11. Jace

ELEVEN

JACE

"You're going to do the right thing here, right probie?" Maddox asks, as if he's the older brother in this situation.

My eyes never leave Poppy as she moves her sexy body to the music around the makeshift dance floor. The bar is full and there really isn't a dance floor, it's just that tables have been pushed aside to make room for the girls to have a great night.

And for us guys to enjoy the view.

I flick my glance between Maddox and the girls. "What's the right thing, Cap?"

He narrows his eyes on me. "She's had a rough go lately. And she doesn't need any more shit."

Hearing him know something about her that I don't irks me. "What happened?"

"It's not for me to tell?—"

"Since when?" I cut him off but he keeps going.

"—but she may act wild and carefree but underneath she's looking for stability. Why do you think she followed Poppy here?"

Scenarios run through my mind about what she's been through and I instantly feel rage, wanting to find anyone that's done her wrong .

"Slow your roll, probie. I see your mind churning. She's fine, but she needs consistency. Do you understand what I'm getting at?" I go to speak and he cuts me off this time. "And before you say another word, I can't think of anyone more reliable than you. But you're young, and fire is your number one, so before you go jumping in feet first, think ."

I look out onto the dance floor again and see a circle has formed around Poppy and Marigold. I smile at their fun but I've got a close eye on everyone around them. When she returned from the restroom I made sure to stand and acknowledge her. My kiss on her forehead was meant to let everyone around us know she's mine.

Because she is. She may not know it, but I do. And I'm letting everyone here know it. Fire training be damned.

"She ready to put down roots?"

Maddox's lips twist and he lets out a low chuckle. "Don't even think about getting to the altar before me, probie."

I huff a laugh and hold his eyes. "I wouldn't dream of it. But I need to know if she's a flight risk."

His eyes drift to the girls on the floor once again. When I first met Maddox I thought he was a cocky prick. But the more I got to know him, especially once he made it official with Marigold, I realized he's a good guy, with a heart of gold.

He shakes his head slowly. "No, I don't think she's a flight risk. But knowing you and knowing her? You've got stuff to talk about."

His cryptic message leaves me feeling uneasy but I brush it aside.

"You watching these two?" he asks with an annoyed tone.

"I see them." I see her. Her hands are in the air as she shakes her hips in time to the music. Then she grabs a chair and jumps on, standing above everyone doing the same hip shake. My body itches to get to her but instead, I play it cool, sitting back and letting her have her fun while keeping an eye on the situation.

"Her crazy doesn't embarrass you?" I cut him a quick look and he laughs. "I have to ask. You would never dance on a chair. I'm just reminding you of that."

"I'm very aware, thank you." It's becoming my favorite part about her. Plus, she has no idea what's lying in wait once we're alone. My crazy behind closed doors will out crazy hers any day.

"Should we do something about this?" Maddox presses.

We're both watching the same show. Poppy has jumped down from the chair and is twirling, her dress showing glimpses of skin. Both girls are dancing as if there is no one else around them. They're holding each other close and grinding on one another while Poppy glances at me over her shoulder. I know what she's doing. She's provoking me.

I shrug. "You want to do something about it? They're safe here. And we're only thirty feet away."

"My fiancée isn't safe anywhere," he all but growls out and I snicker.

"Go get your woman then," I tell him.

"I'm about to." He sits up straight in his chair seemingly growing agitated. "It doesn't bother you seeing her putting on a show right now?"

"I'm the one taking her home. So, no, it doesn't bother me," I state.

Maddox studies me and I see him fighting with himself about pulling his girl off the floor. But the fact I'm letting it slide means he needs to let it slide. I laugh to myself, I know Maddox and if he thinks someone else is besting him, he'll wait it out. I'm doing them both a favor right now.

He downs his margarita then finishes Marigold's. "You good, Cap?"

"Just fine. But you'll be driving us home."

I chortle. I stopped drinking after the first drink. I only let myself have one if I'm the driver and I will take care of those around me. "I planned on it."

Just then the girls make their way back to our table. Maddox is feeling no pain and he's a bit touchy with Marigold, but she doesn't seem to mind the public display of affection. Poppy sits in her seat next to me, and I grab it, sliding it closer. The feeling that I don't want this night to end washes over me.

"We'll be driving your cousin and her drunk idiot home tonight."

She laughs. "Yeah I saw him getting there quickly."

I whisper into her ear once more, "I'm going to tell you something and you can't freak out."

"Okay," she says hesitantly.

"I've been undressing you in my head since I picked you up. This dress? I want to fucking tear it from your body. But tonight? We're going to drive your cousin and her boyfriend home. Then I'm going to take you home and I'm going to kiss you but not go further than your front porch. Are you okay with that?"

"Why won't you come in?" Her eyes are wide.

"Because it's our first date. And I told you how my momma raised me. So even though I want to destroy you with every piece of me, I won't. I'll wait."

"How long do I have to wait?" she asks breathlessly.

"When's our second date?" I question her.

"The dance. I'll be sure to dress accordingly." She smirks and leans in leaving a lingering kiss on my cheek. I do my best to stay completely still but my hand squeezing her thigh tells a different story.