“Hey, Chase?” I say quietly, and he glances down at me. “I’m glad you told me.”
His eyebrows dip for a moment, like there’s something else he wants to say. Something he’s holding back. But he turns away, resting his hands on the railing.
I don’t want to press him when he’s already feeling emotional about his parents. “Thanks for this. Bringing me out here.”
On an impulse, I rest my fingers gently over his much larger hand. Even though it’s cool outside, his skin feels warm to the touch, and it sends a wave of heat shimmering through my veins.
I’m worried he might move away, but instead, he tips his head down toward mine in a way that feels gentle, keeping his eyes on the water. “It’s no problem.”
“I’m glad I came back here,” I whisper.
“Yeah?”
I take a deep breath. “Yeah.”
He nods slowly, then he turns to look at me, a gentle smile on his lips. “I’m glad you came back here too.” His gaze is steady on mine, and a warmth spreads through my body.
His eyes dart to my lips, making my breath hitch.
Is he going to kiss me?
I want him to kiss me.
I really, really want him to kiss me.
But he turns away, pulling our hands apart as he pushes away from the railing, and my heart sinks. “It’s getting dark. We should head back if you still want to do this ball thing.”
I snort. “Yes. I still want to do this ball thing.” Who knows? Maybe a little dancing could earn me a kiss later.
“All right then. After you.” He gestures gallantly, and I grin.
“Let’s go together.” I boldly tuck my arm through his, but he lets me stay, and I enjoy the bulk of his muscles against my body and the closeness as we walk back along the bridge.
Chapter 8
Chase
We grab a quick dinner, then head to the rental to change. There’s an easiness between us now. The more time we spend together, the more I notice it. An understanding, maybe. But there’s also an energy I feel when I’m around her. I can’t get enough of it.
She’s something else, this girl.
I’m thinking about some of the things she said when we were out on the bridge, and I get it. I understand what she’s going through. More than she knows.
I loved performing. Feeling the music in my body. The energy from the fans was like nothing I’d ever felt—seeing the joy on their faces would flood my soul. I’d be lying if I said I don’t miss that feeling of living inside the music.
Harper’s like me—the odd one out in that world. Someone with real heart who cares deeply about the music and the joy and emotion it brings to her fans, but she’s surrounded by greed. Those assholes are wearing her down. Sucking the life out of her.
No wonder she had to get away. When you’re in that environment too long, you lose any sense of yourself. It eatsaway at your soul, little by little, until one day you realize there’s nothing left.
It feels good to see her getting her footing again, but it makes me sad too, because she can’t stay away from it forever. Tomorrow she goes back, and that whole cycle starts again.
Makes me wish I could wrap her up in my arms and keep her heart safe. Protect her from all of it. Make it possible for her to have every last bit of the good she loves about that world while staving off the bad.
But that’s not my life anymore. I’ll never go back.
We reach the house, but I’m unsettled now. Conflicted about my feelings for her, maybe. I dress quickly, then call Lexie to try and shore her up before Dad breaks her heart again, but she doesn’t answer. Harper’s still upstairs, so I touch base with Cass, then try sitting on the couch while I wait, but I’m too wound up. In the end, I pace the floor in the great room for twenty minutes until she calls down that she’s ready to go. But when she appears at the top of the stairs, I’m stunned.
Sure, the wig and the eye patch are back, and the fake birthmark’s reappeared, in a slightly different place this time. But she’s got the wig toned down, and she’s in a silver sequined gown that’s formfitting. It goes all the way to her ankles and has a long slit up one side. As she descends the stairs, I take a good, long look at her toned legs.
