Page 72 of Hard to Lose

“Maybe you have to look at it like this,” Brexton adds. “If he’s not yours to begin with, then he won’t be that hard to lose when all is said and done.”

And I’m starting to realize that that’s what I’m afraid of.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Chase

I’m not sure why I breathe a sigh of relief when I see Gunner’s name on my cell, but I do.

Somehow, I’d concocted in my mind that he found out who I was. Whether it be by osmosis or telepathy—or that he merely googled my name—and that he no longer wanted anything to do with me.

That’s what happens when guilt owns your every thought as you decide what you should do.

Or rather, when you know what the right thing to do is and you’re choosing to do the opposite.

I take a deep breath and answer it. “Hey, you.”

“Hi.” Chills chase over my skin at the sound of his voice.

“You working?” I ask. There’s the muted hum of music and talking in the background.

“Of course, I am. Just like I’m sure you are, researching your little heart out.”

“Aren’t we quite the pair?” I state.

“We are.” He falls silent, and I hate that I wait for the other shoe to drop.

“Gunner?”

“I just wanted to make sure you were okay. You seemed upset yesterday and I hate that I had to run to work without making sure everything was good. Then I got busy with inventory issues before heading to coach the games at The Center, so I wasn’t able to get back to you so . . . I don’t know, I was calling to check-in.”

That familiar ache is back beneath my breastbone.

“That’s sweet of you. I’m fine. I promise.” I emit a self-deprecating chuckle and acknowledge the fact that with anyone else, I’d feel smothered by such thoughtful attention. But with Gunner, it makes me feel like someone cares for me. And I’m not sure if that’s worse or better given the circumstances. “Truth be told, I felt kind of stupid that I rushed over to tell you about it when nothing had even happened yet. Add to that I’m being an overly emotional female since I’m not feeling too great.”

“Are you coming down with something?” he asks, concern flooding his voice.

“That’ll teach me to dance in the rain, huh?” I say, a soft smile on my lips at a memory that feels like yesterday and forever ago all at the same time.

“Seriously, you’re okay?”

“I think it’s just a cold. Sniffles. Headache. Nothing major,” I explain.

“Can I bring you anything? Do you want to stay at my place? What do you need?”

“No. Thank you. I’m fine. I just need to sleep. Lots of sleep and I’m sure I’ll be fine in the morning for the registration drive tomorrow.”

“I’ve got the kids handled tomorrow. Stay there and rest.”

“No. It’s fine—”

“It’s fine from a woman is a surefire indication that everything is not fine.” His chuckle rumbles across the line. “So stop saying it, get some rest, and think of me.”

“Now that, I can do. Goodnight, Gunner.”

“Goodnight, Chase.”

I close my eyes, a smile on my lips that no one can see but that I can feel.