I chuckle. “I’ll retire.” I’ve never told anyone my big plan before. And I can’t tell her right now either because a couple appears at our table, explaining that they couldn’t help but notice me and are wondering if they can have me sign their receipt.
“Only if you already paid,” I joke.
It’s no surprise I got noticed, considering the scene we’d caused with the tables.
For the rest of the meal, I’m met with numerous interruptions by friendly fans. This isn’t quite the date with Pippa that I’d been hoping for when I scrapped the final date onCrush or Cupid, promising Rhiannon a great finale. But that’s okay. I still have a little patience left.
32
PIPPA
Part of me wants to hide in a cave for the rest of the week—there are loads of them in the Concordian mountain range. But that’s too far away. I’ve backed myself into a corner with Chase.
I can’t lie or deny it any longer.
My crush has turned into something more. I love Chase. In fact, I have for a long time. My email password is Pippa+Chase4Ever, for goodness’ sake. For years, I’ve carried around this crush, thinking about him but never imagining anything would happen.
But my job. I’ve worked hard for my independence. Is it worth losing?
Then there’s the money from his grandfather. I want a regular, organic relationship, not an arranged marriage.
On top of that, Marlow has somehow haunted me since high school. It shouldn’t matter, but that girl is like a splinter under my skin. A splinter covered with tomato sauce and chocolate. One I can’t seem to get rid of.
But it was us at dinner tonight. It’s Chase and me in the BMW driving back to his block of brownstones.
Then, why do I keep pushing him away? As soon as he steps closer, I drop back. Sometimes literally, except when I’m seated.
“Thank goodness for chairs. I mean, thank you for dinner.”
Chase smirks like he adores my brand of quirky. “You’re quite welcome.”
We spent hours in the restaurant, leaning together over the table, the glow of candlelight between us, sharing stories and small secrets.
Until recently, I’d never lied a day in my life. Well,lieis a bit of a strong term. More like blurred the truth to protect my fragile heart—and backside. Chase may have no problem showing the world his bum, but I’m not about to have another Poo-pa incident.
It started raining during the hours we were in the restaurant. Even though we were interrupted numerous times, we fell into easy conversation. But we’re both quiet now. Maybe it’s the weather.
The car’s tires shush over the wet roads, I tilt my head back on the seat, wondering how this is going to end. Chase seems to be in the driver’s seat, literally and figuratively—whereas before he seemed to be more of an onlooker to his life than an active participant.
“On your evaluation form, how am I doing so far, coach?” Chase asks.
“Top marks,” I say, cringing a little at the reminder that I’m his teacher. I’d left that fact at my table after he picked me up in my chair and brought me to his. We’re lucky I didn’t swoon on the spot and fall on the floor. Then again, the heart fluffies were so numerous, they probably helped me remain aloft.
His muscles flex as he shifts gears, warming me against the chill from the rain. I study the angular line of his jaw. The perfect lips that I’ve kissed...
“What about the kiss, Pippa? Will that be included in the review?” he asks as though reading my mind.
The sound of my name reminds me that although I’m employed at Blancbourg, before that, I’m Pippa. A girl with a crush on a guy. More than a crush.
“Good form,” I rasp, thirsty for another one. “Great effort.”
“Could you elaborate, please? It’s important to me that I work on improving my performance. I want to be sure I pass.” His voice is even and his eyes remain on the road, but something stirs between us. Something I’m afraid to look at. To name.
“Officially, it’s not part of the evaluation.” My voice is barely a whisper.
“I see.” He parks in front of the brownstone. “In that case, I’m glad it was to your satisfaction.”
“Yes, very much so.”
