Page 169 of Wild Card

His grin widens. “No backtracking. And I’ll give you a few days to let it sink in.”

“What does that mean?”

He shakes his head, the blue of his irises twinkling. “Uh-uh. Not getting into that right now with a room full of people. Taking baby steps.”

“You’re seriously saying I need baby steps?” I practically snarl.

“Careful, Princess. Keep it up and see what happens.”

My stomach churns for a new reason as desire coils low. I want to push him, knowing it always works out in my favor. But a little nagging in my brain reminds me my parents are near.

“I hate you,” I say with absolutely no conviction.

“That’s too bad because I love you, and in about an hour, I plan to show you how much.”

Damn him! Now I’m a puddle of goo.

Wolf pounces to his feet,barking wildly right before there’s a knock at my door. Grandma comes from down the hall; Grandpa doesn’t move from his spot on the sofa, watching the television that didn’t need replacing.

“Someone’s at the door,” he announces casually.

“You don’t say. Is that what that loud knock was?”

“Aren’t you going to answer it?”

“You’re closer.”

“My hip is bothering me.”

Suspicion prickles up my spine. “You’re lying.”

He shrugs as another knock sounds. Wolf is hopping in circles, about to have a doggy fit. I’m a few feet from the door when it dawns on me. “You didn’t!” I hiss.

“Open the door, Willow,” Grandma commands sternly.

This is the last thing I need today. It’s taken more than a few days to get my thoughts together over Chase’s relationship with Bex. My brain swirls with questions about the whole situation. Cleaning out the townhome has been a distraction until today.

Because today my brain space is locked on a bigger issue.

Meeting the parents.

Mark and April Simms are headed into town and staying in the same house I’m temporarily ‘residing’. My nerves have been shot.

And now there’s another drama lurking on my doorstep.

I suck in a breath, mentally preparing as I swing it open. Chase stands there with his arm draped around Bex. My heart stops at the pure anguish on her face.

She meets my gaze and her eyes mist over.

When I glance at him, his expression is pure anger. “It’s been four fucking days. You refuse to acknowledge our calls and texts. She’s fucking hurting. Are you happy with yourself?”

My own anger and indignance dissolve as guilt takes their place. “Bex?”

“I’m sorry we hid our relationship. It was my fault. I begged Chase to give it time, see if it would stick. He pushed me to open up, but I was scared. In the back of my mind, I knew if we didn’t work out, there was a lot at risk. Your family, Wyatt… your friendship is too precious to jeopardize.”

A throaty growl rumbles from Chase’s throat and she gives him a teary smile.

It’s then I notice the love shining in my brother’s eyes. He stares at her with possessive tenderness and adoration. A fewmonths ago, I wouldn’t have recognized the obvious emotions. But now, it’s everywhere I turn.

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