13. Jace

THIRTEEN

JACE

When she opened the door and I saw her standing in that dress, it took every bit of self-control I had to not lock us inside her home for the night.

But she deserves more than a fast fuck on a second date. I want to take my time with her. I want to show her how a real man would take care of his woman, no matter how old he is.

We walk into the party hall that my parents own. The magic of Christmas has exploded here with white lights and tall pine trees decorated in all things red and green. The Love Beach fire department banner is laced with ivy and red bows. Once we enter, every head turns our way. Some do a double take and some just outright stare.

"Why are they all looking at us?"

I take her hand leading us deeper inside. "Because they're probably wondering how a guy like me got a girl like you."

She giggles and pulls me to a stop brushing that one stray piece of hair from my forehead, only to have it flop back into place anyway. "I think it's the other way around."

"Not a chance." Just then I hear a loud whistle and look up to see Maddox standing at the table with his fingers in his mouth about to let out another shrill. Shaking my head at his antics, I say, "Your future cousin in law is a clown."

She glances over her shoulder. "He always wants to be the center of attention. I've no idea how you two are friends."

"Opposites attract right? Come on. I'll introduce you to everyone."

We join the table that has Marigold and Maddox, Brian and Ted and their two dates, and lastly, our chief. Out of respect, I greet him first, shaking his hand and introducing him. "Chief Donnelly, this is Poppy James. Poppy, I'd like you to meet my boss."

Chief extends his hand taking Poppy's. "Ryan Donnelly. Pleased to meet you ma'am." I chuckle at his word choice knowing he's about to get his ass chewed.

She pulls her hand from him and places it on her hip. "So, I know you are all well versed in manners," she looks at Maddox, "don't worry, you'll catch up." I roll my lips inward trying to keep the laugh I have bubbling up at bay. She turns her attention back to Chief Donnelly. "But you need to rethink your choice of the word ma'am. Do I look seventy-eight to you?"

The chief's eyes go wide and he looks at me. "She's quite feisty for you, probie." His lips pull. "I like it." He addresses her again, "I apologize for my use of the offensive term. It won't happen again."

We take our seats and fall into easy conversation. Everyone accepts Poppy like she's always been here and it makes me sit tall with pride. This girl could fit into the fire family quite easily. But will she want to?