“Me too.” She smiled, making her dimple appear again.
Unable to resist, he lifted his hand and lightly ran a finger down the crease in her cheek. “I love your smile and that killer dimple.”
“You do?” She seemed surprised and almost shy.
His thumb brushed the corner of her mouth. “I do.”
His gaze drifted to her mouth as an invisible force drew them closer. Chase shouldn’t kiss her. It would only complicate things. Their eyes met again, and that’s all it took for him to make up his mind. He slid his hand behind her neck and dipped his head to meet her waiting lips. The perfect moment was ruined when his cell phone belted out Brad Paisley’s Start a Band.
Ah. C’mon. Chase blew out a breath, resting his forehead against Addie’s as the music continued. He drew back, shook his head and pulled out his phone. “Dang Jackson.”
Addie took a step away, a dazed look on her face. Chase could almost swear he heard her mutter, “Dang right.”
“Hey,” Chase answered, cursing himself for not shutting off his phone.
“What’re you doing?” Jackson asked as if he was bored and just wanted to shoot the bull.
“Ah, nothing much. I was just about to kiss Addie when you called.” Although he knew better, the words just slipped out.
Addie dropped her chin and put a hand to her forehead, “What have you done?” she murmured under her breath.
Jackson hooted with laughter. “Are you kidding me?”
“No.”
“I can’t be that good. C’mon, what’re you really doing?”
“Not kissing, that’s for sure.”
Addie’s head snapped up, and he winked at her as Jackson let out another loud laugh. She seemed to have a good sense of humor, and hopefully wouldn’t hold his impulsiveness against him. Having the upper hand on Jackson was such a rare thing, and he couldn’t help himself.
“How do I know she’s even with you,” Jackson said. “Let me talk to her.”
Chase lowered the phone. “He doesn’t believe me and wants to talk to you.”
She pointed a finger at her chest and mouthed, “Me?”
“You don’t have to if you don’t want to. In fact, I’ll just hang up.”
Humor lit her eyes and she shrugged, taking the phone. “Hey, Jackson.”
She rolled her eyes as two pink spots appeared on her cheeks. Chase strained to listen, unable to hear the conversation. Good thing Addie was feisty enough to handle Jackson’s sense of humor.
“Yes. Yes you did,” she said with mock seriousness. “Your timing is terrible.” She shook her head, rolling her eyes again. “Um, I’ll let you tell him.”
Chase took the phone from her. “See? I told you. Now can you leave us alone?”
“No,” Jackson said with a laugh. “Syd is gone and this is the most fun I’ve had all day.”
The guy had way too much time on his hands. “Bye, Jackson.”
“But…”
Chase ended the call. “I give him five seconds before he calls back.” He held up his fingers and started counting. “…three, four, five.” Brad Paisley started singing again.
Addie sniggered. “He is so predictable.”
“Tell me about it.” Answering the phone, Chase tried to sound annoyed. “What?”
“You really should turn off your phone, or at least stop answering it when you’re tryin’ to kiss a girl.”
“Thanks for the advice. I’m taking it right now.” He ended the call and then pressed the button to turn off the phone. “If I don’t shut it down, he’ll just keep callin’ back.”
“Yeah, I kinda get the feeling he’s like a dog with a bone,” Addie said dryly.
Chase slipped the phone into his pocket. “Exactly.” Reaching out for her hand, he tugged her close. “Where were we?”
A grin stole across her face. “I think—”
“Me first! I get to go first,” a little boy shouted as he raced onto the bridge with two other boys right behind him. The leader held a bag of bread crumbs no doubt intended for the ducks gliding on the pond.
“I think,” Addie said, leading Chase toward the grass. “We’re relinquishing our spot.”
A man and woman, presumably the kids’ parents, apologized as they passed by Chase and Addie. “Sorry,” the dad said. “We didn’t mean to kick y’all off the bridge.”
“We were just heading home,” Addie said. “Enjoy the ducks.”
“Why does it seem like the park just got busier?” Chase asked, noticing their secluded picnic area now had a family of five, plus what looked like two sets of grandparents.
“Probably because it did.”
“For a while there it felt like we were the only two people here.”
Addie shot him a wry look. “It did until Jackson called, and then you told him we were...you know.”
“About to kiss?”
“Yes, I can’t believe you told him.” She groaned and laughed at the same time. “Him, of all people.”
“Sorry about that. I think nearly kissing you rattled my brain and I wasn’t thinking clearly.”
Another giggle escaped. “Right.”
“I’m serious.”
She looked at him askance. “You know you enjoyed that just as much as Jackson did.”
“I’d enjoy kissing you a lot more.”
“I don’t know.” She untangled their hands and skipped ahead, glancing back at him over her shoulder. “You may have missed your opportunity.”
Judging by the flirtatious tone in her voice, Chase figured he still had a shot. He jogged to catch up to her and found her staring at the bikes.
“You know, I told myself to buck up and ride back home.” She blew out a big breath, shaking her head. “But I know I won’t make it.”
He pulled out his phone and powered it up. “Call Miss Janie to come and get us and then I’ll bring the truck back to get the bikes.”
“Really? You don’t mind?”
“I really don’t mind.” He held it out to her. “Just don’t answer if you hear Brad Paisley again.”
She laughed and took the phone. “Trust me. I won’t.” She tried calling both her aunt’s home and cell phone without much success. Puffing out a sigh of resignation, she handed him the phone back. “I have no pride left at this point. I’ll ride as far as I can and then walk the rest of the way.”
Chase smiled and tapped her under the chin. “How about I just ride back and get the truck?”
Her brown eyes studied him for a second or two, then she shook her head. “Okay, I guess I do still have some pride left because there is no way I’m letting you ride back while I sit here and wait for you.” She walked over to the bike and started to unhook the helmet. “I made it here, and I can make it back.”
She was a good sport. Most girls he’d dated in the past would’ve made him suffer by complaining non-stop. “I think I have an idea,” he said, taking the helmet from her. “But it involves callin’ Jackson.”
“You can’t call Beau?”
He shook his head. “Beau’s in Atlanta for the day.”
Weighing her options, she glanced back and forth between the bike and the phone. “Okay.” She sucked in a deep breath as if to fortify her decision. “Call Jackson.”
Chase pressed down on the speed-dial for his friend. After only a couple of rings, Jackson answered. “Did you kiss her?”
“Hey, Jacks,” Chase said, ignoring the question. “I need your help.”
There was a momentary pause and Chase wondered if he’d lost the connection. “Okaaayyy,” Jackson finally said, drawing out the word. “But it’s not too complicated. Although techniques vary, simply pressing your lips to hers usually does the trick.”
Chase chuckled, despite trying not to. “Not that kind of help.”
“So how was it then? The first time I kissed Syd—” He gave a low whistle. “Well, let’s just say I was as happy as a tornado in a trailer park.”
Unable to hold back a
nother laugh, Chase turned slightly away from Addie. “I don’t know yet.”
“What? Why not? Seriously, bro, I’m getting a little worried about your skills.”
Ignoring the comment, Chase continued, “Look, I need you to come to Mullis Park to pick us up. It seems we both have a flat tire.”
Addie looked at their bikes and then back to Chase, narrowing her eyes a fraction. He held up his finger and mouthed, “One minute.”
“Sure,” Jackson said, humor lacing his voice. “Do I need to give you time to—”
“Just come and get us, will you?”
“Okay. I’ll be over in a few minutes. That should give you—”
Chase ended the call before Jackson could razz him anymore.
“You do realize we don’t have flat tires, right?”
“Yeah,” he said with a grin. “But by the time Jacks gets here we will.” Digging through the backpack, he found his keys and squatted down next to the bikes. Using one of the keys, he let the air out of each of their tires.
“Clever boy,” Addie mused.
“Thanks.” He stood and brushed his hands against his shorts. “I’m not sure how long Jackson will take. We can eat dessert while we wait, or…” He shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know, we could explore missed opportunities.”
A small smile appeared on her lips. “Hmm, I hate missed opportunities.” Before Chase could process the coy remark, her smile widened. “But right now I really want that surprise dessert you promised.”
He grinned, lifted the backpack, and sifted through it until he found the pink and white striped box from the candy store A Little Sugar. “Close your eyes,” Chase said, keeping the box hidden from Addie’s view.
“For the record,” Addie said, closing her eyes. “You are by far the most creative boyfriend I’ve ever had.”
“Thanks.” He heard the teasing tone of her voice, but part of him wanted her to be serious. He wanted this all to be real. “Now, hold out your hands.”
She immediately obeyed. “I really hope you’ve outgrown your boyhood prank days and you aren’t going to smash a pie in my face or something.”
He laughed. “Don’t give me any ideas.”
“Just keep in mind I won’t hesitate to seek swift retribution.”
“I think I’m safe.” He placed the box in her hands. “Okay, you can look.”
Her eyes fluttered open and she squealed. “You bought me fudge!” She hugged the box to her chest. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
She sat down on a bench, and patted the seat next to her. “Come over here and we’ll split it.”
“You don’t have to share.” He slid in next to her, his thigh pressing against hers. “I bought it for you.”
“I want to share.” She opened the box and peeled back the white wax paper. “Do you still have that plastic knife?”
“Nope. I tossed it with the other trash.”
Using the wax paper the candy was wrapped in, Addie picked up the fudge and tried to break it in half. Chase reached out and took it from her, then held it up to her mouth. “Just take a bite.”
She bit into the chocolate and let out a tiny moan of satisfaction. When he offered her more, she shook her head. “Your turn now,” she said, taking the candy and giving him a taste.
They traded off until there was one last bite. Chase held it up. “It’s all yours.”
“I shouldn’t.” Her lips parted into a smile. “But I will.”
Instead of letting him feed her, she plucked it out of his fingers and placed it in her mouth. She closed her eyes and let out another moan of pleasure. “So good.” Her eyes flickered open, and she met his gaze. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
A horn honked, and they watched Jackson’s red truck come to an abrupt stop.
“Looks like our ride is here.” Chase stood up and Addie joined him as they watched Jackson cut the engine, jump out and saunter toward them. “Hey, y’all,” he said.
“Hey,” Chase said, feeling a little wary. The sardonic smirk Jackson wore could only mean he had something up his sleeve.
Stopping in front of the bikes, Jackson methodically stroked his goatee as he studied both of the deflated tires. He shook his head, making a tsk-tsk sound with his tongue. “Wow, a flat tire on both bikes. That’s like the kiss of death on a date.” He emphasized the word kiss.
Chase fought back a smile. “Yeah, thanks for coming to get us.”
“Hey, it’s no problem.” Jackson tucked his fingertips in the front pocket of his jeans. “That’s what friends are for. Heck, if I didn’t come…well, I wouldn’t blame you if you just kissed our friendship goodbye.”
Schooling his emotions, Chase grabbed a hold of his bike. He’d started this whole thing, and he didn’t want to egg Jackson on by laughing.
“Where’s your wife?” Chase asked, hoping to sidetrack him. He had a feeling Jackson was just getting started with all the “kiss” puns.
“She’s at her parents’ house.” He shifted his focus on Addie. “Syd asked me to tell you since the band will go over early to set up at Gracie’s, she’ll come pick you up at six.” He smiled with probably the same look the cat had on his face right after eating the canary. “She’s pretty excited and said she could just kiss you for agreeing to sit with her.”
The corners of Addie’s eyes creased and she pressed her lips together as if trying to suppress a grin. She obviously didn’t miss Jackson’s play on words either.
“I’m looking forward to it.”
Jackson raised an eyebrow and chuckled. “I’ll just bet you are.”
Her lips twisted up before she turned away and coughed. Chase knew she was desperately trying not to laugh. One laugh and Jackson might never stop. Grasping the handlebars, she started to roll the bicycle toward the truck.
Jackson stepped in front of her and took a hold of the bike. “Here, let me get that for you.”
“Thank you, Jackson. If you weren’t married, why, I just might kiss you-ew,” Addie said with a lot of attitude and a very poor southern accent.
It cracked Jackson up. “Sorry. I’m taken.” He pointed to Chase. “But I reckon he wouldn’t mind a kiss.”
Chase rolled his bike to a stop and groaned. He’d created a monster. “I should’ve just called my dad.”
Jackson gasped dramatically, appearing to be insulted. After leaning the bike against the tailgate of the truck, he reached his hand over his shoulder and patted it haphazardly. “Oh, man, I can’t get a hold of it…can you please pull the knife out of my back?”
Regardless of their efforts, Chase laughed and a giggle bubbled out of Addie.
Jackson grinned and lowered the tailgate. “Do y’all wanna come over and watch a movie with us?”
Does this mean he’s done? Chase exchanged a glance with Addie and she shrugged her shoulders. “Maybe,” he said, as he jumped up in the truck to pull the bike inside.
“We can watch one of Sydney’s favorite movies.” Jackson lifted up Addie’s bike. “It’s that one with Drew Barrymore. Never Been Kissed.”
Guess not. Jackson was just getting started.
Chase gave him an eye roll and jumped back down. “We’ll see.” He took a hold of Addie’s hand and pulled her to the passenger side of the truck. He opened the door and whispered, “I’m sorry. I should’ve never said anything. Just try’n ignore him.”
“Uh-huh,” she said under her breath as she slid in the middle of the front seat.
Chase sat down next to her and pulled the door shut as Jackson climbed in behind the wheel. Addie was sandwiched in between the two men.
“Excuse me.” Jackson reached across the middle to open the glove box. He pulled out a bag of silver-foiled covered chocolate. “Anyone want a Kiss?” he asked in a droll voice.
Addie snatched the bag out of his hands. “Yes. I love chocolate.”
Chortling, Jackson turned the ignition on and the stereo blared Faith Hill sin
ging This Kiss. The track was just starting on the chorus. Grinning from ear to ear, he said, “If y’all don’t like this song, I can change it.” Without waiting for an answer, he pushed another button. Kiss a Girl by Keith Urban played over the speakers.
Chase had to give his friend credit. He’d come up with some great stuff on such short notice.
Jackson sang along with the lyrics as he put the truck in gear. “I wanna kiss a girl. I wanna hold her tight. And maybe make a little magic in the moonlight.” He raised his eyebrows comically.
Addie let out a big breath as she dramatically lolled her head against the seatback and turned her face toward Chase. Her lips stretched into a smile and then the two of them burst into laughter.
Jackson had won. Only then did he turn the volume down.
Chapter Sixteen
By the time they reached Aunt Janie’s house, the sun had lowered beyond the horizon, leaving the sky a brilliant color of purple. As the truck bumped down the driveway, it jostled Addie into Chase’s side. He had a hold of her hand, loosely covering her fingers, but his grip tightened, as if he wanted to keep her close. She didn’t mind, and stayed right where she was.
“Y’all sure you don’t wanna come by the house?” Jackson asked, shifting the gears down as he pressed on the brakes.
Addie liked the McCalls, but she felt too keyed up to watch a movie right now. There was the matter of “missed opportunities” humming between her and Chase, an almost palpable electrical energy that seemed to grow with every passing second.
“Nah,” Chase answered. “It’s getting late, and I have to get up early in the morning for work.” He gave Addie’s fingers another gentle squeeze. “But maybe another night?”
It seemed so natural to make plans for a movie night. Like they were really a couple.
“Sounds good.” The truck rolled to a stop. Jackson cut the engine and opened his door. “I’ll have Syd give Addie a call. It’s the ladies turn to pick out a movie.”
“Is that okay?” Chase asked, helping her down from the truck.
“Sure. That sounds fun.” She liked the way Chase looked at her. As if he liked the idea of her picking out a movie for them to watch as much as she did.
Under a Georgia Moon: Georgia Moon Romance Book 1 Page 17
