AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Me.” Chester’s hand raises to his hair. He pushes a section of his longish dark blond curls to the side. He does have beautiful hair. It falls just under his ears, framing his face. It gives him a Malibu surfer vibe, even though I’ve only ever seen him wearing suits, making the idea of him having dipped a foot in the ocean an impossibility.
Silence descends over us. He stares my way before nodding his head softly to the beat. If he’s just going to jam to the music, he can do it somewhere else. After all, Chester was the one who brought the worst news to my doorstep. Why did it have to be him?
Couldn’t it have been my brother or a stupid email, telling me I’m going to get married? No, it had to be my neighbour, who tried to get me into his bed, then he told me I’m a liar. The last thing I wanted to hear from Chester was the plan for my future, but sadly, he was the one knocking on my door to ruin my life.
It’s not his business. He shouldn’t be sharing his opinion on it or intervening. The only thing he should be doing right now is apologising again for making my life a mess. And for that beautiful hair.
“What do you want?” I blurt out. He plays with his collar before scraping his hand against his heavy dark scruff. My attention is pulled to his large hands with long fingers and clean-cut nails.
“About this afternoon—”
“Oh, you’re really going to apologise?” I ask, surprised, but at my question, he shakes his head quickly, as if trying to rid himself of a sudden feeling or thought.
“Apologise?” he repeats with confusion. “Again?”
“Well, yeah.” His eyes blink a few times before his index finger goes over his lower lip. That’s one gorgeous mouth enclosed by a dark, full scruff. If it were a tad bit larger, it would be a beard.
Suddenly, a person passes behind me, thrusting their shoulders through the small gap of people surrounding me. I wasn’t prepared for the abrupt force hitting me against my back, and my feet weren't stable to begin with after all those colourful beverages. Before I know it, I’m shoved way too close to Chester Boyd. His chest is glued against mine, and I can feel his heart beating through the fabric.
That attractive scent of cedar and cardamon hits me not a second later. A perfect blend that I didn’t know would make me light in the head. A man that smells great might be my weakness, even when they answer to the name Chester Boyd.
I lift my head to look at him. But instead of a surprised or awkward face, I’m still staring at the same confused one as before. While Chester looks like he’s trying to figure out a difficult maths problem, I can’t rid myself of the feeling of being plastered against him.
It feels wonderful, and I shake my head forcefully to remove that thought from my mind. I need to escape that muscled chest. This is the second time today I’ve cuddled him like a monkey. I look to the left, hoping my eyes will catch those of Topper’s. That he’ll understand my panicked stare and need for a saviour.
Two fingers drop on my cheek, and my head is turned back to Chester. My eyes snap up to his, and I can’t keep the shock from my face as his fingers slowly fall from my cheek. Why were his fingers on my cheek and why do I feel like they still are?
“You want me to apologiseagain?” Chester’s question shakes me awake, and this time, I’m joining him in that look of puzzlement. Even the tone of his voice shows that he doesn’t understand what I’m asking of him.
“Yes,” I state.
“For what?”
“Are you serious?” I raise my eyebrows, not knowing if he’s pulling my leg or if Chester truly doesn’t comprehend my request.
“Bloody serious, princess.”
“For ruining my life. You did also try to shag me.” I almost felt the need to push my finger into his chest to get my point across, but my finger couldn’t even fit between us because my chest is completely stuck against his.
“I didn’t ruin your life. Your brother did.” I raise my hand, and instead of hitting his chest, I tap my finger against his shoulder. If I can’t reach his chest, I’ll go for the shoulder. His eyes drop to my hand for a second before they drift back up.
“Keep Frederic out of this. Even that name makes my heart rate spike. Don’t make me force you to also apologise for saying Frederic’s name,” I threaten, and this time, he nods his head.
“All right, I’ll keep that fucker’s name out of this conversation.”
“Good,” I say loudly.
Once again, his eyes fall to my hand tapping away on his shoulder. He swallows visibly before his large hand covers mine, making me grab his shoulder. My heart stops for that initial second, before I’m the one swallowing loudly. He lifts his head to look into my eyes. Gone is his confusion and in its place is an expression wiped clean of any emotion.
“Okay,” he mumbles. His low voice vibrates against my chest, making my legs break out in shivers. “I’m not going on my knees though. That was a one-time thing.”
“Wait. You’re really going to apologise?”
“I am, but not for everything.” I frown, not understanding what he means. His thumb caresses the top of my hand softly. My eyes snap to our joined hands before I, once again, swallow loudly, then direct my attention to Chester’s eyes.
What’s happening here?
“I apologise for sticking my nose where it does not belong. I apologise for making you feel as if you weren’t welcome during lunch, but that’s how far I’ll go, Evangeline.” His tone is serious. His eyes don’t waver from mine, and as much as I want to look away, I’m completely stuck in his orbit. As much as I want to run away, I also want to hear what else he has to say.
