“Okay, thanks.”
I get up, wondering if I should have invited Chase to shower with me. We’ve had sex twice, and he’s been up close and personal with every inch of me already. But in the heat of the moment, it’s hot. When I’m naked and shampooing my hair…not so much. I mentally roll my eyes at myself. I need to stop over-thinking.
I brush my teeth then take a quick shower, then get out and towel dry my hair the best I can before getting dressed. Chase is in bed, under the covers, reading the book I had left on my nightstand from a few days ago.
I’m not sure I’ve seen anything hotter in my whole life.
Chase jerks his head up, looking startled, most likely from the sound of my ovaries exploding.
“This is surprisingly good,” he says, closing the book.
“It’s very dirty.” I throw back the covers and get in bed next to him. My heart skips a beat and nerves tingles down my spine. I’ve spent the night with Chase before, just never in this sense.
Deliberate.
“Now I’m even more intrigued.”
“Quinn Harlow is one of my favorite authors.”
Chase puts the book down and turns off the light. He takes me by the waist and pulls me close, then spoons his body around mine. Physically, I’m exhausted. I haven’t had that many orgasms in one day in, well, ever. I haven’t gotten much sleep the last few days and my body longs for it, but my mind won’t shut off, though tonight, it’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Because after over a year of living in the dark, I’m finally starting to see the light. And the sunshine on my face feels so damn good.
“You’re still getting ready?”
I turn away from the mirror, hair wrapped around my curling iron, and almost burn my forehead. I blink. Once. Twice. Three times.
“Not everyone can just throw on a suit and look as good as you,” I finally muster, still taking in the sight of Chase. His button-down shirt is tucked into gray dress pants, belted around his trim waist. His normally messy hair is neat and right now he really could pass for that mega-rich CEO he pretended to be the first time we met. The transformation from rugged bad boy to sexy-man-in-a-suit is making my brain turn into mush.
“You’d look good in anything,” he tells me, crossing his arms and leaning on the doorway to the bathroom. He got up this morning and went home to shower and change before church.
I pull the hot iron from my hair and smile at his reflection. “Thanks, but I think we have to agree to disagree.”
He raises his eyebrows and crosses the room, stopping behind me with his arms wrapping around my waist. His lips find my neck and I close my eyes, leaning into him. And then I feel the heat of my curling iron not a moment too soon, and jerk it away from my arm at the last second.
“You’re distracting,” I murmur.
“You say it like it’s a bad thing.” He slides his hands down my thighs and inches my skirt up.
“It’s not.” I set the curling iron down inside the sink and hold onto Chase’s arms. “What time is it?”
He looks over me and down at his wrist. “Seven thirty-two.”
“Shit.” I’m nowhere near ready and I still have to feed Marley.
“I’m going to take that as you need me to stop distracting you.”
“Yeah,” I groan, not wanting him to step away. “We don’t want to be late. Walking in late is worse than not going to church. If you’re not there, you have the chance of the whole ‘out of sight out of mind’ thing and people might not notice. But if you walk in late, everyone sees you.”
“Makes sense.” Chase shakes his head. “This town is weird.”
“It is. Which is probably why I like it. I fit in.”
“You do fit in, but you’re not like some of the others.”
“What do you mean?” I wrap another section of hair around my curling iron.
“You’re not judgmental.”
I meet Chase’s eyes via his reflection in the mirror. “I’m the worst. I judge everyone and I judge hard. I just don’t say anything.”
Chase laughs. “I don’t believe that for a second.”
I smile back at him and quickly curl the rest of my hair, and then we rush out of the door, swing by my parents’ to feed Marley, and then speed to church.
“If lightning strikes me, you’re going down with me,” Chase says, looking at my hand in his as we walk through the parking lot.
I laugh and shake my head. “You’re not going to get smote. Smited? Smoted? Whatever. The worse thing that’s going to happen today is a lot of questions and a little bit of gossip.”
“People gossip at church?”
“All the damn time.”
“I don’t feel as bad about not going to church now.”
We make it halfway through the parking lot before someone stops us, asking how I’ve been and who Chase is. The same thing happens three more times before we make it into the chapel, and I swear I can feel eyes on us the entire mass. Being the subject of gossip and stares is nothing new to me. I’m well aware that being born a Belmont makes me interesting—to the people of Summer Hill at least. But today it’s bothering me. Are people thinking it’s too soon for me to be with another man? Jake’s been gone for a year and a half. When is it socially okay to get on with my life?
And more importantly, why do I care?
Chase and I take a seat in the back minutes before the service starts. Lisa and Rob come in not long after we do, and slip into the pew next to us. Rob is in his uniform and is either on the clock or going to work right after this. Most of the town, including its police officers, attend church on Sunday morning. It never dawned on me until right now that this is the perfect time to commit a crime.
Chase and I walk out of church hand in hand, and his brother waves him over as we get to Chase’s car. Lisa is fast approaching, so Chase goes over to see Josh while I wait by the Mustang for my cousin.
“This is Chase’s car?” Lisa asks incredulously.
“It is. You seem surprised.”
She purses her lips and looks from the car to Chase. “What did he do before he moved here?”
“I don’t know.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, it’s never come up.”
“Interesting.”
“Why is it interesting?” I ask.
“Because I know how much a car like this costs, and the fact that he’s wearing a designer suit and an expensive watch makes me wonder what the hell he used to do.”
“His suit is designer?”
“Yes. I might have taken a minute or two to check out his ass and saw the label. His ass is very fine, but I’m sure you’re aware.”
“It is,” I say and force a smile. I have asked Chase about his previous line of work, and he’s declined to comment. In fact, he told me it was a long story. My mind races and I can’t come up with anything rational. He said he moved around a lot. He could be a traveling nurse for all I know.
“So,” Lisa goes on. “You guys came together. Does that mean you spent the night together?”
That brings a smile to my face. “Yes. And before you ask, yes. Twice and it was fan-fucking-tastic.”
Lisa beams. “I’m honestly feeling a tad jealous you got to hit that.”
I laugh at her and turn my head to look at Chase. He’s crouched down, smiling as he talks to his niece.
“And everything went okay?” Lisa asks, and she doesn’t have to explain for me to know she meant emotionally, not physically.
“Yeah. It felt right, and we were very much caught up in the moment both times. He’s easy to be around, as lame as that sounds. We haven’t known each other long, but it’s like I can just relax and be myself around him. It’s hard, sometimes, not to compare him to…to Jake though.”
“I bet that’s normal.”
I nod. “Yeah. It’s a little weird. It’s not like we broke up and I have negative feelings toward him. It’d be easier if that were the case. Chase has been really und
erstanding. I think that’s the biggest part of why this feels so right.”
“Is this more than just a fling?”
“I think so. It feels like it’s more.” I shake my head. “If it doesn’t come up, I’ll ask him.”
“No, you won’t,” Lisa says point-blank, raising an eyebrow.
“Fine. I probably won’t because that’s one awkward conversation waiting to happen. But…” I trail off and look back at Chase. “I think he feels it too. He’s coming back over today. We don’t have plans other than to lounge around until dinner.”
“Fucking, you mean.”
“Oh, for sure. I probably want it just as bad as he does.”
Lisa laughs. “He’s into you. More so than a fling. I can tell by the way he looks at you.”
I can’t hide my smile. “Good,” I say shortly, not comfortable with gushing over Chase like a teenage girl.
“Are you bringing him to family dinner tonight?”
“No, not yet. Mostly for his sake, though. Having your sister, my sister, and all of our parents in one room is overwhelming even when you’re part of the family.”
“That is the truest thing you can say about our family.”
“How was your date?” Mom asks as soon as I’m through the door that evening. They just got back into town a few hours ago, but since my mom doesn’t actually do the cooking—or the setting of the table, or the cleaning up after dinner—having us all over for dinner isn’t an issue.
“You went on a date?” Sam asks, turning around so fast she almost bumps into me.
“Didn’t you see them together at church this morning?” Vanessa, Lisa’s older sister asks, handing off her sleeping toddler to her husband. “I thought Lisa said you went out with that Henson guy.”
“That is him,” I tell her.
Vanessa makes a face of surprise. “Really? He looked so…so…”
“Not like a Henson?” Lisa supplies and her sister agrees. “You’re such an asshole, Nessa.”
“Lisa,” Gran scolds, voice coming from across the foyer. I swear she has better hearing than I do. I take off my shoes and take my phone from my purse before the housekeeper takes it to hang up. I look through the sea of my family members for my mother, whose hair and makeup are perfectly done. You’d never guess she stepped off a plane hours ago. Her eyes, more blue than green like mine, sparkle and she’s trying not to smile. My mother might be ridiculously posh at times, concerning herself with more than what others think than with what’s going on in the world, but I know she cares.
“It was fine,” I say simply, but my smile gives it away.
16
Chase
I fall into bed at three am Friday morning. I smell like alcohol and smoke, but I’m too damn tired to shower. This week passed in a blur, and thanks to Sierra, it was a beautiful fucking blur.
I stayed at her house the rest of Sunday after church until she had to go to her parents’ for dinner. Monday, she came over after work and stayed the night. The next day, I brought lunch to her at work and stayed for the remainder of her break before I had to come back here and work at the bar. She had me over Wednesday night and since she didn’t have to be at work until the afternoon Thursday, we spend the morning in bed together, reading, fucking, and cuddling.
It’s the last thing I’d thought I’d do. Lying in bed with my arm tucked under Sierra, holding a book with my other free hand, having to put it down every time I needed to turn a page because I didn’t want to disturb Sierra. It sounds so lame to say we spent the morning in bed together reading, but when Sierra got to a sex scene in her book, she read part of it out loud to me, turning us both on enough to recreate the scene ourselves.
Being close to someone like that isn’t something I do often. Or ever. Things are different with Sierra and all that bullshit about finding that one person out of millions who you’re meant to be with doesn’t sound so shitty anymore.
The more time I spend with Sierra, the easier she is to read. She’s scared. Keeps her heart guarded. Sometimes, when she gets too close or acts too comfortable, it’s like she catches herself and pulls back.
With Sierra on my mind, I pass out and dream of her, waking four hours later with enough energy to get up and shower. Regretting going another day without grocery shopping, I grumble when I look inside my fridge for something to eat. Settling for stale cereal with the rest of the milk, I drag a chair over to the large window and eat while watching the river.
I move to the couch, flipping through channels when Sierra calls. My heart skips a beat when I see her familiar number on my screen.
“Hey, babe,” I answer.
“I didn’t wake you up, did I?” she asks.
“No, I was up already.”
“Oh good. I was planning on leaving a message for you to listen to when you got up. Why are you up so early? You worked late last night.”
“Couldn’t sleep. I’ll go back to sleep later, though. Are you on your way to work?”
“Yeah. And that shipment of books I ordered Monday is supposed to come in. I’m pretty excited about it.”
I can tell she’s smiling as she talks. It’s fucking adorable.
“While I have you on the phone, I might as well ask you if you’d be interesting in going to a bonfire tonight at Rob’s house.”
“Do you want to go?” I ask her.
“Kind of,” she says after a moment’s hesitation. “I haven’t been to anything like that in a long time.”
“Then let’s go.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah. There’s probably nothing else to do around this town anyway, right?” I joke.
“Well, there is me.”
Fuck. Me. “You’re so fucking hot, Sierra. And I will do you. I’m going to fuck you senseless until you’re coming so hard you’re screaming my name.”
“Oh…oh my,” she breathes. “Today’s going to go by slow now that I know what’s waiting for me.”
I chuckle, imagining her pretty face and missing the feel of her body against mine. “How long do you get for lunch today?”
“I’m the only one there today, so I don’t really get an official break, but I can sneak into the backroom whenever I want.”
“You’re the only one there?” I echo, not liking the idea of Sierra being at the store alone. It’s not the first time she’s worked alone, yet for some reason, a bad feeling starts to rise inside me.
Is it because I’m starting to care—really fucking care—about her?
“Yeah. Friday mornings are always pretty slow. Janet comes in at two. I usually stay for a while to make sure she’s good and then I can leave around three-ish. If it weren’t for the new books coming in, today would seriously drag. Is it weird to say I miss you? I saw you yesterday.”
I blink, forcing away thoughts of all the bad things that could happen to Sierra as she steps into the backroom of the shop, innocently dashing away to get a book. I know because I’ve done quite a few bad things.
“It’s not weird.” My voice comes out flat. I get up and go to the window, blinking as the sun shines off the water and into my eyes. “Because I miss you too. I feel like I’m addicted to you.”
“Are you worried you’ll overdose?”
“That would be the best way to go. I’ll see you tonight, Sierra.”
“Bye, Chase.”
“I miss that sound,” Josh says, looking at the river below the large living room window. It’s a little after noon, and he just came over with pizza and beer, having been kicked out of the house by Melissa, who’s in some crazy nesting phase right now and wants to reorganize everything.
“It’s relaxing. I’ve grown accustomed to it at night.”
“I didn’t sleep for a whole fucking week after I moved out of here.” Josh turns away from the window and sits on the couch, taking another slice of pizza. “It was too quiet at the new place Melissa and I bought.”
“I do like it at night. Though I sleep just fine at Sierra’s.
”
Josh grins. “You two have been spending a lot of time together.”
“I suppose.”
“Really? ‘I suppose’ is all you’re going to fucking say to that?”
I bring my beer to my lips. “What do you want to know?”
“Is shit serious?” he asks casually.
“It hasn’t been very long,” I reply, knowing Josh is hoping I’ll say yes because he thinks if I do, Sierra and I will be married with babies not long from now. He wants me to stay, and I believe that he genuinely wants me to be happy. Besides Sierra, he’s the only person who hopes for happiness for me.
It’s fucking weird.
“I knew I wanted to marry Melissa on our third date.” He puts his fist to his chest. “You just feel it, in here.” He shrugs. “At the very least, you’re having fun with her, I’m sure.”
I nod, letting his words sink in. I do just feel it when it comes to Sierra. Not about marriage or babies or anything like that, but feeling like I’m home. “She is fun.”
“You two met before,” Josh tells me. “The first time you came to Summer Hill. She was only like a year or two old then. I graduated with her brother, and we used to hang out before he moved away. We were at the house and Mrs. Belmont came to pick Scott up. Sierra was with her. I remember because Scott and I caught snakes to scare his sister with. We were expecting Sam and not Sierra.”
“I don’t remember that at all. It’s kinda fucking with my head, trying to think back. I try not to remember too much from my childhood.”
Josh frowns. “I’m sorry I didn’t say more to Dad about it.”
“Don’t be. It was a long time ago.”
The rumbling sound of a truck drowns out the gentle babbling of the river. I get up to see what’s going on in the parking lot.
“Are you expecting a UPS shipment today?” I ask Josh.
“Nope. It must be for you.”
I shake my head. “I didn’t order anything.”
Knowing the delivery guy is going to be confused to have been taken to a bar, we go downstairs and outside, meeting him in the parking lot.
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