looked beyond Mrs. Hamilton to see an older man push forward.

“Nice to meet you, young lady,” he said in a gruff voice. “Jace is very fortunate.”

Bethany blushed and extended her hand. Ignoring it, Mr. Hamilton hugged her. Bethany had never been around such a spontaneous, huggy bunch of people. It was weird and yet . . . nice.

“So did you cook, Mia? Or did you cheat and have it catered?” Jace said in a teasing voice.

Mia shot him a dirty look. “Gabe’s mom and I cooked. I’ll have you know it’s pretty awesome, if I have to say so myself.”

“It smells wonderful,” Bethany said quickly.

Mia smiled. “Thanks. It’s good. Promise.”

Then Mia turned and made shooing motions with her hands. “Okay, guys, out of the kitchen. You’re in the way. Go in the living room and do whatever it is guys do. I need half an hour and then we can eat.” She glanced at Bethany. “Want to hang out with us in the kitchen? You can always go with Jace but we don’t bite.”

Bethany found herself smiling in response to the other girl’s open warmth. “I’ll stay.”

Jace embarrassed her when he leaned down to brush his lips across her mouth. “I won’t be far,” he murmured.

She blushed because everyone had seen him kiss her. How could they have missed it?

Mia grinned and exchanged conspiratorial glances with Mrs. Hamilton. They both looked delighted.

The men sauntered out of the kitchen, leaving the women.

“Okay, sit, Bethany,” Mia ordered. “You too, Mrs. H. This won’t take me long. I just need to make the gravy. Rest is all done.”

“You sure you don’t need help?” Bethany asked hesitantly.

Mia shook her head. “Sit, sit. We’ll have girl time. Which, speaking of, I’ve already told Jace this, but knowing him he didn’t pass the info along. You have to go out to the club with me and my girlfriends. You’d love them. They’re all really terrific. We go out every once in a while, have a blast and then let Gabe get us home afterward. I only made the mistake of taking a cab home alone once. Let’s just say Gabe wasn’t very pleased with me.”

Bethany’s eyes widened both by the invitation and the fact that Gabe had been angry with Mia.

Mia laughed. “He pitched a fit but he got over it. To keep the peace, I let him have his way and now we take a car home. Gabe’s happy so it works out.”

“I don’t drink, but I’d love to go.”

Mia’s expression became sympathetic and she reached over to squeeze Bethany’s hand. “You and I can drink water. I don’t tolerate alcohol very well. I had the hangover last time to prove it.”

There was something in Mia’s expression that bothered Bethany. Almost as if Mia knew . . . Of course. Jace would have told her. Bethany’s face went warm as a flush crept up her neck. Shame followed closely behind. She dropped her gaze and folded her shoulders inward in an instinctive, protective gesture.