She wanted to tell him no, but he looked at her with a soft expression that nearly melted away her resolve.
It would be good to have someone besides Wyatt and Chrissy there who would have her back. If he went, though, he'd be playing right into the game her mother had set up.
“It’s a test, Jace.” When he looked confused, she elaborated. “If you were simply my employer, there’s no way you’d come to my birthday party. Think about it. Did you ever get an invitation from her before? I’ve had two other birthdays since I started working for you. If you do go with me—or even show up separately—my mom is going to infer that it means I’m more than just your employee.”
An intense need to protect Jace—and Gunner—from her parents’ criticism hit her like a blow.
She hadn't realized how transparent her thoughts were until Jace touched her chin with one finger and lifted it until she was looking into his eyes.
"You are more than just my employee.” The smile he offered her was so sweet that it made her heart ache. “Besides, I can take care of myself." He softened his words with a wink. "Unless you genuinely don't want me to go, I'd like to celebrate your birthday with you."
Bonnie focused on the warmth of his finger and the way his other hand went around her waist to rest against her back.
There were a lot of reasons why she should tell him not to go. Except she couldn't imagine anyone else she'd rather spend a horribly awkward evening with.
"Just don't say I didn't warn you."
"I wouldn't dare."
With that, he pulled her close and kissed her until the doubts that remained were easily ignored.
* * *
Any confidence Bonniepossessed disappeared the moment they drove through the ranch’s gate Friday evening. She didn’t realize how tense she was until Jace placed a hand over hers—a hand that clutched the edge of her seat as though clinging for her life.
He cradled her hand in his. “Relax. What’s the worst that could happen tonight?”
She shot him a severe look. “Let’s not even play that game.” With a great deal of effort, she released the air she’d been holding and made herself relax against the back of her seat.
There were many ways the evening could go badly. She tried to center her attention on how warm the skin of his hand felt against her own. How the simple action was like a calming balm that slowly spread through her nervous system until she could almost imagine them going on a picnic or somewhere peaceful. Almost.
He must have sensed her need to focus on something because he changed the topic to Joyful Hope Stables. A topic Bonnie was always happy to talk about.
“I still can’t believe that, by building the stables, your brother was cut off from your family's money." Jace shook his head.
"Oh, you can believe it." She cast him a sideways glance. "But the whole topic is taboo, just so you know. I figured I’d give you a heads up since you're determined to torture yourself by coming with me to this shindig."
"Don't talk about the family money. Got it. Any other topics I should steer clear of?" He glanced at her, humor dancing in his eyes.
"Politics. Other people's money. I'd like to say you shouldn't bring me up in conversation, but given it's my birthday party, I'm not sure there's a lot of choice there." She released a deep sigh. "Let's just say I half hoped I’d wake up with a cold or the flu or something. I might have done a backflip because I’d legitimately have a reason to bail if that tells you anything."
To his credit, he didn’t try to convince her the party wouldn’t be as bad as she thought it would.
“Well, I’m glad you didn’t wake up sick this morning. Maybe I’m being selfish, but I would’ve missed getting to spend the day with you. Even if it is in combination with the rest of your family.” He kissed her hand before releasing it. "Wyatt is clearly happy with his decision to walk away from your family’s money. But what about you? Do you ever regret it?"
She thought about his question a moment. "Truthfully? No. I don't. But it frustrates me because my parents continue to build this huge stockpile of money they like to flaunt. If I had it, or if Wyatt had it, there's so much good we could do. Wyatt, especially, with the stables. There are many people that could benefit by what he does here." She shrugged. “It’s a shame, you know?”
“Yeah, I know what you mean.” Jace remained silent for several heartbeats.
He came from a wealthy family and had a great deal of money himself, from what Bonnie knew. Did he think she was criticizing his use of it? She sure hoped not. “What you are doing with the ranch is admirable, Jace. You’re giving Gunner something he can learn from and hold on to. That’s priceless.” It was time to change the subject. “It was kind of Noel to stay with Gunner.”
Jace nodded. “Although she’s super curious about your family.” He gave her an amused smile. “I’m pretty sure she’s going to demand a full report from me when I get home again.”
Bonnie had no doubt about that. “I’m sorry she wasn’t able to come. I would’ve liked that, but I didn’t want Gunner to be uncomfortable.”
“There won’t be any other kids at the party?” His eyebrows rose.
“There will be, but they are expected to be seen and not heard. My mom will have a room all set up for them to stay. They’ll watch a movie and eat their own food until it’s time for cake. Once I’ve blown out the candles as expected, they’ll be escorted back again.” Bonnie remembered being a kid during these celebrations. At the time, she didn’t care because it was a chance to play with cousins and eat sweets. But looking back, it was clearly just another example of how she and her siblings were considered an inconvenience.
