But I have to admit that he has his moments ... and this is one of them.
I drop my eyes to my chest, seeing my sweatshirt moving too quickly because I’m breathing too fast. Shit. My mind warring between reason and lust.
We’re standing too close, and his voice is too deep, and his thick-ass fingers are still pinched on my sweatshirt.
Oh god.
I look up just as he’s leaning in. Holy shit, he’s going to kiss me. Right here in the middle of this restaurant. And I feel almost powerless to stop it.
Almostbeing the keyword.
My palms land on his sturdy chest and with a gentle press, I say, “We shouldn’t.”
But he presses back. “We already have.”
I shake my head, my voice quiet because I feel like we’re so close my breath could tickle his skin.
“Chase, that’s exactly why we shouldn’t. You asked me to be your friend. I think we leave it there.”
His eyes close for a second, but it feels like an hour before he nods and takes a step back. “Okay.”
A silent exhale of breath leaves my body, because if he only knew the kind of restraint I’m using to keep us in the safe zone, then he would know all he’d have to do is grab me and kiss me, and then I’d make every bad decision there was to make.
Thankfully, as much as I can count on Chase being a complete idiot, I can also rely on him to be a gentleman. Even if sometimes it’s an unorthodox version.
He crosses his arms, smiling back at me. It’s the kind of smile that’s shared embarrassment because I’m wearing the same one.
“Welp,” he says loudly. “I never thought being friend zoned could be a positive. But considering where we started, I’m counting it as a win.”
I wince, then say, “You’re welcome?”
We stand for a second, smiling at each other, and it’s not awkward, but it is all at the same time. He must feel it too because he pretend punches my shoulder.
“Friends it is. But then again, I’ll take you any way that I can get you, Evie.”
His words sound sincere enough. Still, there’s no part of me that believes Chase will suddenly stop liking me. And I have to admit there is a very quiet part that wishes we had some more moments.
But that part is clearly toxic and trying to sabotage my life.
RIP me.
Chapter Ten
Him
They weren’t always the plan. They were just the cherry on top.
But watching them through the window, silently intruding on this intimate moment as they stare up into each other’s eyes, is proof of life.
They’re the heart of this beautiful destruction.
Evie and Chase, Chase and Evie,I think as if it were a song.
They’ve been so connected, even since I first saw them running for their lives. It was Chase who calmed her. Him she felt safe with.
Now, they’re all but wrapped in each other.
The fearless, independent little sister with the tie that binds.
