Intent(52)

Actually, I believe I know how Ace feels about it. He’s been very upfront with his feelings for me. He wants me with him, by his side, sharing everything with him. It’s more than refreshing—it’s a novel experience. Even after years with Bobby, I was still pressuring him, trying to make him want to be with me. The constant struggle took its toll, and now I recognize that part of my depression was realizing the hand I played in that whole fiasco.

From the balcony outside the master bedroom, I see a familiar, innately masculine form move in the darkness. “Ace is home,” I whisper to myself. “Why hasn’t he called me?”

Seems no matter how secure I feel, doubts can so easily creep in and control my mind. I really hate that feeling.

Ace is leaning on his forearms against the porch railing when he drops his head to his hands. Even from here, where I can’t see his face in the darkness, I can feel his torment. Something has severely disturbed him and I want to help him. Will I be the needy, clingy girlfriend if I just show up? Or will I be the strong, supportive girlfriend if I just show up?

“Get over your crazy, Layne. We both know you’re going to just show up either way,” I verbally chastise myself.

Then I begin my trek to Ace’s house.





Chapter Seventeen





ACE



“What a f*cking mess,” I complain again. To no one but the darkness that surrounds me. “Goddamn it!”

I want to punch something. I want to beat the shit out something. Just completely obliterate it until there’s nothing left. Anything to exert some of this pent-up frustration and intense anger that are burning through my veins. The thing is, I know myself all too well. Once I start, I won’t be able to stop. Not with this hanging over my head. Not with all the shit that’ll get dragged out from under the rocks and into the glaring light.

“Layne,” I say aloud on a heavy breath. “What will she think?”

“Who the f*ck is Layne?” A formless voice snarls at me from the darkness. “Is she your new whore?”

“What the f*ck are you doing here?” I growl in reply. “Leave. Now.”

“Haven’t you heard? I’m back, baby. I’m not going anywhere.” She steps out of the shadows and shows her sneering face, clearly loving the shock factor she’s inflicted on me.

“Oh, you’ll leave one way or the other. Of your own volition, from me kicking your ass to the edge of my property, or by a police escort to jail where you belong.” Clearing the rail with a swing of my legs, I march determinedly toward her. So help me God, I’ve never hit a woman before in my life, but I’m not responsible for my actions around this one.

“Ace, you don’t scare me, so you can cut the macho shit out,” she taunts. “This doesn’t have to cause a lot of problems. Be reasonable.”

“You can’t be f*cking serious. You’re telling me to be reasonable?” I’m shocked beyond any capacity to make sense of this conversation or her visit. She walks past me, taking in what she can see of the backyard in the moonlight.

“You’ve done a lot out here,” she says with a nod and turns back to me. “Bet it really looks good during the day. I can’t wait to see it.”

My jaw drops open from her complete stupidity. How can she possibly think I want her within five hundred miles of me? Before I can reply, she surprises me again, but this time, it’s with her lips crushed to mine and her arms around my neck. The warmth of her tongue glides across my lips, asking for permission to deepen the kiss. Years melt away and I’m right back in the same place as when she was here before. The familiar feel of her skin under my hands as I grasp her arms adds fuel to the fire.

With my fingers firmly gripped around her upper arms, I forcefully push her away and hold her at arm’s length from me. “Have you lost your f*cking mind?” I release her and wipe my mouth with the back of my hand, trying to erase the remnants of her impromptu kiss. “That was disgusting. I have no idea where your mouth has been! Now I have to go gargle with bleach before Layne comes over.”

The menacing glare and daggers flying from her eyes leave no doubt about what she’s thinking. She definitely wants to hurt me. “There’s no need to deny you want me, Ace. Honesty is the best policy.”

“What do you know about honesty?” I retort with a sarcastic laugh.

I feel her presence before I hear her footsteps fall directly behind me. Of course. It all makes perfect sense now. Layne walks up and stops beside me. Instinctively, our hands lock together and I admire her beautiful profile while she issues a threat with her eyes and her words.

“You again? You aren’t a very quick learner, are you?” Layne asks. “Zoe isn’t impressed with your tactics, and apparently, neither is Ace. You’ve already worn out your welcome and you just got back in town today. Your future here doesn’t seem very promising.”

“You don’t even know who I am, you stupid bitch!”

“I know you’re Zoe’s cousin and even she doesn’t like you. It’s pretty bad when your own family members can’t stand you.”

“Oh, honey, I’m much more than Zoe’s cousin. You think you have it all figured out, don’t you? Think you can just waltz in here and take over my family, my man? That ain’t happening. Yeah, I know all about how you’ve been babysitting her, but River is my daughter. You’re nothing to her. I’m her momma.”