Page 45 of Chasing Forever

“For the record, I was this close to saying yes.” She removed her arms from around his neck and brought her thumb and forefinger together as close as they could go without touching.

“For the record, I really wanted you to. But I totally understand why you didn’t.”

“Care to explain it to me, then?” She placed her hands on his shoulders, enjoying the feel of his warm, hard muscles beneath her fingertips.

“You’re not a ‘casual fling’ kind of woman, and you don’t play games. When you’re interested in someone, you’re all in and loyal almost to a fault.”

She bristled at that, remembering what had happened with Adam. She’d been so trusting and secure in their love that she hadn’t even considered the possibility of him cheating.

“Am I right?”

It was almost like he knew her intimately, even though they hadn’t known each other that long.

“Am I that easy to read?”

“Here we go again,” he said, laughing.

She sighed and leaned her forehead against his chest. “Sometimes I wish I were different. I wish I were more spontaneous and adventurous.”

“Hey,” he said, pulling her tighter against his hard chest. “Don’t beat yourself up. I happen to think you’re pretty perfect just the way you are.”

Tipping her head up, she said, “You’re not just saying that to get me to change my mind, are you?”

He laughed louder this time. “If I were trying to do that, I’d be showing rather than telling, if you know what I mean.”

“Showing?”

Cupping her face in his hands, he dipped his head down and kissed her. Just like at the beach, the kiss quickly intensified, and she welcomed his tongue like a long-lost friend. His hands slid down her bare arms and snaked around her back. In a surprise move, he cupped her butt cheeks and pulled her hips forward. This time, there was no mistaking his arousal, and it fueled her own.

But after a few minutes, the beam of a car’s headlights shone on them and broke them out of their lusty trance. They quickly parted, realizing they’d been putting on a show for any passersby to see. Plus, they’d been illuminated by the lampposts that came on automatically in front of every unit.

Callie felt both irritated and grateful for the interruption.

Rubbing the back of his neck with one hand, Chase was already fitting his key into the lock with the other. “We should get inside,” he said almost apologetically.

She nodded, agreeing it was for the best.

“Good night, Callie.”

“Good night.”

Once she’d gone inside, she slumped down on the couch and silently berated herself for not going through with it. He’d called them adults, but she certainly didn’t feel like one. Why had she turned him down? What would have been wrong with a casual hook-up? It might have been the best thing for her—another step toward healing after Adam’s betrayal and her grandma’s death.

It wasn’t like Chase was a stranger she’d picked up at a bar. She knew him (somewhat) and liked him, and so far, he’d been the perfect gentleman. He’d also been completely honest about his intentions, so she knew where he stood. There’d be no false hopes about where this would lead or if they would continue to see each other after they returned to Michigan.

If they got together, it would be a sweet escape, a fun vacation memory. Coming to Hawaii had motivated her to start writing again, and maybe being with Chase would give her renewed confidence when it came to men and dating.

In effect, Chase would be helping her in two ways—with her writing and rejuvenating her spirits. Truthfully, he was already doing that, but being intimate with him would take it to a whole other level.

Just imagine the book material you’d have then!

Chapter 22

Chase went for a morning run even though he’d slept horribly the night before. He’d lain in bed for hours, tossing and turning and thinking about kissing Callie. He’d kept listening for sounds from her unit, hoping she might change her mind and knock on his door, but all he’d heard was the loud ticking of the clock, and as the hours had passed, he’d realized she wouldn’t be knocking.

He’d resorted to self-pleasure, but it hadn’t been satisfying, and afterward, he’d lain there wondering what it would have been like had she said yes. Would she be like the heroines in her books—passionate and responsive? He’d guess yes based on the way she’d kissed him. She hadn’t held back at all. She’d pressed herself against him and matched his energy and enthusiasm with every kiss. She’d probably be the same way in bed, although he might never get the opportunity to find out.

While he’d been frustrated, he hadn’t been angry. In fact, he respected her for knowing herself and sticking to her guns. But he already despised the next guy who’d come along and be lucky enough to experience all the fire and passion that was inside of her.