Temptation
Chapter two
By Crystal

Jace was introduced to all the Carter kids, youngest to oldest, and had to contain herself when she came face to face with Nick. He was undeniably the best looking guy she had ever seen. He was gradually over six feet tall with short, spiked blonde hair and god-like eyes. She didn't realize she had been holding her breath until she shook his hand. All of a sudden she felt as if she couldn't breathe. She exhaled sharply.

"Nice to meet you Nick."

"Likewise." As Jane fussed about, ranting about dinner being ready in fifteen minutes, Nick and Jace eyed each other.

"Jace?" Jace quickly snapped her head to Jane. "I'm sorry, did you say something Jane?"

Jane looked a little disappointed, but smiled, nonetheless. "Would you like to set your things in your room before dinner?"

"Yes. Thank you. I'll just go get them from the cab."

"I'll help you!" Nick leaped at the chance to get her out of the house. They walked out to the cab together and got the rest of her belongings out of the trunk of the cab before paying the driver and smiling up at Nick.

"Thanks for your help Nick." Her voice was like velvet. He smiled back at her. "No problem. So, you're the infamous Jace."

"No, I'm just Jace. Look, I know the whole story of your dad - I mean, my dad - no, I guess that would be our dad, and my mom. Leave the infamous part out."

"Well it's true, isn't it?" She looked up at him and bit her lip.

"I guess. Look, no offense, but I'm not really big on families. Seeing as how I was the result of… Let me just say that I'm not too keen on big, happy families."

"Then this will be good for you." They reached the front door and stopped.

"So I guess you and I are brother and sister. Well, half brother and sister, at least."

"Looks like it. Why?" he asked.

Her green eyes sparkled beneath the evening sun. "Well, let me just say that if we weren't related, we'd be having a very different conversation."

Nick reached for the door, but stopped midway. He inched his face closer to hers. "How different?"

"Sorry big brother. I don't share those details with siblings." She opened the door and winked at him as she walked through the doors. Nick smiled and felt a twinge of guilt for - dare he think it - flirting, and with his half-sister that he just met.

"Is that Jace?" came Bob's gentle voice. Jace stopped mid-stride and felt her luggage drop to the ground. "Dad?!" she asked.

"Hey sweetie. Come give your old man a hug." Nick stepped back and stood next to Jane and the other kids as Jace and his dad - their dad - embraced. He looked at Jane, lifting his eyebrows.

"I think it is time for me to take out the potatoes. Kids, set the table for me, please."

"Yes mom."

"You're all grown up Jace! Are you eighteen now?" asked Bob as he dished up some roast on his plate.

"Yeah. And thanks for the gift Dad, I really like it."

"No need for thank yous Honey. It was my pleasure." A cold breeze flowed through the room. Jace shifted uncomfortably in her seat and glanced at Nick, who was sitting across the table from her. She smiled and toyed with the edge of her fork.

"How long are you staying here for?" asked BJ. Jace turned towards her and smiled. "Three days at the most. My house is being furnished. Mom - that is, my mom, got it for me as a graduation gift."

"That's a nice gift" commented Nick as he took a sip of his glass of water.

"She's a nice woman." The cold breeze came again.

When the dinner was over Jace excused herself up to her room to unpack her clothes. A few minutes later there was a knock at her door. She opened it up and smiled, satisfied.

"Nick. What can I do for you?"