Page 156 of Make Me Trust Again
He winks at me. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Y’all have a very nice day.”
I watch the older man as he slowly makes his way toward the door. After the early morning rush, when everybody was going to work and school, things are finally starting to slow down.
Sighing, I pull out the brochure I found at one of the tables the other day as I was cleaning up after a group of teens. It’s for the community college that isn’t too far from Bluebonnet. I was planning to toss it, but for whatever reason, I couldn’t bring myself to do it.
I nibble at the inside of my cheek as I read over the information, my stomach rolling with nerves. There’re a fewclasses that piqued my interest, but I don’t know what to do about it. I never thought much about college after quitting my freshman year to focus on Kyle. It’s not like I have time for it. And yes, classes seem interesting, sure, but then what? What’s the point in going if I’m not planning to commit to it and get a degree? Do I even have time? My life’s busy as is. Between working, Kyle’s school, activities, and doctors’ appointments, I have my hands full.
And then there’s Chase, who keeps me up long into the night.
Not that I would change it for anything in the world. Being with him’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. He may be distant from everybody else, but when we’re together, he’s all in. And he’s so good to Kyle. Seeing the two of them together the other day did something to me. Chase’s so patient and kind with my son, everything a father should be, and my little boy’s drinking it up like a man starved. Seeing them together only makes me realize how much he has missed in his short life, and that familiar anger at my ex is back. Because that was supposed to be John for the last seven years, he was supposed to love and teach our son, be there for all the moments, big and small, but he never bothered.
The bell chimes, breaking me out of my thoughts.
My head snaps up, and all the dark thoughts leave my mind when a pair of hazel eyes meets mine.
I let out a shaky breath, the warmth pooling in my belly as the man, who was just on my mind, enters the café. The corner of his mouth lifts a little, and seeing that tiny smile makes my heart skip a beat. My teeth graze over my lower lip as he just watches me for a moment, his long steps eating the distance between us.
“Hey.”
“Hi.” I let my lip pop, my voice coming out raspy. “What are you doing here?”
His gaze falls to my mouth, those hazel eyes turning a shade darker as he slowly moves closer to the counter, his voice dropping lower. “I’m on my way to school, but I wanted to see you.”
“Oh.” I blink, my heart doing this weird little flip inside my chest as I try to process his words, the silent meaning behind them.
Color fills my cheeks.
I wanted to see you.
Chase Williams, the most reclusive, antisocial man I know, willingly came to the café so he could see me?
My stomach tightens, and all the emotions I’ve been fighting for the last few weeks come back to the surface with one simple sentence. How can a few words make you feel so much? When was the last time somebody said that to me besides my son? Never. I was never put first. Never needed or wanted by a man, not like this. And it feels good. It feels so freaking good.
Those hazel eyes turn molten as he slowly moves closer to the counter. Like a hunter zeroing in on his prey. He takes me in, and that familiar tingling sensation simmers under my skin from his gaze alone. One look from him. That’s all it takes. One look from Chase Williams, and I’m a breathless, blazing mess.
God, how I want to feel his mouth on me. Feel those full lips press against mine as he kisses me expertly. Feel the burn of his stubble against my skin as he peppers kisses over my body until I’m completely lost in him.
As if he can read my thoughts, a low, almost warning rumble comes out of Chase’s throat. He leans closer, and for a split second, I think he’ll kiss me, but we’re interrupted.
“Hey, Rose…” We pull back just in time to see Rebecca come to a sudden stop. Her gaze shifts between the two of us, eyes narrowing slightly. Did she see… something? I bite the inside of my cheek, holding my breath, until she finally props her handson her hips and focuses those sharp eyes on Chase. “Well, I’ll be damned. Are the pigs flying?”
“What?”
“Don’t you give me that look, Chase Williams.” Rebecca points her finger at him. “You’re here, and I didn’t have to call you first and beg you to get your ass out of the house or trick you into doing so, so you can’t blame me for thinking that hell has frozen over.”
He shakes his head. “You’re crazy. It’s not like I don’t go out.”
“Not before being dragged by the ear! So what gives?”
“He’s doing me a favor,” I interject quickly, both sets of eyes turning to me. “Kyle asked him if he could come for his career day at school, and Chase agreed.”
“I took the dogs.” Chase points at the door. “They’re actually waiting for me in the car, so I better get going. Can I just grab Kyle’s booster seat? I figured I’ll drive him home later.”
“Oh.” I blink, surprised by the offer. “Are you sure? I can?—”
“I’m already there.” He shrugs. “Besides, didn’t you say you’ll be staying late?”
