Page 8 of Hard To Love

“No, thanks. I’m good!” I had to force myself to look away, knowing he would likely get bored with me soon enough.

He blew out a breath. “Okay, no drink then. How about I sit out here and keep you company until you’re ready to go back inside?”

“Thanks for the offer, but that’s not necessary.” I faked a yawn and stared down at my feet. How much longer would he play this game? There was no way he was genuinely interested in me.

He stood up, and placed his hands on his hips. “You’re notgoing to make this easy on me, are you?”

My eyes dropped to the ground, trying to ignore the goose bumps that were breaking out across my skin. Forcing a smile, I tried to ignore the way my heart was skipping over itself and the way his obvious interest made my stomach flutter.

“Chase,” I swallowed, through the thickness of my throat. “You seem like a nice guy, but I’m afraid you’re wasting your time.” His confident smile left his face as I stood up, hoping to make a hasty exit. “I should get back to my friends.”

He placed his strong fingers under my chin, causing me to still. “What makes you think I am wasting my time?” he asked, with his eyes devouring my face.

He was studying me as if trying to get a read on what I was thinking. Good luck with that buddy. I wasn’t even sure what the hell was going on in there at the moment.

He furrowed his eyebrows as if the pieces were slowly starting to click together. “Why do you have a hard time looking at me?”

His warm breath was tickling my skin, making me want to encourage his interest. “I’m sorry, I’m just tired. I really should get back to my friends. It was nice meeting you.”

The corners of his mouth pulled into a grin. “Okay then. Can I walk you back into the club?” He motioned towards the door. “I wouldn’t be wasting my time, since we both have to go back eventually.”

His tone was confident and unflappable. My brain searched for a reason that would justify why I was so overwhelmed and attracted to him. I recounted my drinks and realized that I hadn’t had enough liquor to even be buzzed.

My feet shifted uncomfortably. “Sure.” I nodded, and started to walk back.

I was already three steps ahead of him when I felt his hand grip my elbow, effectively pulling me back, so we were walking alongside each other. I could see him smirk as we walked the remaining steps together. He held the door open for me like a perfect gentleman as we re-entered the club.

As we made our way through the crowd, a few people approached him, trying to strike up a conversation. I figured by the amount of attention he received, he must frequent the bar.

They provided enough of a distraction to give me a moment to slip away. I veered off, hoping to put some distance between us. It was only when he saw me planning my escape that he quickly signaled to his friends that he would speak with them later. It didn’t take long for his long muscular legs to catch up to me. I felt his hand on the small of my bare back, which sent a small chill down my spine. The touch of skin on skin was impossible to ignore, and I found myself praying for someone to start a diversion so I could run away.

I looked across the bar and spotted my friends. As quickly as I could, I picked up my pace and broke the connection between us. Oh, thank god, I thought, then allowed my breathing to return to normal.

As I approached Jack, he took one look at me then his brow dropped. “Are you okay Emily?” he asked, before placing his arm around my shoulders.

“I’m fine.” I reassured him.

I could feel Chase watching me, so I turned my head and our eyes connected, I could see the questions in his, bouncing between my face and the hand that rested on my shoulders.

Undaunted, he slowly made his way over to our table. I could feel the nervous excitement building inside with every step he took. As he got closer, I heard Cassie gasp in approval. She was sizing him up as a potential hook up, and I felt my jealously kick into full gear.

Liam was the first to greet him, “Hey buddy, how’s it going?” He reached out to shake Chase’s hand.What the hell?I thought to myself. Do they know each other?

Chase left his gaze on me while addressing Liam. “I’m glad you could make it tonight. I wasn’t sure if you were coming. Are these the friends you told me you were bringing? How about some introductions?”

My brain screamed at me to look away and break the connection, but I couldn’t make a move. The air between us crackled with so much intensity I could feel it crawling in my throat.

Liam took a sip of his beer and cleared his throat “Oh, sorry man. This is my buddy, Jack.” They quickly shook hands and I couldn’t help but notice Chase size him up. Liam then gestured towards Cassie and I. “These are his friends Cassie and Emily,” he said, pointing in my direction. I was so busted, but surprisingly Chase seemed to find that quite amusing.

He slowly raised one eyebrow, causing my cheeks to flush in embarrassment. “Hello ladies. It’s a pleasure to meet you both. And Emily,” he said with a smirk on his face. “You must have a twin, because I just met a girl that looks like you but her name was Brooke.”

Luckily no one picked up on his sarcasm, but it didn’t stop my heart from hammering against my ribs.

Jack tightened his grip around my shoulders. “Are you sure you’re okay, Em?” His voice was full of concern.

“I’m fine.” I looked up and saw Chase’s jaw as he worked it back and forth. I swallowed hard, finding it hard to speak. I patted Jack’s shoulder, as I slowly backed away. “I’m going to the restroom to freshen up. I’ll be right back.”

My legs could not move quickly enough as I made my way to the bathroom. Once inside, I looked at myself in the mirror and saw that my cheeks were completely flushed.What is this man doing to me?I thought as I splashed a little cold water on my face.

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