“I would never admit that nonsense, because I don’t lie.”
“Mmhmm ...” he growls, too close to me. “Keep telling yourself that.”
I’m staring directly into Chase’s stupid green eyes, trying to find the words I need. But even in the dim lighting, his eyes are so ... some people might say sexy and provocative. Mainly because of the way he stares like he’s fully locked in and present. Like you’re the only person in the room. As if he sees only you.
Sure, some people might say that. But not me. No way.
Frankly, I find his attention unnerving. Maybe even sociopathic? But who am I to diagnose him? One thing I do know is that he should see a doctor for the color of said eyes. That kind of green isn’t normal.
It’s like mold. Probably some kind of infection.
He winks. I scowl.
“I should’ve told those cops you have a warrant out for your arrest. I hear the jails on the West Coast look the other way in the showers.”
“If you wanna see me on my knees? Just ask.”
“I hate you.”
“Marry me.”
On the inside, I scream. On the outside, I punch him in the armpit, making him jump and step away as I let out a growl-scream before pushing him further with one hand.
He rubs under his arm, chuckling. “Stop flirting with me. I’m wholesome. At least take me to dinner first.”
“So long as you choke on your food.” I point at him. “And don’t ever put your troll hands on or near me ever. We are never going to happen. Got it?”
I turn with gumption and start to walk away as he calls, “Again—”
All my breath gets sucked into my body because I’m halted, frozen in my place as butterflies erupt in my chest. Either that or his one word just gave me an arrhythmia.
“We are never going to happenagain,” he repeats a bit louder.
I turn on my heels, immediately shushing him as the wedding plays in my mind at warp speed.
“Shut up.” I glance around, ensuring nobody’s around. “Nothing happened. Nothing, Chase.”
There are regrets in life you hate yourself for and will never do again. And then there are crimes against your humanity you’d definitely recommit. Even thoughthey’re the worst, most drunken, you’re an idiotdecision you’ve ever made.
But I’d never admit that. Especially to him.
“So you do lie,” he whispers, but before I can lob another insult, Chase’s lips hit mine, pressing into them.
I don’t breathe for the longest three seconds of my life before he pulls away and grins, running a hand through his sandy-colored hair. But my chest rises and falls with a murderous energy as I peel my middle finger from my lips, where it was sandwiched between the kiss. He might be quick, but I’m always quicker.
“You really do want me to fall in love with you.” He grins.
I wipe my lips like I’m using lipstick with the fully erect, strongest possible message offuck off, removing any of his gross-ass spit.
“I’m not busy tonight, if that’s what you’re asking,” he says low and gravelly.
So I lean in and whisper, “Die,” before I turn around and walk the hell away.
But just as I round the corner, heading toward the entrance, I hear, “Only over you.”
I take it all back. He’s the kind of regret to never be repeated.
Chapter Three
