I look over and meet Jace’s eyes. “I’m kind of nervous,” I admit, laughing at the absurdity of it.

His face relaxes into a tender look I’ve never seen him give anyone else.

Jace opens his arms when I step closer. I relax into his embrace, breathing in the familiar scent of his cologne. His lips are right there, waiting, as I turn my head. We kiss softly, slowly, languidly, which feels like a luxury all of its own. I grow impatient first, sliding my hands down Jace’s chest to tug at the hem of his shirt. He helps me pull it over his head and then stands before me in just a pair of khakis, his dark hair adorably mussed.

“Are you sure, Viv?” Jace asks, scanning my face for any hint of hesitation. “We can wait.”

“I don’t want to wait.” I pull off my sweater, revealing the t-shirt I’m wearing underneath. His t-shirt.

I watch his eyes darken before I kiss him again. He responds eagerly, running his fingers under the soft material and across the bare skin of my back. I shove against his hard body, trying to move him closer to the massive bed. He chuckles.

“From bashful to bossy,” he remarks.

I wrinkle my nose at him before I pull my t-shirt off, and he laughs outright.

“That’s my girl.”

The words settle around me like a warm blanket as he picks me up and carries me over to the bed. Sinewy ropes of muscle shift in his forearms as he sets me down on the soft mattress. I unzip and pull off my leather boots, then undo the button on my jeans so I can shimmy the tight denim down my thighs. Jace laughs as I wriggle around.

“You could help, you know,” I suggest.

“You’re doing such a great job, though,” Jace replies. His gray eyes swim with humor as he watches me struggle.

I stick out my tongue at him. “My ego is insulted you’re in no rush.”

Jace grins. “We’ve got time.”

There’s nothing hanging over us. My impending departure. His impending departure. My engagement to someone else. The realization is freeing, but it doesn’t do anything to abate the lust coursing through my veins.

“Well, I’m ready to bang now,” I inform him.

Jace looks on the cusp of laughter again. “Bang?” He quirks an eyebrow at me.

“Yup.” I pop the P for emphasis.

Jace shakes his head, smiling, but walks over between my legs and seizes the dark blue material. He begins tugging it down, revealing inch after inch of skin. I’m grateful for every mile I’ve ever run as I watch the amusement fade from Jace’s face. His gaze returns to mine, hungry now. I wrap my long legs around him, forcing him to step closer to the edge of the bed. To me. He leans over me, taking his time as his gaze trails along my exposed skin, leaving goosebumps in its wake.

“Fuck, Viv,” he breathes when he’s inches from my face.