Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79597 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79597 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
“I plan to. You got any big plans other than shopping?”
“No, just going to see my mom.”
“You can have friends over, you know. It’s your place now, too,” he informed me.
“Thanks. Maybe soon.” I hadn’t really made many friends; I was usually too busy working or spending time with my mom.
“Sure.” He turned, pausing in the doorway. “I’d prefer no overnight guests, but if that happens, try to keep the noise down.”
His words surprised me. Made me angry for some reason. “I’d ask the same,” I snapped. “I’d prefer no naked women in the kitchen, if you don’t mind.”
I passed him in the doorway. “And keep them off my sofa too.”
I slammed my door behind me, unsure why I was so mad. I had a feeling Chase thought he was being nice. Traitorous tears filled my eyes, and I wiped at them impatiently. The thought of Chase having another woman here made me crazy. But it was his house. He owned it, and the bottom line was, he could make the rules. But the thought of him bringing another woman here really upset me.
I sat on my bed, wondering why I’d thought this was a good idea. Moving in with Chase—a man I was secretly crushing on. He was handsome and sweet. Of course he’d have women all over him. I should have known that. But I had hoped he liked me too. In fact, I thought he did until this past weekend.
What if he came home from the bar with another woman?
I laid a hand on my chest at the sudden pain the idea of that happening caused. The way my days off were lining up, I had the weekend off again. But the thought of sitting here, waiting for Chase to show up with a guest, made me feel ill. Imagining his mouth on someone else’s made me want to punch something. I decided I needed to stay busy and away from the house. If I didn’t see it, I could handle it.
Right?
“What are you up to this weekend, girl?” Annette in dispatch asked me the next afternoon.
“Going in to Toronto for a few hours tomorrow to do a little shopping.”
“We’re going to Zeke’s for some drinks and dancing Saturday night. Why don’t you join us?”
“Oh, ah—”
“Girls only,” she added. “Dan isn’t invited. None of the guys are.”
I shot her a grateful look. A fellow officer, Dan, was a great guy. Steady, loyal, and yes, good-looking. We worked well together when we were partnered up. Not long ago, he had confessed that he liked me and asked me out. I was shocked. I let him down gently, telling him I didn’t date fellow officers and that I was seeing someone. He took it well enough, but it seemed lately that he was around more and demanding my attention. I didn’t want to hurt him, but I had no desire for a relationship with him. He felt like a brother to me. We had always gotten on well, but my feelings were strictly platonic. I hoped he would get the message and move on. I was beginning to be a little uncomfortable around him.
“I’ll see what time I get back,” I promised Annette.
“Great. I’ll save you a seat.”
I left the station and got in my car, unsure what to do. I had barely seen Chase since our interaction on Tuesday night. He came home late on Wednesday, and last night, he’d walked in carrying a pizza. He’d been polite, asking if I wanted a slice, but I told him I had already eaten when I got home. I sat in the living room while he ate in the kitchen. I quietly went to my room, shutting the door, and I heard the TV come on a while later. I wasn’t sure how to clear the air between us. What had felt easy and great was now laced with anxiety and awkwardness.
I took a hot shower and sat on my bed, sighing as I brushed my hair. Maybe I had made a mistake and should look for another place. I had seen a small studio apartment in Littleburn when I was looking. Emphasis on the word small. But it would be okay, although the idea of moving again made me feel tired. Plus, the expense.
As I was mulling it over, there was a knock on my door. I looked down. I was in my nightgown—a ridiculous white cotton one I loved with long sleeves and lace. But I was covered and decent, so I called out for Chase to come in.
He opened the door and leaned on the frame, gazing at me for a moment.
“Hi.”
“Hi,” I responded.
He scratched at his chin, a habit I had noticed he had whenever he was nervous.
“So, I think we had our first fight,” he said at the same time as I blurted out, “I’m sorry.”