Page 45 of Under the Radar

“Yes.”

“And you’re still letting me touch you? Wanting to have a relationship with me?”

“Yes.”

“How?”

“The day after I found you in the parking lot. You were so sad about your family, and I looked up the details of your dad’s and brother’s deaths. One article mentioned you’d been in prison.”

“And you looked at my files.”

“Briefly. I know the charges, but I don’t know why or how you came to be the man you are now.” She pressed her hand into my cheek harder, making me look at her. “And that’s what I care about, Chase. The man you are now. Not your past or whatever mistakes landed you in jail. You are obviously a changed man.”

“I am. And I want to tell you. I’ve been feeling so guilty about not being completely honest with you, but I was afraid…” I trailed off and swallowed. “I didn’t want you to look at me differently. The way so many people do.”

“I’m not judging you. I know you’re different now. I like the Chase I know.”

“But I have to tell you. I want to tell you.”

“I’ll listen,” she assured me.

I studied her, seeing only acceptance in her gaze. I drew in a deep breath. “Will you tell me what makes you cry out at night, Hannah? What you have nightmares about?”

She averted her gaze, then nodded. “I thought I was past them, but for some reason, they are happening again.”

“I want to know. I’ll listen.” I repeated her words.

“Okay.”

“Shower first, I think,” I said, trying to make her smile.

“Yes.”

I kissed her, my mouth lingering on hers. “Okay.”

CHAPTER TWELVE

Chase

I was at the table when she walked into the kitchen, her hair wet, the color dimmed but still visible. She poured a cup of coffee and sat across from me, taking a sip. Our eyes met, and her gaze skittered away, the color on her cheeks high.

“Something wrong?” I asked, teasing.

“No.”

“You’re kinda far away, Hannah.”

“This is where I always sit.”

I hooked my foot around the rung of her chair, pulling it sideways and closer to me. She gasped, grabbing the edge of the table. I tugged on the chair until she was beside me. “I like you closer.”

She rolled her eyes. “Are you planning on being possessive?”

“Oh, I’m very possessive of you,” I replied, taking a sip of my coffee. “I’ve felt that way since the moment I met you.”

“You’ve hidden it well.”

“I wasn’t sure how you felt. How you feel now,” I admitted. “But after last night and this morning, I’ve decided to be honest about it.”