“Tanner?”
“The bell hop. Good kid. Boot size?”
“You’ll find me boots and I won’t have to walk around in these stupid things and break my neck?”
“For sure. I want that neck to stay nice and straight.” And smooth and irresistible and needing him to trail his fingers along it …Slow down Jace.
“You’re the best!” She gave him a quick hug and he was the one lit up, from the inside all the way out.
She pulled back and looked happy but also a little embarrassed. “Sorry, I’m impulsive.”
“I didn’t mind.” He grinned. He hadn’t minded at all. He loved her impulsive side. It seemed to him she was naturally impulsive, but then she must have been hurt and it had damaged her innocence. Had she trained herself to be leery and cautious when any red flag came up, like him trying to offer his own home? He wished she hadn’t lost trust in mankind. He wanted to be the one to help her find trust and love and safety. And he was getting way ahead of himself. The problem was her story could’ve been his. He’d been so happy, sure of himself, destined for success, and thought everybody was his best friend, before Iluminada had manipulated and betrayed him. Ayla seemed to be the key to finding his own innocence, happiness, and trust again.
“My shoe size is a seven.”
“Perfect.” He didn’t think it was smart to ask what her pants size was for ski pants. He could get close enough. “See you at nine.” He nodded to her and walked to the door.
“I’ll be ready.”
He smiled then went out the door, shutting it behind him. He heard the deadbolt click and his eyebrows went up. She was either still cautious with him or just cautious in general. He pulled out his phone. First a call to the grocery store and then he’d sort through the lost and found and find the best outdoor gear he could for her. Tanner was going to get overtime pay and an extra tip from him to deliver the clothes and the food to her house. Jace was also taking the day off tomorrow. If ski lessons went well, he might be taking a few days off. But if she was gone Monday it wouldn’t matter. Maybe there was no hope for a future with Ayla. Maybe both of them were too damaged to even try. But he found himself wanting to try.