Page 64 of Breaking Point

I’m being paranoid- I know that, but…

"Stay away from him."Crew's voice echoes in my head, and I hate that my stomach twists.

“Chase, this has been great, but-“

“I’ve offended you somehow,” he says, suddenly reading my frown. “I’m sorry. I don't mean to insult you.”

“I know,” I sigh, fiddling with the ribbon in my hair as I look at him. “I know you didn’t. Honestly, I just think…”

I think back to Crew's words from just days ago:

"Stay away from him."

Chase's face falls flat. “You’re not ready.”

I nod. “I’m busy. With work and my business. It’s something I love… I’m not really looking to give that up.”

He spins his glass of wine carefully. “I understand. But I had a good time tonight.” A slow inviting smile plays at his mouth. “We still have a glass or two left. What do you say we finish it off… and then I can take you home?”

I narrow my eyes, considering his offer.“One glass,” I concede, and he flips my empty wine glass, pouring a healthy serving of red before clearing his throat.

I spot Taylor still poised to intervene, but I shake my head and he stands down.

“So, what do you want to talk about?” he prods carefully.

“Tell me more about the work you do with my father.”

He launches into a story, and after a few sips of wine, my face is flush. I smile as he goes on, animatedly using his hands to punctuate his points. The night is cool, and by the time the restaurant empties, I’m sleepily smiling and enjoying the breeze that blows through the patio door.

“We should get back soon.”

He stands, rounding the table to pull out my chair. “I guess I shouldn’t bother offering to take you home,” he says tightly.

“Probably not,” I say as we stroll toward the door with Taylor in tow. The breeze sweeps past, whipping my hair over my shoulders.

“I know what you said, but I’d love to see you again.” He’s smiling with a look that’s all bedroom eyes. There’s not a flicker of attraction. Not a hint of heat. If anything, I just feel a wave of disappointment as my mind wanders to the one person it shouldn’t.

The one person I can’t have.

I’m silent for a beat too long because he scoffs, shaking his head at the ground.

“Goodbye, Liv,” he says, pressing a kiss against my cheek. When he walks away and I still feel nothing, I’m left trying to figure out what the hell I’m supposed to do with myself now.

“Ready to head out?” Taylor says, voice closer than before. He doesn’t push the Chase-subject which I’m glad for.

“Yes please” is all I say before he leads me to the car, and we head off.

Despite my exhaustion, I spend the drive back prickling with energy. Worrying about tomorrow, of all the things I still have to do, and inevitably, ofhim.

Alwayshim.

I know he’ll be there when we get back, and after our last few interactions, I hope to god that he’s late. Chesna greets me at the door, and I smile as she twines between my legs.

Crew sits on the couch, tinkering away on his computer. He lifts his head, but I feel his eyes on me as he and Taylor exchange keys.

“I’ll see you Monday, yeah?” Taylor asks, pausing in the doorway.

I wiggle my fingers goodbye. “Sure. Please say hi to Lydia and the babe for me!”

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