Текст книги "Taking Chances"

Автор книги: Molly McAdams

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Текущая страница: 9 (всего у книги 27 страниц)

7

The last three months had flown by in an amazing blur. I had three A's and one B last semester and was actually excited for my next classes to start. Bree was the best roommate I could have ever asked for; she showed me everything in the San Diego area, helped me ease into college life and welcomed me into her family. She was like the sister I'd never had, and I loved her dearly. We still spent every Sunday with her parents and Chase, and although it was my day away from Brandon, being part of a family was amazing, and Sunday’s soon became my favorite day. It hurt knowing I'd missed out on this growing up, but I was extremely appreciative of how quickly Robert and Claire took me in and grateful for my time with them.

As I had suspected, I only heard from Sir about once a month, and even then it was by e-mail. I tried to call him once a week, but he never answered and never returned the calls. It didn't bother me too much, even when I'd lived at home, I only talked to him if I absolutely needed to. Carter and I almost never talked now, I still missed the way we had been, but ending our friendship was most likely for the best. He still texts me every now and then when he’s wasted, usually telling me about whatever strip club he’s at, or what girl he slept with recently. And last I heard before his unit left for Afghanistan, he’d eloped with a girl he met the day before they married. I had worried that I’d pushed him into his new lifestyle, but Bree and Claire quickly pushed that worry out of my mind.

Chase and I still had our different kind of friendship. We continued to not speak during the week, and when Sunday hit, he never let me out of his sight unless I was having a girl’s day with Bree and Claire. I found out quickly that he hated those days. No matter how much I wished for it, my feelings for him never seemed to go away. Actually, the sexual tension between us seemed to grow each time we saw each other, rather than dwindle to nothing like I wanted. The week of Thanksgiving break, we had run into each other in the hall of his parent's house and he stopped me so he could run his hands across my cheek and jaw, then down my throat. He gently pressed me against the wall and leaned in. Through the hammering in my chest and quick breaths, I'd somehow managed to ask him not to kiss me, and that was the last time our bodies ever came closer than a few feet of each other. I didn't understand my unwanted feelings towards him, but I was glad we seemed to find a happy medium with our friendship, and as far as I knew there had been no more fights between him and Brandon.

Brandon is…amazing. He treats me like I’m the only person in the world that matters and we’re practically inseparable. Our “weekend only” sleeping arrangement hadn't lasted past mid-October and most nights were now spent in his bed, but we only ever slept. There have been quite a few more times where things had gotten hot and gone a little too far, but he always stopped us before we went there, and I loved him for it. He had told me to let him know when I was ready, and even when caught in the heat of the moment, I still hadn't said anything and he never pushed me. Bree and I went to almost all of his fights, and he had yet to lose. Every time it was over, Scarecrow would hand him a wad of cash, and every time he would shove it in his pocket without counting it. I was itching to know how much he was making, but figured if he wanted me to know, he would tell me. There were no more cracked ribs, but sometimes he would come home with a busted lip or a cut brow. I preferred the cut brow, the busted lips got in the way too often.

He had taken me to Arizona with him for Christmas, and I was completely taken with his mom and brother, Jeremy. His mom was thrilled that he was actually bringing a girl home, and to not have to be surrounded by boys for another holiday. I helped her cook, we went to get our nails done together and had a night of romance comedies after we'd sent the boys away. I could easily see myself in his family, and though that thought after only four months into our relationship scared me, it kind of exhilarated me too. I wasn’t sure if I was ready to talk about marriage, but eventually, I think I'd like to head down that road with him.

Brandon planned on staying in Arizona for the entire winter break, but I'd promised Bree I would bring in the New Year with her, so I'd flown back to San Diego the day of and was currently walking out of the airport. I grabbed my phone to call my boyfriend and my heart ached at the thought of not seeing him for the rest of break. Since Brandon and I had met, we had spent at the very least a few hours with each other every day. These two weeks were going to suck.

“Hey baby, you make it there okay?”

“Yep! Just got my bag and I'm waiting for Bree to get me.”

“Will she be there soon?”

“She sent me a text when I was in baggage claim saying she was a few minutes out. Actually here she comes.”

“Okay, well I'll call you later then. Have fun tonight and happy New Year. I love you.”

I bit my lip and smiled, hearing him say that in his deep husky voice always did funny things to my heart. “I love you too Brandon.” I slid the phone back in my pocket just in time to be nearly tackled by my best friend.

“Oh my God Harper I missed you! Two weeks without you is too long!”

“Hah! I missed you too Bree. Next time I'll just have to sneak you in my luggage.” After we got my things in the trunk, we jumped into her car and fought the airport's holiday traffic. “Where are we going tonight?”

“Your pick, the guys are having a party, or my parents are throwing a party. Which I promise is not as boring as it sounds. There's always a ton of people there, everyone plays poker and drinks.”

“Well where will Konrad be?”

She smirked and raised an eyebrow like that answer should be obvious, “Wherever I am.”

“Can we just go to Mom and Dad's? I missed them too.” During Thanksgiving, Claire and Robert had told me they wouldn't respond to me anymore if I didn't act like they were my parents. It started as a joke, but it stuck.

While Bree was on the phone with Konrad, my cell went off and I started when I saw it was from Chase.

Chase – 'You gonna be at the house tonight?'

Me – 'Nope, going to hang with the family.'

“Is that lover boy?” Bree questioned as she turned the music back on.

“Uh...yeah.” I have no idea why I lied, but it felt awkward correcting myself now.

“Did you guys have fun in Arizona?”

I laughed at her wagging eyebrows, “We had fun, but not that much fun. Hate to burst your bubble.”

“You're going to kill that poor guy Harper! It's been like what...four months? Five?”

“I know, I know. I don't know what keeps stopping me. It's not like we never have the opportunity. I just...I don't know.”

She shut the music off quickly, that was never a good sign. “Are you guys okay?”

“Yes Bree, we're more than fine, trust me! It's nothing like that, I just haven't felt like it's the right time yet.”

“If you say so. But I'm serious. He's going to explode if it's not soon.”

“So you keep telling me.” I was dying to ask how Chase was, even if we didn't talk, we saw each other every day too. And having him text me for the first time ever just a few minutes ago had my heart racing knowing I'd be seeing him again within the next few days. “How's the family?”

“They're good. Mom actually cried because you weren't at Christmas.”

“What? Are you serious?”

“As a heart attack. Your presents were still under the tree that night and she started crying, I had to take them up to my room to get her to calm down.”

I didn't know what to say, I just shook my head in disbelief.

“I'm serious Harper, she was devastated!”

“No, no. I believe you. I guess I still have to wrap my head around how much they care for me. And did you say I had presents? Why?” The only presents I've ever gotten from Sir was a laptop for graduation and my iPhone. And to be honest with you, I know the only reason I got those was because I had been planning on buying them anyway and he didn't want me to waste my money. There were never presents, cards or any sentiments on Christmas, or birthdays. It's just how it was.

“Because we all love you!”

“But I – I didn't get you guys anything.”

Bree's voice got really soft and she reached over to grab my hand, “We didn't expect you to. They all know what growing up with Sir entailed. We wanted to show you what a real Christmas is like.” She looked at me until the light turned green again. “Did you talk to him?”

“No. I called him twice though and left messages.” Jeez, I really did have a crappy home life. Even Bree's family called me on Christmas. And Brandon… “Oh my God Bree, I'm so stupid!” I groaned.

“What, no you're not!”

I pulled out my necklace to show her, “It's from Brandon.”

“He got you a Tiffany's necklace for Christmas? Good choice!”

“That's just it Bree. He didn't give it to me on Christmas, he gave it to me before I left. I thought it was so weird because he's never given me anything, and we weren’t apart after Christmas so I would've known if he'd gotten it after. But he knows what holidays were like with Sir, and that I was upset he wouldn't answer the phone. I think he thought it would upset me more if he proved how much of a jerk Sir is.”

“He's a good guy Harper. I'm glad you have him.”

I clutched the necklace in my hand and sighed into the seat, “Me too.” We sat in silence for a minute, just listening to the radio. “So besides Mom breaking down, how were they the rest of the time?”

“Pretty good, we just relaxed a lot. Mom's trying to learn how to knit, so be sure to make grandma jokes, it pisses her off. Dad and some of his buddies went to that golf tournament.”

“Oh yeah, how'd they do?”

“Uh...don't ask him about it.”

“Figures.” Dad couldn't play golf to save his life, but he apparently loved it. “And Chase?”

“I don't even know. He's so moody lately.”

“Bree, when isn't he moody?”

She snorted, “No, I mean he's been way worse than usual. Literally since the day school let out for break he won't talk to anyone without snapping at them. And at Christmas, he'd barely stay long enough to even eat with us, just kept leaving. I swear that guy needs to get laid.”

Brandon and I left for Arizona the day school let out. Could that – I wanted to smack myself for even thinking me leaving would have anything to do with Chase being upset. I think way too highly of myself. “Yeah probably...holy crap is this all for their party?” Cars were lined up blocks from the house and people were walking towards it. Thankfully we could still get in the garage.

“I'm telling you, this is their big thing every year!”

We grabbed my bag and somehow squeezed through the mass of people and made it upstairs to her room so I could freshen up and change. Bree must have let them know we were on our way because Mom and Dad were already waiting in her room to engulf me in hugs.

“Oh sweetie we missed you!”

“How you doing baby girl?”

I laughed and hugged them back, “I missed you guys too. Why are you up here? You're missing your party.”

“Oh hush! We had to say hi, and plus we have some things for you.” Mom bounced over and sat on the bed where there were boxes of presents.

“Oh. My. Word. You guys…you really didn't have to get me anything.” Now I really felt awful for not getting them anything.

Bree grabbed my arm and pulled me over to the bed, “I already told you, we wanted to.”

I took a deep breath in and willed myself not to cry. God, I had never been an emotional person until I moved here. Mom and Dad showing me how parents should be had made the water works come frequently, and I still wasn’t used to it. Bree got me a new outfit she picked out specifically for tonight, and a Coach purse that I absolutely adored. Mom and Dad got me two pairs of UGGs, an extremely expensive jacket I'd been drooling over since Thanksgiving and a prepaid spa day for us girls. I just sat there with everything scattered across my lap and legs and stared at them through blurry eyes. I tried to speak through the lump in my throat but my thank yous were barely audible. Mom and Dad both kissed my cheek and walked out with Bree, who was going to save Konrad from all the older people downstairs he didn't know. I slowly put the things I wouldn't be using tonight back in boxes for when I took them back to the dorms or Brandon's room and was almost done when there was a soft knock and the door pushed open.

“Hey Princess.” Good God I missed hearing his voice.

“Chase,” I had to clear my throat to continue, “I didn't think you were going to be here.”

“I asked if you were coming to the house.” He replied hesitantly.

“Right, I just figured you meant your house.”

The room was thick with the tension that always followed us around. My heart started racing from his nearness and I silently cursed myself. I really didn’t want any kind of feelings for this guy, and here I was wishing he would try to kiss me again. We sat there watching each other for who knows how long before he walked over and sank down on the floor next to me, handing me a small wrapped box. “Merry Christmas Harper.”

I picked it up and just stared at it, all I could say was “Why?”

“Because you're my favorite, remember?” he huffed and his lips tilted up a little, “When I saw it, there was no way I couldn't get it for you. Please open it.”

So slowly I probably drove him crazy, I took off the wrapping and opened the little leather box. I gasped when I saw the ring inside there. It was a silver band that wrapped into the trinity symbol on top. I'd always wanted that symbol as a tattoo. I looked up at Chase and shook my head in wonder.

“How did you know?”

“You doodle it on everything put in front of you.”

He was right of course, if I had a pen and paper or napkin, it always ended up on there at some point. I just hadn't realized anyone other than Brandon noticed that, especially him.

“Chase…” I couldn't hold them back any longer, tears started falling down my cheeks and I quickly dropped my head hoping he wouldn't notice. He did.

“Don't cry Harper. If you don't like it, or you don't like that it's from me I'll take it back.”

My laugh sounded more like a sob than anything else. “I love it, please don't take it.”

“Then what's wrong?” He tilted my head up and brushed away a few tears with his thumbs. I had to force myself to not lean into his hands, it was the first time we'd had any type of physical contact in over a month. He was a whole new kind of Chase on Sundays, but I'd never seen him like this. So gentle and kind. It made my entire being crave him.

“I've never had this before. Not just the presents…the love that your family has for me. I've never had it until now, and it's so overwhelming. I don't know what I did to deserve it and I don't know if I show them that too.”

“You do. Trust me.” He searched my face for a long time and wiped the remaining tears from my cheeks. “You're special Harper, it's not hard to love you.” Dropping his hands from my face, he stood up and left the room.

After I rinsed off my body, fixed my hair and make-up and got dressed in my new outfit, I grabbed the ring and tested it on my fingers before leaving it on the ring finger of my right hand. Looking in Bree's full-length mirror, I smiled to myself. She really knew how to shop. I was wearing a short sleeved see-through green top that was fitted on my chest and flowed down to cover my bottom, with a black camisole underneath, faded skinny jeans and my black UGGs. I wasn't the best at saying thank you, but I hoped the family knew how much I loved everything.

“Woo! You look hot!”

I spun in a circle to show Bree her creation, “I love it! It's perfect for me.”

“I knew it would be.” She winked as Konrad came up behind her with drinks and they sat at one of the poker tables.

I stood behind her chair and tried not to look like I was searching for Chase. All of a sudden the hairs on the back of my neck stood up and I looked to my right to find him staring at me and unconsciously biting his lip. My face flamed and I tried to pay attention to Bree losing Konrad's money instead of those lips. As Chase walked by, he grabbed my right hand and rubbed his thumb over the ring he gave me before dropping it and sitting at the other end of the table. I watched two games and reveled in Chase's booming laugh as everyone at the table ragged each other for losing money. Konrad stood up after the second game and gave me strict orders to sit in for him and to not lose his money while he went to the restroom. Guess he forgot that I was so horrible people wanted me to play with them because it was a guarantee they would get my money.

“You better just hand over all his chips now Princess, they won't be here by the time he gets back anyway.” Chase teased and flashed his signature smirk.

“It's about time.” Bree whispered leaning into me.

“For what?”

“He must've finally got some. This is the happiest he's been in two weeks.”

Not that I had any right to be, but I was instantly jealous of whoever he had been with. My heart clenched just thinking about Chase in that way. I felt like I was cheating on Brandon with my thoughts alone, and I hated it. Thankfully Konrad came back before I could do any damage, because not only did I not have any idea what kind of hand I had, but I could feel Chase's eyes on me every few seconds and it was seriously distracting. The tension between us was palpable, even in this room full of people and I needed to get away from him. I walked around until I found Mom and Dad sitting at another table and wrapped my arms around her neck.

“How are you guys doing over here?”

“I'm winning! Can you believe it Harper?” Mom's smile was contagious.

“No, have you been cheating?” Bree's family taught me to play, and if anyone was as bad as me, it was definitely Claire.

“Course not! But I'm pretty sure Robert is.” She mock whispered.

I laughed and grabbed her empty beer bottle, “Need another?”

“Oh yes please, sweetie!”

“Anyone else?”

Three other people I didn't know said yes so I headed for the kitchen and grabbed five.

“Nu uh. If I'm not drinking, you're not drinking.”

I shot a sideways glance at Chase, “Well then why don't you have one?”

“Because I don't drink anymore.” He shrugged and looked around the kitchen for a moment.

“Since when?” I hadn't seen him drink in months, but I didn't know he'd actually stopped.

Chase stopped looking around and pierced me with his blue eyes, “Since I was a jackass and hurt my Princess.”

He said my Princess. My. I had goose bumps covering my body. “Huh...I didn't realize.”

“You're the one that told me I should stop.” He said it matter-of-factly.

“But I didn't mean you had to Chase. You're grown, you can do whatever you want.”

“I know. Nothing good ever came from drinking though.”

Who was this guy, and what did he do with Chase? “Do you want to split one? Nothing will happen from half a beer, right?”

He slapped his stomach and raised his voice an octave, “I guess my little body can handle half a beer.”

“You're so dumb. Help me with these, I'm hanging out at your mom's table.” I never could call them Mom and Dad in front of Chase. Thinking about them as my parents when I had these feelings for him was beyond awkward.

We watched Claire win two hundred dollars, without cheating, and even though I kept my beer in between us, Chase never touched it. With five minutes left of the year, everyone bunched around the massive TVs all over the house waiting for the countdown to begin. I found Bree and Konrad and joined them, though I doubt they knew I was there. They weren't waiting for midnight, they already had their tongues down the each other’s throats.

The countdown started and when we hit 'six', I was yanked back to the darkened hall and found the deepest blue eyes staring into my own. His hands cupped my face and the pad of his thumbs brushed back and forth over my cheekbones. I vaguely heard the party chant the final numbers before erupting into cheers and Chase's lips softly pressed into mine. I stood stunned for a few seconds before wrapping my arms around his neck and moving my mouth against his. When he traced my bottom lip with his tongue, I opened my mouth in invitation and he didn't disappoint. My stomach heated and I ached to press my body to his. He stumbled back to the wall opposite where we'd been and grabbed my hips, bringing me to rest between his legs. One hand went back to my hair while the other found its way to the small of my back, bringing me even closer to him and I moaned into his mouth. We poured four and a half months of longing and ignoring our chemistry into that one kiss...when it was over, I knew I'd never be the same. He rested his forehead against mine, and I had to press a hand to my chest, I swear my heart was about to explode.

“Harper.” His voice was rough and passionate, “I will think about that kiss for the rest of my life.” He held me back, stepped away and watched me for a moment, then turned to leave the house.

I stood there watching where he'd just been and tried to convince myself that had just happened. Next thing I knew I was back in Bree's room with my back pressed against the door, I didn't even remember walking up the stairs. I was still trying to calm my heart when my phone beeped and I ran for my purse, disappointment coursed through me when I saw it wasn't from Chase.

Brandon – 'Happy New Year baby. I love you'

Worst girlfriend of the year award should definitely go to me.

***

Five days went by without seeing or hearing from Chase. I hated that that bothered me. I hated that I dreamed about him. I hated that I cared at all. I’m madly in love with Brandon, so why do I have to love Chase too? I was relaxing on Bree's couch, still trying to excuse our kiss when my phone chimed. My heart kicked up a notch when I looked at it.

Chase – 'So...you ever going to come get that tattoo?'

The day we’d decided on our friendship, I’d come home from lunch with Mom and Bree to find him sketching on the couch. When he saw me he’d flipped the book closed and said he was working on a tattoo for me. Only problem? I wasn’t allowed to see it unless I actually got it as a tattoo, and it was finished. Of course I wanted a tattoo, but at that point I’d had a hard enough time just being around him. Having his hands on me for hours would have been torture I wouldn’t survive.

Me – 'When are you free?'

Chase – 'Seriously?'

Me – ':)  Make me an appointment. I'll be there'

Chase – 'We open at four today come in then'

Me – 'Do I get to know what it is first?'

Chase – 'You can see it when it's done. I'm warning you now, it's going to take hours.'

Me – 'Chase I swear if you put something I hate on my body...I'll kill you'

Chase – 'I promise you'll love it'

Me – 'Don't make me regret this'

Chase – 'See you in a couple hours Princess'

This is exactly what I was avoiding. I didn't think I could handle him touching my body before, but now after that kiss? Aw hell, I am going to regret this. I ran upstairs to take a shower and dressed in loose enough clothing that I would be comfortable during and after. I called Brandon to let him know and he was excited for me, so I decided not to mention who would be the one doing it. He would have thrown a fit. I hated even omitting things from him, I knew what I was doing was wrong, and yet I couldn't talk myself out of it. Thankfully Bree was gone with her man until tomorrow, I knew she would be mad when she found out I went without her, but I needed to do this alone. Okay not really, but I wanted to be alone with Chase. I arrived just after four and followed Chase to his section.

“I can't believe you actually came.”

“I know, I'm kind of freaking out.”

His smile fell and he leaned in close, “Then I'm not going to do it Princess. I'll do it whenever you're ready.”

“No, no. I want it today, but I'm afraid it's going to hurt and it's really hard not knowing what it is. Can you please just let me see it?”

“I'm not going to lie to you and say it won't hurt, but it's different for everyone. Some people hate outlines, some hate shading. Some people don't feel a thing, and some hate the entire process. I told you, you'll love what it is. But it's a surprise, I can't tell you.”

“I'm trusting you with this Chase.”

He cupped a hand around my neck and pulled me close, “I know Harper, thank you.” Kissing me softly on my forehead, he dropped his hand and leaned against the counter. I already missed his touch. “Where do you want it?”

“Um...you said it was big, right?”

He nodded.

“Can I know how big? Because the location depends on the size.”

“Turn around.”

“What? Why?”

He smiled and turned my body away. “Because I already have the outline ready to go and I'm about to grab it to get the farthest points, I don't want you to see it.” I heard papers shuffling for a minute before he turned me back around. “This big.”

My eyes widened for a second and I took a deep breath. “Okay, I want it here.” I grabbed the wax paper and put it down on my hip. “I want it to start on the far left side of my stomach and wrap around my left hip.”

His eyes flashed with heat as he took the paper from my hands and rolled up my shirt just past my waist, “Lay down on your side.” I sucked in a breath when he tugged the left side of my pants down a bit, “I'll keep everything covered, I promise. I just need this side further down.”

“Chase?”

“Hmm?”

“You said it's going to take hours?”

“Yeah, probably three. As you can see it's big and the shading is really detailed. That part will take the longest.” He set everything up before turning back to face me, “This is where you need to trust me. I'm about to put the outline on, please don't look.” I shut my eyes and he laughed, “If you ever need me to stop, just tell me, okay?”

“Kay.” I took two deep breaths in and out, “I'm ready, let's do this.”

After the outline was on and he got the tattoo gun ready, he gave my hand a squeeze before putting his hand on my hip. “You picked the perfect spot, this is gonna look awesome.”

“It better.” I warned.

I froze when the needle first touched my skin, but relaxed after the first minute. It wasn't painful like I thought it would be, it was just uncomfortable. I really think the worst part is the sound of the gun.

“You okay?”

“Yep, just pay attention to what you're doing.”

He laughed and continued his work. The outline was done and he was on to the shading in no time, and that's where everything went downhill for me. I'd been so focused on trying to figure out what it was from lines he was making, that I didn't even have time to think about his big hands touching me. And now it was all I could think about. I was trying to do breathing exercises so I wouldn't hyperventilate, but Chase said I was moving too much. His hands gripped and pulled my waist, hip, stomach and butt as he shaded and it took everything in me to stop the shivers that wanted to make their way through me. I ached for his hands to go lower, to feel his long fingers caress me. God this was wrong. Think about Brandon, think about Brandon…I was going through songs in my head when the gun stopped and Chase tilted his head towards me.

“Are you humming?”

“Maybe.” Crap, I hadn't realized I was doing that out loud.

He laughed and ripped off his gloves while rummaging through a drawer. Walking back to me, he handed me his iPhone and a pair of headphones. “You're doing great, I'll be done soon.” He pressed his lips to my neck and went back to work.

The music ended up being a great distraction from the steamy scenarios that were flashing through my mind, but more than once he had to put a hand on my upper thigh to get me to stop keeping time with the bass, and that would start the scenarios all over again. My hip was so numb I didn't realize Chase was done until he placed a quick kiss to my lips. My eyes shot open and I ripped out the ear buds.

“Am I still moving too much?”

“No Princess, I'm all done.” His smile and the way his eyes were shining made my heart squeeze. “Are you ready to see it?”

“You have no idea!”

He chuckled and shook his head slightly, “Close your eyes again, I'll let you open them when we're next to the mirror.”

He placed his hand on my right hip, grabbed my left hand and walked me a few feet away. Turning my body slightly he whispered into my ear, “Open your eyes Harper.”

The first thing I saw was his anxious expression in the mirror. He was worrying his lip waiting for my reaction. I inhaled quickly and his body locked up when I looked down to my left side. It was beautiful. There were four large orange lilies wrapped around my hip, and I couldn't believe how amazing they looked. I stepped closer and took in the perfect shading and detail to each flower. From the sketches I'd looked at and his drawing of me, I had known Chase was amazing, but I'd never thought he could make something like this look so real. His forced swallow was audible, and I realized I still hadn't said anything. But there were absolutely no words. First my ring, and now this? Did anything get past him? I turned to face him and ran a hand through his messy hair.

“Please tell me what you're thinking.”

Unfortunately, I wasn't. I crushed my mouth to his and he quickly deepened the kiss. Right away the other tattoo artists started hooting and yelling for us to get a room. I pulled back and knew there was nothing I could do about the deep blush on my face. Chase led me back to his table and put ointment and a wrap over my tattoo before fixing my shirt, he was all smiles.

“What made you choose those?”

He beamed his white smile at me, “I heard you talking to Bree and Mom about them being your favorite. And ever since that day all I've wanted to do was get you orange lilies, but I knew I'd probably get punched again. This was my way around it.”

“It looks amazing Chase, thank you.”

He shrugged, but he still couldn't contain that smile.

“I'm serious.” I grabbed his face with both hands and brought him close, “I love it, thank you.”

Chase kissed me once and skimmed his nose across my cheek. “God, you're beautiful Harper.”