Embers of Torment (Power and Passion #2)

Chapter 15

Della

I took my time, people-watching as I strolled down Commonwealth Avenue in the Back Bay area of the city. I was meeting Kendra for lunch at a newly opened southern-style eatery. Born and raised in New Orleans, she'd been ecstatic when she stumbled across the place, swearing it felt like a slice of home. I didn't mind coming this way since it was an easy enough trek on the T with a transfer from the silver line to the green several blocks from here on Boylston.

Besides, it was my turn to come to Kendra. She had driven to my neighborhood last time.

Reaching the restaurant, I tromped down the concrete steps to the entrance, passing through the outdoor dining area. I'd barely entered when I saw Kendra standing to the side, waiting for me.

Her face broke into a motherly smile. "Hey there. I asked to sit on the patio since it was so pleasant out. I hope you don't mind."

"It works for me. There's a comfortable breeze off the bay."

"Excuse me," the host said from his podium. "I can seat you now. Please follow me."

"Perfect timing." Kendra hooked her arm in mine as we followed the man outside.

We settled at a table underneath a bright orange umbrella. Once our server came, Kendra ordered the cajun grilled swordfish and a glass of chardonnay. I asked for the fried chicken sliders and an iced tea.

"Tell me what's been going on with you lately. Are there any new developments with that hot-looking friend of Adam's?" Kendra said after the gentleman walked away.

"A few."

"Like?"

I laid my napkin on my lap and rearranged my silverware.

"Well? Don't leave me hanging."

"We started dating."

"Sweet! When did this happen?"

"Two weeks ago, after movie night at his apartment. He's taking me to dinner tonight." I paused and leaned back while our server placed our drinks on the table. I was hard-pressed to keep from laughing when I peeked at Kendra and saw the excitement practically oozing from her pores. "I…umm…also slept with him," I said when we were alone again.

"Oh, shit!" Kendra's face registered shock. Then she chuckled. "So much for worrying about Adam's feelings."

"I know. But I couldn't help it. It just happened. And honestly, it was silly to ignore what I wanted because of some preconceived belief. Adam keeps saying he's thrilled that Jace and I are together. Now I have to make sure some freaking disaster doesn't happen, making Jace and I hate each other."

"Hey! Quit with the negative vibes. I don't see a witch doctor waiting in the shadows to cast some voodoo spell on your love life. You and Jace might be the perfect fit, so give it a chance."

"Witch doctor? Voodoo?" I laughed. "Your childhood is showing."

Kendra grinned. "I suppose so. I learned that stuff from the elderly lady who lived next door to us in the French Quarter before my family moved to the Garden District."

"Yeah, Miss Mable sounds like a bizarre character from some of the stories you told me."

"That's for sure. Miss Mable was fiercely protective if she liked you and scary as hell if she didn't. Luckily, I was one of her favorites. Hey, I have an idea. Why don't you and Jace join Spencer and me at Fenway this Sunday? The Red Sox are playing the Astros, and we have an extra pair of tickets. Spencer's work buddy and his wife were going, but something came up, so they had to back out. It would allow Spencer and Jace to meet in a neutral setting. Plus, there'd be less pressure."

"Hmm. As protective as Spencer is, that atmosphere might be the best for their first meeting. I'll see what Jace says."

"Perfect! I hope he agrees. I think it'll be fun." Kendra stopped talking when our server returned and set our lunch on the table. She shook her head when asked if we needed anything else. Then she dug into her swordfish. "My Lord, this is so delicious," Kendra hummed, savoring the dish.

I was about to ask her for a bite when someone yelled on the sidewalk above us. Peering upward, I witnessed a trio of teenage boys harass a girl in her mid-teens, dressed in jean shorts and a tank top. I could tell by the expression on the girl's face and the way her eyes darted all around her that she was scared. My stomach roiled as I equated it to what I had felt when I got bullied. I pushed my chair back, intending to defend her, when a couple came to the girl's rescue. After some pointed words, the boys retreated.

"That poor girl," Kendra said with a sad shake of her head. She reached out and touched my arm. "You were going up there, weren't you?"

"Yep, I was. I'm all too familiar with what it's like to have jerks verbally attack you." I took a calming breath and scooted forward. It was weird. I'd swear I could feel the girl's fear as she tried to figure out what to do. Plus, the altercation had triggered a bunch of memories from the firestorm of torment I suffered through as a child. I scanned the sidewalk and then refocused on Kendra. "At least the girl had someone willing to assist her. When I was in elementary school, and that frigging asswipe bullied me daily, all the other students were afraid of him, so no one came to my defense. The principal talked to the kid and his parents several times, but it didn't change anything."

"Spencer rarely speaks about those years since he hates that he wasn't around to help. It makes him feel guilty, like a failed big brother. But he did tell me it was rough for you. I know your folks were beside themselves on what to do."

"Yeah, it was the lowest point in my life. It's strange. After the asshat bullied me all through fourth grade and most of the fifth, you'd think I'd have his name imprinted on my brain. But I don't. All I can recall is that everyone called him Junior because he had the same name as his dad."

"Wasn't he the reason your folks had you switch schools?"

"Yep. I stopped eating and cried every morning because I didn't want to go to school. My grades dropped. I retreated from social activities and my friends. I wouldn't talk to my parents and hid in my room. They were devastated and pulled me from Bertram Elementary three-quarters of the way through fifth grade. I ended up at the privately funded Markwell Country Day Academy, which cost my mom and dad a ton of money. Jeez, it scares me to think what might have happened if I hadn't had my parent's support and encouragement."

"Thankfully, you had that and a lot of love too. Your folks are the best." Kendra pursed her lips as she quietly studied me. "I have an observation."

"Okay. What is it?"

"When you spoke just now about that horrible period in your life, you came across as more open and willing to discuss it than you ever have before."

"It must be because of Jace. It's weird, but he's like a buffer, keeping those gut-wrenching recollections from swallowing me whole. The images and thoughts are there but more distant. It's difficult to explain, although I'm sure it has something to do with his protective nature. I haven't discussed my childhood with him, and he hasn't said anything about his. Eventually, we'll need to."

"I agree. When your relationship moves to something more permanent, you should be open about the past." Kendra stared off into the distance. "I wonder what happened to that bully. I can't imagine the type of person he must have become."

"Who knows? Maybe some psycho narcissist or a career criminal. I thought about him often over the years, wishing I could exact some revenge for the damage he did to me. Deep down, I've always had a secret urge to confront him. I'd love to locate the asswipe and tell him to his face what a piece of shit he is and let him know he failed to destroy me if that was his end game."

"Can you figure out his name and where he is now?"

"Only by contacting other people and doing a lot of research. We never had the same teacher, so he wasn't in my class pictures. And it would be weird to reach out to old friends to ask about him. It's not worth it."

"I suppose not."

"It's strange," I mused. "One of the many reasons I like Jace so much is that he's so unlike that kid. Jace is kind and considerate, doting even. He's respectful, and based on what Adam has told me, he's like the defender of the underdog—a protector in disguise. And I have to say. I've grown pretty comfortable around him. Ooh, and he comes with a bonus. Jace is a cuddler."

"No way. Seriously?"

"Yep, and it's so cute. Jace has no problem holding me for hours, whispering in my ear, stoking my hair, and rubbing my back. It's like being in dating heaven. Since we became a couple, he's walked me to and from work every day, except for the nights he had to stay late. He's cooked me dinner, taken me out, and we exercise in the gym together on Saturday mornings. I've never had a guy so devoted, caring, and attentive before, and it's made me see how utterly horrible all my other relationships were. Jace makes me feel like I'm important."

"Well, it's obvious you found yourself a winner. I'm thrilled for you."

I was happy for me too. I only hoped the relationship gods continued to look down on us favorably.

Hearing a knock on my door, I rushed to answer it and stopped. I didn't want to appear too eager. Jace was taking me to a fine dining steakhouse several blocks from us on the waterfront. After spending a moment to catch my breath and smooth my hair, I reached for the doorknob.

Jace stood in the hallway, dressed in navy slacks and a dark blue button-down shirt. His expression was full of warmth and appreciation, his gaze raking me from head to toe.

"Do I look okay?" I twirled in a circle.

"Hortensia, you are truly a treasure. You're stunning, and I'm one lucky man."

I brushed my hand down the front of my form-fitting, wine-colored cocktail dress and stepped aside to let him in. Jace gave me a hug and tantalizing kiss, which was a teasing prelude to what I could expect later in the evening when we were between the sheets.

"Give me a minute. I need to grab my purse and a shawl." I ran into my bedroom and retrieved the items, slipping the champagne-hued fabric over my shoulders.

Jace gave me an endearing smile when I rejoined him at the door. "Ready?"

"Yep." Excitement rippled through me when Jace took my hand and escorted me to the elevator and out the front entrance. I was giddy and breathless like a schoolgirl as we strolled hand in hand along Seaport Common and the Harborwalk.

When we reached the restaurant, Jace opened the door for me and approached the host. After he advised her that we had a reservation, we were led to a table by the window with a gorgeous view of the harbor.

I browsed the menu the host had given me while a gentleman filled our water glasses. I peered at Jace. "Are we getting an appetizer?"

"We can get whatever you want," Jace smiled. "It's your choice."

"Hmm. I'm not sure if I want the shrimp cocktail or the oysters on the half shell."

"How about the oysters? I might need them since you have a habit of sending my body into overdrive." Jace winked, the corner of his mouth turning upward into a wicked smile.

I helplessly giggled. "Then that's what we'll have. The salty little critters sound like a fun option."

"I thought so."

When our server came, she introduced herself as Betina, went over their signature dishes, and asked if we had questions. Having none, we ordered the oysters on the half shell and two glasses of pinot gris since I planned to order the sautéed scallops.

Once Betina left, Jace reached across the table and held my hand. "Della, you are so beautiful. It's not just on the outside but in your personality and character. I wish I'd known you sooner, but the timing wouldn't have been right. There's something about you, though. It's like you cast a net and drew me in. And there's a connection between us that I can't explain." He chuckled and shrugged a shoulder. "If I believed in fate, otherworldly dimensions, and all those other things, I'd swear we've met before. But that's crazy because I'd certainly remember you."

I opened my mouth to reply, then stopped when I saw Betina approaching with our glasses of wine.

She placed them on the table and glanced between the two of us. "Are you here this evening for a particular occasion? Perhaps a birthday or special event?"

"How about a two-week anniversary with the most extraordinary woman I've ever met?" Jace said, his gaze never leaving my face.

"Oh, honey," Betina said, peering at me dreamily. "I think you've found a keeper."

"You're the second person to tell me that today." My cheeks warmed when Jace arched a brow in response to my comment. Trying to ignore it, I gave Betina my dinner order with Jace requesting the Chilean sea bass.

"And who is this other advocate that I was unaware of?" Jace asked after Betina walked away.

"My sister-in-law, Kendra. You came up in our conversation this afternoon during lunch. Oh, and before I forget. She asked if we could join her and my brother next Sunday for the Red Sox and Astros game at Fenway. They have two extra tickets."

"Sure, why not? I like baseball, and I'd love to meet your brother."

"You would?"

"Of course. I don't plan on going anywhere, and it would be wonderful to meet your family—all of them eventually."

"All rightie then. We can start with my brother, Spencer, and work on the rest." I smiled at Jace, thrilled at how much he was willing to invest in our relationship. He wasn't a one-night stand or get-what-you-want and back-off kind of guy. He was honest and scrupled, which I had minimal experience dealing with, especially these days. I froze as a thought struck me.

Oh, jeez. Jace is a family man! Holy moly, this means my parents will love him. Monkey muffins! Is this good or bad? Okay, okay. Don't get crazy on me, Della. This situation is good. It has to be good.

"Della?" Jace said, half laughing.

"Huh?"

"I asked a question, and your mind was off somewhere else."

"Oops. I'm sorry. Ask me again." I took a sip of water, trying to camouflage my embarrassment.

Betina brought our appetizer to the table right then, interrupting Jace. She was gone as quickly as she had arrived.

Jace leaned back, seemingly amused. "I said I'd love for you to meet my cousin, Ree, and asked if you'd be okay if I arranged it. And by the way, you're adorable when you get embarrassed, especially when your cheeks turn that pretty shade of pink."

"Oh, shush. I was not embarrassed." Yeah, right! That's a lie. "Anyway, to answer your question. Yes, I'd like to meet your cousin."

"Great. Ree's daughter, Lily, recently signed up to play soccer. To keep it casual, we can go to one of her games."

"I'd like that."

"Me too. Now that's settled, let's polish off these oysters."

We wiped out the tasty mollusks, finished our soup and salad, and were halfway through our main course when the subject of our families came up again. Jace had asked about Kendra and my brother, wanting to know what they did for a living and whether Spencer was my only sibling. I explained that Kendra was a sculptor and Spencer was a forensic accountant. Then I told him about my sister, Beverly, a chief financial officer for a utility company in Seattle.

And now I was curious about his family.

"It's your turn. Do you have any brothers or sisters?"

"No biological siblings, but I gained a stepsister when my mother remarried. Hillary is four years younger than me. Since her father was a professor at the University of Chapel Hill, he pushed her to attend college there. She's now a veterinarian in Austin, Texas, with a rancher husband and two little boys."

"Wait. I'm confused. Are both your father and stepfather professors? I recall Adam saying one of his professors was your dad."

"No, that was my stepfather Edward. I typically refer to him as my dad because he adopted me when I was eleven, right after he married my mother."

"Oh, did something happen to your biological father?"

Jace's expression changed, becoming somber as he fumbled with his napkin. "My…ahh, real dad. Well, he wasn't the best person." He lifted his head, and the pain in his eyes was like a stab in the heart. Jace cleared his throat. "When my mom filed for divorce, after years of ample reasons, my dad was angry, bitter, and determined to make our lives miserable. He hadn't wanted much to do with me, always telling me I was worthless, but the divorce cemented it. He tossed me to the side like a piece of garbage, refused to pay child support, and skipped town."

"Jace, I'm so sorry." I reached for his hand, but he pulled it back.

"I've had a lifetime of dealing with the repercussions of my less-than-stellar childhood. Now is not the time to bring it up, and I apologize for doing that. Tonight is our night. I want it to be amazing because that's what you are. You mean a lot to me, and I want you to know that. No more talk about the past—let's discuss the future instead. Do you have a bucket list? If so, what's on it?"

We finished our meal while I gave Jace a rundown of my life's desires and goals, including owning a home someday and traveling the globe. Even though the discussion was light, I hurt so horribly for Jace. It sounded like his childhood rivaled mine in some respects. The pain was deep, and I could tell he had scars.

Jace paid the bill, and we left the restaurant. He held my hand as we strolled the Harborwalk, the air fresh with a hint of salt. It was peaceful in the darkness, framed by the city's lights.

We were quiet, enjoying the evening as we walked past Fan Pier Park, spotting several other couples along the way. Jace had his arm around my shoulders, holding me close, while mine encircled his waist. I was wrapped in a blanket of comfort and tenderness and happier than ever.

Jace stopped and stepped behind me, his hands warm as they slid over my stomach. He pointed upward, his mouth at my ear. "There's a shooting star. Make a wish."

I craned my neck, peering into the ebony space above us, littered with shimmering lights. I was mesmerized when I spotted the glowing white orb with its distinctive tail streaking across the night sky.

A wish? Okay, here it goes. I wish for Jace to be a permanent fixture in my life and for us to have the happy ever after that we both need.

Smiling wistfully, I hoped it would come true.