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“Are you breaking up with me, Jude?” Chase says. Jokes? I think it’s a joke.
So I chuckle. “I got us into this mess and I think we both could use some time to really decide if we’re going to do this.”
Chase hesitates, then slides the ring into the inside pocket of his suit coat. “I understand.”
“Just give us time to breathe and –”
“No, you’re right. I hear you.”
My previous desire to run out of the car has been replaced by not wanting to be away from him. Can my body just make up its mind?
“I want you to see a doctor though as soon as possible. And get the treatment you need.”
“Chase –”
“Even if you change your mind about all this, I’m not going to stop caring for you. That’s not what family does for one another.”
The look in his eye is so earnest. And the words he says are… breathtaking. I’ve never heard him call me family. If this were purely romance, that might be a turn-off. But I never thought he saw me the way Caroline did.
I can’t help but lean over and press a kiss to his cheek. Long and true.
I hear the tiniest gasp from between his lips.
As I draw away, I murmur, “Thank you, Chase. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
I get out of the car with one final look his way. His eyes are on the road, ready to leave. I don’t blame him. That was a lot to process. Especially for a guy that’s so analytical.
Once I’m inside, back under the covers with a heating pad and a comfort show on the television, I realize that the conceit of me marrying Chase has been broken. There would be no need. The insurance wouldn’t be an object should he be willing to foot the bill for my doctors and treatments.
But that’s not good enough for me.
Despite everything, I’ve had a taste of Chase Gladstone. Inside that sometimes cold man is a heart that is bursting with warmth and light. I’ve gotten just a bit of it. I want it all though.
I’m greedy for him and his love.
If a contract is the only way I’m going to figure out how to get his love, so be it.
In a week’s time, if he still wants me, then I will not hesitate. I will not look away.
Chase Gladstone is my destiny. I’m sure of it.
Chapter 10
Chase
Westandbackandwatch Caroline line up her driver to the tee. It’s a golf day which means all the men in my family get on the green and enjoy eighteen holes of hell.
Caroline insisted on going when she was seven years old and has been included in the tradition ever since. The worst part about it is that she’s better than all of us. However, that’s mostly because she takes it the most seriously. While we stand around drinking beer and shooting the shit, Caroline peers at the ball from under her visor as if she’s the top player in the PGA.
“Caroline, come on, baby girl,” our father pleads in his distinctive twang.
Caroline stops, nearly dropping her club. “The more you interrupt, the more I have to start over.”
Uncle Wendell gives a heavy sigh and smacks my father on his arm. “You know your girl! What the hell are you doing, huh?”
“Just everyone turn around and leave me alone. You’re making me nervous.”
