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“But I also know that he’s an amazing guy,” she confessed. “I wish he could find a woman who could appreciate that.”
My eyes scrutinized Torie’s plaintive expression. “He said he’s not seeing anyone. It sounds like it’s been a while.”
She shrugged. “No interest on his side. Something happened to Chase right before he got out of the military. I know he was injured, but that’s about all I know. I was unreachable when it happened because I was doing a remote hiking trip without cell service. It took a while for me to even find out that he was injured, and he doesn’t talk about it. Either that, or he can’t talk about it because it was something top secret. He seems fine physically. He had a few casual dates after he joined Wyatt at Durand Industries, but it’s like he just…gave up. I have no idea why because he’s always loved women. All women of any age. One of his college girlfriends used to say he could charm the meanest woman in any room. I think she was right, but I haven’t really seen that playful part of him in a long time.”
I frowned, not liking the thought of Chase getting hurt. “Maybe he got dumped or some woman played him?” I suggested.
Even as I said those words, I couldn’t imagineanyfemale dropping Chase Durand for another guy. She’d have to be blind, a complete idiot, or both.
“I suppose it could happen,” Torie agreed. “But I find it hard to believe a woman could find a better catch. He’s filthy rich, well-educated, he used to know how to have fun, and I suppose some women would think he’s hot. Ew…it’s hard for me to think of my brother that way.”
I snickered. “Take my word for it, as a woman whoisn’this sister, he’s ridiculously hot.” I let out a small cough once I realized what I’d just said. “Well, he would be to other women. Aesthetically speaking, I mean.”
Torie zoomed in on my mistake immediately. “You think he’s attractive?”
“I might not be interested, but I’m not blind,” I said hastily.
“What if I said that he thinks you’re attractive, too,” she fished, sounding slightly hesitant.
My eyes widened. “I’d say you were completely out of your mind. Chase wants to be my friend and advisor. That’s all. God, what kind of crazy man would take a look at me right now and be anything except repulsed? I look like something the cat dragged in after playing with it for days.”
“Attraction is more than just physical,” Torie pointed out.
I held a hand up. “Stop! Chase and I are friends. We are not attracted to each other that way, Torie.”
Okay, maybe I did secretly lust after Chase Durand, but it wasn’t something I was about to share with Torie. She’d hound me with hints about a possible relationship with her brother forever.
She made no bones about the fact that she wanted Chase and Wyatt to find a good woman.
Her trying to hook the two of us up would be embarrassing considering that Chase Durand would never look at me that way.
He was protective, caring, and considerate about getting me everything I needed right now. Chase listened to me with the concern of a friend who didn’t want to see me in pain.
He did not, however, look at me like he wanted to get me naked. Not now, or any time previously, for as long as I’d known him.
“Okay,” she agreed amiably. “I’ll try not to say that I told you so someday.”
“Thanks a lot,” I muttered, dismissing her warning.
“You do enjoy his company though, right?” she persisted.
Really, how could I not like Chase Durand? Especially after everything he was doing for me. “Every minute we spend together,” I said honestly. “There’s something about Chase that makes me feel…safe. As an advisor, he’s made me feel so comfortable that I can tell him almost anything about my kidnapping and know that he won’t judge. You know that’s big for me. I’m usually not all that trusting.”
Torie nodded. “Feeling safe is good after what you’ve been through.Nobodyinvolved in Last Hope would ever judge you, Vanna. We volunteer for a reason. Everyone wants to help.”
I shook my head as I answered, “It’s still hard to believe that such an organization even exists. Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful that Last Hope was started and continued to grow. But I have to admit the things they’re capable of doing and the thought they put into every rescue is a little overwhelming.”
“We have some pretty amazing volunteers all over the world,” Torie informed me. “And Marshall runs Last Hope like his life depends on it. I discover something new that I didn’t know about Last Hope almost every single day. It’s definitely unique and pretty awesome.”
“You like being a volunteer?” I questioned.
“I do,” Torie replied immediately. “I think volunteering gives me a chance to turn a negative thing into a positive.”
I sighed. “I wish I had a special skill I could volunteer.”
Torie groaned, “Please. You have a million special skills, but this is your time to just be a rescue and recover. Let us take care of you right now.”
To my horror, I felt tears filling my eyes. “Thank you. God, I hate feeling this helpless, useless, and afraid of everything. You know me, Torie. I had every minute of my day planned with work issues. I didn’t have time to be idle.”
