“Checking on me? We talked for an hour last night. I’m surprised he’d still worry.”
She set aside her cup. “Surprised? You just got in an altercation with your ex.”
“Yeah, but still.”
“We’ve been over this before, Cara. He cares about you.”
“I care about him. And I want to see him so bad it hurts.”
She smiled softly. “He feels the same way.”
“I wish that made things easier.” I took a slow sip, savoring the first taste.
“Either that’s really good or you’re daydreaming about Chase.”
I laughed and decided not to tell her which it was. Her comment reminded me that no matter how easy it was to talk to her, I needed to be careful. Everything I said, or didn’t say, could be repeated to him.
“Stop. Just stop it.”
“What?” My cup was inches from my lips, but I didn’t sip.
“I know what you’re doing. What you’re thinking.”
“You do?” I hoped she wasn’t going to tell me she thought she was psychic or something.
“You’re wondering how much you can trust me. You think I’m going to tell him everything.”
She was so on the mark, I decided to continue with honesty. “Well, aren’t you?”
“No. I love Chase. I’m excited he’s going to be my brother-in-law, but I like you, and I can see us becoming good friends. Sure, if you tell me that you plan on using him and dumping him, I might warn him to be careful, but that’s not what’s happening—or what you’re afraid to tell me.”
“I don’t want to feel this way. I don’t want to need him.”
“Needing is different than wanting. Which is it?”
“I don’t know,” I replied in barely a whisper. “I hope it’s want. I can’t afford to need someone again.”
“It wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. We all need someone.”
“But, does it have to be Chase?”
“Yes. I think he’s the perfect one for you to need. You should tell him how much you want him with you though. I think you’d be pleasantly surprised with his response.”
“What do you mean?” I studied her face, wondering what she was hinting at.
“Why don’t you call him and find out.”
“Call him? Now? Isn’t that rude to you?” I was itching to call. A part of me hoped she was hinting that he was coming to see me, but I knew that was impossible. He was on tour.
“It’s not rude when I’m the one who told you to do it.”
I pulled out my phone and dialed.
He answered immediately. “Hey. How are you? Aren’t you having coffee?”
I glanced at Rachel. “I miss you.”
“Yeah? I miss you too.” That had better not have been the response Rachel meant. “Do you have plans tonight?”
“No. Sunday’s aren’t really happening nights in my circle.”
“Good. That means I don’t have to beg you to cancel them.”
“Why would I be canceling anything?”
“Because I’m about thirty-five minutes from Charleston. So, about the tonight thing… would it be pushing it to ask if you have afternoon plans?”
“Seriously? You’re coming back today?” My heart soared. The thought of seeing Chase had me giddy.
“We had one extra night built in because Jessa’s from Baltimore. As long as I leave early tomorrow, we’re good.”
“I don’t know what to say.”
“Say you’ll drop everything and spend the next sixteen hours with me.”
I didn’t hesitate with my answer. “Where should I meet you?”
“What’s the address of the coffee shop you’re at?”
“It’s at King and Market.” I was so excited I could barely speak. My heart was racing.
“I’ll see you soon.”
“I can’t wait.”
“I’m glad. It isn’t every day I drive nine hours to see a girl.”
I could practically see his wry grin. “Well, then I guess I better make it worth your while.”
“You will.” He hung up.
Rachel was grinning from ear to ear. “Yeah, you guys are too cute.”
“I feel bad though.”
“Bad? Why?”
“I don’t want to put you and Riley out.”
“You’re not staying with us.”
“We’re not?”
“No. Chase wanted privacy. He got a hotel somewhere.”
“Oh.” A hotel sounded different. I wasn’t sure if it was bad or good. On one hand, I loved the idea of privacy, but on the other hand, it made it seem all about sex.
“Stop. Stop. This time you’re reading into the hotel room and convincing yourself he just wants some.”
“How do you do that?”
“It’s a gift.”
“I can’t believe he’s driving all the way back here.”
“Why?” She sipped her coffee and set it aside. “Why does it surprise you so much?”
“Because I’m going to see him soon anyway. It’s not worth it for him.”
She smiled. “I don’t think he’d agree.”
I crossed my arms. “It just doesn’t add up.”
“What doesn’t add up, babe?”
I jumped out of my chair at the sound of Chase’s voice.
He was standing directly behind me. “And for the record, there’s only one thing I’d rather be doing right now and it also involves you.”
I wrapped my arms around his neck and rested my head on his chest. He moved his arms around my waist and patted my back. “Good to see you too.”
I felt such an unexpected surge of comfort and relief at his presence that I had to fight back tears. “That was a short thirty-five minutes.”
He grinned. “Wasn’t it?”
“I’m going to leave you two alone. Let’s get together next week, Cara.” Rachel smiled and picked up her tote.
“Definitely. Thanks.” I waved without picking up my head.
“Let’s run by your house so you can pack a small bag.”
“Why would I need to pack a bag?” I picked up my head and looked at him.
“Because you might want to change at some point. And maybe brush your teeth. Oh, and you don’t want to forget your glasses.”
Maybe Rachel was right. He wasn’t using the hotel just as an excuse to hook up.
“All right, but are you sure you want to go by my house?”
“Is there a reason I shouldn’t?” He looked at me skeptically.
“It’s a sorority house. My friends are probably going to grill you with questions.”
He took my hand in his. “Is that supposed to scare me?”
I shrugged. “Maybe.”
“The only thing I’m not revealing is where I’m taking you. That’s a surprise.”
“Is it?”
“Yes. I didn’t tell Rachel because I knew she’d spill.”
“It’s not a hotel?”
“I’m not telling. You’re just going to have to wait and see.”
“Then how do I know what to pack?”
“I don’t plan on you wearing much tonight, but if you insist on clothing, it’s entirely up to you. Sexy lingerie is also at your discretion.” He arched an eyebrow.
“Are you not into it?”
“Lingerie? No, I tend to just wear boxer briefs.”
I hit his arm playfully. “No, really.”
“You’re beautiful in anything and nothing at all. There’s nothing wrong with sexy stuff, but it’s definitely not necessary.”
“I just like bright colors.”
“Bright colors?” He raised an eyebrow.
“Bright colored bras and panties that match. That’s my thing.”
“Then wear something blue.” He led me to the door. “That’s my favorite color.”
I laughed. “All right, I’ll keep that in mind.”
Chase held open the door to a Nissan Sentra. “Whose car is
this?”
“A rental. My car’s been sitting at my parents’ house for months now.”
“You rented a car?”
“Yeah, that way I can fly up to Ohio.” Chase closed my door.
I waited until he went around to his side to press for answers. “Fly up? You bought a plane ticket too?”
“It’s nothing—I needed to see you.” He settled his hand on my leg.
“I needed to see you too.”
“Wow. You’re actually admitting that?”
“Maybe.”
Chase pulled away from the curb, and we started the short drive over to my house. It would have been faster to walk considering the traffic, but then we’d have had to go back to get his car anyway. “I’ve got some potential interviewees ready for Jade.”
“Great, she’ll be thrilled!” That was one more positive thing to add to the list.
“Yeah, everyone seems to think it’s cute.”’
“Cute?” I turned to him.
“Yeah. Cute that my girlfriend wants to interview them.”
“But I’m not going to be the one doing it. I told you.”
“Well, they weren’t going to do it for a friend. Looks like Jade’s got a new partner in crime.”
“This is going to be an interesting experience.” I’d told Jade I’d be there for the interviews, but actually participating? That might be pushing it. I wasn’t shy, but I knew very little about music.
He rested his hand on my leg. “You’re going to do great.”
Chapter Thirteen
“So, this is what a sorority house looks like.” Chase pulled up along the curb a little ways down from the porch.
I nudged his arm. “Stop it.”
“Why are you so nervous?”
“I’m not nervous.” I unbuckled my seatbelt.
“Yes, you are. Look at you. You’re nervous to introduce me to your friends.”
“Of course not. If that was the case, why would I have texted my roommates to make sure they were here?”
“Then how do you explain the panicked look on your face?”
“Did it ever occur to you that maybe I’m more nervous about you meeting them?”
“And why would that be?” He turned off the car and unbuckled his seatbelt.
“I don’t know. I’m not the typical girl you date.”
“And I’m not the typical guy you date. That’s a good thing.”
“Judging by recent experience, yes. A very good thing.”
He met me on my side of the car and took my hand. “If you’re this nervous now, I can’t wait to see what you’re like when we meet each other’s parents.”
“I’m not going to even think about that possibility. Meeting your brothers is enough family for a while.”
He squeezed my hand. “All right, let’s meet these roommates of yours.”
Juliet and Mallory were thankfully the only two sitting on the porch when we walked up. They both jumped off the swing as soon as we reached the top step.
“So, this is Chase.” Juliet sized him up before winking at me.
I rolled my eyes. “This is Juliet, and yes she’s always like this.”
Chase shook her hand. “Nice to meet you. You’re the sarcastic one I hear?”
Juliet smiled. “Glad my reputation precedes me.”
“And you must be Mallory.” Chase shook Mallory’s hand before I could introduce them.
Mallory accepted the handshake. “And how did she describe me?”
“As the runner.”
“Great. I’m sarcastic and she’s an athlete.” Juliet feigned annoyance.
“Okay, time for the million dollar question. How did Cara describe me to you guys?” Chase grinned.
“As the sexy musician that she likes to have sex with and talk to.” Juliet stepped away from me before I could respond non-verbally.
Chase laughed. “So, nothing about my witty sense of humor and sparkling personality? I guess I’ll accept sexy.”
“Don’t you mean weird sexy?” Mallory grinned.
“Did she ever explain to you what that meant?” he asked.
She shook her head. “Nope. I don’t think she knows.”
He put an arm around my waist. “I bet you’re right.”
“Of course I know.” I pulled away enough that I could look at him.
Mallory laughed. “At least we know Cara’s showed you her real personality.”
“Yeah, Cara’s been pretty open with me.”
I nudged him. “Okay, moving on.”
“What’s the rule here? Are guys allowed inside your house?” Chase nodded toward the door.
“Yes, but only downstairs. You can’t go upstairs.”
“So, no full tour?” He made an exaggerated sigh. “Such a disappointment.”
I pushed his arm playfully. “You’ll have to live your fantasy in other ways.”
“Yeah, the only fantasy I’m worried about right now is getting you alone.”
Juliet coughed. “Okay, Cara, why don’t you go pack real quick.”
“Be right back. Please don’t run away screaming.” I kissed Chase’s cheek.
He smiled. “I’ll be here.”
By the time I made it back downstairs, Chase and my roommates seemed to be best buddies. I’m not sure if they’d ever made it inside, because they were out on the porch when I got back down. “What have I missed?”
“We just told him lots of embarrassing stories about you.” Juliet stuffed a hand in the pocket of her jeans. “Be impressed that he’s still here.”
“I guess that means he passed the test.”
“So far he’s a keeper.” Mallory leaned in to me. “And he’s hot, so have a good time tonight.”
Chase tried to hide a grin, but he wasn’t successful. He’d heard every word she said. He took my hand and led me back down the steps to his car. He opened the door, waiting for me to buckle before closing it.
He slipped into the driver’s seat. “All right. You’re finally mine again.”
“Oh? Yours?”
“Yup. Unless you have other roommates for me to meet.”
“No. Just those two.”
“Good. We have a little bit of a drive.”
“Uh, where are we going?”
“I wanted something quiet for tonight.”
“Meaning…” I felt a shiver of anticipation. Quiet with Chase sounded perfect.
“I thought you liked surprises.”
“When did I tell you that?”
“I guess you haven’t…I just assumed it by your personality.”
“Yeah… not exactly. I like to be prepared.”
“You’re prepared.”
We drove in near silence for a while. It’s funny, for a musician, Chase didn’t seem to listen to music much. Or maybe it was just around me. “Does the radio work?”
“Yeah. Why? Want to listen to something?”
“I was just surprised you didn’t have it on.”
“I never listen to music in the car—weird, I know.”
“Not weird, just different.”
“Let me guess, you’re the sing along to music as you drive person.”
“Absolutely.”
“Do it to my music ever?” He rested a hand on my leg.
“I need a CD or something to do that.”
“I’ll take care of that.”
“I’d also love a t-shirt.”
“A t-shirt?” He glanced at me strangely.
“I want a Chance of a Lifetime T.”
“You don’t seem like the oversized t-shirt kind of girl, but I’ll give you one later.”
“Why does it have to be oversized? Don’t you make them in cute girl sizes?”
He looked at me strangely. “No…”
“And you have a hot girl in your band.”
He laughed. “Jessa has never complained about our lack of ‘cute shirts,’ but I’m sure she would appreciate you saying that about her.” He made air quotes.
“I’ll have to talk to her.” There wasn’t a chance I was going to do that. The girl referred to me as fuck and run. She terrified me.
“She’s been asking about you. My whole band has been.”
“Yeah? Wondering what exciting exploits I’m up to now?”
He laughed. “Something like that.”
We discussed the importance of cute t-shirts, and before I knew it, we were pulling off onto a side street. “A friend of Riley’s owns this place. He never uses it this time of year, so he didn’t mind us borrowing it tonight.”
I gazed out at the row of small homes. “A cottage on the beach. That definitely beats a hotel.”
“I came by earlier to drop off some food—so we should be set for the night.”
I unbuckled and opened my door. “Nice. You think these other cottages are empty?”
“Why?” He pulled my bag out of the back seat. “Already thinking about getting me naked on the sand again?”
“Yeah, no thanks. I’d prefer a bed this time.”
“I just want you. I really don’t care where.” He put his hands on my hips, dropping my bag to get full use of his hands. “I think you got even more gorgeous since I last saw you.”
“I’d tell you flattery won’t get you anywhere…. but it probably will.”
He brushed his lips against my ear. “Will it get you inside?”
“Yes.” I turned in his arms, letting him know I was ready.
We walked down the row of white, tidy cottages. I could hear the sound of the waves in the distance as I waited for him to unlock the door. We walked in, and he closed the door behind us, locking it before pushing me up against it. “Alone at last.”
I ran a hand down his chest. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
“So am I. It’s been way too long.” His lips went right to my neck as he used a hand to capture mine and pin them above my head. It was a more assertive move than I expected from him, and I liked it. “You’re not getting a wink of sleep tonight.”
“I’m not?” I pushed my body against his. “What am I going to be doing?”
“Me. You’re going to be doing me, babe.”
I laughed. “How long have you been waiting to use that line?”
He slipped his free hand under my long sleeve t-shirt and bra, cupping my breast. “A while.”
“Yeah?” The feel of his hand made the need so much worse. I’d been waiting for his touch for too long.
The Hazards of Sex on the Beach Page 12