The storm hit harder than expected.
Rain slapped the lakehouse windows like wild applause, and thunder cracked overhead, shaking the glass in its frame. I hugged my cardigan tighter around me as I stepped into the living room, expecting silence—only to find a shirtless Jace sprawled across the leather couch, feet propped up, beer in hand.
“What the hell are you doing here?” I snapped.
He didn’t even flinch. “Nice to see you too, princess.”
My stomach flipped at the nickname—one he knew I hated, and one he never stopped using. His lips twisted into that maddening half-smirk, eyes scanning me from my damp hair down to the tight shirt I probably shouldn’t have worn.
“I thought Mom and Dave were taking you with them to that couple’s retreat.”
“They tried,” he said with a shrug. “But I go
