Page 26 of Mine Forever
He sighs. “Well, don’t thank me just yet.”
“Why?”
I don’t like where this is going.
“I have guest rooms, but none of them have beds.”
My eyes practically fall out of my head. “What? Are you serious? Then how am I going to stay here?”
“You’ll stay in my room and I’ll sleep on the sofa.”
I scoff. “Sleep in your bed? Oh no. I don’t think so.”
There’s no way in hell I’ll be able to sleep in his bed among his things.
Everything smelling like him.
No, no, no.
Chase shrugs a broad shoulder. “It’s not really a big deal to me, Eden. You’re the one making it out to be more than it is.”
I put my hands on my head, doing my best not to scream.
Could this really get any worse?
As if answering me—or maybe taunting me—thunder rumbles far in the distance.
Closing my eyes, I take a few deep breaths, trying to think rationally about the situation.
I still need to try and convince Chase to help me. It’s my business on the line here. Not just my livelihood, but the livelihood of my employees. Some of them have families that depend on them.
My ego needs to take a back seat. This isn’t just about me or for me.
For all of those people depending on me, I can do this. I can be under the same roof as Chase Hanover if that’s what it takes to save the business.
“Right,” I say, nodding and facing him again. “I need to get a few things. Is there a drugstore or something in town?”
“There’s a small pharmacy in town, but it doesn’t carry the fancy products I’m sure you’re used to.”
“Knock it off, Chase. I just need some basic things, like a toothbrush and toothpaste.”
And a case of wine to get me through the night.
“Linda keeps that kind of stuff stocked.”
“Who’s Linda?”
“My house manager. But if you really feel the need to head to the store, there’s a grocery store in town. Right off Main Street. We need some food anyway.”
He picks up the drill and box of screws and starts toward his truck. I run to catch up with him. “Well, if you give me a list, I’ll go get some things.”
“No need. I’ll go with you.”
“I don’t need a chaperone, Hanover.”
The materials in his hand land with a clang in the bed of his truck before he turns to me. “For God’s sake, Eden, I’m aware of that. Are you going to fight meat every turn?”
I look away, unable to meet his exasperated stare. My throat thickens with shame and I swallow hard before I speak. “No.”
