Page 102 of Stolen Kisses

"Hannah, trust me. There are enough Sterlings to go around. They'll manage without us. Besides, they didn’t really plan on us being here today. I told them I wanted to take you away."

"Really?"

"Of course. That’s why Mom was extra nice to me today."

I laughed. "So your brothers were onto something."

"They were," he admitted.

Once we stepped outside, we headed straight to the car.

"Where are we going?" I asked when he backed out of the driveway.

“First, we’re going to stop by your place so you can pack something for overnight. Then we’re going to Palm Springs."

I grinned from ear to ear. “That’s amazing," I said. “I've never been.”

He winked. "I know. I spoke to Blair a bit about it."

"What?"

"I was trying to find out what you might like."

"When did you talk to my sister?"

"I was talking to Josh, and one thing led to another."

I nodded. “I see. Josh is warming up to the idea of us dating, huh?”

“Blair’s softening him up. Anyway, I figured a getaway would do you good. You were pretty upset yesterday.”

"Wait... you planned this yesterday?"

"Of course," he said.

How was I so lucky with this man? I'd been married for two years, and the man I'd called husband couldn't care less how I felt. Yet Chase immediately wanted to take care of me.

"Thank you," I replied sincerely.

We drove straight to my place. I beamed the whole way.

"I wanted to take you away this morning, but I was sure you'd fight me on it."

I grinned. "You guessed right. And I really enjoyed the morning, spending it with your family. Thank you."

"Sifting through old books with Mom?"

"I like talking to her, finding out a bit more about you and your brothers."

"I can tell you whatever you need to know."

"Mothers have a different perspective."

"Do you want to talk about yesterday?" he asked. “I figured you might after you’ve had some time to mull it over.”

How did he know me so well?

Before Chase, all I would've wanted was to stay indoors and curl up with a book. I'd never been one to want to share what I was going through, not even with my sister or my mom, but Chase made me feel safe and loved. I trusted him and felt my entire body relax into the seat.

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