Page 12 of Hard To Love

My head snapped to the side in disbelief, “Really?” Was that the best he could come up with? Remembering her exact words when she walked in, I highly doubted that their relationship was strictly professional.

A smug smile played at the corners of his mouth while his blue eyes looked over my face. “I’m not sure why you would doubt me considering you’ve already lied to me twice tonight.”

Shit, he was right. But, even if there wasn’t anything going on between them, there was no doubt in my mind that he could have any girl in that club that he wanted.

I breathed in slowly, composing my thoughts as I walked towards him with my eyes locked on his.

“You really don’t owe me an explanation, because it’s none of my business who that woman was.”

I hoped my clear clipped tone was enough to convince him that I didn’t give a shit who she was, even though my brain did a small victory lap inside my head at the knowledge.

I drew in a breath, hoping it would clear my head so I could move on from the unsettling encounter and prayed that my words would drive the point home. “I appreciate all the attention tonight, but I really just need to go home and put this evening behind me.”

I wanted to laugh out loud because I couldn’t believe that my first night out, post Brad, had included so much drama. Cassie was going to have a field day.

Talk about stepping out of your comfort zone.

Chase stood there with his strong arms folded tightly across his chest, and a tight little smile formed on his handsome face. “Really? Because that’s not the vibe I am getting right now, and it certainly wasn’t what your body was saying upstairs in my office.”

Suddenly, I was very aware of my surroundings and I noticed that no one was remotely interested in our little exchange. I narrowed my eyes and ground my teeth together. “Excuse me? Are you some body language expert?”

He took a predatory step towards me, and my body immediately took notice of our close proximity. There was an invisible pull between us; it was so electric even I couldn’t ignore it. “I am quite familiar with the human body. Not an expert,” he paused pursing his lips together. “Well, I would hope most would say yes.”

I knew we were playing a little game, but I detected a small bite in his tone. He was trying to get a rise out of me. I decided that it was past time that I took control and finally put an end to our little exchange once and for all.

“Chase, what is your problem? And why do you feel the need to remind me of the kind of guy you really are?” I tilted my head up trying to meet his gaze at eye level. I placed my hands on my hips and moved in closer. It was time to make sure he knew that I was not one of his club bimbos that would just collapse at his feet the second he asked them their name.

Just as I was starting to feel empowered and justified, he started to speak. “Well, let’s see,” he said lacing his fingers behind his head and letting out a deep sigh. “My problem is… Your mixed signals have been frustrating me all night and are driving me absolutely insane. One minute you’re telling me lies to get away from me, then the next minute you’re acting like you can’t enough of me. The truth is that I am not really used to having to chase a girl, and I’ve come to the conclusion I’m not very good at it.”

There was a look of honesty and humility in his eyes that I had not seen before.

He sighed, “I didn’t mean to upset you, I apologize. But, maybe you should get to know me better before you rush to judgment on the kind of guy you think I am.”

I was not prepared for that comeback at all. His words knocked me off balance and my edge started to soften. Even though I felt a chip in my armor, I still felt the need to protect myself because I was convinced that things with a guy like Chase would never work out in the end.

“Why are you saying all this? You barely know me. Why do you care so much what I think?”

“Fuck if I know.” He sounded frustrated again. “But I do know that I’m not ready to let you walk away just yet. Especially like this.”

He was just full of surprises. He either was sincere or he only saw me as a challenge and really wanted to get laid. But as my eyes roamed over his handsome face, there was a softness in his eyes that had me struggling for words.

“Chase, I’m sorry,” I said, taking a step back and hoping the spark I was feeling would dim enough to let me think straight. It was clear my logic had a mind of its own whenever I was near him. “I’m really not in the right frame of mind for a one-night stand, and I don’t want to do anything I might regret later.”

There was something about Chase that urged me to be cautious, but there was also a pull to him that I couldn’t explain. Something told me that if I walked away in that moment, I would regret it later.

“Since a one-night stand is now out of the question,” a small smirk danced on his lips. “Can I at least make sure you get home safely?”

I started to protest but then he stopped me, “I’m really not ready for our evening to come to an end, yet.”

My chest thumped loudly with excitement as it kicked any last remaining resolve away. How could I say no when he was being so cute and honest? I could tell he was out of his comfort zone too by the way he shifted nervously on his feet in front on me while waiting for my answer.

Closing my eyes, I decided that I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to him either. “I don’t know.” I smiled, cocking my head to the side, letting him know that I was warming up to the idea. “My grandmother always taught me to never accept a ride from a stranger.”

“I’m not a stranger. Liam knows who I am.”

A small laugh escaped me. “That doesn’t help you much, because Liam is also a stranger to me.”

His eyes twinkled in amusement, but my gaze was trained on the dimple that just popped out of his cheek. He was completely disarming when he decided to play cute. I really liked that side to him. In fact, I was pretty sure I’d like any side of him.

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