Chapter 59 – Invite

Isabelle Reinhart.

The air in Ace's office was charged with an electric intensity as we shared a heated kiss. His lips moved against mine, igniting a fire within me that never seemed to dim in his presence. I let my fingers run through his hair, savoring the way he held me close, his hands exploring the curve of my back.

My phone's ringtone shattered the moment, and Ace groaned softly against my lips. I couldn't help but giggle as I pulled away from the kiss, reaching for my phone that lay on the table.

"Seriously, again? He’s starting to piss me off," Ace muttered, a playful glint in his eyes as he leaned back against his desk.

I chuckled before answering the call. "Hello?"

Nate's voice came through, slightly exasperated. "Isabelle, where are you? You were supposed to be here ten minutes ago."

I shot Ace a mock-glare to which he just grinned. "I'm sorry, Nate. Got held up at the office. I'll be there in fifteen minutes."

I watched as Ace rolled his eyes and I cut the call, throwing my phone in my purse. "Tell him to leave my girlfriend alone," he muttered under his breath and wrapped his arms around my waist.

My heart skipped a beat at his words, and the intensity in his eyes made my cheeks flush. He leaned down, his lips brushing against mine in a lingering kiss.

"Go meet Nate before I change my mind," he murmured against my lips. "And don't let him take you shopping for too long."

I laughed softly, our lips still inches apart. "I'll try my best."

As I pulled away, a grin on my lips, I felt a sudden pang of longing. It was becoming harder and harder to leave Ace's side, even for a short while. But duty called, and I had plans to keep.

"See you later, Mr. Rhodes," I teased, winking at him.

"Keep talking like that and you might not leave at all," he replied with a smirk, watching me as I walked towards the door.

*****

Nate’s enthusiasm for shopping was unmatched, and I found myself caught up in his energy as we browsed through various stores for Zach's birthday gifts.

"So, what do you think?" Nate held up a ridiculous-looking, oversized birthday hat adorned with glittering stars and ribbons.

I burst into laughter, shaking my head. "I think Zach will ban us from his party if we make him wear that."

Nate grinned and put the hat back on the shelf. "True. We wouldn't want him to disown us before the party even starts."

As we continued our quest for the perfect gift, Nate's voice turned more thoughtful. "Hey, Isabelle, I've been thinking."

I glanced at him, raising an eyebrow. "That's dangerous territory."

He chuckled. "Very funny. Anyway, I think it might be best if we host the party at your place. It's a bit more spacious, and I'm sure we can set up everything nicely."

I nodded at his suggestion. "That’s great, actually. I wouldn’t have to worry about being drunk and embarrassing myself in a restaurant, too."

Nate’s chuckle followed, “Zach told me most of yall’s drunken experiences.”

“Ugh, don’t remind me,” I waved it off.

As we discussed the party plans, Nate's curiosity got the better of him. "So, who else are you inviting?"

I looked at him, my expression turning a bit sheepish. "Well, you know, it's just going to be me and Ace."

Nate's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "That’s it?"

I nodded, "Yeah, you see, Zach and I don't really have a lot of mutual friends anymore. And since we're planning the party together, it just made sense to keep it simple."

Nate hummed in response as he picked out a few balloons and threw the packet in our trolley.

“Well, I just got to New York so I don’t have anyone else to invite either. Understandably so,” he mocked and I playfully hit his shoulder.

Funny thing was, I hadn’t even asked Ace yet.

*****

After the shopping spree with Nate, I finally found myself back home. The soothing hot water of the shower had worked its magic on my tired muscles, leaving me feeling refreshed and ready to wind down for the evening. Wrapped in my cozy bathrobe, I settled onto my bed, my wet hair clinging to my shoulders.

With a sigh, I reached for my phone, contemplating whether I should call Ace. I missed him but I also didn’t want to act too clingy. We had only been in a relationship for barely a week. But the thought of hearing his voice was too tempting to resist, so I dialed his number and pressed the phone to my ear.

"Hey," I greeted, my voice soft.

His response came in the form of a raspy, hoarse voice that sent a shiver down my spine. "Hey, Princess."

I furrowed my brows, "Were you sleeping?"

He hummed on the other end of the line, and I could practically imagine his half-awake state. "Mm, maybe."

I couldn't help but smile at his response. "I'm sorry for waking you up. I can call back later."

"No need," he replied quickly, his voice holding a hint of playfulness. "I'm awake for you."

My heart skipped a beat at his words, and I couldn't help the blush that crept onto my cheeks. I settled more comfortably on the bed, propping myself up against the pillows.

"I actually wanted to ask you something," I began, my voice growing a bit sheepish.

"Go on," he encouraged.

I took a deep breath. "Zach's birthday dinner is coming up, and I was wondering if you'd like to join us?"

There was a pause on the other end of the line, and my nerves started to get the best of me. Had I overstepped? Was it too soon to invite him to something like this?

"Do I really have to?" Ace's voice finally came through, tinged with a hint of reluctance.

I bit my lip, my fingers fiddling with the edge of my bathrobe. "Please, Ace. Besides, Nate and Zach will be all couple and I’ll miss you ."

Silence hung in the air for a moment, and I wondered if I had pushed too hard. But then his voice softened, and he let out a sigh. "Alright, Princess. I'll be there."

A rush of relief flooded through me, and I couldn't hide my smile. "You’re the best!"

"Yeah, yeah," he muttered, feigning annoyance but failing to hide the amusement in his voice.

I knew Ace wasn’t really the one to socialize and meeting new people for extended gatherings was not easy for him. But Nate and Zach were serious and I really wanted to formally introduce my boyfriend to them both.

“So, what are you doing?” I could hear the sleepiness in Ace’s voice as I rolled to the other side of bed, imagining him here with me.

“Just came out of the shower,” I replied, biting my tongue.

“Now don’t do this to me, Princess. You know it’s hard enough as it is to resist you.”

“Haha, but I’m telling the truth.” I said into the phone and Ace hummed in response.

We talked for a while before I felt Ace fall asleep on the other side and I smiled and cut the call.

This man was driving me insane.