Loving Chase: An Enemies-to-Lovers Romance Novel

by Tania De Melo

  “Does this belong to your family?” Dylan doesn’t say anything for a moment, still taking it in. It’s not hard to tell that this place is special to him.

  Giving my hand a light squeeze, he then lets it go and moves toward the kitchen area. It’s all open concept, so you can see clear through from one side of the cabin to the other. Taking off his coat and hanging it by the back door, he motions for me to do the same.

  “At one time before she married my father, this is where Chase’s mom used to live. I mean, I was little, but my memories are that it had a lot more color back then. I guess after she married my dad, it got a facelift. But what you see now is how I mostly remember it.” He lets out a chuckle. “You know there was a time when this place felt more like home than anywhere else.”

  “When was the last time you were here?” I ask, moving to stand across from him at the counter.

  His shoulders relax, and it’s like he’s been brought back into the moment. “It’s been years. Truthfully, I think it was when I was too young to know any better. The last time I was here was when it all hit me. That no matter how often I came, hoping that maybe my stepmother would come back, it was never happening. Everything my father had said about her was true. She was in it for the money, and once she got it, she was out.”

  “It hurt you when Chase’s mom left, didn’t it?”

  “She had us all fooled.” Dylan takes a deep breath then looks to me, and that’s when I see it—the pain. “How can someone do that? How can someone pretend to love a kid and treat them like they are everything in the world, and then for a nice fat bank account, just leave?”

  I want to reach out to him say something that would fix everything that she broke when she left, but I can’t. I see now that with Dylan, it’s going to take time. This isn’t just damage done by a woman that left a child; this is about years of believing he wasn’t good enough. Years of being told she didn’t love him enough to make her want to stay.

  Dylan straightens his posture, standing tall and quite intimidating. “This was a mistake. I should never have brought you here. This whole thing is one big mistake.”

  Straightening my posture to match his, I reply, “I’m guessing when you say this whole thing, you’re referring to you and me?”

  With his arms crossed, he leans in. “I was stupid to think this was something I wanted. I was listening to everyone else around me when I should’ve just stayed true to what has always worked.”

  I step around the island, now within reach of him. “I’m not going to let you do this, Dylan.”

  Letting out a boom of laughter, he leans in further. “No woman’s ever been able to get her nails into me; do you honestly think you of all people can?”

  “I know what you’re doing, Dylan. Believe it or not, I do have you figured out. I won’t let you push me away this time. This shield you’ve put up is keeping out the bad but also the good. Dylan, you just need to let me in.” I reach for his hand, taking it in mine with no resistance. “I’m not out to hurt you.”

  “Velyn, you say that now, but it’ll change,” he murmurs, his belief heard to be genuine in his tone.

  I look into his eyes, but he turns away. “Dylan, look at me.” I grab his chin, turning his head back. “Don’t look away. I’m right here and I need you to really look at me. You say you shouldn’t have listened to the people around you, then do me a favor and stop listening to the ill-intentioned words of your father, and listen to yourself for once.”

  He tries to pull away, but I grab both of his hands, bringing them around my waist, and that’s when I feel it…the tremble. I bring my hands to his face. “Dylan, why did you bring me here?” His expression remains stoic. “Please, tell me.”

  With his eyes searching mine, he tightens his grip, rubbing my sides gently with his thumbs. “I wanted to show you.”

  “Show me what?” I ask, prompting for more.

  “What my life was supposed to be like. A time when I was happy.” It’s back; the vulnerability and the innocence of him wanting what was taken away.

  I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him closer and whispering in his ear, “Give me a chance to make you happy.”

  He moves his lips closer, searching for mine. The kisses start soft, slow, and planned, as if though each one serves a purpose. Then effortlessly, he lifts me on the counter, our lips never losing touch.

  This exact moment is when I know without a doubt that everything is going to change for us, and good or bad, I have a feeling it’s going to be unforgettable.

  Chapter 17

  Dylan

  “Okay, let’s go over the rules.”

  Velyn and I both look to my brother, who has placed himself right in between us.

  “Chase, we’re going to see a movie—there are no rules other than sit down, shut up, and phones off,” I say.

  He looks to me then to Velyn. “Oh, how soon you forget. Remember last week’s date night? With how the two of you were carrying on, you would’ve thought we had slipped into a peep show.”

  I smile at the memory then look at Chase. “I would like to point out where you mentioned, ‘date night.’ As in a boy and a girl. A couple. Not a boy, a girl, and a boy’s little brother.”

  “Well, I would like to take this time also to point out that Velyn and I made a pact. She promised that even though she was now your girlfriend, I would not become irrelevant.”

  I look to Velyn, who’s currently happily indulging in a bucket of popcorn. “What pact?”

  She looks to me with a mouth full, then swallowing says, “It was a pinkie swear, babe. He got me with those baby blues and thick lashes—I couldn’t refuse.”

  I let out a sigh as though inconvenienced, but they know I’m not. Not in the least. I honestly love that Velyn makes it a point to include Chase on our date nights. I love my brother, and knowing that Chase is as important to her as he is to me, makes it feel right that I could definitely fall in love with her—if I’m not starting to already.

  It’s been two months since that day at the cabin, and things with Velyn and I are good. She has her moments as do I; however, hers have more to do with her father than anything else. It angers me to no end the amount of bullshit she puts up with from him. But I guess in a way that’s what makes me believe in her. Any person who’s willing to stick through that much shit with just the smallest glimmer of hope has to be one exceptional human being.

  Chase moves forward. “I call the back. In case you two decide to get handsy again, I don’t want another thirty-minute lecture from the offended elderly couple behind us. I’m pretty sure last week the wife said something about a public flogging for indecency.”

  I look to Velyn with a brow wiggle, and she breaks out in laughter which gets Chase’s attention. “You think that’s funny? I’ll be sure to let Pearl and Henry know you thought so. We have Euchre night planned this Friday.”

  “Pearl and Henry?” I question.

  Chase nods. “Yep, and let me tell you that Pearl holds no prisoners in negotiations. I had to promise to be a fourth so that we wouldn’t get banned from the theatre.”

  “Who’s your partner?” Velyn asks.

  “Her granddaughter.”

  Velyn and I look to each other. “Set-up!”

  Chase waves us off. “Doubtful, she’s in her forties.”

  I laugh. “Well, hello, Mrs. Robinson.”

  Both my brother and Velyn turn to me, brows raised. “What? I can do metaphors too.”

  Velyn moves over, wrapping her arm around my waist, taking me into a side hug. “We know, babe, it’s just, that was a good one. Your brother and I are going to have to step up our game.”

  Chase lets out a sigh. “Velyn, we talked about you feeding his ego. It’s big enough; he can do without the extra fluff.”

  I give my brother a little nudge on the shoulder. “Hey, remember who bought the popcorn.”

  Chase looks over his shoulder. “Are you talking about the tub your girlfriend’s curr
ently hogging?”

  “Hey!” Velyn cries through a mouthful. “I was going to share.”

  I lean down, taking her buttery lips with mine. “You just did, and might I add it was the best popcorn butter I’ve ever had.”

  She looks up to me with a smile as chase lets out a groan. “You two make me want to hurl. Get in there and grab us some seats while I grab more popcorn, which I won’t be sharing.”

  “Come on, Chase. If it makes you feel any better, we can call up Pearl’s granddaughter.” I joke, and Chase rolls his eyes, walking off toward the concession while Velyn and I make our way into the theatre, taking our seats.

  “You know he’s not going to want to come out with us if we keep misbehaving,” Velyn says.

  I shrug. “Chase loves us! Until he finds someone other than Pearl, Henry, and their granddaughter to hang out with, I think we’ll remain his top choice.”

  Velyn narrows her eyes. “He would never; he’s my best friend.”

  “That’s right; you have a pact and everything.”

  She gives her head a sharp nod. “That’s right, but better to be safe than sorry. We should invite Pearl, Henry, and the granddaughter to Canasta night with Stu and Joan. You know, to check them out.”

  “You do remember that these are the same people that suggested a public flogging as punishment for making out in the theatre?” I mention.

  “Exactly! Radicals. We need to be wary.”

  I let out a chuckle. “I think Pearl and Henry are safe, babe. Besides, if he’s with them, that means Friday night is just you and me.”

  Velyn’s brows perk up. “Whatever will we do?”

  I roll out a low, sinister laugh. “Oh, Miss Adler, I have a few things in mind, and all of which consist of you naked in my bed.”

  Ahem!

  We both look to one another, eyes wide, then turn to the older couple seated in front of us. Without a second thought, Velyn lets out, “You wouldn’t happen to play Canasta, would you?”

  That was it! Just like that, at that exact moment, it was undeniable— I was in love with Velyn Adler.

  The next morning the first thing I do is reach for my phone. After dialing, it rings only once before there’s an answer.

  “Well, good morning, handsome.”

  I pull the phone away from my ear and look at the contact name on my screen, yep, it says Velyn, but it sure doesn’t sound like her. Then I remember she was staying a little longer at work every morning this week to save up money for her second term books. Just another reason why I get so angry about the way things are with her father. The man’s useless—she shouldn’t have to work so hard and be the only one to take everything on. Of course, when I offered to pay for the books, she wouldn’t have it. She blows me away. No matter what obstacles are put in front of her, she doesn’t just jump over it; she walks right on through crushing it with every step.

  “Joan?”

  “The one and only, sweetheart. I’m guessing since you’re calling Velyn’s phone, you’re looking for her?”

  “I was, but your sexy voice is just as welcome,” I say.

  Joan lets out a hearty chuckle. “Now, you know all that sweet-talking will most definitely get you everything plus some.”

  I laugh. “What about an extra side with my hoagie?”

  “Everything except that. You know Stu already thinks I feed you too much; the extra side may put him over the edge,” she replies.

  I let out a sigh. “Very well, I guess I can manage to go without.”

  Joan breathes off an easy laugh. “Velyn will be right with you, Dylan. She’s just ringing out her last customer.”

  “Thanks, Joan.”

  There’s only a moment in between Joan handing off the phone and Velyn’s sweet voice ringing in my ears. “Good morning! You’re up early. I thought you didn’t have class until eleven?”

  Giving my body a quick stretch, I let out a strangled groan. “I don’t, but my bed was cold without you in it last night. Empty and cold.”

  “Aww, my poor baby. You must’ve got next to no sleep,” she titters.

  I let out a groan. “You mock, but my sacrifice is real.”

  “Dylan, your libido will just have to adapt. I can’t stay at your place every night.”

  “Why not?” I question.

  “Because I have a home of my own and a father that needs to know his daughter’s still alive,” she offers in reply.

  “Oh, that…easy fix. I have a king-size bed; we can make it a family room.”

  A muffled gag comes over the phone. “Yeah, okay, no. That’s just all kinds of weird. But I’ll give you a thumbs up for knowing what a family room is.”

  “Very well, can you do something for me then?” I ask.

  “That depends, Dylan. Is this going to entail me worshipping at your feet as some sort of quid pro quo for you having to make sacrifices in my absence?” I let out a snicker at the thought of Velyn bowing down to me. “You just had a thought of me at your feet, didn’t you?”

  “Vel, babe, it’s scary how well you know me. But all that aside, I was wondering after your shift tonight if we could head to the cabin for a little sleepover. What do you think?”

  “Dylan, are you sure about that?” There’s a slight hesitation in her voice.

  “I know things got a little tense last time we were there, but they ended well. Look, I’ve come to realize it’s just a building on a piece of land. I want to make new memories there, Vel…with you. What do you say?”

  She exhales in thought. “I’m good with it. But what about Chase, would he be willing to go?”

  “Actually, I thought it would be more of a me, and you thing,” I say.

  Another breath. “He’s not going to like that.”

  “He’ll be fine. Besides, he’s got that hot Euchre date with Pearl and Henry’s granddaughter.” Velyn laughs at that. “What do you say?”

  “Okay, but you’re breaking it to Chase,” she agrees.

  “Deal!”

  “I have to run. I’m just about to jump in my car and head to school. Meet up for lunch?” she asks.

  “Sounds good,” I reply.

  The call ends, and I give my body one last stretch before hopping out of bed and heading to the shower. I also make a mental note that I’m going to have to sweet talk Connie into getting things ready at the cottage for me—not going to be an easy task.

  Walking into the kitchen, Connie’s sitting at the island making her payday grocery list, as she calls it.

  “Good morning, Connie.”

  “Mi amor, you’re up early, no?”

  “Yeah, I wanted to talk to Velyn before she headed off to class.”

  “Ah, how is that sweet girl? She hasn’t been here as much.”

  I move around the kitchen, grabbing a cup and juice container before settling across from Connie on the island. “She’s good. She’s been working extra hours at the diner to earn some more money for her school books.”

  “Such a hard worker that girl is...that’s a good sign, mi hijo, it means she’s not lazy. You don’t want a lazy girl.”

  I let out a chuckle. “Velyn’s certainly not lazy. But it bothers me how much she takes on. She won’t even take any help. I offered to pay for her books, but she won’t let me.”

  Connie looks to me with a soft smile. “And that’s okay. When she can’t do it alone anymore, she will ask for help, and that’s when you need to be there for her. Until then, just support her.”

  “I guess. I just want to help her. Make it all better.”

  “And that is what makes you a good man, also a very good sign.”

  Now it’s time to ask the favor. “Say, Connie, would you mind helping me out with something this afternoon?”

  Having returned to her grocery list, she continues to write away, but still answers, “What’s that?”

  “I was wondering if you’d be able to stock the cabin and quickly freshen it up? I’d like to take Velyn up there tonight.”


  Connie lifts her head to look at me. “You hate the cabin.”

  I give her a one-shouldered shrug. “I did, but Velyn’s helped me see things differently.”

  Connie fans herself. “A miracle worker. Do you think she could get you and your brother to do your laundry and cook your own supper?”

  I narrow my eyes. “Ha-ha. Seriously, would you mind doing that for me? I’d really appreciate it.”

  “Of course, anything for young love.”

  I smile. “Thanks, I’ll owe you one.”

  “Mmhmm, I’ll add it to the growing pile of IOUs. Between you and your brother, I could retire on the favors you two owe me.”

  I walk to the sink to rinse out my cup, then lean over to Connie, kissing her on the cheek. “And we’d be willing to fulfill every one of them just as soon as we can take care of ourselves.”

  She sighs. “That’s what I figured.”

  With another quick thank you, I grab my coat and bag and head out. That’s one thing off my list, now to break the news to my brother.

  “Are you sure you’re okay with sitting this one out?” My brother looks at me.

  “Dylan, it’s okay. Even I know you two need some alone time once in a while. What

  don’t get is why are you taking her to the cabin? You hate that place.”

  I rest my arms on the picnic table. The quad seems to be the new hangout place, so I knew I would find Chase here.

  “I do. I mean, I did.” I let out a breath. “Honestly, I don't know what I think. I used to know, but Velyn’s made it impossible to look at anything one-sided anymore.”

  Chase nods in agreement. “She has that effect on people. But don’t look at it as a bad thing. It’s actually good. Remember, looking at things from every angle opened your mind up to let her in.”

  I shake my head. “How is it that for a seventeen-year-old, you know so much?”

  “I learned through intense observation. I’ve been watching you and your friends make one mistake after another for years—I took notes,” Chase replies with a smirk.