Free Wake Up Call by Victoria Ashley Page A

sink.
          I stood there hesitating shortly before reaching for a plate and deciding to help him. “Here, let me help.”
        Jace grabbed the plate from out of my hand, brushing his thumb over mine. “No. I can take care of this. You can go and set up the movie.”
          I pulled my hand away and turned away from him, feeling bad for letting him do all the work by himself, but thankful at the same time. “Okay, sure.”
          I made my way into the living room and over to the coffee table.  I stared down at the movie before reaching down and taking it out of the case. If I really thought about it, it would be my first time watching a movie with a man. As cheesy as that sounded, it was true.
          My hand slightly shook as I attempted to shove the movie into the player. I kept missing the opening . Shit. Relax. I pushed the movie in and smoothed out my shirt before taking a seat on the loveseat.
           A few minutes later Jace plopped down next to me scaring me out of my thoughts. He eyed me curiously, as I kept readjusting myself. “Are you okay?” He laughed as I ran my hands over my jeans, wiping the sweat off.
          I looked up at the TV, running a hand through my hair. "Sorry," I mumbled. "I'm fine." Really, I wasn't. I couldn't seem to get comfortable being so close to him.
          He smiled at me and turned on the TV. "Are you feeling uncomfortable?" He grabbed my shoulder and gently pulled me against his body. It made my stomach flip. "You can lean against me for support. I'm pretty comfortable." He rested his head next to mine and placed his lips next to my ear. "I don't bite," he whispered.
          I let out a nervous laugh relaxing my muscles as I fought to stay calm. Just breathe. It’s not that bad. "Thanks," I whispered back. "Thanks for everything."
          He glanced down at me and brushed the hair out of my face. "Don't worry about it." He smiled comfortably.
          He started the movie and we both sat there in a comfortable silence. It felt nice for once just to relax and not have to talk.
          The rhythm of Jace’s heartbeat against my back helped to make me feel more at ease, although, my body was screaming for me to get up and run. A small part of me just didn’t want to. Therefore, I didn’t.
     
     
     
     
     
     
                                                    
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
                                  Chapter 5
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
          I woke up in the middle of the night uncomfortable and in a daze. That was when I realized that I was still on the couch and wrapped up in Jace’s arms.
          My heart stopped and suddenly I felt dizzy. I gently wiggled my way out of his grip, attempting to get away without waking him. I was almost in the clear when suddenly; Jace gripped me tighter and bent in pressing his lips against my neck. His lips were soft and gentle causing my breath to catch in my throat.
           I quickly caught my breath and stumbled off the couch, landing on the soft carpet. I scrambled to get back to my feet as quickly and quietly as possible. I had never slept next to a man before and I didn’t want Jace to know that I had let my guard down with him. I had to learn to be more careful with Jace. I just couldn’t seem to think straight around him.
           I very carefully made my way down the hallway and to my bedroom, closing myself inside. I stared blankly down at my lonely bed before throwing myself down and pressing my hands to my head.
          I quickly pulled the blanket back, crawling under the soft fleece of the blanket. It had always been my safety zone and at the moment I needed safety from myself. I rested my head against the wall behind me, mind spinning, as I twirled my fingers in my messy hair trying to make sense of my own