“Thanks.” Chase stepped inside his office. He touched the computer, bringing up the screen. At least the program had finished loading. Saving the information, he shut down his laptop and slid it inside the protective sleeve of his briefcase. Grabbing the itinerary, he shoved it in the front pocket. Hayden had gone too far. And one way or another he planned on getting to the bottom of this ridiculous mess—even if it meant losing his job.
* * *
Wearing a comfortable pair of jeans and a graphic tee, Chase jogged up the Caldwell porch steps. Already packed for his trip, he planned on spending as much as time as possible with Addie before he left for the airport.
After the sensational kisses they’d shared last night, he knew their relationship had changed. Chase admitted to himself that he might be falling in love with her. In spite of all the obstacles, he wanted to tell Addie how he felt. He knew she liked him, he just didn’t know how much. Would it be enough to make her consider living in Tennessee?
One good thing that came out of this last minute trip to South Carolina was confiding in his parents. As soon as he left work, Chase went home and found his mom and dad were both there. It felt good to tell them about the potential job in Nashville. Both of his parents were supportive of his desire to pursue his music career, but he could tell they were skeptical about how successful he’d be. Their concerns seemed to stem more from the industry, and not because they didn’t believe Chase had the talent to make it.
When he’d told them about the conversation with Mr. Barclay, he received some good advice from his dad. “Son, you be completely honest with both Hayden and her father so there are no more misunderstandings. After that, you just have to trust in the Lord.”
His mother had reminded Chase of a mother bear protecting her cub. She wanted to go over to the Barclay’s and give them a piece of her mind, especially Hayden. In the end, his dad had convinced her Chase was a big boy and could take care of things himself.
Placing one hand above the door for support, he knocked lightly and waited. Janie swung open the door and smiled. “Come on in. Addie will be down in a minute.” Furrowing her brow, she looked over her shoulder to the stairs. “She’s having a little trouble this morning.”
“What kind of trouble?” Chase asked, hoping it wasn’t something serious.
Before she could reply, he heard a grunt and the sound of someone coming down the stairs with heavy, slow steps. Between each step he heard, “Ow-ow-shoot-ow.”
The two of them watched the stairs expectantly. “She’s a little sore this morning,” Janie whispered.
He wasn’t sure if he should rush to her aid or laugh. “Does she need help?”
Janie grinned and shrugged her shoulders. “Sweetie, Chase is here. Do you want him to help you down the stairs?”
The footsteps and moaning ceased. “He’s here?” Her voice sounded alarmed.
“Yep. He’s standing right beside me.”
Another pause ensued. Then Addie let out a long breath. “It’s okay. I’m coming.” The heavy slow steps resumed, but this time without the complaints.
The telephone rang and Janie picked up the handset in the foyer. Glancing at the caller-ID, she hollered, “Sugar, I need to get this. Y’all have fun today.”
“Um-hmm,” Addie murmured.
Janie winked at Chase before going into the kitchen. A second later Addie emerged, dressed in jeans and a butter-yellow T-shirt. Her hair hung in ringlets, glistening under the light of the chandelier. “Hey.” She held onto the railing and gingerly took the last step. “I thought you weren’t coming until eleven thirty?”
Chase fought back a grin and looked down at his watch. “It is eleven thirty.”
The little lines between her eyebrows creased. “Oh. Well, I thought I could make it downstairs and loosen up my muscles before you got here.”
“Are you okay?” His voice was full of laughter, despite his efforts to restrain himself.
She met his gaze, her lips turning up on the ends, carving the dimple in her cheek. “Don’t you dare laugh,” she scolded. “I am so sore this morning. I had no idea it took so many muscles to pedal a bike.”
“I’m sorry,” he said, unable to mask his amusement.
She put her hands on her hips and squinted. “You’re laughing at me, I can tell.”
He grinned. “I’m laughing with you, not at you.”
“Uh-huh.”
“I really am sorry. I had no idea the bike ride was going to be—” He paused, trying to decide the best way to finish the sentence. “—so strenuous. I promise no more torture dates from here on out.” He took a step toward her. “Are you sure you still wanna talk with Mr. Hanks? We can just hang out here if you want.”
“If I don’t get up and walk today, I’ll never walk again. Just give me a second and I’ll be fine.”
The scent of her flowery perfume tickled his senses. Standing this close, he couldn’t resist touching her. He reached for her hand, her skin warm and smooth. “If it gets bad, I can always carry you,” he teased.
Amusement beamed in her soft brown eyes. “I don’t think so. But maybe tonight we can watch a movie or play games with your family.”
His stomach clenched, knowing he wouldn’t be around tonight or the next. “Let’s go and I’ll tell you all about my morning.”
As they made their way to his truck, he hoped and prayed Addie would understand, and maybe even give him some indication of how she felt. Somehow he needed to broach the subject of having a long-distance relationship, and the possibility for more.
Chapter Eighteen
Addie thanked Mr. Hanks again for showing them his house. “I’ll probably come back this evening or be here early in the morning when the lighting is good to take the pictures.”
“Any time, young lady.” Mr. Hanks winked at her. “I ain’t planning on goin’ anywhere.”
“Thank you, sir,” Chase said, shaking the older man’s hand. “It was nice talkin’ with you again.”
“You can stop by and talk any time you want to, sonny.” He pointed at Addie. “Just make sure to bring this pretty gal with you.”
Chase led her toward his truck on their way out. She could tell Mr. Hanks was lonely, and didn’t want them to leave. When she did return with her camera, she knew Mr. Hanks would want to talk so she should just plan on an extra hour or so to talk with him.
As it turned out, Mr. Hanks was only a few years older than her own father. It made her miss her dad, especially after talking with him this morning. He’d sounded as lonely as Mr. Hanks, and mentioned more than once how happy he’d be once she returned home.
Chase helped her into the truck and quickly rounded the front of the vehicle to climb into the driver’s seat. She could tell he was agitated about going to South Carolina. Before coming over to talk to Mr. Hanks, Chase told her all about the circumstances of his last-minute business trip, and the part Hayden played.
“He’s really nice,” she said, once Chase started the truck and backed out.
Chase shot her a wry grin. “He was pretty grumpy when he first opened the door. The minute he saw I was with a pretty girl, he turned on the charm.”
“He’s lonely. With both of his kids living in Alabama, and all those “no trespassing” signs, I doubt he gets very many visitors.” Again, she thought about her own father. “He’s been a widower longer than my dad. I need to talk to Aunt Janie. Maybe she can include him in her weekly coffee and sweet roll get together.”
Chase reached across the seat and took her hand. “You’re really sweet. I think you made his entire year when you told him how much you loved his house.”
“I wonder why his kids don’t visit him, or even call him that often? I’m so glad my dad has me and Chellie so close.”
Chase was quiet for a few seconds. He gave her hand a squeeze before letting it go. “I’m sure your dad appreciates having y’all close by.”
Addie glanced over at Chase. His jaw was tight, and his voice sounded st
rained. He had to be stressed about his job.
“Are you worried about your trip to Hilton Head?”
“More stressed than worried.” He came to a stop sign, and looked her way. “I’ve got a lot on my mind right now.”
Addie wanted to lighten his mood. “We should make a stop at the fudge shop. Chocolate cures all kinds of stress.”
He smiled and returned his attention back to the road. “We can stop by if you want to.”
Shifting in her seat, she studied him. He was so tense. “No that’s okay. This is about helping you. If chocolate doesn’t work, what does?”
He shot her a quick look, a wicked smile on his lips. “Kissing.”
Instantly, her entire body flooded with heat. “Kissing, huh? That would sure be a lot less fattening.”
“And so much more fun.”
“I could probably help you out, if you want,” she teased.
He reached across the seat and took her hand again. “You’d do that for me?” His mood had definitely improved.
“It might be a sacrifice, but that’s just the kind of person I am.”
He laughed. “Yeah, you are pretty awesome. Let me just find a secluded place to pull over.”
Addie didn’t know if he was joking or not, but judging how her body was reacting, kissing him in a secluded area probably wasn’t the best idea. “Isn’t making out in a truck a little cliché?”
“Maybe. Where do you suggest we go?”
“I don’t know. I wasn’t a big make out so I don’t have that much experience.”
He looked over at her and winked. “We can always go to my house. My mom’s home, but she’s pretty cool.”
“I’m not going to your house to make out!”
He laughed again. “Maybe we should just go to the candy store.”
“If you buy me fudge, I promise you’ll get a kiss.”
“Deal.”
He headed for downtown Mitchel Creek. They didn’t talk about kissing, but it didn’t mean she wasn’t thinking about it. It was a little scary that Addie might prefer kissing Chase over sugar. In fact, her feelings for him were more intense than she’d ever felt for Brandon. And that thought was even scarier.
What good would it do to fall in love with him? Chase had so many plans that didn’t involve relocating to a small town in Idaho. Addie couldn’t leave her father. Yes, Chellie lived close by, but she was a busy mother of three. She never wanted her dad to be as lonely as Mr. Hanks.
After they bought a half a pound of fudge, they drove to a pecan orchard owned by Sydney’s parents. They walked hand in hand, nibbling on the fudge and talking about Addie’s ideas to use Chase’s sisters as models for the photo shoot at Mr. Hanks’ house. Nutshells littered the ground, and crunched beneath their feet. Finally they came to a shaded area with a bench.
“My dad would love me forever if I brought home Georgia pecans to make him a pie.” She sat down on the bench. “Do you think Sydney’s parents would let me buy some?”
“You don’t have to buy any.” Chase took a seat next to her. “We can stop by the caretaker office and grab this roller tool that picks up nutshells on the ground.”
“If I check my luggage, I should be able to take them on the plane, right?”
That frustrated look immediately darkened his features. “Yeah.”
He turned and looked across the orchard, staring at…trees. As far as she could see, there was nothing else to look at. Not sure what the problem was, she didn’t say anything, but watched him gaze off into the distance.
After at least thirty seconds had passed, he turned back toward her. He eyed her with an intensity she could almost feel. “We need to talk.”
“Okay. What about?” She liked Chase. A lot. But she wasn’t ready for a serious relationship. At least that’s what she kept telling herself.
He took her hand and threaded their fingers together. “Addie, I don’t want this to end when you go home.”
She swallowed and looked away for a few seconds. He didn’t want what to end? Their friendship? What else could it be? They barely knew each other, and then there was the whole risking-her-heart-again thing.
“It doesn’t have to end.” Her eyes flitted back to meet his. “We’re friends. We can keep in touch by phone and the internet.” She ignored the perplexed look he gave her. “Maybe sometime you can come out and I can show you around Daisy Springs.” Lame, Addie. You know that’s not what he meant.
His eyes remained serious. “I think we have more than just a great friendship, don’t you?”
Yes, she said in her mind, but she couldn’t vocalize it. She captured her bottom lip between her teeth. “Well, sure.” She lifted her shoulder in a shrug. “But I live in Idaho and you live in Georgia. How could there be anything more?” She didn’t want things to get complicated. She knew it was shallow and wanted to apologize, especially by the pain reflected in his green eyes.
He studied her for a few heartbeats. “Do you want there to be more? Because I know I do.”
Addie’s breath tangled in her throat, her chest tight with apprehension. She wanted to run away. Wanted to avoid the question. Tugging on her hand, she scooted back away from him. “Why do we have to talk about this now? You have a plane to catch.”
Frustration flickered in his eyes. “Yes. And in a week, so do you.” He ran a hand through his hair. “Please, Addie. I need to know where we stand.”
“I…” Her eyes darted away from his while she tried to collect her thoughts.
This wasn’t supposed to happen. She never expected to feel this way about him. Anxiety twisted her gut as somewhere deep inside her another thought arose. What if he was the one? If she walked away, would her chance at a happy marriage be gone?
Tentatively, she met his gaze. The tenderness and longing she saw loosened the knot in her stomach. “Yes. I do want more. But how will it work out?”
Tension drained from his face. “I don’t know how it will work out, but I’m willing to try.”
She didn’t want to put any unreasonable stipulations on him, but after meeting Mr. Hanks, and after the conversation with her dad this morning, how could she leave her father alone?
All her worries dissipated in a flash when Chase’s mouth met hers, and he kissed her long and slow. He tasted like chocolate, the combination proving to be more potent than all the sugar in the world.
When he drew away, both of them were a little breathless. For a few seconds they just stared at one another. Then his face grew serious again and emotion darkened his eyes. “We’ll make it work. Okay?”
A spark of hope fluttered behind her breastbone. She wanted to believe him. And she would—for now.
“Okay.” She leaned forward and gave him a lingering kiss. “Now, just remember what you’ve said when Hayden is trying to lure you away from me.”
“Don’t remind me,” he murmured against her mouth.
She gave him one last quick kiss, then stood up and pulled him with her. “Come on, big guy. The sooner you go, the faster you can come home.” She raised her eyebrows mischievously. “And I made you something last night when I couldn’t sleep. If you promise to call me every day, I’ll let you take your present with you.”
Chapter Nineteen
Loosening his tie, Chase swiped his keycard to open the door to his hotel room. After tossing his stuff on the bed, he reached for the gift bag from Addie and pulled out another cookie. Taking a big bite, he closed his eyes, savoring the chocolate chip cookie. She also had made oatmeal chocolate chip and pumpkin chocolate chip. All three of his favorite kinds of cookies.
He missed her.
Taking a seat on the edge of the bed, he popped the rest of the cookie in his mouth and fished his cell phone out of his pocket. There were several messages from his coworker Kyle, apologizing for being sick. Chase wouldn’t wish food poisoning on anyone. Well, maybe on a certain conniving woman. Still, Kyle’s illness had provided the perfect excuse for him to avoid any contact with Hayde
n. Not that she’d tried to even talk to him.
Yet.
At the airport, he showed up with just enough time to get through security and board the plane. He and Kyle sat in coach, while the Barclays occupied first class. When they landed in South Carolina, Chase and Kyle hung back, waiting for the plane to empty before getting their carry-on bags. By the time they made it out, the Barclays had already taken a cab to the hotel. Once he and Kyle arrived at the hotel, they had a late-night supper, which resulted in Kyle’s illness.
As predicted, Whit Barclay spent all his time on the golf course. Since Chase had to fill in for Kyle, his boss had yet to invite Chase to join their family for any “fun and relaxation.”
He sent a quick message to Kyle, letting him know the meetings had gone well and asked if he felt well enough to go to dinner with him.
Kyle replied. Done being sick but don’t feel like eating. Think I’ll sleep. Talk to you in the morning.
Scrolling down, he opened a message from Addie. He immediately pushed the speed-dial for her number. While he waited, he flipped his wrist and checked the time. No wonder he was tired. It was past seven-thirty. He’d been in meetings since eight this morning.
Her phone rolled over to voicemail. “You’ve reached the personal cellular device of Addie Heywood. Leave a message and hopefully I’ll remember to check my voicemail. Bye.”
He left a message, missing her even more than before. He grabbed another cookie and kicked off his shoes. The separation had confirmed the depth of his feelings. He was in love with her. It had happened so quickly, and the timing was all wrong. He still hadn’t told her about the potential job in Tennessee, which only complicated things more.
He unbuttoned his shirt and debated about ordering room service. Being cooped up in meetings for most of the day, he longed to take a walk on the beach. Rising from his bed, he moved to the sliding glass door and opened the blinds. The silvery moonlight illuminated the water as the rolling waves crashed over the beach.
Needing the fresh air, Chase changed into a pair of jeans, sweatshirt and flip-flops and slipped his phone and wallet in his pocket. Just as he placed his hand on the doorknob, a knock sounded from the other side.
Under a Georgia Moon: Georgia Moon Romance Book 1 Page 19
