Maggie scanned the ladder. Then she took a deep breath and started climbing. When she made it to the top, she wiped her hands together and looked around. “Wow, this is incredible. I feel like I’m in a movie.”
“Never been to a farm?”
“A few times, but not one like this. The drive here was amazing. So many hills and mountains and rivers. It’s gorgeous.”
“Doesn’t get better than this place. Let’s sit here.” He pointed to a row of rectangular hay bales. “Sorry it’s not fancier.”
“I’m just glad I’m not driving anymore.”
“Yeah, speaking of that. It’s awesome to see you, but what are you doing here?” He leaned forward with his elbows on his knees and his head in his hands, peeking over at her.
Maggie mirrored his pose but dropped her head down and massaged her forehead. Finally, she glanced in his direction. “Trying to be spontaneous?” Then she took a deep breath and sat up.
“I was talking to my life coach, Celeste, and telling her how we met and how you were helping me with my list. I might have mentioned that I missed you… and that I was worried about you and your brother. She encouraged me to take a leap of faith. I think I might have jumped too far and crash landed.” She shook her head, “I’m so sorry. I don’t know what got into me.”
Chase smiled at her.
Maggie fidgeted with the zipper on her sweatshirt and continued. “And honestly, I don't have much experience with men. Elliot was the son of one of my dad's friends. I think my mom might've planted the idea of him asking me out. He’s really the only guy I’ve ever dated.”
Chase stretched out his legs and crossed his ankles one over the other. “Not gonna lie, I did not expect you to show up here. But, it kind of worked out perfectly in my favor.” He flashed her a grin.
“Yeah, what's this about me being yourgirlfriend? I don’t remember having a DTR.”
Chase furrowed his eyebrows. “What’s that?”
“It stands for ‘define the relationship.’ My sister datesa lotofguys. I don’t know… I’ve heard her say it…” Maggie waved her comment away. “But, we didn't, did we? I’m not in a romcom where I suddenly have amnesia?”
Chase laughed. “No, you’re good. Sorry to throw the girlfriend thing at you. My mom was about to set me up with one of her friend’s daughters. I did not want to deal with that. Your name just came flying outta my mouth.”
“Yeah?”
“I might have been thinking about you.” Chase nudged her with his elbow. “But, in my defense, I thought it would be a harmless white lie and they would never know any different. I don’t want to freak you out or anything. I know we've only hung out a few times. If you could just do me a favor and play along while you’re here, I would seriously owe you .”
Maggie nodded. “Just no more surprises.”
“Hey, that goes for you too.”
“Deal,” Maggie held out her hand and Chase shook it, not wanting to let go. Warmth was spreading up his arm. Her hand fit so securely in his. Maggie’s gaze locked with his. Clearing his throat, he asked, “How long are you planning to be in Alabama?”
“Ah, I have to be back for work on Monday, so I booked a flight for Sunday afternoon. But, I don’t want to be a burden to you or anything. I was just gonna stay at a hotel in town and check out the area. Seriously, don’t feel like you have to entertain me.”
“You’re not a burden, Maggie. I’m glad you’re here. Plus, if we’re gonna sell you as my girlfriend, you’re gonna have to hang out with me a little bit.”
Maggie smiled, “Okay, I think I can handle that.”
“As far as staying at a hotel in town… you’re kind of out of luck. The only place to stay is Valley View Lodge and that’s twenty minutes away. Plus, it’s kind of run down. You should just stay here.”
Maggie bit her lip, a nervous habit Chase had come to love and hate. It was incredibly attractive, but also incredibly distracting. He was having a hard enough time resisting the urge to kiss her without her constantly drawing attention to her mouth.
“Are you sure?” she asked timidly.
“Yeah, there’s two guest rooms upstairs. Plenty of room.”
“Will your family be okay with that?”
“Definitely. More opportunity to grill you.” Chase grinned.
“Speaking of that… What should I tell them? Ya know about our relationship back story and all that?”
