He could lie. Or he could tell her the truth. “Honestly? Probably not. And before you get mad, to me it was nothing. She hit on me, I told her I was involved with someone and then she left. That kiss took me by surprise. I thought it was kind of weird, but then I forgot about it. I was a hell of a lot more interested in getting home to you.”
“I want to believe you. I’m trying not to let my past experience color my reactions, but honestly, it’s hard. I didn’t think Phil would cheat on me either, yet he did.”
“You just said the picture looks fake.”
“It does. Which is why I’m not mad at you. But…I can’t help wondering if I’m being naive. I didn’t say my feelings were logical.”
“I think you have to either trust me, or you don’t. I’m not like your ex. I haven’t had many significant relationships.”Or any to speak of.“But when I’m involved with a woman, I’m with her. Only her. Not any other woman.”
He reached for her hand and pulled her to her feet. “And there’s one other factor I’ve told you before but you might have forgotten,” he said, still holding her hand.
“What’s that?”
“I don’t want anyone but you, Ella. Only you.”
She put her arms around his neck and said, “Good. Because I only want you too.” Then she kissed him.
*
Ella’s phone rangas she was getting ready for dinner. Hazel came up on her caller ID. Chase wanted to take her to Baron’s, the nice steakhouse in Whiskey River. She’d agreed but she was a little worried about the fallout from the gossip column.
“Hey, what’s up?” Ella asked when she picked up.
“I wanted to make sure you’re still coming over this weekend.” Long pause. “Or did you decide to go to the rodeo with Chase?”
“No, I’ll be here. Damaris needs me here Saturday.” She’d made plans to help Hazel with her equine water therapy on her day off this Sunday. Yes, it was still dealing with horses but she liked horses. And equine water therapy was fascinating. She thought Hazel’s tone was just a shade too innocent, and was sure of it at Hazel’s next question.
“Oh, okay. Um, have you been online today?”
“I saw the picture, Hazel.”
Hazel’s relief was palpable. “Oh, thank God. I mean, I’m not glad, of course, but I didn’t want to have to tell you.”
Ella laughed. “Can’t blame you there. Chase came home and we talked about it. He said it was a setup. She staged it. You know she has a blog, right?”
“I’ve read it a few times, but Gina’s kind of a snarky bi-atch so I glance at it sometimes but don’t really read it. So Chase told you she what…did it for her blog? To get publicity?”
“Exactly.”
“Do you believe him?”
“Yes.” And she hoped to God that wasn’t wishful thinking. “Do you think that’s stupid?”
“Not necessarily. What did he say to convince you?”
“Actually, the picture convinced me before I ever talked to Chase. Once I looked closely at the photo I thought he looked like he was pushing her away.”
“Hold on a minute.” Hazel put her on hold, then returned a few minutes later. “You know, you’re right. And it would be just like her.”
“Do you know her?”
“I’ve met her. Didn’t think much of her. Of course, she was snotty to me, so naturally I didn’t like her.”
“Clearly, now we can both dislike her,” Ella said and they laughed. “I have to go. Chase is taking me to dinner.”
“Have fun.”
“I plan to. And thanks for looking out for me.”
