Kace (Allen Securities) by Madison Stevens Read Free Book Online Page A

for her today, just a quick room-temp shower. Washing and shaving as fast as she could, Jessica moved like it was her last shower. It was silly, but better room temp than freezing cold.
    Jessica jumped out of the shower and slipped on the dress. She applied a little make up and then put on her shoes. Jessica stared in the mirror and winked. It was a good look on her for sure. Maybe a little more than she would normally wear but worth the effort.
    She silently chided herself for even wanting to impress Kace, but after yesterday, she decided he really deserved to be stirred up a little. All evening she had been restless, and it was all his fault.
    She crept down the steps. When she came into view, she had to bite her cheek to keep from laughing. Kace had stopped midsentence to look her over.
    “I’m ready,” she said.
    Kace turned abruptly and walked to the car.
    “Looks like you’ve got his wheels going,” Victoria said.
    Jessica looked to the car. “I don’t know. He’s just so hard to read.”
    Victoria laughed. “He didn’t seem that hard to read to me. Maybe next time you should look a little lower.”
    She snorted. Victoria was right. She had been so focused on his face that she hadn’t really thought to take in the whole package.
    “Since when do you know so much about men?” Jessica gave her sister a playful pinch on the arm.
    Victoria rolled her eyes. “Since I was old enough to let them break my heart.”
    Jessica sighed and looked back to the car. “They are known for doing that.”
    “Yeah, but sometimes it’s worth the risk,” Victoria said softly.
    She turned back to her wise sister and gave her a big hug. “I know.” She pulled back and put her hands on Victoria’s shoulders. “Now get a good night’s sleep, and don’t wait up.”
    Victoria grinned. “Got plans?”
    Jessica laughed. “Not yet, but it could be late.”
    The smile on Victoria’s face faltered. “Just stay safe.”
    Jessica turned and grabbed her purse. “I will. Olivia’s fiancé is sending someone over, so I’ll have two big men to keep an eye on me.”
    “Oh, is it Ryder? He’s always so nice and a really great tipper when he comes into Irene’s shop.”
    Jessica rolled her eyes. “Is she still avoiding him?”
    “Yup.” Victoria leaned against the door frame. “She usually has me or Taylor wait on him.”
    “Hiding behind her cousin and a family friend.” Jessica shook her head. “If she’s not interested, she needs to just say something.”
    Victoria thought for a moment. “I don’t really think that’s the problem. She’s just so shy when it comes to him.”
    “Well, she’s going to have to face that sometime,” Jessica said.
    Victoria grinned at her. “Pot, meet kettle.”
    Jessica tossed a hat at her. “So not the same.”
    “Well I’ll say this, you’re an idiot if you don’t think about it. That man out there,” she nodded to the car, “is pretty great. Don’t think I don’t know what he did for Mrs. Masing. As far as she’s concerned, you are an item. Don’t be surprised if she’s over there knitting booties for you.”
    Jessica sighed loudly. No, she wouldn’t be surprised. Actually, she’d put money on her doing exactly that.
    “And on that note, I’m out.” Jessica shut the door on her still laughing sister and carefully walked down the treacherous steps.
    When she stepped in the car, Kace silently looked ahead. He had slipped sunglasses over his eyes, so she had even less a chance of reading him. She turned and glared out the window. What did it matter? She wasn’t really looking to impress him.
    “Are we ready?” he asked.
    “Sure,” she replied dryly.
    If he wanted to be closed off, she could give him closed off.
     
    * * *
     
    Kace sat at the bar sipping his soda and watching Jessica get ready for the evening. It was pure torture seeing her move around in that dress and knowing he’d have to keep his hands to himself. She would turn at certain angles, and he