Maggie cocked her head to the side and found his eyes.Yes, I noticed you right away,he silently confirmed to her.
“Aw, that’s so sweet,” Norah clasped her hands near her heart. “And what did you think about Chase when he approached?”
“Ah, well, he’s obviously hot—er, handsome... and he seemed really sweet.” A tinge of pink appeared on Maggie’s cheeks.
Chase tilted his head, “Aw…thanks, sunshine.”So she thought I was hot, huh?He was enjoying hearing Maggie’s first impression.
“He did force me to dance with him though… kind of has a habit of springing things on me.” Maggie looked over at him with her eyebrows raised.
Chase’s grin faded momentarily and a nervous laugh escaped. He patted Maggie’s knee. “Trying to help this one be more adventurous. I might have taught you too well, huh pumpkin?”
Chase heard Cam grumble, “I think we’re good on the nicknames… we get it… you’re in love…”
Chase hoped Maggie didn’t hear his comments. The situation was fragile enough.
His mom leaned forward with her elbow on her knees and rested her chin on her fist like the thinking man statue. “What drew you to Maggie, Chase?”
“Ah okay mom, I think we’re good. I feel like you’ve been watching too much Dr. Phil.”
“I’d like to hear… ya know… again since you tell me all the time. Never gets old.” Maggie bubbled.
Touché…
“Aw c’mon Chase…” his mom encouraged.
Chase blew out a breath and met Maggie’s eyes, “Well, she’s obviously gorgeous. I can’t really explain it… I just couldn’t help but go talk to her.”
“Oh, it sounds like love at first sight!” His mom clapped. Maggie let out an awkward huff and then a few sharp coughs. “Sorry, just a tickle in my throat,” she explained. Chase patted her back. Sweat was threatening to cascade down his neck.
Leaning back, his mom continued, “So, where’d ya’ll go on your first date?”
“Uh… As much as I would love to divulge all the details of our relationship in the first few minutes, why don’t we let Maggie settle in before we continue the third degree. It must have been a long flight and drive. Come on, let's get you something to eat.”
Before his mom could object, Chase guided Maggie by the elbow into the kitchen.
In a hushed tone, Chase asked, “Can I get you anything, a water, some pie?”
“Do you guys just always have pie available around here?” Maggie chuckled.
Chase leaned against the white quartz countertop with one arm across his abs and one hand supporting his chin. “Actually, now that you mention it. Yeah, we do. Why?”
“Long story, I’ll tell ya later. I’ll just take some water, thanks.”
Chase handed her a bottle of water and then peeked into the living room. Motioning with his head toward the back door, he asked, “Wanna take a walk?”
“You’re not gonna like crazy murder me or something are you? Because I texted my sister your address, so if anything happens to me—people will know.”
Chase smirked and shifted his head to the side, “Don’t worry Minnesota Maggie. You’re safe with me.” Maggie raised her eyebrows back at him.
As they stepped onto the back porch, Chase pointed to a red barn. “We should have some privacy there.”
When they entered, a loud neigh and a crash stopped Maggie in her tracks.
“It’s okay, it’s just Lou Lou and Gum Drop, the horses.”
“They do not sound happy.”
“They probably heard us come in and now want a snack, but they’ll have to wait. Let’s go up in the hay loft.” Chase motioned for Maggie to go first, “After you ma’am.”
