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If his back is against the wall, I couldn’t say for certain he wouldn’t do something unethical.
No way is that happening. Much as he drives my human side up the wall, I know deep down, whatever Chase is trying to do, it’s the right thing.
Plus, I’d never hear the end of it from Leah and Hayley if Mitch got him into any real trouble.
“Okay, no fake interview, but don’t bail on me. Just stick to the original plan.”
“Leah, don’t make me,” I beg, groaning as I rest my forehead against the cool tiles, seeking some relief from the blinding headache pulsing behind my tired eyes. I need sleep. Preferably the kind that isn’t tormented with visions of Chase’s ripped body looming over me, his hot lips scorching a path over my naked skin.
Fuck. This isn't helping. I turn the temperature on the shower way down as I listen to Leah’s annoying but effective whining and begging.
“Please! Pretty please with sugar on top. After the council members are gone, you’re off the hook. I promise.” Damn it.
“How the hell am I going to keep him away from the brewery tomorrow when you’re all going to be there?”
I can’t risk being alone with him after what I just did. It has to be a public place where he has to act with at least a small bit of respect. Leah scoffs down the phone and speaks to me like she’s explaining the colour of the grass to a toddler.
“Natalie, it’s a social occasion with a bunch of strangers. It’s Chase’s worst nightmare. He’ll be trying to stay away. You just have to worry about the hours between now and then.” When she laughs, happy now she’s gotten her way, I grumble. She’s not helping.
My thoughts drift to the cardboard boxes that I know have captured his attention. I could use them to lead him away from the Joneses for a couple of hours. They’re going to owe me big time for this one.
“Then I’m done, Leah. I’m going to take a few days off and disappear. Before your brother kills me.”
Which he might well do after today’s stunt. I need head space to figure out what’s going on with me. Marcus will be back. I can visit Mum and make sure she really is alright. Maybe she’d even come with me if I book a nice hotel for a couple of nights. Some time off might help me process this whole thing with Dad and whether I do need to visit him in jail to get some closure.
“Of course. And thank you, Natalie.” Her words are genuine and I nod, steeling myself for the next forty-eight hours. I can do this. Then I can go away and have a mini-meltdown in private, without Chase Walker watching my every move.
“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” I mumble, sighing and bidding her farewell.
Hopping into the shower, I slam the door shut and try not to think about Chase. Or his tanned, muscular arms. Or that stern look he gets where I can’t tell if he wants to devour me or lock me up and throw away the key. It’s not the cold water that has me shivering as I imagine how pissed-off he’s going to be next time I see him.
CHAPTER 18
CHASE
It’s completely dark outside when Mason opens the heavy steel door and steps back, watching me closely as I walk out into the crisp evening air.
“That wasn’t three hours,” I comment, scanning my surroundings for anyone else who might be out here. Mason shrugs his massive shoulders.
“Felt sorry for you,” he admits with a wry smile, “just don’t tell Nat.”
Nodding, I inhale deeply, and an eerie calm settles over me. Oh, she’s going to pay, but revenge is a dish best served cold. And frankly, right now, my head is a mess. There’s only one place I can go to get me away from Grey Ridge and the questions that press in on top of me everywhere I turn.
Home.
Mason looks stunned when I reach out to offer him my hand. “I appreciate it. It’ll stay between us.”
Twisting his mouth as he observes me, trying to decide whether to say something, Mason hesitates, then looks up to the heavens. “You can’t sneak up on her. Or follow her. She’s always going to know. You did a pretty good job, it’s just…” He taps his nose and waits, watching for signs of understanding.
Nose. Scent. Bears.
Goddamnit, I’m a fucking idiot. If I think I can smell better than the average person, what the hell can Natalie and her brothers do? If my suspicions are correct.
Mason smiles and shrugs when he sees the realisation on my face. “I have no idea what’s going on here, but I’m rooting for you.” With a mock salute he gestures toward the wide-open field. “I’ll stay here till you’re gone, just in case any of the boys inside decide to cause you any trouble.”
With a nod of gratitude, I take off at a jog, certainty settling within my bones that I know exactly what’s going on now. At least with Natalie Lennox. And if what I suspect is true, and she’s not the only one, then it’s quite possible I’ve stumbled across the reason my sisters feel so at home here.
CHAPTER 19
