Page 68 of Hard To Love

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chase rolledover with both of us trying to get our breathing back to normal. It took a moment for my mind to catch up to what just happened. I had him back and after tonight, I was never going to let him go again. My body was spent from our intense lovemaking, and my heart was so full it felt like it was going to burst with happiness.

We both turned to face each other. He was watching me slowly as if he were waiting for my next breath. He lifted his hand and traced my bottom lip with his thumb, his blue eyes were appraising mine. “Promise me that you will never leave me again.”

My eyes slid closed, taking in his words while absorbing the moment. How was I supposed to explain to him, that he never truly lost me? That even when we were apart, he still had my heart?

When my eyes peeked open, and saw the worry lines etched across his face, I knew I had to explain it in a way that he would understand. I also knew that I didn’t want him to have one ounce of uncertainty about us. I didn’t ever want him to doubt my love and commitment to him again.

“Loving you is so easy. But living without you was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. You’re it for me, Chase. Don’t ever doubt that. Not only could I never stop loving you, there is no way I could ever live without you again. You never lost me. I’ve been yours since that very first night when you grabbed my wrist on the dance floor and demanded to know who I was.” I smiled, while I reached up with my thumb and brushed along his brow.

His lips spread into a huge, boyish grin. “I knew you couldn’t resist my charm.”

I rolled my eyes, glad that I wasn’t sensing any more apprehension from him.

He reached out, pulling me against his chest. When his arms wrapped around me, his eyes turned serious.” Saying that I love you doesn't seem like enough. I never want to go through again what I went through this past month. I’m not sure I could survive it if you left me again.” Hearing him confirm the hurt I put him through was like a sucker punch to the gut. ”You’re the only thing in my life that feels right. But I need you to promise me that you won’t leave me again, no matter how much I fuck up.”

My eyes blinked away the tears that had formed by the intensity of his pleading words. “I’m not going anywhere, I promise.”

He wrapped his arms around me tightly, anchoring me to his chest. I knew we had a lot to talk about and plenty of issues to work through, but seeing him in that restaurant tonight with that other woman was just what I needed. It was like a switch had flipped inside me. My eyes closed letting his love and strong arms wrap around me. Peace and contentment soon followed as I drifted off to sleep.

The red neon lights on the alarm clock told me it was almost noon. I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes, and slowly padded my way to the bathroom. After combing the tangles out of my hair and brushing my teeth using Chase’s toothbrush, I walked over to his dresser and put on a white t-shirt and a pair of his boxers then made my way to the kitchen.

A shy grin found its way across my face as soon as he came into view, “Wow, you look better in my underwear than I do.” He smirked.

He was standing over the stove wearing a tight black t-shirt and a pair of grey sweat pants. It should be illegal for a man to look that good so early in the morning, scratch that, to look that good period. I made my way over to him, then my arms wrapped around his waist.

He turned around with a huge grin, kissing the top of my head. “Sleep okay?”

“I don’t think I’ve ever slept this late in my life.”

A satisfied look settled on his face. “I must have really tired you out last night.”

I bit my bottom lip, and looked away from him. “Why didn’t you wake me?” I asked walking over to the counter to pour myself a glass of orange juice.

Soft music played through the sound system, as I slid onto a stool at the kitchen island. I watched him move across the kitchen and I couldn't help but notice how attentive he was being with me this morning.

“I was going to surprise you with breakfast in bed.” He said while placing a freshly poured cup of coffee and a perfectly cooked omelet in front of me.

“Thank you.”

The sound of the doorbell ringing echoed across the room. Sitting up in my chair I looked over at him, “Doesn’t the front desk call normally when you have a visitor?”

“Not if they are on the approved list.” He stated as he walked towards the door.

“Chase!” I screeched as he turned to look at me. I fanned my hand across my boxer and t-shirt ensemble, reminding him that I wasn’t dressed.

His grin widened, “And that’s a problem, why?” He asked pulling his lips together to hold in his laughter.

My scolding eyes narrowed at him. “I’m not comfortable greeting company looking like this. What if it’s your dad?”

His gaze did a slow trek up and down my body. “I wouldn’t worry about it; he knows I lost my virginity years ago.”

When he turned around and made his way down the hall, his shoulders shook with laughter. My hands grabbed a roll of paper towels off the counter and chucked it at him. He quickly dodged my assault, and swung the door open.

“Good morning, Chase. Sorry to show up unannounced, but I was in the area and wanted to drop these files off.” I heard a female voice that I recognized instantly, coming from the hallway.

Suddenly, my peaceful and playful morning was rocked, and I wondered what the hell Megan was doing at his apartment and questioned why she would be on the ‘approved visitors’ list.

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