Текст книги "Give Me Yesterday"
Автор книги: K. Webster
Соавторы: Elle Christensen
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Текущая страница: 10 (всего у книги 15 страниц)
I’m almost asleep again when a thought occurs to me, I’m about to ask him why we can’t go on Saturday, then I remember. Group. I groan and bury my head in his chest, ignoring the unhappy reminder and fall asleep.
I’m supposed to be working on my graduation speech for the Class of 2015. Instead, my notebook remains white and unmarred, yet my attention remains affixed on the wall in front of me.
Nearly two weeks ago, it seemed as if it were the perfect color. Especially with Tori standing in front of it. But now, I see that I was distracted by her. Now, it’s evident that it is not the right fucking color.
I run a frustrated hand through my hair and clench my eyes closed in a desperate manner to recall the exact shade. My memory of her fades with each passing day and the color in my head dims.
Anger swims through my veins like hungry sharks in the shallow end of the ocean. I’m desperate to remember the color that somehow haunts my dreams yet alludes my consciousness. Standing abruptly, I then stalk over to my bookcase and haul out the paint swatch book. With my pen, I cross out the seventeenth color and peruse the shades until I’m pretty sure which one will be the eighteenth coat. I circle it and toss it back on the shelf.
I’m tempted to call Tori and invite her for another painting session. But I remember her questioning eyes. She saw through my playful façade and into the dark, twisted part of me that I attempt to keep locked away. If she knew I painted this fucking wall more than most people change their underwear, I’m sure she’d be running for the goddamned hills.
Dragging my eyes back over to the wall, I glare at it.
Fuck the stupid wall and its never-ending taunting.
The way it teases me into thinking the color is right, only to somehow morph and transform into something ugly and wrong.
My phone chimes and I tear myself from obsessing over the wall. Today was the last day of class for the semester. Everyone flew through their exams and by mid-afternoon, I was done. Waiting for Tori, with nothing else on my agenda, only serves to cause me to obsess over shit like the damn wall.
Tori: I’m done.
Scrunching my brows together, I reply back to her message.
Me: Like for the day? You do realize it’s only 4:45.
I stalk past the stupid wall and make my way into my bedroom. For two weeks now, we’ve spent nearly every day together and tonight won’t be any different. Besides, I want to make sure she goes to group in the morning and spending the night with her will insure that I get to drag her unwilling ass with me.
Tori: This case is pissing me off. I’ve done all I can do for the day. I thought maybe we could…
She’s so damn cute. I’m usually the one coming up with all the plans and carting her around the city all the time. So, the fact that she’s attempting a suggestion has me grinning like an idiot for the first time today.
Me: Fuck on my car? Make a sex tape? Let you give me a blowjob on your white couch?
Her reply is immediate.
Tori: No, you ass. I was thinking food. Jesus, you’re insane!!
I laugh out loud.
Me: Insane for you, baby. Pick you up in fifteen.
Not waiting for a response, I tear off the clothes I wore to class and dress in a pair of jeans and a black, fitted T-shirt. I slip on a pair of black Chucks and brush my teeth before heading her way.
The drive is short and the valet attendants wave at me when I pull into the bay. Tori is already waiting outside, looking beautiful in a crisp, navy pantsuit and spiked cream-colored stilettoes that match her blouse underneath. A smile tugs at my lips when I see her overnight bag hanging from her arm.
I roll down the window as she strides my way, a breathtaking smile upon her lips.
“Heaven’s that way, angel,” I flirt and point up.
Her cheeks turn pink and she rolls her eyes at me. “Did those lines ever get you anywhere before me?”
I laugh as she heaves her bag into the backseat and climbs in. “You’re the only one who falls for them,” I admit with a wink.
“Who says I fall for them?” she pouts.
I slide a hand around her neck and clutch the back of her skull, drawing her to me. Our mouths meet without hesitation and I kiss her deeply. When we finally pull apart, I grin at her. “You fall every damn time, baby. That’s what makes you so cute.”
She huffs as I put the car into gear and cruise out of the parking lot. Even though she pretends to be annoyed, she’s happy. It fucking radiates from her and fills my soul. These last two weeks truly have been bliss for me.
Meeting Tori and falling for her wasn’t something I expected to happen. My life has been one unsuccessful relationship after another—always missing an important deep element. With her, she’s the whole damn ocean. Her depths are still unchartered and I crave to explore every deep, dark corner of her. I could spend my life with a woman like her. The thought of giving her more children—children she deserves more than anything on this earth—threatens to make my heart combust.
I want to give it all to her one day.
Children.
Marital bliss.
A happily ever after.
And nobody will take that away from her. I’ll protect her future with my life and make deals with the devil if that is what it takes. Tori deserves the best and I want to be the man to give it to her.
Her warm palm squeezes my thigh through my jeans and she gives me a pensive look. She’s pulled off her blazer and the cream, flowy tank underneath it gives her outfit a more casual flair—perfect for going to dinner on the river.
“Penny for your thoughts? You’re not normally so serious,” she says softly.
I reach down and squeeze her hand over my leg. “Just imagining where this relationship will take us.”
Her lips form a tiny “O” and she jerks her head to stare out the window. I’m sure the very idea of thinking about a future is daunting. Even though we’ve slept together multiple times now, I don’t miss the guilt behind her smile. The sadness that dances behind her eyes.
“Where are we going?” she asks finally, changing the subject from our relationship status.
I flash her a grin. “I’m taking you on a romantic date at Navy Pier. There’s an Italian restaurant that our Dean always raves about. Since it’s so early, we’ll probably get right in.”
Twenty minutes later, we’ve parked and are walking hand in hand into the restaurant. Upon my request, the server guides us to one of the tables next to one of the giant open windows which overlooks the sparkling Chicago River. The sun is beginning to set and I couldn’t have chosen a better place to dine with the most beautiful girl in town this evening.
“Bring us a bottle of your house chardonnay,” I tell the server as we open our menus.
The man nods and scurries off, leaving me with the most stunning vision. Her eyes are downcast as she reviews the menu. Tiny tendrils of blonde have escaped her hair prison and they frame her soft features. Pouty lips purse together as she decides what she’ll have for dinner. Her long, dark lashes hide the bluest of eyes that I know for a fact outshine the picturesque river beside us.
I could spend hours admiring her beauty.
Her innocence that she cloaks with venom to most people aside from me.
The sadness and despair that she fights desperately each day to stick Band-Aids on.
“There you go again. The thoughtful Dr. Monroe,” she murmurs, drawing my attention to her pretty lips.
I raise my eyes to hers and I’m satisfied to see that they are indeed more beautiful than the river, just like I knew they would be.
Reaching across the table, I take one of her soft, manicured hands in mine. “Baby, I was just thinking about how perfect you are and how clearly lucky I am to have you.”
Her eyes widen and her mouth parts open at my words. “Oh, I, uh…” she trails off.
“Sorry,” I sigh and flick my gaze over at a bird that squawks from one end of the pier. “I’ve had a weird day. Last day of the semester and all. I tend to feel nostalgic and introspective. Although, that didn’t help me at all with my speech preparation.”
When I glance back at her, she scrunches her nose at me. “What speech?”
I smile. “I’ve been asked to speak at the graduation ceremony next Thursday night. I would love if you’d attend with me. Afterward, there’ll be a gathering at my buddy Cort’s house. His girlfriend Blair, his mother, my family—they’ll all be there. They’d all love to meet my girlfriend.”
She swallows and tears her gaze from mine to inspect the menu some more. “Um, I’ll check my schedule.”
Her words sting and I find myself tugging my hand from hers. Obviously, I’m fucking weirding her out with my bizarre mood today. I clench my eyes closed and attempt to pull myself out of my funk.
We’re saved from the awkward moment when the waiter brings us the wine and takes our order. Once he’s gone, I pick up my glass and chug it down. I can feel her eyes on me but I don’t meet them.
“Chase, I wasn’t saying no. I just…”
I cut her off and drag my eyes to hers. “I know, Tori. I’m sorry but I’m just in a weird fucking mood today, okay? I’m not trying to make you feel uncomfortable or push you into taking our relationship to the next level or anything. Truth is,” I sigh, but prepare myself to admit what I’m thinking about. “I’m being weird because I feel the need to paint the wall again.”
Her eyes go from sliding protective bricks around her to blazing with worry. “What?”
With a frustrated growl, I run a hand through my hair and meet her gaze. “I was staring at the goddamned wall again today and realized it’s wrong.”
“I see.”
I huff. “I probably sound like a fucking lunatic.”
Bitterness creeps its way into me and I pour more wine into my glass.
“No, Chase. Look at me.”
I bring the full glass to my lips and lock my eyes with hers.
“Maybe I can help you. Do you have any pictures of this color you’re trying to match?” she questions.
Closing my eyes, I remember her dress that fateful day. I also remember Ashley’s horrified eyes later blazing with accusation at what I’d done. The memory sickens me and the color slips through the cracks of my mind and I snap my eyes back open.
“Nope.”
Tori frowns and flickers her gaze over to the river. “Did you find one in your booklet?”
I nod and sip my wine. “Number eighteen.”
Her brows furrow and she lets out a ragged breath. “Do you ever think that maybe this color will never be achieved no matter how many times you paint the wall? No matter how many shades you try? Chase, do you ever wonder if this is your way of fixing something that can’t be fixed? She’s gone and no matter how many times you paint the wall, it will never match the vibrancy that was her.”
My eyes sting with angry tears and I blink them away. “Since when did you become the doctor, Ms. Larkin?”
She sips her wine and straightens her back. Gone is the woman I’ve had the privilege of uncovering the last two weeks. Now, here sits the viper, Victoria.
“Remember all that talk about carrying the other through rough times?” she says with a sure voice.
I raise a brow at her as she continues.
“This is me carrying you. And I’m saying snap the fuck out of it. You’re unraveling a bit there, Chase. This is the only way I know how to ‘carry you’ and I call it tough love. Get your head out of the dark place you’re in and focus on the now. I’ll help you paint the damn wall because I care for you, and quite frankly, I love the look in your eyes when I wear your clothes. Together we’ll paint that wall Number Eighteen. But honey,” she sighs and reaches for my hand, “The next day, when you wake up? The wall will still be the wrong color. No matter how many times you paint it, it can never compare to that of our memories.”
I swallow and rub my thumb over the back of her hand. “I’m sorry.”
She shakes her head at me. “Don't apologize. It isn’t like I haven’t had you wading through the bullshit emotional baggage that continuously surrounds me. We’ll figure it out together. And to answer your earlier question, I’ll have dinner with you and your friends and family after graduation. You’re very important to me, and schedules, work, whatever—it can all be pushed aside if that makes you happy. You make me happy, Chase. After a decade of heartache and suffering, I’m beginning to feel alive and it’s all because of you. It’s my turn to make you just as happy. Now, cheer up, wine and dine me, and then take me back to your place so we can make love all night. Together we’ll figure this out.”
I stand abruptly and lean over the table. Clutching her cheeks on either side, I close in on her and kiss her sweet lips. Her strength fills me and the bleeding hole that hemorrhages in my heart slows to a stop. My mind that reels continuously with what-ifs and wrong shades of paint silences, filling instead with thoughts of Tori.
When I finally break from her and sit back down, her swollen lips draw up into a proud smile. The Tori that she’s worked so hard to become prevails and she takes pride in being able to help me for once.
“Thank you, beautiful,” I tell her honestly. “When you get all fierce and firm, it turns me on.”
She bursts into laughter and shakes her head at me. “There he is, the sexy Dr. Monroe we all know and love.”
My heart clenches at her casual mention of love. I’ve already scared her enough for the night. So, I bite my tongue in professing more heartfelt shit that might have her diving off the pier and swimming away from me and my diarrhea of the mouth.
The waiter brings us Italian heaven that wafts with the aroma of garlic and cheese. Soon we’re lost in the comfortableness that is us, laughing and teasing. And of course eating.
“I think since I’m helping you paint, again, that I get a free pass from group tomorrow,” she says as she brushes the thick paint along the taped off edge of the ceiling.
I chuckle and cast a glance her way. Now comfortable in our relationship, she only wears a white T-shirt of mine, sans bra and no pants. Each time she reaches with the paint brush, the shirt rises over her sweet little ass and gives me a delectable view of her black panties that barely cover her cheeks. She’s fucking distracting as hell.
“Nice try, Tori. You’re going to group. We both need it. You know that.”
She pouts and climbs off the chair, dropping her brush onto the tray. “I hate it. I’d much rather spend all day with you. You’re all the therapy I need,” she purrs and wraps her arms around me.
I inhale the sweet scent of her that somehow makes its way through the strong odor of the paint.
“You vixen,” I say and grab her ass with my free hand. “You’re attempt to distract me is working but I’m not giving in. We’re going. Besides, the gang will miss us.”
She sighs. “They’ll miss you. Nobody likes me there. I made a fool out of myself and now they all hate me.”
I chuckle. “First of all, nobody could ever hate you. Hating angels is a sin.”
She lifts her chin and accepts a kiss from me.
“Second of all, the only way to build relationships with those people is to open yourself up to them. They’re all in the same boat we are, dealing with the crippling loss of loved ones. If you give them a chance, they can help mend your heart with their own stories and experiences. And, Tori, you can help them too. Like you help me.”
Her smile is beautiful as she considers my words. “Okay, fine. You present a good case, Dr. Monroe. Tomorrow, I’ll go work my magic on the people.”
Laughing, I toss my brush into the pan on the floor. “Come on, Samantha, you can practice your Bewitching on me in the shower.”
She giggles and wriggles her nose to mimic the gal on the old television show.
I slap her cute ass and then haul her over my shoulder, bellowing at the way she squeals at me to put her down.
There’s no doubt in my mind Tori will bewitch them all in the end. She’s certainly performed her magic on me because I’m fucking spellbound when it comes to her.
And I’m not complaining one bit.
Chase is practically dragging me behind him as he walks down the hall of the community center and I fight the impulse to dig my feet into the ground like a child. However, I’m not successful at keeping my mouth turned down into a pout. I’m irritated that my attempt to seduce Chase into staying home this morning failed, and on top of that, he hid the clothes I’d packed for today and instead pulled out a women’s pair of jeans, T-shirt, and Sketchers, throwing them at me and telling me to get my ass ready. I glared daggers at him, a fiery sensation, a need to punch something overwhelmed me.
He’d laughed and it only made me angrier, there was nothing funny about him having some random woman’s clothes in his house and even worse, expecting me to wear them.
“They are my sister’s, baby.”
Feeling foolish, I felt my cheeks turn pink. I bundled the clothes up in my arms and attempted to walk swiftly into the bathroom. He’d grabbed my arm, swinging me into his embrace and kissing me soundly, “Damn, you’re adorable when you’re jealous.”
I scoffed and came up with the brilliant comeback, “As if.” Go ahead, roll your eyes. Then, wishing the floor would open up and swallow me, I ran to take a shower. Not that I stayed alone in there for long. A smile plays at my lips, remembering the steam which had nothing to do with the hot water.
Chase continues to clutch my hand and leads me to the front of the room, seating me right next to the podium facing the circle of hodgepodge people. My spine straightens, and I bristle before I realize I’ve done it. I feel the calming sensation of a palm running down my hair and some of my tension leaks out.
Chase begins by asking what everyone has been up to this week, and I am surprised to find my ears perk up, curious what other people do with their lives.
The older man, Bill I think, raises a hand, his face lit up like the fourth of July. “Glenda and I are moving in together.” Glenda giggles and blushes. While seeing a woman in her sixties giggling is a bit weird, it’s also kind of cute.
“I brought treats to celebrate!” Glenda announces enthusiastically, walking over from the refreshment table with a dish of brownies. Everyone but Bill seems to turn a little green, but they all smile and make positive comments. I’ll be honest, it’s pretty funny. “We’ve certainly been practicing the horizontal tango enough, might as well make ourselves available to it twenty-four seven.” At that, Bill smacks her ass. Eeeeeeew, not so cute.
“That’s great, guys. It’s a big step but it’s a positive one. You’re committing to each other and to your relationship.” Something in Chase’s voice draws my attention from the happy couple. He’s staring at me. “It’s a sign that you are in the acceptance stage, ready to move forward with your life. Finding happiness with someone, just as your loved ones would want you to.”
I squirm in my seat, uncomfortable with his scrutiny and the words which somehow seem directed at me. I want to get defensive and yell “Baby steps, damn it!” Instead, I’m distracted when Nate speaks.
“It was a tough week for me. My girls are starting to have new experiences and are recognizing that their mom isn’t there to share them with. My oldest had her first date last night and afterward, she cried in my arms for hours. That should have been so special, but boys are something that a teenage girl wants to gush over to her mom.”
My throat gets a little tight and I ache for his daughters, seeing the crushing pain on his face, I wonder if maybe I was wrong and he feels as much hurt as I do. I glance at Belinda and remember that she has lost a child as well, and her husband as a repercussion. Bill lost his wife to sickness, he had to watch disease ravage her body until she passed. Glenda lost her parents and sister in a car accident, and being single her whole life, she has been left entirely alone.
I sneak a glance at Chase as he focuses on Nate, encouraging him to talk, and to find creative solutions. Who has he lost? He doesn’t talk about it and it has started to bother me. In fact, I know very little about his life over the last decade or so. The only glimpse I get is through his vague comments, and that repetitively painted wall. I’ve opened myself up to him, bared myself and become vulnerable, and though he has given me care and support, I want more. I want to see inside of his darkness too.
Laughter breaks out and I realize I’ve missed a part of the discussion with my wandering thoughts. “I don’t think killing my daughter’s boyfriend is a viable solution, no matter how tempting it might be,” Nate says, and the rest of the group chuckles. Suddenly, all eyes are on me.
“Tori?” Chase calls. I look up at him feeling like a deer in headlights. “How about you share an experience from your week.”
What the fuck is he doing? He can’t possibly want me to share what happened this weekend. I’m not going to admit to all these healing strangers that I had the motherlode of all breakdowns. He nods encouragingly and my eyes narrow at him, glaring. He wants me to share private experiences and emotions? Careful what you wish for, punk.
“Um, yes, I had a deep experience this weekend, then later again this week.” I look at Chase and he is watching me, his eyes twinkling with approval.
“I spent the weekend and a lot of this week being fucked by my—” I swallow hard, “boyfriend. It was definitely deep.”
The room is silent, everyone looking shell shocked. Maybe I went a little far with that. You think? Then the quiet is broken by a bark of laughter from Bill, and giggling from Glenda, until, slowly but surely, the rest of the room is rolling with amusement. Except Chase, he’s chuckling, but I can see the disappointment in his eyes and I suddenly feel like a student who misbehaved in class.
“I saw my family this weekend,” I blurt out.
I fight the urge to hide behind my hands; I can’t believe I just admitted that. My eyes connect with Chase again, his disappointment turned to admiration. It gives me the courage to continue.
“I haven’t spent much time with them since I lost my husband and daughter. It was really hard for me and I’m still not sure it was a positive experience, other than the hard fucking, of course.”
There is laughter again, but as I look around, I see a mix of sympathy and admiration on their face for having shared. It makes me feel lighter, as though a small burden has been lifted. The best part though, is the pink that has crept up on Chase’s face. Totally worth it.
We wrap up the meeting and I surprise myself when I end up chatting with a couple of people about my job and hobbies. It seems like talking to a…friend. Chase catches my eye from the door and lifts his chin toward the exit. I say goodbye and follow him out. Walking down the hall, I look for him but he seems to have disappeared. Then I’m yanked around the corner of the hallway I’m passing and slammed up against a muscular chest, my mouth covered and ravished.
When Chase finally tears his lips away from mine, I’m lost in a daze and almost stumble, but Chase catches me. He always catches me. A clatter draws our attention to the mouth of the hall, but we don’t see anything. Chase grasps my chin and turns it so that I meet his eyes, “I’m so damn proud of you, Tori.”
He kisses me fast and hard. “Although, I could have done without you telling the world how hard I fuck you.” A wicked grin slides across his face. “However, I feel the need to make sure that the next time you make an announcement like that, it’s more like, a spectacular fuck.”
He’s so damn sexy, but so cute at the same time. I lo—like this man so much. My laughter rings through the hall and Chase’s face lights up like he’s just won the lottery. He grabs my hand and I find myself being dragged down the hall again, not because I’m reluctant this time, but because my man is clearly eager to get started on my lesson.
My body is a limp, useless mass this morning. Last night, by the time Chase and I passed out, he’d definitely made his point. I’d been spectacularly fucked. Repeatedly. I also received a few spankings for being such a smart-ass in group.
The sun is streaming through the window and I gather just enough energy to flop onto my stomach and throw a pillow over my head. A warm hand comes to rest on my butt cheek and I shiver when I feel soft, wet kisses trailing down my spine.
“Chase, knock it off,” I grumble, trying to sound stern. I completely fail when I shiver again, and I hear his deep chuckle.
“Good morning, baby,” he mumbles in between kisses.
“Nothing good about morning.”
“Hmmmm, is that a challenge?”
“Seriously Chase,” I sigh, “I don’t have energy. You wore me the hell out.”
The pillow is whipped from my head, and I’m suddenly covered from head to toe in heat, hands sliding underneath me to cover my breasts. Kisses now being placed on the back of my neck, behind my ears, on my cheeks.
“Have I told you how much I love your tits, babe?” he whispers, punctuated with a strong squeeze. A moan slips out and I wiggle as tingles spread from where his hands touch down to my now drenched pussy. His cock is hard, long and thick, nestled against the crack of my ass. One hand glides down until he’s cupping me, one finger pressing into my wetness. “Or how much I love this delicious pussy, and how wet it always is for me.”
Damn his dirty mouth! I’m so turned on I can barely think straight. One long finger enters me, then up to circle my clit and back inside.
“Chase,” I whimper.
“Do you want me inside you, Tori?” he growls, plunging his finger in and out. I’m moaning in earnest now, desperate, my ass pressing back into his erection. “I think someone found some energy.” His lips move against my skin and I just know the bastard is smirking.
The warmth of his body is abruptly gone, as well as the finger that was working me into a frenzy. I want to cry at the loss, until his hands grip my hips, roughly lifting my ass in the air. When he drives deep into my pussy, I cry out, mingling with his shout of pleasure.
He doesn’t waste any time. He starts thrusting roughly, our skin slapping each time it connects. “Shit, you’re amazing, woman.”
He pounds into me, getting faster and more powerful, until I have to put my hands against the headboard so I don’t hit my head. The bed is shoved up against the wall with every drive of his hips, the bed squeaking in protest.
“Chase!” I cry. “Now, Chase.”
I’m desperate, my orgasm so close.
He slows enough so that he can clasp onto my chin, and bring my mouth around for a deep kiss. “You want to come, baby?”
I answer by shoving my hips back on his next thrust, causing him to go so deep, he bruises me from within. “Yes, please!”
He returns to his punishing rhythm, reaching down with one hand to pinch my clit, and I fly off into oblivion, above the clouds, the sun, into heaven. Chase follows me over the edge with a roar, before collapsing on top of me. I can’t really breathe and I sincerely don’t give a shit. It feels too good, and I think he killed me anyway. After a minute, he rolls off of me, and I take a deep breath.
He sits up, still panting, and shakes his head as though to clear away the fog. Then he turns to me, his eyes glowing with emotion.
“Tori, you’re better than morning coffee. I’m addicted now. You’ll just have to move in so I can get my fix every morning.”
I stop breathing again. He winks at me and swings his feet to the floor, standing and stretching. I’m almost distracted from his words by the sight of all that golden skin and the sinewy muscles moving under it, and that unbelievably fine ass.
He walks around the bed and smacks my ass. “Time to get up. We’ve got somewhere to be.”
Then he strides to the bathroom and I hear the shower start. He was so casual about it; I’m trying to figure out if Chase just asked me to move in with him, or if he was joking. He was joking, he wouldn’t—just joking. I tell myself this as I make the bed, I tell myself this when I join him in the shower, I tell myself as I get dressed, and I tell myself this as we leave the apartment.
I’m finally distracted from obsessing over his casual comment when I see where we are going. He pulls his Challenger into the garage under The Museum of Science and Industry. A frown creases my face, annoyance bubbling up. I don’t like places like this. They are full of children, laughing, running around, and having a good time. Like I used to do with my dad. Like my daughter will never do with me. This museum is for families.
Chase parks and turns to me, wary. “Just hear me out, babe,” he pleads.
I cross my arms over my chest and glower at him, but don’t say anything, giving him a chance to explain.
“I think you had a really great breakthrough last weekend, and then in group yesterday. I’ve been so proud of you. You’ve been incredibly brave.”
I fight the urge to soften and preen at his words.
“I don’t want to push you too hard, but I really think you’re ready. I want to move forward, you and me. And to do that, we both have to take our bulls by the horns and prove that we can ride it for eight seconds.” I raise my eyebrow at his analogy. Really, city boy? My lips twitch. Stop it! You’re mad.
He grins, as if he knows I’m fighting a smile. Damn him and his ability to see everything about me. “We both need this. I’ve avoided this place too. So let’s face our fears together. We’ll make new, cheerful, fun memories. Together. Babe, I don’t think either of us has taken the chance to be a kid again. Let’s see if we can recapture that magic.”
I mull over his words for a second. I’ve been tipping over the wall into happy ever since I met Chase. Can I do it? Can I open myself up again completely? Be happy without guilt? I decide I want to try, so I shore up my courage and jerk my head up and down. Chase’s smile is brilliant, spreading something sweet through me. He bounds out of the car and lopes over to my side. Opening my door, he reaches a hand out to me, and I hesitate, feeling that this moment is now or never. I’m making the choice whether to move forward. Deep breaths, girl.
The next thing I know, my hand is tightly clasped in Chase’s. He lifts me from the car, straight into his arms, kissing me deeply, and I melt. When it’s over, he tucks me into his side, shuts the door and locks it. We decide to skip the garage entrance and make our way to the front for the full experience.
