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CHAPTER 11
“He said what?” Avery squealed that night over dinner.
I swallowed my hamburger that we had picked up at the hotel restaurant and brought back up to our room. After a long day of being on our feet, we just wanted to stay in our room and watch trash television and eat greasy food.
“I know, it was crazy. Right?” I said, as I took a big gulp of my chocolate milkshake.
Nodding, Avery bit into her cheeseburger. “Crazy. Yes. But I think he likes you,” Avery said.
“No way. I think he hates me,” I said, through a full mouth of fries.
“Nope. That boy wants you. Just be careful,” Avery warned.
“Avery, you know better than that. Chase might be hot and, in my mind, way too much, but I know that type of guy. He doesn’t settle down. He likes one-night stands. That’s not me. When I’m ready to settle down, it will be with someone totally different from Spencer Chase.”
“I hope so,” Avery said. “In the meantime, maybe you could be one of his one-night stands,” she joked.
I lifted my pillow and threw it across the room and watched as it hit her in the head.
“You bitch.” Avery laughed, as she threw her pillow back at me.
We laughed and then finished the night watching a reality dating show.
The next morning, I found myself sitting at a table in the breakroom while I waited for my section assignment. I hadn’t forgotten about my self-defense training session that would happen this afternoon when I got off work. In fact, I was kind of excited about being so close to Chase and the possibility of knocking the shit out of him.
Everyone was yawning and talking about what they had done the night before. I guess since I wasn’t from here and only knew Avery, I didn’t have any cool stories to contribute.
Watching the group, I was startled when Chase walked over and sat in a chair across from me. From the looks on everyone else’s faces in the room, they were just as shocked as I was. In fact, I didn’t think I had ever seen him talk to any of them except to bark orders their way.
“How was your night?” Chase asked in an awkward tone.
“Fine,” I said slowly, unsure of what was going on.
“I wanted to apologize for yesterday. My behavior was… erratic,” he stated.
“You could say that,” I snapped and then instantly regretted my word vomit. “I’m sorry. You’re apologizing. I shouldn't act like this.”
“No, you’re right,” Chase said, as he nervously moved in the chair.
“I am?” I questioned, with a surprised look on my face. Tucking a loose strand of my brown hair behind my ear, I too shifted in my seat.
“Yes, I shouldn't have assumed you can’t take care of yourself. You just don’t look like you belong here.”
Wow, he was insulting me again. This could only go downhill from here.
“Thanks,” I muttered, as I attempted to stand. I was ready to leave this conversation. Now.
Reaching out, Chase grabbed my hand and stopped me. Sparks instantly ignited inside me, and I darted my eyes to his. From the look of confusion on his face, it was clear he felt the same intensity I did.
“Wait, I didn’t mean that,” Chase began. “Shit, I don’t know what I’m saying,” he said, as he rubbed his jaw with his other hand. He was still holding my hand, and I slowly slid back into my seat, curious as to what he would say next. “Just give me a minute to explain.”
“Well, you have five minutes before I have to get to work,” I said sharply. “Besides, can’t you just wait until this afternoon? You’ll have plenty of time to talk to me then,” I added with a huff.
Shaking his head, Chase watched me carefully. “No, I need to say this now,” he said.
“Fine, go ahead,” I stated, as I waved my hands for him to begin talking.
“Okay. First, about what I said yesterday. You’re beautiful. One of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen. You’re also very innocent and pure looking. I guess… I guess I feel like this place can be dirty at times. You just look like you should be in college and working at a bookstore or clothing store. Not a sleazy casino around some of the losers that hang out here,” Chase said. He slowly let go of my hand, and I instantly felt a pang of sadness with the release of his touch.
