Henry and Andrew bid me goodbye, and then they clapped Jace’s shoulder. I had assumed they’d all leave together. Jace must have read the question on my face, because after they left, he said, “Come on, I’ll drive you home.”
“Thanks, but it’s not necessary. I’ll just order an Uber.”
“But I didn’t drink anything, and I’m going to drive anyway.”
“Jace. It’s late. You have practice tomorrow. Go home and sleep.”
“I’ll take you home.”
“No, you won’t.”
“Then I’ll stay with you until your Uber arrives.”
I didn’t argue, because there were still enough drunk pub-goers around, and I couldn’t think of a more efficient way to keep men at bay than having Jace next to me.
“I’m just going to the ladies’ room first, okay?”
“I’ll wait.”
He leaned against the pool table, crossing his legs at the ankles.
When I returned a few minutes later, Jace wasn’t alone anymore. A bombshell brunette was sitting on the pool table at a weird angle, showing off her boobs. Jace was keeping his distance. What had the girl done, waited until I was out of the picture to pounce on him?
“Here you are,” Jace exclaimed.
The brunette smile’s faded when she saw me.
“Ready to go?” he asked, coming my way.
“Yeah. I ordered an Uber. It’ll be here in six minutes.”
“Let’s wait outside.”
As we walked out the door, I said, “Listen, if you’d rather stay and talk to—”
“I don’t.”
“Well, not to be Captain Obvious, but brunette beauty there looked ready to give you her phone number... or even go home with you.”
“I’m not interested.”
“Why?”
“Easy there. Personal talk goes into friendship territory.”
“Ah, I see.”
“Personally, I’d say I’m a great friend. Look at you. Stick by my side for one night, and you’re already a champion at pool.”
I looked up at him, which wasn’t the smartest thing because those green eyes were working their magic on me again, and my defenses were already weak tonight.
“What are you doing, Jace?”
“Pushing boundaries.” His gaze was scorching hot.
“Why?”
“Because I think you need it.”