Bella: How’s it going with the hockey boy?
Me: Are you still in line for the bathroom?
Bella: Honey, I’ve already been to the bathroom. Congratulations, baby sister, you’ve been talking to Chase for a half hour. Giving you a virtual high five.
I glance at the top of my screen and look at the time.
She’s right.
I hadn’t noticed. I’m never out this late. Even when I’m with Bella, I start to want to go home around nine so I can curl up with a book.
I scan the bar for my sister.
I know she wouldn’t leave me here alone, but I don’t see her. I look down at my phone when it buzzes in my hand again.
Bella: The bar is closing at midnight. Brodie carpooled with Chase, who has kindly agreed to give us a ride home rather than taking a cab.
Is that why his phone went off?
My thumbs move across the screen.
Me: Why do I sense a but coming…
Bella: Brodie asked me to spend the night with him.
Me: Do you not want to?
Bella: No, I do. Brodie’s place is before yours. So, you’ll be alone with Chase for a while after he’s dropped us off.
Me: Oh.
Bella: Brodie said you can stay in his guest room if you want.
Me: Tell him thanks, but I don’t need to hear you guys going at it. It’ll be fine. It’s just a car ride.
Bella: Are you sure?
Me: Positive.
“Everything okay?” Chase asks in an odd tone. It’s almost as if he’s been privy to the text messages that have been exchanged between my sister and me.
When I look up at him, I take in his face. There’s nothing smug or cocky about the way he’s looking at me. He appears sincere, as if giving me a ride home is nothing more than making sure I get home safely. There’s no agenda or catch.
He pockets his phone just as Brodie and Bella emerge from the shadows at the back of the bar.
“Yeah, everything’s fine,” I say before Bella and Brodie reach the table.
“Everyone ready to go?” Bella asks.
We walk out of the bar and down the street, passing closed stores until we reach the spot where Chase’s black truck is parked by the curb. It’s dark, but the streetlights illuminate the way perfectly. There’s not a single person around.
It’s peaceful.
Chase’s Range Rover beeps as we get to it, the headlights flashing brightly. Brodie and Bella waste no time getting into the back. Chase moves for the passenger side, opening the door for me.
I let out a breath and hop inside. He pauses, eyes fixed on me for a second before he closes the door and rounds the truck to get to the driver’s side. Once he’s in, he cranks the engine and the car roars to life.
I buckle myself in as Chase throws his arm over my headrest. A current rushes through me. The pull of his closeness lingers in the air as I stare into his eyes just before he backs up and pulls out of the spot.
