Grabbing my clothes from my overnight bag, I head to the en suite. I don’t have any of my toiletries—other than a toothbrush—so I’ll have to use whatever’s available. The thought of smelling like Chase all day makes my belly flutter.
Showered and dressed for the day, I walk to the kitchen in search of some caffeine and some kisses from my man. Chase is leaning on the counter, scrolling his phone while he sips coffee. He looks up and smiles. My heart skips. Those dang dimples.
“How you feeling today, Goldi?” he asks. Joy, pure and bright, fills me at his question. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard it.
“Hi.” I grin, planting a soft kiss on his lips. “I feel great.”
His big hand grabs me from behind and squeezes, pulling me further into him. “Fuck, I love having you here in the morning. Did you sleep okay?”
I nod, swiping his coffee and taking a drink. I hum as it hits my tongue. There’s just something about that first sip in the morning that can’t be beaten. Having Chase next to me while I savor the taste is the cherry on top. I could get used to this.
His eyes darken as he watches me. “You better stop that.”
“Stop what?” I murmur, taking another gulp.
“Everything you’re doing. You’re making me want to bend you over this counter, and we don’t have time for that.”
My body heats as I imagine the feeling of him behind me, pushing my hips into the granite with his thrusts. I shift and bite my lip, arousal zinging between my legs.
He interrupts my daydream. “I’m gonna be at the main office all day. I’ll talk to Sam about getting together for dinner tonight. Will that work for you?”
I rub my thumb over his lips. “Yep, works for me.”
His teeth snap at my fingers and I squeal, jerking my hand away. He chortles, standing up to grab his keys from the counter.
“I’ve gotta get going.” His hands frame my face, his tongue parting my lips and dipping in my mouth for a quick taste. My eyes flutter closed, and the threads of our connection dance—content that we’re finally together.
“Stay as long as you like, make yourself at home,” he whispers against my mouth.
My fingers circle his wrists. “Maybe I’ll just come straight here after work… if that’s okay?”
“Baby, you could move in tomorrow and I’d be okay with it.” He brushes my cheeks with his thumbs, leaving me with one last kiss.
That night, we pull into Sam and Anna’s driveway, but I’m stuck looking at the house three doors down. I haven’t talked to Eli or Daddy since our fight. Eli texted and tried to call, but I need to calm down before I answer. Otherwise, who knows what will come out of my mouth. I may say things I regret. Or I might ask what the heck he was thinking letting Daddy go to a bar. Or how come my best friend’s acting a fool over him getting hitched.
“Hey, you okay?” A squeeze on my thigh makes me realize I’ve been staring in a daze.
I muster up a smile. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just worryin’ is all.”
“Do you want to stop by there after dinner?” He tilts his head toward where I’ve been looking.
Do I? Yes. No. Maybe. Nothing good can come of it, but I can’t help that I miss Daddy. Even if I know he isn’t missing me.
“Maybe. Let’s just deal with one thing at a time.”
As we walk the pathway to his front door, my nerves grow tenfold, jumping around at the thought of seeing Sam and Anna. Chase walks right in, pulling me with him. Being here after so long is a bit surreal. There are so many memories tied up in this place, and I spent years trying to forget them.
The smell of good home cooking makes me pine for my mama. I missed my weekly visit on Sunday and feel guilty for not making it a priority once I came home. Tomorrow, I’m makin’ time.
“Anybody home?” Chase hollers.
Anna swings around the corner, her long blonde hair twirling as she rushes into Chase’s arms.
“Hi, honey.” She palms his cheeks. The hole in my heart where Mama’s love used to be aches.
“Hey, Anna.” Chase beams. “Smells good in here, thanks for having us.”
She smacks his shoulder, shushing him. “This is your home, you’re always welcome.” She glances at me, her blue eyes cooling. “Alina. How are you?”
She’s polite—her southern roots strong, but that’s the extent of her hospitality. Chase looks between us, reaching out and pulling me into his side. I don’t miss the way Anna’s eyes swing to where he holds me. Her lips purse.
I’m antsy, her judgment making my palms sweat. “Anna, thanks so much for havin’ me. It smells delicious.”
“Mmm. My pleasure.” Her smile looks painful.
She turns back toward Chase, leaving me forgotten in the hallway, as she links their arms and walks to the kitchen. I follow behind, my stomach sinking at her disregard. What did I do to make her hate me so much?
“Is there anything I can help with?” I ask, looking around.
Anna doesn’t spare me a glance. “I’ve got everything handled, thank you kindly. Make yourself at home.”
Chase starts to walk toward me, but Anna grips his arm, stealing his attention back as she tells him about the new yoga group she’s in. He gazes at me over her shoulder and I wave him off.
What the heck do I do now? I peer out of the sliding back door and see Sam lounging in a chair, beer bottle to his lips. I head toward him.
Stepping outside allows me to
