Page 54 of Mine Forever
Silence surrounds us, leaving only the sound of the knife blade hitting the cutting board.
Outside, the wind continues to howl and the rain keeps beating against the house.
In spite of the fit Mother Nature pitches beyond the windows, a relaxed sort of peacefulness settles in my bones as I watch him work.
Then again, up until ten years ago, Chase had always been my safe space.
It’s no mystery why my heart has had a void in it since the day he left for the majors.
I’m sure my therapist would tell me the fact that I’m in his house that’s built like Fort Knox against the elements during a hurricane isn’t a mistake.
“Anything I can help with?”
“No, I’ve got it under control. Just enjoy your beer.”
I slide onto a barstool and lean back, letting my shoulders relax after working in a less than ergonomically friendly position. “I won’t say no to that.”
As I watch Chase assemble dinner, I think back with a smile to the few times he’d cooked for me before. “You know, this isn’t the first time you’ve cooked for me on this island.”
He looks over at me with a smile, stirring the spicy mix of meat and veggies. “I remember. When we came over here for the day on spring break and pitched a tent on the beach. These are better surroundings though.”
I laugh. “No doubt. Although, I admit camping on the beach was pretty romantic. Until we got caught.”
“The guy who busted us just retired from the sheriff’s department here last year.”
“Seriously? Did he remember you?”
“Unfortunately.”
“Oh no,” I say, laughing.
“He was cool about it. You know, gave me that elbow nudge, wink thing.” He mimics the motion, which makes me laugh harder.
“Oh, that’s classic.” I sip my beer. “I will say though, this food smells better than what you cooked back then.”
He lays a hand over his heart in mock hurt. “You mean, you didn’t enjoy my grilled mystery meat on a stick?”
I wrinkle my nose. “Yuck. Well, I’m lying. I did enjoy it back then. But I think our palates are a little more refined these days.”
“Definitely,” he says with a grin. “At least, in some areas.”
His eyes are full of heat and make my skin flush. I don’t know what to make of that comment or the look he’s giving me.
Or the change in his attitude toward me.
I narrow my eyes at him. “Why are you being so nice to me? Where’s Chasey McGrumpypants?”
He stops midstir and turns to me. “Did you just call me Chasey McGrumpypants?”
“That’s my new nickname for you.”
“You make me sound like a Sesame Street character,” he grumbles.
I point at him. “Hey, it sounds like he’s coming back. Whew.” I mimic wiping sweat from my brow. “I thought I’d lost him there for a minute.”
He rolls his eyes and lowers the heat under the pan before turning to me. “It’s like you said. This isn’t the scenario either of us wanted, but it’s what we have. There’s no reason to make this any harder than it has to be. I’m trying. Okay?”
His eyes are sincere, even if those full lips are frowning.
