Page 84 of Chasing Forever

But this vacation bubble they’d been living in was about to burst, and he wondered where that would leave them.

That night he made love to her with an intensity that surprised them both. It was almost like he was never going to see her again. Afterward she lay sated in his arms, and he almost said the words he’d been holding back for the past three days. They were right there on the tip of his tongue, but he wasn’t sure the timing was right.

He didn’t want to spill his guts and then not be able to see her, touch her, or talk to her while Quinn was there. So, he’d decided to wait. If Callie noticed anything was amiss, she didn’t comment. She simply curled into his side and fell asleep with her head on his shoulder. Trusting, caring, beautiful Callie—the woman he loved.

Chapter 37

Callie’s book was three-quarters of the way finished, and she was anxious to share it with the world. But first, she wanted to share it with him—her muse and the man she’d fallen head over heels in love with.

She didn’t have much time before she had to meet Quinn at the Kauai Airport, but she wanted to send him her draft before she left. Over the past few days, she’d come up with a book title and sought out a cover photo. Finding a cover photo that accurately embodied her story was one of the most challenging and enjoyable aspects of her job.

She wouldn’t share the cover with Chase until her graphic designer had finalized it, but she hoped he’d understand why she’d chosen it and wouldn’t be too jealous. The cover model was a handsome, shirtless man with dazzling green eyes that resembled Chase’s, and that was why she’d chosen it. Plus, there was a tropical scene in the background that reminded her of Hawaii. It was perfect.

Like she’d told him, she didn’t usually share her first draft with anyone, so she hesitated for a moment, her fingers hovering over the keyboard. She closed her eyes and thought about Chase reading it and wondered what he’d think. Would he recognize himself right away? Would he be embarrassed? Flattered? Upset?

She was confident he’d like the sex scenes, but what about the scene where the heroine tells the hero how she really feels about him, and vice versa? Would the raw emotions make him uncomfortable? Would it prompt him to share his own feelings or scare him away?

Glancing at the time on her laptop, she had to decide. She couldn’t sit there and guess at Chase’s reaction any longer. If she took the risk, she’d have to deal with the consequences. If worse came to worst and he had a negative response, they’d never have to see each other again.

But the thought of that made her heart wrench. She couldn’t imagine not seeing him, touching him, hearing his voice. He’d become as much a part of her as Kauai had. She’d never think of this place without thinking of him. True, she’d always have the memories, but that wouldn’t be enough. She wanted more, and she hoped he did too.

“Just send it,” she said. Her pointer was hovering over the send button, and suddenly she clicked it, the sound like a gun blast in the quiet room.

Then she quickly shut down her laptop, picked up her purse, and left the condo, resisting the urge to tell him she was leaving. She’d already said a long goodbye earlier and promised to introduce him to Quinn during her stay.

A short time later, Quinn raced toward her in the airport with arms flung wide and a bright smile on her pretty face. They hugged each other tight, and then Quinn pulled back and eyed her closely.

“You look…different.”

“I’m not sure how to take that,” Callie teased.

“I mean it in the best way. You look healthier and more vibrant than when you left home.”

“It’s probably the sun.” Callie flapped her hand dismissively. “I was pale as a ghost in Michigan.”

Quinn shook her head, her silky blonde hair brushing her shoulders. “Nope. That’s not it. There’s something else…”

“Fine, I’ll admit it. I gained a few pounds. I forgot how delicious the food was here.”

Quinn laughed. “You look great. You needed to put on some weight after…”

“Let’s not talk about sad things, okay? You’re here, and I’m so excited. I’ve missed you.” With that, Callie grabbed Quinn’s hand and led her to the baggage claim.

“Sorry I can’t stay longer, but I only get so much time off, and I promised I’d visit my cousin too.”

“It’s okay,” Callie replied, and she meant it. She loved having Quinn there, but after she left, she’d still have Chase. At least, she hoped so.

As if Quinn had read her mind, she said, “So, what’s the latest with Chase? We haven’t talked much in the past few days.”

That’s because I’ve been rolling around in his bed. “I know, but we’ll have plenty of time to catch up. Let’s get your bags and get out of here.”

She managed to hold Quinn off until they stopped for lunch at a nearby deli.

“I’m not letting you off the hook. Spill,” Quinn said after they’d placed their orders.

Callie took a deep breath. She wasn’t sure where to start. This was her best friend, but she wanted to keep some of the intimate details about Chase to herself. On the other hand, outside of her family, Quinn knew her better than anyone. Even if she didn’t spill all, Quinn would be able to read between the lines.

“I’m in love with him,” Callie blurted out.