Total pages in book: 28
Estimated words: 26646 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 133(@200wpm)___ 107(@250wpm)___ 89(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26646 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 133(@200wpm)___ 107(@250wpm)___ 89(@300wpm)
I tilt my head curiously. “My birthday? But that’s not for another two months, Chris. You’re really early.”
He grins, flashing those even white teeth.
“I know, but I’ve had this on my mind for a little while now, and I wanted to bring it up. After all, your happiness is everything and I think you might really like this.”
I lean forward with excitement, my eyes wide.
“What is it? Is it a trip to Tahoe? Or were you thinking about getting me those panties we talked about? The ones that have the toy built in at the gusset? Those will be fun, won’t they?”
My boyfriend chuckles but shakes his head.
“No, sweetheart it’s not that. It’s just that at the Super Bowl party, I noticed the electricity in the air.”
My blood goes cold, and my face pales. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I begin quickly. “Or do you mean that the lamps were too bright and there was too much electricity?” I ask, grasping at anything for an excuse. Oh God, this is so awful and tears spring to my eyes. Somehow, Chris noticed the chemistry I had with Chase, and now he’s going to call me out on it.
But my boyfriend’s eyes are kind, and even more they burn with an intensity that’s unexpected.
“No Patty, that’s not it and you know it,” he says in a gentle tone. “I’m talking about you and Chase.”
My face turns red. Oh God, my worst nightmare has come true and my bottom lip begins to tremble.
“I’m sorry,” I murmur as tears fill my eyes. “There were sparks between Chase and me, but I would never, ever let anyone come between us. I love you, Chris, and I value our relationship. I’m so sorry,” I say in a choked voice. “It won’t happen again.”
“Shh, baby, I know that.” He reaches over and touch my face and looks deep into my eyes. “I’m sorry I scared you because this isn’t how I envisioned the conversation going. No, not at all. I don’t want you to think I’m threatened by what I saw between you and Chase yesterday because it’s natural. You’re a beautiful woman and he’s a virile man who appreciates gorgeous women.”
I sniffle and look away, but Chris takes my chin and directs my gaze to him again.
“I’m sorry,” I say again in a wobbling voice. “Please forgive me.”
But my handsome man shakes his head, those blue eyes piercing my heart.
“Patty, there’s no need to apologize because I’m happy for you. I’m happy for both of you, in fact, and the truth is that I want you to experience everything that life has to offer.”
I stare at him, utterly confused.
“What?”
He nods again, his gaze serious.
“Patty, this might sound a little strange, but would you consider going out with Chris? Maybe meeting him and to see where the sparks between you two lead?”
Now, my sniffles stop and I stare at my man, every bone in my body on alert.
“What?”
He nods.
“Again, I want you to enjoy everything life has to offer honey, and this could be something beneficial, not to mention interesting.
“Interesting?” I squawk with disbelief in my eyes. “Are you crazy?”
Chris holds up a large hand before I can speak again.
“No, I’m not,” he says in a serious tone. “I want you to see Chase one-on-one, just the two of you. It could be fun, and this is my birthday gift to you, honey. I think it could really pay off.”
Now, I’m so stunned that no words come to my mind. I blink. And then I blink again. I can’t help but stare at the man sitting across from me. This gorgeous alpha male is the love of my life, not to mention my strongest supporter and my best friend. In fact, he’s the person I trust most in this world, so did he really just say what I think he said? He wants me to date his best friend?
I must have misheard, right? I mean, I have to admit that the idea of dating Chase excites me, but I would never sacrifice what Chris and I have just for a brief thrill. It’s like taking a hit from a pixie stick. You get a sugar rush that tickles your nose and makes your brain buzz, but it’s all over within ten minutes, and I’m not willing to give up a solid, fulfilling relationship for a momentary upper.
But why is my boyfriend telling me to go out with Chase? Where is this coming from? Finally, my brain functions again and I manage to get a few words out.
“Did you say you want me to go out on a date?” I ask. “With Chase?”
Chris smiles at my surprised expression.
“Yes,” he says simply.
“But…” I falter. What in the world is going on? Questions swirl in my mind and finally, I get a few of them out of my mouth.