Jace shouldn't have said that to her, but it was exactly what he meant. Where did Aria want him? Because that's where she could have him.
He'd stayed away for the past couple of days because he knew the fact of those words before she'd ever voiced them. Though technically he hadn't stayed away. He just hadn't gone into the café.
He'd loitered across the street in the library, pretending to browse the shelves but all the while sneaking glances across the street into the café window. The scent of old books filled his nostrils, momentarily overpowering the lingering aroma of coffee. He tried to distract himself by perusing the shelves, running his fingers over the spines of well-worn novels, but his mind wandered back to Aria and the calming tea she had made for him.
He'd put his nose in a bouquet of flowers outside the flower shop as he desperately tried to ignore the tempting aroma of freshly brewed coffee that wafted through the air, emanating from Aria's café. It teased his senses, evoking memories of their encounter and the undeniable connection they shared. The memory stirred a longing within him, a desire to be by her side and experience those quiet moments of solace together.
Jace continued to dance on the periphery, caught between the enticing scent of coffee and the knowledge that he was not yet relationship material. Not when he still hadn't quite figured out how to blend back into civilian life even in this quiet, slow-paced town.
What he could do was help clean up the beach for her. And so he went where Aria directed him to go, which was the farthest stretch of the beach away from her. Because he'd blown it. Just like he knew he would.
For a man who had been under command as well as in command for most of his life, he still had trouble turning that part of his brain off. But he couldn't help himself. He was used to being in charge and looking for gaps in a mission plan.
His analytical mind had saved many lives. Only now it wasn't about saving a life. It was about helping this community.
The sun was shining brightly, and Jace was glad to be there, despite his initial reservations. He felt a little overwhelmed by the number of people around him. There were families with young kids, teenagers in groups, and older adults, all wearing gloves and carrying trash bags.
His gaze kept sliding back to Aria in the distance. It was clear she was in charge, walking around with that clipboard and a determined look on her face. He hadn't made the best impression this morning, but he was resolved to put in the best effort of all the workers today to impress the woman in command.
Jace found that he wasn't alone on his portion of the beach. Michael, a young man around his own age, had been assigned this area as well. They introduced themselves and quickly got to work, picking up trash and debris with ease.
As they worked, Jace began to see the value in Aria's plan. It was well thought out and efficient, and it was clear that she had put a lot of effort into organizing the event. He felt a little embarrassed for doubting her. The effort was moving swiftly and efficiently, like clockwork.
"Are you stationed at the base?" Michael asked as he held a bag open for Jace.
"I'm recently separated." Jace opened his mouth to explain that the separation was from the military and not a marriage, but Michael nodded in understanding.
The base was situated on the edge of the town, so it made sense that most people would understand the lingo. Including people like Aria, who he'd mansplained the term to the other day. Though Jace had been less patronizing and simply tongue-tied by the woman's presence.
"This event is run pretty well," Jace said, trying to find a way to hedge into learning more about the event's organizer.
"Yeah, Aria Reynolds is in charge this year," Michael volunteered. "She's been volunteering for the cleanups since we were kids. Her mom and dad spent a lot of time on the beach before they passed away. So the beach holds a special place in her heart."
"You seem to know her well." Jace's voice was clipped and his gaze shrewd as he took in Michael's measure. The man didn't notice as he bent down to pick up a piece of plastic.
"Yeah, she's always been like a sister to me. She's dedicated to this town and its people."
Jace nodded. "I can see that. She's organized this event well."
Michael chuckled. "Yeah, that's Aria for you. She's always been a bit of a control freak, but she gets things done."
More and more of the beach's beauty was unveiled as the layers of trash went into dark bags. The sound of crashing waves and seagulls filled the air. Michael had gone quiet, focusing on the task at hand. Jace gave the silence a few more seconds before filling it.
"I stopped in for a drink in her café the other day. It was the best cup of tea I've ever had. In fact, I think it's the only cup of tea I've ever had."
"Yeah, Aria has poured her heart into that place. It's all she had left after her divorce."
Jace's ears perked up at that. Divorce? All she had left? Those two statements didn't go together in his mind. Had her ex-husband tried to take her livelihood from her? What kind of man would do that?
"Her ex was a soldier," Michael continued. "They got married young, right out of high school. But he came back from overseas with some trauma, and they couldn't work through it."
"Was he… dangerous to her?"
Michael looked up at Jace as if finally remembering that he was talking to another living soul. "I probably shouldn't speak out of turn."
The man had been spilling his guts for the last quarter hour.
"I wasn't trying to pry." Though that was exactly what Jace had been doing.
"I can tell you that she's not into soldiers anymore. Her ex left a bad taste in her mouth."
Jace's mouth opened to deny he had that kind of interest in Aria. The kick to his chest from the inside and Michael's raised eyebrow told him that he wouldn't be believed if he uttered those words.
"You're new in town," Michael went on. "Honor Valley is a very welcoming place, but we look after our own."
Translation: Jace might live here now, but he wasn't yet a trusted member of town. He wasn't an insider. That, coupled with the notion that he was a soldier, wouldn't win him any favors with the woman he couldn't stop thinking about.
Though Jace didn't suffer from any major PTSD symptoms, he still was having trouble adjusting to civilian life. Maybe it would be for the best to leave Aria Reynolds alone.
The sound of raucous laughter and glass breaking tore Jace's attention away from his task. A trio of college-aged males were slinging pebbles at beer bottles. Their poor aim missed most shots, but two of the bottles shattered. The group, oblivious to the significance of the cleanup event, seemed to find amusement in leaving a trail of trash in their wake.
Jace's jaw tightened, and a flicker of anger sparked in his eyes. "Hey, you need to clean that up."
The group paused, their laughter fading as they locked eyes with Jace's piercing gaze. For a moment, there was hesitation in their expressions, a glimpse of realization, and surprise that their actions had consequences.
One of the individuals, attempting to mask their guilt with bravado, sneered and replied, "What's it to you, soldier boy? You gonna make us?"
Jace's jaw clenched, his voice firm but measured. "I won't ask again. Either you pick up your trash and contribute to the betterment of this community, or you'll have me to deal with."
His words hung in the air, the weight of his military training and inner resolve palpable. The group glanced at each other, a hint of uncertainty flickering in their eyes. Slowly, begrudgingly, they began to gather the litter they had callously scattered.
Satisfied, Jace turned back to Michael. The man had a raised brow and a half smile on his face. Neither spoke of it, as men were wont to do. However, a glance down the beach showed that Michael wasn't the only one who had caught Jace chastising the students.
He looked over to find Aria watching him, her clipboard lowered, the pen resting on her full bottom lip. In her eyes, he saw a glimmer of admiration, and his chest swelled.
