Page 48 of Hard To Love

A throat clearing interrupted us, reminding me that there were others in the room. Backing away, I wiped my lips as Chase laced our fingers together, leading me to the living room.

The men were sitting casually on the couch, drinking beer and eating pizza, chips and salsa. In spite of his tastefully decorated apartment, the men had turned the room into a makeshift fraternity house. The Yankee’s game filled the 70” flat screen as the organ music and cheers of the crowd rolled through the surround sound system. The sight of them just hanging out like regular guys made me smile.

Liam jumped from the couch as soon as he saw me, “Hey gorgeous.”

“It’s good to see you.” I said into his shoulder as he pulled me in for a quick hug.

As I pulled away, a taller gentleman with thick, black, spiky hair extended his hand, “Well it’s nice to know that you really do exist. I’m Nick.” His smile was warm and friendly.

I shook his hand and replied “Hi, Nick, it’s nice to finally meet you. I’m Emily”.

He looked at me with a twinkle in his eye.” I can see now why Chase has kept you hidden. If I had girl who looked like you, I wouldn’t want you out in public either.”

Nick was handsome, like the rest of the men in the room. He was dressed in a pair of faded blue jeans with a white t-shirt. Regardless of his laid-back appearance and easygoing demeanor, something told me that this man could melt the robe off of a nun with just one look if he wanted to. I was going to need to keep an eye on him.

Chase playfully punched Nick in the shoulder. “Hey, no flirting with my girlfriend.” They both laughed as I rolled my eyes in mock embarrassment. Chase pointed towards another man, whom I assumed was his brother, Colin.

I walked slowly over to him and extended my hand, “Hi, I’m Emily. You must be Colin. I’ve heard so much about you. It’s nice to finally put a face with the name.”

Colin grabbed my hand for an unenthusiastic handshake. He looked first at Chase and then at me. “Likewise.” The resemblance between the two was there, but the warmth I felt from Chase was missing in his brother’s eyes. I felt like he was inspecting me like a side of beef and by the way his gaze slid over me, it looked like he was not impressed.

Chase gave my hand a tight squeeze, then looked at his brother, “Well, I’ll walk you out,” he said, with a little tick to his jaw. Something told me they would be having a little chat on the way out the door.What the hell was that about?

Liam coughed into his hand. “I guess that’s my cue to leave considering that I’m the one driving Colin home!” He brought his mouth to my ear, “Tell your roommate to stop avoiding me and return my calls.”

I silently gave him a nod and prayed that Cassie got her shit together sooner rather than later.

Nick patted the seat on the living room sofa, calling for me to come join him. I sighed, trying not to look so deflated by how uncomfortable Colin made me feel. Nick handed me a beer.

“Don’t pay any attention to Colin. He’s just stressed out right now. Try not to take it personally.”

I bit my bottom lip and looked down at my beer and tried to mask my disappointment. “I’ll try not to.”

Nick plopped back into the couch and placed his feet on the coffee table. He crossed his long legs, then turned towards me “So, I understand you work in real estate.”

Setting my beer down on the table, I replied, “That would be correct.”

“Chase told me the name of the company, it’s a pretty good sized real estate firm. It’s got a great reputation, you must be very good at what you do.”

“Yes, thank you. I’m very lucky. It just so happens that my friend Jack’s family owns the business. He was my in. But that doesn’t mean I’m not good at what I do and I don’t deserve to be there. Like you said, they have an outstanding reputation, which means they don’t just take anyone off the street.” I told him trying to clarify and hoping I didn’t sound overly confident. Truth be told, I liked what I did and I would like to think I was very good at it.

Nick nodded his head with the corners of his mouth tugging into a grin, “Oh, that’s right. Jack, the one you tried to pass off as your boyfriend the night you met Chase.”

My eyes closed of their own accord and I let out a loud groan, “He told you about that?”

Nick’s eyes danced with humor. “He sure as fuck did.” He chuckled. “Serves him right.”

“How so?” I asked, tilting my head trying to bite back my smile. I really liked Nick so far. There was something about him that just made you like him instantly.

Nick threw me a wicked grin, “You made him work for it. Glad he got to see how the other half lives. Shit usually comes way too easy for him.” As soon as the words left his mouth, I could see the regret forming in his eyes.

His features softened. “Shit, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.”

I forced a smile, hoping it would hide my discomfort. “It’s okay Nick, I know about Chase’s reputation.”

“For what it’s worth, he’s different with you. I think that lifestyle is in the past. I’ve never seen him so happy. Whatever you’re doing keep doing it.” He said, throwing his hand out to me for a fist bump.

I let his words pour over me. I loved the fact that his friends had noticed a change in him, since he met me.

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