AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I push myself up as Holden glances over at me, and I feel my breath stutter out of me.
His brows meet, and I force my gaze away, making my legs move out of the bar area and back onto the walkway. The salty breeze hits my face, and I run a hand down it. Hell.
Movement in the branches above has me jumping and stumbling. Jesus. What was that?
I glance up, but I can’t see anything. It’s just dark, the only illumination coming from the lights in the bar. Now I have to walk home in the dark with something up there watching me.
Monkey? Lizard? Both are equally as creepy.
I should have never left South Dakota.
I’d be safe in my bed at home, slowly suffocating, but I wouldn’t be here, doing things I’ve never done before.
Forcing myself to figure out who I am.
I glance back at the bar and debate, for just a moment, waiting. But then I shake my head and move forward down the path.
I can’t get involved. I’ve already done too much.
I start a slow jog and lose myself in the burn of my legs and lungs.
I’m going to do better tomorrow.
CHAPTERFOUR
Chase
Later that night, a knock on my door has me rolling out of bed. I groan, knowing I have to answer. It’s not like I can hide out up here—he knows where I am. It’s too late and dark out for me to be wandering about the island, so the only place I could be is in my empty apartment, staring up at my ceiling and pondering my life choices.
I sent my sister a picture of the ocean that I snapped at work today, and she responded back, “Thank fuck.” She’s mad, but not too mad. She gets it.
We’re going to chat soon.
Another knock, and I pick up my pace. I know who it is before I even answer it. And honestly, I’m surprised he even bothered. I don’t think men like Holden are used to having to chase. I imagine men just flock to him and throw themselves at his feet.
I didn’t mean to become his prey when I stalked off tonight, but here we are.
I pull the door open, and Holden is right there, leaning against the doorjamb, his blue eyes traveling down my bare chest to my pajama-clad legs.
“You didn’t wait for me,” he says and steps forward. I should block him from entering. I could, if I really wanted to. I was a linebacker in high school and college. I could pick him up and toss him back into the hallway so very easily, but instead, I just step aside and let him in.
Just let him fuckingin.
“I can forgive you though,” he says as he looks around at the barren walls and my duffle bag still stuffed with clothes.
“Not settling in?” he asks, his eyes flicking to me.
“Just got here,” I say, running a nervous hand through my hair.
He pulls his bottom lip between his teeth as he eyes me. “I could give you some pointers if you want to make this place homier. I have fabulous taste.”
I shift on my feet, not sure if I want this place to become home. I don’t even know if I like it here yet. It’s so different and confusing. And yet, so freeing at the same time.
“Where you from, Chase?” he asks, moving toward my bag and bending over, rummaging through it. My eyes land on his ass and my dick plumps up to full mast. Oh, Jesus.
“South Dakota,” I say, and Holden stands up, turning to face me.
“That’s kind of what I expected. That or like, Texas.”
