Bonnie slowly shook her head. “That’s not a good idea, Jace. I should go home. You’ve always made it clear you value your personal life. I have no wish to intrude on that.”
Jace’s eyebrows drew together. She was right. But right now, even though it made no sense, and he should be squelching those instincts, he needed her to be a bigger part of his life.
But how did he change that? How did he show her that she didn’t have to vacate the area every time he walked in?
“Look, you had to deal with a lot when my mother was here. The least we can do is invite you to share a meal with us in thanks. Please. I know Noel would agree with me.”
She shook her head and pressed her lips together for a moment. “I can’t. I promised my brother I’d stop by this evening.”
There was little Jace could say to that. He bit his tongue to keep from telling her to be careful or to text him when she got home.
Instead, he simply nodded, offered her a friendly smile, and said, “I hope you have a good visit. Thanks again for what you did with my mother. I appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome, Jace.”
With that, he left. But his mind never strayed far from Bonnie or their conversation.
Chapter Eleven
Wyatt opened the front door and ushered Bonnie inside. As soon as Jace had left the house again earlier, she’d texted Wyatt to ask if she could bring dinner by. That way at least she hadn’t totally lied to Jace about having other plans.
Thankfully, Chrissy was starting to feel a little better, and both she and Wyatt said Bonnie was more than welcome to come over.
Especially, as Wyatt mentioned, if Bonnie was bringing the food.
She set the takeout bags down on the kitchen table then turned to give her brother and sister-in-law hugs. “Thanks for letting me crash this evening, guys. I promise I won’t stay long.” She pointed to the bags. “I brought chicken, mashed potatoes, and gravy. I hope that sounds okay.”
“Are you kidding?” Chrissy started to unpack the bags. “I’m practically living on mashed potatoes right now. Apparently, this baby is quite the fan.” She patted her still-flat tummy.
Wyatt chuckled. “You’ve made my wife’s day.” He wrapped an arm around Bonnie’s shoulders. “We’re happy to have you here anytime, but I have a feeling there’s something else going on. Do you want to talk about it?”
Chrissy shot her husband a look. “Let’s at least get dinner on the table before it gets cold. Poor Bonnie barely stepped in the house.”
Bonnie nudged Chrissy with her arm. “Thanks, sis.” She stuck her tongue out at Wyatt then helped Chrissy get everything out.
After praying over the food, they started to eat. Except about all Bonnie could do was take a bite of potatoes as she tried to choose her words. She groaned. Wyatt was going to enjoy this way too much.
She wiped her hands on a napkin and sighed. “I’m falling for my boss.” She pointed a finger at Wyatt. “And if you say ‘I told you so’ to me, I’ll throw my chicken at you.”
Chrissy stopped eating, a roll in her hand, and glanced from Bonnie to Wyatt.
At least Wyatt had the good sense not to look smug. “You’re serious.”
“I wish I weren’t.” It would be much easier that way.
“Are you in love with him?” The question came from Chrissy.
“I’m not sure. Maybe. I mean, if I was, I’d know, right?” If she weren’t in love with the guy, there was still hope she could get rid of these ridiculous notions. Take their relationship-–at least her perception of it–-back to normal before she did something stupid to jeopardize her job.
“Sometimes love sneaks up on you when you least expect it.” Wyatt shared a knowing look with Chrissy. “How does Jace feel about you?”
“He’s always seen me as an employee. He treats me well and is more than fair. But today we were talking after I threw his mother out of the house, and I think something’s shifting. He at least wants to be friends.” Bonnie stirred her mashed potatoes and gravy together. “I would like that, too. But I’m not sure it’s such a good idea.” She let the fork fall to her plate.
Wyatt held up a hand. “Wait a minute. You threw his mother out of the house?”
Chrissy held a napkin over her mouth as she frantically tried to finish her bite of food. “Okay, you’re going to have to start from the beginning.”
They ate while Bonnie told them the story about Mrs. Echolls, the horrible things she said, and then about Bonnie’s conversation with Jace afterward. She left out the way he’d held her hands because she didn’t want that to skew Wyatt’s or Chrissy’s opinion.
