by Melody Grace
“She’s out with Alice,” Luke said. “Seeing that new Blake Callahan movie. But I’m in. Chase?”
“Sure.” He gave a nod. Anything that kept him safely away from Letitia right now was a draw. “I could swing by Grandpa’s and pick him up.”
“I don’t know about that.” Cassie smirked. “He might not be home. He’s got quite the social calendar these days.”
Chase remembered Earl’s ‘special’ friend and smiled. “Scratch that then. But Jackson will probably be at a loose end, too.”
He fired off a text, feeling better. A family get-together was just what he needed to get his mind off more dangerous things, but as he headed into the kitchen to grab some snacks, his sister trailed after him.
“You know you can talk to me,” she said, leaning against the counter as Chase rifled through the pantry. “If you wanted advice, or insight, on say, a certain polished blonde…”
Chase tensed. Was it really that obvious?
“Don’t worry, she hasn’t got a clue,” Cassie said, doing her annoying twin-mind-reading routine. “Although, it’s not like you to hold back and let a pitch go by. Or did you already strike out?”
“Letitia’s not a game,” Chase said immediately.
Cassie raised an eyebrow. “I guess not.” She paused, looking thoughtful. “Then maybe you’re right, keeping your distance.”
He frowned. That wasn’t what he was expecting to hear. “Aren’t you the one who’s been telling me to settle down and find some roots?” he asked, keeping his tone light. “I’d have figured a steady relationship would be number one on that list.”
“Yes, but you’ve just been telling us, you have zero intention of being serious about anyone,” Cassie pointed out. “So maybe you should dial it back a little. Give Letitia some space.”
Chase studied her suspiciously. His sister was usually his number one cheerleader, and she clearly liked Letitia… “Is this some reverse-psychology thing, trying to make me go after her?”
“No!” Cassie laughed. “I really, truly think you should let her be. I don’t want to see her get hurt, that’s all.” she added. “You know that whatever fling you have, it won’t last. You’re not a long-term guy, and she’s looking for more than that.”
Cassie wasn’t telling him anything he didn’t already know, but Chase bridled at the comments, all the same. Did everyone assume the worst about him?
“I’m not some sleazy playboy, leaving a trail of broken hearts all across the country,” he said, defensive. “I’m always honest, and up-front with whoever I’m seeing. You know that. Ever since…” He stopped.
“She Who Shall Not Be Named.” Cassie gave a scowl. “She really did a number on you.”
“We did a number on each other,” Chase corrected her. “That’s the point. I have zero interest in going through that again. Which is why I make sure everyone knows the deal. I’m here for a good time, not a long time.”
Cassie snorted. “When you find yourself quoting country songs, it might be time to reassess your life choices.”
“Funny.” He reached out and ruffled her hair, a move guaranteed to annoy her. Sure enough, Cassie ducked away and gave him a playful shove.
“I’m just saying, knowing something, and actually remembering it are two different things. You can be pretty damn charming, when you put your mind to it,” she added with a grin. “Charming enough to make a woman forget she’s looking for something more than just a good time with you.”
Again, Cassie’s words made sense, but Chase didn’t like the way they sounded out loud. “I know what I’m doing,” he said shortly. “Believe me, there’ll be no broken hearts here.”
“Good.” Cassie leaned up, and gave him a hug. “Because I’m always happy to defend your honor, but I have a sneaking suspicion, she could take me in a fight!”
11
After six slices of pizza, a few hours, and another beer, Chase headed home, but his sister’s words lingered. He knew Letitia wasn’t in any danger of falling for him, but he couldn’t ignore the fact any longer, that it might not just be her heart on the line anymore.
Not that he was in love with the woman, he told himself immediately. He just liked spending time with her, that was all. And as for lusting after her…
Yeah, it was getting downright distracting.
So, for the next few days, he kept his distance: surfing early in the morning, before she was awake, and just sending a brisk, neighborly wave in her direction whenever he saw her out on the back porch. He could have parked his van someplace else, and removed himself from temptation entirely, but that felt like making a public symbol of defeat. Chase could control himself just fine, even with her sleeping up there just thirty feet from his fold-down bed: blonde hair tangled on her pillow, eyelashes fluttering in sleep--
Ahem.
Distance, that was the key. And short of rolling out of Sweetbriar Cove altogether, Chase couldn’t have put any more of it between him and his gorgeous neighbor. He hung out at Earl’s, working on his clients’ websites, helped Luke in his workshop, and somehow found a way to eat dinner with one of his siblings every night that week. By the time the weekend rolled around, he’d just about convinced himself he was cured of his silly, inconvenient crush.
And then he walked into the pub on Friday night, and found Letitia leaning up against the bar, wearing a pair of jeans that damn near stopped his heart in his chest. She had her hair loose, tumbling in golden waves, and a bright smile on her face, talking and laughing a mile a minute with—
Seth.
Chase stopped in his tracks. Since the other man had bailed on sailing, Chase hadn’t given him another thought. But there he was, buying Letitia a glass of wine, one hand resting casually on the small of her back as he guided her over to a romantic table for two.
Had Letitia been dating him all this time? They sure looked friendly, cozied up in the corner together. Chase watched Letitia lean in, murmuring something in Seth’s ear. Her hand lingered on his arm…
Just how friendly had the two of them gotten?
“Well, you look like you need a drink.”
A voice made Chase turn. It was the bartender, Riley, with a bottle of whiskey in one hand, and bourbon in the other. “You read my mind,” Chase said grimly.
Riley put them both down, and reached for the top shelf. “That looks like a twenty-year problem,” he said, pouring a glass of scotch.
Chase gave a wry laugh. Back when he was twenty, this wouldn’t have been a problem at all. He’d have gone straight for Letitia, without a thought to the consequences. “Thanks,” he said, taking a swallow. The amber liquid was smooth, and burned going down, but it didn’t solve the issue sitting across the room. He snuck another look. Now Letitia was giggling.
Giggling!
“I guess I don’t need to ask what’s on your mind tonight,” Riley said, sounding amused.
Chase forced himself to stop staring. “I’m fine,” he lied, taking another drink. “Just dandy.”
“Sure you are.” Riley grinned. “Just let me know when you’re feeling fine enough for a refill.”
He moved off, leaving Chase alone – which was no better. Now he didn’t have any distraction from the scene in the corner. He scanned the bar, eyes landing on a familiar looking guy scowling at his laptop. That’d work. “Problem?” he asked, strolling over.
The man looked up, and Chase recognized him as a chef from town. “I’m trying to update the menu online,” Declan said. “But the company who set up the website has made it impossible for me to change a thing.”
“Yeah, they’ll do that,” Chase agreed. “It’s a sneaky way of making you pay every time you need an update. What did you want changing?” he asked, pulling up a stool, and before long he was explaining hosting sites and SQL options, while Declan recommended the best surfing spots in town. It was almost enough to make him forget about Letitia and Seth’s big date.
Almost.
He gestured for another d
rink, then caught himself. The last thing he needed was to be drunk and light-headed around her, and Lord knew what he might do if his inhibitions took another hit. Tell her that Seth was nowhere near good enough for her, maybe.
Or show her just how a real man could kiss.
“You know what? This would probably just be easier if you built me a new site from scratch,” Declan finally said, closing his laptop in frustration. “I mean, I’d be a paying client, of course. And throw in some of my famous chowder, for good measure. What do you say?”
“I’ll have to check my schedule,” Chase replied. There was movement in the corner of his eye, and he turned in time to see Seth and Letitia exiting the pub. Seth reached for her hand as they stepped through the doors… And she took it.
“Chase?”
“Huh?” He turned back, blank. He’d forgot what the hell he’d been talking about.
“Your schedule,” Declan prompted. “I change my menu daily, so I’d love to do this ASAP.”
“Oh, yeah, I’ll find a way to squeeze you in.” Chase said quickly. “Just make sure that chowder comes with a side of hush puppies.”
Declan chuckled. “It’s a deal.”
Chase quickly got up, and put down some cash to cover his drink, before hurrying out of the bar. The street was quiet when he stepped outside, and he looked around. There they were: walking across the square, hand-in-hand in the glow of the streetlights.
Chase almost started after them, but he caught himself just in time.
What was he going to do, follow them home?
Damn.
He turned away, shamed. He was acting crazy, like some jealous boyfriend. This was supposed to be a good thing. Seth was exactly what Letitia wanted in a man: steady, responsible, and more than ready to settle down and get married. Chase should be happy for her, she deserved to get everything she wanted, but instead, he felt like breaking something; his blood boiling, restless in his veins.
Chase shook his head, and started the long walk home. Maybe that would cool him down. But instead of fading, his jealous itch only grew.
Could Seth really make her happy?
Letitia wasn’t just the polished, breezy woman she presented to the world. She was funny, and wry, and fiercely loyal. She had a vulnerable streak, a yearning for approval and acceptance. Would Seth understand that side of her – or did he only want her for the bright smiles and perfect manners?
Chase didn’t. He wanted all of her, with a hunger that drove him to distraction. Somehow, she’d found a way past his usual cool defenses, and now he couldn’t think of anything else.
He had to hold her.
He had to taste her lips again.
He had to know, did she feel this reckless craving, too?
When he reached the shore, there was a light on inside her house. She was probably there with Seth, having a nightcap, or more. He tried to ignore it, and head for his van, but something made him turn around, and cross the grassy back yard towards her porch.
This was crazy, but it felt as if his feet had a mind of their own. And they knew exactly where to lead him: up the back steps, and onto the porch, to where—
The door swung open, and Letitia stepped outside – and promptly let out a scream that echoed halfway around the bay.
“Woah! It’s just me!” Chase said quickly, stepping out of the shadows.
“Chase!” Letitia exclaimed, clutching her chest. “My god, you scared me.” She took a deep breath, and then another. “What are you doing here so late? Is everything OK?”
Chase swallowed. What could he say to that?
No, you’re driving me crazy, I can’t get you out of my head.
“Where’s Seth?” he asked instead, looking past her, into the house.
Letitia blinked. “That’s none of your business,” she said, and Chase couldn’t take it anymore.
“What if it was?” he demanded, moving closer. She was pale in the moonlight, so beautiful, it hurt. “What if I wanted it to be?”
Letitia’s expression changed. “Chase…” she whispered softly, and dammit, the sound of his name on her lips was his undoing.
He couldn’t fight it any longer. He had to know, if she craved this the way he did.
And so he reached out, and pulled her into his arms, and finally, finally kissed her again.
Letitia didn’t know what was happening. One minute, she was regretfully telling her date that she wouldn’t be seeing him again; the next, Chase was on her back porch, his eyes flashing dark with purpose, his body taut with tension.
And his mouth…
His mouth was the only thing that mattered in the world.
Chase kissed her deeper, and she moaned against him, shocked by the surge of heat crashing through her, and the way it felt to be back in his arms again. Natural. Right.
Like she never should have left them.
Letitia’s head spun. She’d been second-guessing herself since the moment she’d explained to Seth that she just didn’t feel a connection. Maybe she was overthinking it. Maybe she was finding fault for no good reason.
But one touch from Chase, and she knew, there was no mistake. This was the only man she was meant to be kissing.
His was the only embrace that made her world tilt clean off its axis.
She pressed closer, her hands moving to tangle in his hair as his lips teased and caressed hers. Chase eased her mouth open, and slid his tongue deep; a sensuous dance that left her gasping. She was fire and thunder; heartbeat roaring loud enough to blot out the ocean tide. She barely registered the sound of her phone ringing, somewhere inside the house – she was too busy trying to feel every inch of Chase’s torso through his soft cotton T-shirt…
But he pulled back.
Letitia made a noise of protest, reaching for him again, but Chase was breathing hard, looking at her with regret clear on his face.
“Damn.” He swore softly. “That wasn’t… I mean, I shouldn’t have…” He took another step back. “I’m sorry.”
And then he turned and strode away into the dark.
Letitia stood there, dumbfounded. Her pulse was racing like she’d just run a marathon, her legs were weak, and there was a tight ache of desire nestled low in her belly. That had been, without a doubt, the most heart-stopping, earth-shattering, life-ruining kiss she’d ever had.
And he was sorry?
She walked back inside in a daze. She’d only just arrived home: Her bag was still by the door, and her keys on the counter. She poured herself a glass of cold water and slowly walked upstairs.
Sorry…
She stripped off her clothes in autopilot, blindly pulling a silky nightgown over her head.
Sorry…
She went to the bathroom, brushed her teeth, and stared blankly at her reflection in the mirror, removing her makeup with slowly, absent strokes.
He was sorry?!
Letitia stopped. “No,” she said aloud, finally piercing the haze of lust and confusion fogging her mind. He didn’t get to kiss her like that, and then literally run away. He didn’t get to break her weeks of self-control, only to disappear like it had never happened.
Just who did he think she was?
She grabbed her robe stormed downstairs, her anger rising, hot in her chest. Was this guy for real? Maybe he was used to yanking people around in whichever direction he wanted them to go, but she wasn’t going to take his hot-and-cold routine. She was a grown woman, dammit, and she deserved answers.
Now.
Letitia steamed out of the house and across her moonlit backyard, her feet bare in the dewy grass. She reached the Airstream, and hammered angrily on the door.
No answer.
“Chase?” she hollered. “Chase, I know you’re in there!”
“In where?”
His voice behind her made Letitia shriek in surprise for the second time that night. She whirled around – and promptly forgot whatever she’d been about to say.
He was naked.
W
ell, close enough. Chase was dripping wet from the ocean, water running in rivulets down his bare chest, all the way to the postage stamp of a towel that did nothing to protect his dignity.
Or Letitia’s imagination.
“I, umm…” she blinked, her mind blank. Then she realized: “You were swimming?”
“I needed to cool off.” Chase replied, looking tense.
“But… It’s dark out,” Letitia blurted, her frustration still running hot. “There could have been a riptide, or sharks!” she cried. “You could have drowned!”
She heard herself and winced. Was she really lecturing him about swim safety at a time like this? She shook her head. “I need to talk to you.”
Chase exhaled, his expression unreadable. “Look, it’s late. Can we do this in the morning?”
“No.” Letitia insisted, following him into the cabin. It was just as snug as she remembered, but somehow, Chase loomed larger than ever. “You don’t just get to disappear, after doing something like… that.”
He folded his arms across his chest, avoiding her gaze. “I should never have done that in the first place.”
“But you did. We did,” Letitia corrected herself. “So, what are we going to do about it now?”
“I was thinking a lifetime of cold showers and self-loathing, but if you have any other suggestions…” Chase’s lips curled in the ghost of a smile, and Letitia couldn’t help smiling back, despite everything.
“That doesn’t sound very inviting to me.”
“No,” he agreed. “But necessary. Nothing’s changed, Tish,” he said, his voice sounding strangled. “You still want the same things you always have. A husband. A future…”
She knew what he was saying, but her future seemed hazy and far away. He was the one standing in front of her, and she wanted him so much, she could hardly breathe.
And Letitia always, always went after what she wanted.
“You think you can make this decision for me?” Letitia challenged him. She took a step towards him, and Chase lurched back, so fast he knocked into a cabinet and sent his toothpaste and shaving foam tumbling to the ground. He cursed again, rubbing his elbow, looking around like he needed an escape. She would have been offended, except…
