Page 24 of Committed to You

“What are you doing?”

“I’m going to put it in your room so you aren’t worried about it. Pick a movie,” he yells back.

I pick up the remote, scroll through the menu, and choose one. Turning on my side, I slide down the couch and curl up into the pillow.

About fifteen minutes later, Chase brings in a tray with a bowl of chicken noodle soup and a mug of ginger tea.

I sit up, and he sets the tray on my lap, brings one for himself, and sits on the other end of the couch.

“Thanks for taking care of me,” I say.

He turns and leans his head back against the couch. “Happy to do it. No thanks needed.”

“You’ve gone out of your way. Thank you.”

“It’s not out of my way to take care of you.”

I don’t say anything as my pulse creeps up again.

“Eat.” He points to my tray. “And finish all the tea. It’ll help.”

We spend the rest of the night watching movies and talking, and the next day I wake up in my room, under the covers. Chase is asleep on top of the quilt in his clothes. I’m lying in his arms, snuggled into his chest, so I don’t move or wake him.

Not only do I feel much healthier but safe and loved in his arms. But I should have remembered that I don’t go for cocky guys.

6

Chase

Three days in,things have gotten quite comfy between Jamison and Quinn, and Vivian and me. I’ve refrained from making any moves on Vivian because she’s friends with Piper, and I don’t want her to feel uncomfortable staying at my house. I continuously remind myself to keep it in the friend zone, but I’m losing my will. Every moment I spend with Vivian shows me a little more of why she’s so amazing. She’s sexy, smart, and easygoing. I can tell from talking to her that she’s a really skilled real estate agent and serious about her career, as well as a great friend. She’s kind and funny, and there is undeniable chemistry between us that I haven’t felt…well, ever.

While Jamison and Quinn relax in the living room. Vivian and I are in the kitchen making dinner. We lost a bet. Wrapped in an apron, she rolls out the dough, and shows me how to make noodles. Flour is on her cheek from where she wiped her hand, and when I reach to brush it off, she freezes.

Her beautiful eyes look up at me. I’m leaning in to kiss her, and her mouth is inches from mine when I hear, “Seriously, Chase? Thursday is my day.”

I snap my head over to see Meredith, one of my friends with benefits, standing with her hands on her hips and glaring.

Crap. What is she doing here?

“Meredith,” I coolly say, “did you not get my cancellation text?”

“I was running late and haven’t even turned my phone on today.”

“Well, next time, make sure you do before you come over. Sorry, you came out, but today is a bad day. I have company.”

“Yeah, I can see that,” Meredith sneers, giving Vivian the evil eye.

Vivian glares at me as well then wipes her hands on the dishtowel and takes off her apron. “I’ll leave you two alone.”

Damn it. The last thing I want to do is hurt Vivian.

“You don’t need to go. Meredith is just leaving,” I say sternly.

Vivian gives me a disgusted look and leaves the kitchen.

Meredith slinks over and puts her hands on my chest. “I think we are alone now and can resume our normal activity.”

I grab her hands. “Not today, Meredith. Sorry, but you need to leave. Check your messages next time.”

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