Ignoring my reference to his former life as a stuntman, Kane sighed. “Okay, okay. You want another chance with her. I’m still not clear how you left things with her, but I’m guessing since she’s never once asked me about you it wasn’t a positive experience. Just be sure you’re ready for long-term with her and her son. That’s it. I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.” Kane punched my arm, then jogged toward the front door, laughing the entire way.
I should have seen that move coming, which proved to myself just how focused I was on Astrid. “I’ll let you have that one. I’m sure I did something to you when we were kids that you owed me one. But just one.” I flashed him a quick smile, then rubbed my arm.
Kane hesitated in the doorway and, with a parting shot, “Oh, and make sure if you do get lucky, old man, you make sure and stretch first.” The door slammed shut behind him. Had I not been nursing my injuries, I would have run after him and paid him back for the punch and the smart-ass dig. Man, some things never changed.
I remembered overhearing a conversation between Astrid and Zoe about her dreading unpacking all the boxes in the kitchen, so I headed that way. After a couple of steps, a muscle in my back hit me with a quick spasm.Shit.
I hated to admit it, but Chase’s suggestion was actually a good idea.
CHAPTER SEVEN
ASTRID
I walkedout of my bedroom and everyone was gone. I’d just spent the last half hour making the bed, unpacking some clothes and putting things away in the bathroom. I could have done it later, but I was a coward. I had wanted to give Chase the opportunity to leave without making it a big deal if he’d changed his mind about talking.
Not sure how I felt not seeing him still here, I heard a noise like boxes being shifted followed by mumbled cursing. Chase. He was still here.
Turning the corner of the hallway, I found him off the kitchen where the pantry was located. I’d always wanted one with a door and had made sure the house design I chose had a large one. “Hey, you don’t have to do that. Come on and sit down. I think the boxes on the couch aren’t that heavy. I’ll clear it off and--”
“Astrid, I don’t want to be treated like some damn invalid. Just because I’m no longer on active duty doesn’t mean I can’t do other things. Like lift boxes or carry you into that bedroom where I’ll show you my injury won’t keep me from making you--"
“Whoa. Don’t you think that’s pretty optimistic?” I couldn’t let him finish the rest of his bold declaration. At least not yet. “Now that we’re alone, why don’t you start with why you came back? Here. To Pineville.”Way to state the obvious, Astrid.Stupid nerves. Why does he have to be so irresistible when he’s all riled up?
“Why now?” I added. “Are you looking for redemption or just another quick lay? Because I’m not interested in either.”Liar, liar, pants on fire, Astrid.
His gaze turned hard, briefly, before morphing into something wild. Something beyond sexy that caused my mouth to dry up before reverting to controlled and calm.
“Redemption isn’t what drives me, sweetheart. And as far as repeating our one time together, well now, if you agree, I can guarantee that there’ll be nothing quick about it.”
Shit, did he just switch into a southern drawl? His cadence, all slow and seductive. It nearly kept me spellbound. But the wild beating of my heart, and the memory of that long ago hurt cleared it out. I had to hold strong.
Because allowing myself to succumb to the sensual connection that I could no longer deny was happening would not happen. I’d promised myself years ago after my divorce that I deserved more. I deserved it all. Not just great sex, but love and friendship. And most of all, respect.
If he couldn’t prove that he wanted all of those things, there was no way I was letting him back into my life. No matter how many times he flexed his damn muscles or smiled at me as if I was the only woman he wanted in his bed.
“Why should I give you a second chance? Like my ex, you stomped all over my heart. And you left without a word. No goodbye. No letter. At least with my ex, I came out on the other side with Josh. What is it you think you can offer me that any other man can’t?”
“Shit, you don’t pull any punches, do you?” Chase ran a hand through his hair, messing it up, and damn, it made him even sexier.
“No, I don’t. I can’t afford to. We’ve both had a lot happen in our lives since high school. My ex cheated, got the woman pregnant, decided he wanted her and the baby, then cut off contact with me and Josh for years. It’s only through a lot of counseling that Josh became willing to give his dad another chance.”
“But not you, huh? What did it do to you?” His voice sounded tight, filled with regret even as he tried to soften his tone.
I couldn’t answer that, and if I’d hoped to scare him away, it didn’t work. He just stood there, hands on hips, wearing that mulish expression I wished I didn’t remember so well. Determination and, damn it, empathy shone from his dark brown eyes. “I think it’s time for that bottle of wine, don’t you?”
How did he do that? One minute I was ready to throw him out and tell him not to bother, and the next he made me feel as if this moment had been inevitable. That he was still the friend I’d relied on during that last turbulent year of school, and who’d incredibly confessed to wanting more.
We both needed the truth to come out. I had no time to unpack the boxes lining the kitchen counter, but I think I knew where the glasses were. The rain had lulled a bit, and we could sit on the back deck, which I’d been wanting to do all day. The view was my favorite part of the land I’d spent years saving for.
Glasses and wine opener secured. I asked, “White or red? I’ll meet you on the deck.” Unable to meet his gaze, I turned toward the refrigerator.
“Whichever you prefer works. You sure you want to go out there? That storm is just in a lull.”
“Oh, so now you’re a weatherman? Is that one of your secrets, Chase?” I sent him a quick glance over my shoulder.
“There she is.” Chase grinned.
“What are you talking about?” Choosing a white, I paused and finally looked at him. What was he up to?
