Total pages in book: 65
Estimated words: 58952 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 295(@200wpm)___ 236(@250wpm)___ 197(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 58952 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 295(@200wpm)___ 236(@250wpm)___ 197(@300wpm)
With every little bit he revealed, Lauren’s chest ached with sadness and sorrow for the little boy Chase had been. That those awful memories were all he had to look back on. She already knew he wasn’t a demonstrative man after that hug she’d given him in his office, but that didn’t stop her from wanting to climb onto his lap and wrap her arms around him, to tell him that it was okay to be angry that his father had abandoned him, just as much as his mother had. And to let him know that he wasn’t alone, that despite only knowing him a short while, she cared about him.
But she stayed in her seat and she didn’t reach out and touch him, either, like she wanted to do.
After a long moment passed, he exhaled a deep breath and pressed his fingers against the bridge of his nose. “Sorry,” he muttered, then dropped his hand and met her gaze again, seemingly calmer now. “The last thing I want to do is talk about my parents. As far as your family is concerned, they only need to know that they’ve both died and I have one sibling, Billie.”
“Okay,” she said softly, respecting his wishes.
He abruptly stood up and since they were done with their dinner, he started collecting their plates and silverware. “Why don’t you go out to the terrace and sit by the fire while I clean up the kitchen and put the food away.”
She stood, too. “Can I at least help you clear the table?”
He shook his head. “No, I’ve got it, and I could use a few minutes to myself, if you don’t mind.”
There was nothing harsh about the tone of his request, but knowing what a private, reserved man Chase was, she understood his need for space to regain his composure. “Of course.”
He managed a small, appreciative smile. “Marcus made cannolis for dessert. How about I bring you a few with some coffee? I can add Baileys in it, if you’d like?”
“I would love that.” The last thing she’d ever turn down was dessert.
“And then we can talk about your sister, and your ex,” he said, taking the dishes to the sink.
“Now there’s a fun conversation,” she joked, but knew it had to be done. While Chase’s past was clearly off limits, hers was going to be blatantly in their faces for the weekend, and he needed to be prepared.
“By the way,” he said, stopping her before she could walk out to the terrace. “Where are we staying while we’re there?” He grimaced. “Please don’t tell me we’re staying with your parents.”
She laughed. “No, that would be extremely awkward,” she assured him. “I know staying at the house would be my mother’s preference, but once I moved out she made my room into a sewing and crafting area, and my sister Ashley’s room is now where my gramps stays. I’ll make reservations for us at the bed-and-breakfast in town.”
“I’ll pay for it, and any other expenses,” he insisted. “Call Victoria with the information and she’ll get it taken care of.”
Lauren wasn’t going to argue. “Okay. Thank you.”
Even though she really wanted to help Chase with the cleanup, she headed out onto the terrace and sat on the outdoor couch situated around the lit firepit, instead of one of the single chairs. The low flames chased away most of the chill in the October air, but she still grabbed the lightweight blanket draped over a cushion and spread it out over her legs.
She glanced back toward the condo, seeing into the kitchen through the bank of windows. Chase was standing at the island putting the leftovers into containers. There was a slight crease between his brows, but the earlier anger she’d provoked with her question about his father was gone, thank goodness.
At least he wasn’t holding her curiosity against her, and really, for the most part he’d been very pleasant and amiable. Likeable, even, as shocking as that was when she remembered the gruff and grumpy man she’d met at the bachelor auction.
Lauren found herself smiling as she continued to watch Chase as he made two cups of coffee and plated a few cannolis, remembering her conversation with Billie. She’d told the other woman that she wasn’t looking to fix Chase and his issues, and that still held true. However, in that moment Lauren decided she was going to give Billie her other wish, to shake up her brother’s neat and orderly world and get him to loosen up and relax during their time together.
Going home for her sister’s wedding was undoubtedly going to be difficult for various reasons, but why not enjoy her time with Chase, and vice versa? There was no denying their mutual attraction, so there was no reason why they couldn’t indulge in a little no-strings-attached side benefit to their arrangement, right?