Page 44 of Chasing Lyric
“This has been an experience, Chase. It truly has,” I tell him. “Thank you.”
He stands, walking around to pull my chair back, but I help myself up before he can.
He throws his hands in the air in defeat. “Sorry, habit.”
“You gotta learn, Hallmark. I can manage.” I push my chair back while grabbing my bag.
He purses his lips. “With everything, except oysters.”
I scowl playfully as he places his hand on the small of my back. The gesture sends a shiver straight into my core, and my breath hitches as we walk toward the exit.
We see Sammy, the front-of-house waitress, on our way out. “Put it on my tab, please, Sammy.”
I go to object, but Sammy cuts in before I can, “Sure thing, Chase. Have a good night, you two.”
Chase leads me through the door and out into the chill of the night air. I instantly wrap my arms around myself for warmth. Chase pulls off his jacket and places it around my shoulders.
“Chase, you’ll be cold.”
He waves me off. “But you’ll be warm. It’s fine, Starlight.”
I groan. “And if I argue the point?”
“Like you want to argue about the cost of dinner, too?”
“Exactly. We should split the bill… it’s only fair. I did eat part ofyourmeal, too.”
He leans in, wrapping his arm around me, rubbing up and down my arm as if he’s trying to keep me warm. I think he might be trying to keep himself warm too, but I don’t mind. I’m enjoying him touching me.
Chase’s eyes shift down to me as we enter the parking lot. “I want to take you somewhere. Do you trust me?”
“Ah… not really. I don’t know you, but hey…” I shrug, “… let’s do this.”
He laughs as I reach for the passenger-side door of my truck, but he leans in, opening it for me before I can. I glance at him, his smile beaming wide, while I give him a sharp look. “Mm-hmm… I see what you did there, Hallmark.”
He chuckles, sliding his hand onto my lower back. “I was being a gentleman, Lyri. Now get in the truck.”
“Youwon’twin this game,” I dare him.
“We’ll see,” he states as he dips his head toward the truck with a dirty big grin.
I groan and slide in, shutting the door behind me. Chase is beaming from ear to ear as he moves around to hop in and drive. I inwardly high-five myself. He may think he’s won that war, but I’m only letting him drive because I want to sit and stare at him.
Yeah, Hallmark, you think you’re the victor.
Ha! You drive—I get the view.
Lyri – 1
Hallmark – 0
Yeah, that’s not creepy at all.
He sinks into the seat like he belongs there and grips the steering wheel as if it’s his beloved new toy. “You’re letting me drive.” At least he hasn’t forgotten what a privilege it is that he’s receiving right now.
“Yes. So, don’t screw this opportunity up, Hallmark.”
“Noted. You’re gonna love it. Buckle up.”
