Page 43 of Mayhem

Why did you leave him in there? What if he finds it?

Too late now. I jump in the shower, taking the quickest shower of my life. I breathe a sigh of relief when I get back to the bedroom and find Chase gone.

I immediately fall to my knees, finding my case and razor still under the bed untouched. I put the items away before grabbing the alcohol pads on the bed and also hiding them in my pack. Then I quickly get dressed and head to the living room.

“That was quick.”

I shrug. “Not used to having a shower. Don’t need much.”

“I see.” He doesn’t meet my eyes. “Do you want to go somewhere?”

“Where?”

“I was thinking breakfast at Hal’s.”

“No thanks. I can’t really afford to eat out.”

“I’m buying.”

“I don’t need charity.”

“Why do you always assume someone wanting to do something for you is charity?” he asks, exasperated.

“Isn’t it? Would you be offering to buy me breakfast if I had money?”

“For your information, I never let a lady pay when we go out to eat. Besides, I was a little harsh last night. Take it as me making up for being a prick.”

I think over his words.

“Fine. I’ll accept your apology breakfast.”

“I never said I’d apologize.”

“Of course not. That’s what breakfast is for. Let’s go. I’m starving.”

He shakes his head. “Lead the way.”

We stay silent the entire ride, but it’s a comfortable silence. Like neither one of us feels the need to fill it with meaningless conversation. It’s nice. One of the reasons I avoid people is because they talk too much. Being with Chase feels right.

Whoa. What the fuck is that about?I think. Why would anything with Chase feel right?

While my brain throws red flags left and right, Chase says something.

“What?” I ask.

“We’re here.”

“Oh. Right.”

We both jump out of the truck and he locks the doors. He leads me inside, getting us a booth by the window.

“What did you want to do with the rest of your day today?” he asks as we wait for a server.

I shrug. “Chill? I don’t know.”

“How about a movie?”

“Wait. Is this a date?”

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