Against All Odds - Angel's Story(44)

CHAPTER TWELVE

Angel



While we wait for Chase’s clothes to dry in the dryer, we sit out on the back deck. It’s still raining, but thankfully my deck has an awning running off the rear of the house. I have to contain my giggle, as he sits in my pink robe. I made sure to grab it when I fetched the towels. I wasn’t going to give him an opportunity to do a repeat of last time.

Not that seeing his hot naked body is a hardship; it’s quite the opposite, but I learnt my lesson. We can’t go there again. I’ll admit being with him did cross my mind when we had our little dance on the beach. I’m glad he had the strength to pull away, because I’m not sure if I would’ve been able to.

Being held in his arms, pressed against his rock-hard body was difficult enough, but when he started to sing to me—his voice. Just wow. No wonder the girls fall at his feet. He’s charming, can sing, dance, is one of the smartest in our class, and not to mention hot as hell.

As the day goes by, we fall into the easy comfort we used to share before that day ruined everything. If one good thing has come out of what Riley did, it’s Chase and I becoming friends again. Having him here today has been a godsend. I’ve barely given the attack a second thought. Well, that’s a lie, but he’s been doing a good job of distracting me from my thoughts.

I’m actually dreading him leaving. I feel safe with him around. I hate how the thought of being alone now terrifies me. In the past, being on my own never bothered me.

Later in the afternoon Dana calls, letting me know she’s coming over after work. I need to warn her Chase is here. I don’t want her going all ninja on his arse when she gets here.

“I’ll be right back,” I tell Chase as I walk back into the house. I don’t want him to hear what I have to say. “Look, I need to warn you Chase is here,” I whisper into the phone.

“What’s that fucktard doing there?” she angrily says. I know she’s just saying that because of what he did, but I hate hearing her talk about him like that. Sure, what he did was bad, but she doesn’t know him like I do.

“Please, Dana. Please don’t start on him if you come over.”

“Did you fuck him again?”

“Noooooo,” I screech. Not that it’s any of her business.

“Well why is he there then?”

“It’s a long story. I can’t really get into it now.” If ever, but I don’t tell her that. I know Dana wouldn’t say anything, but for now, the less she knows the better. “Please, just promise me you’ll be nice.”

“Okay,” she replies with a sigh. “Only because I love you, but I want all the goss later.” She makes me laugh. She thrives on gossip.

“Okay. Thanks, I appreciate it.”

After ending the call I make my way back out to Chase. He’s laying back on the deckchair, hands behind his head, looking out at the ocean. He looks so handsome. I love seeing him here, in my space. I’m sure he’s glad to be back in his clothes and out of my pink robe, although, he was a good sport about it.

“That was my best friend Dana. She’s going to call over after work,” I tell him. Chase doesn’t reply, he just looks over at me, and smiles.

I go sit on the deckchair beside him. We’re both enveloped in silence. I close my eyes and listen to the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. It’s one of my favourite sounds. It’s so calming.

I love that even after everything that has happened between Chase and I, we’re still able to maintain comfortable silence with each other. We can be content in each other’s presence without the need for words.

Time passes quickly, and before I know it Dana arrives. When I answer the door she has a tray in her hands. “I bought you your Vanilla Chai Latte fix,” she says with a smile. I notice there’s another cup in the tray.

“Is the other one for Chase?”

“Yes.”

“I don’t think he drinks tea. He likes coffee.”

“Oh, I know what he likes.”

“You do?”

“Yes. He’s been into the coffee shop before.”

“Really? You never told me that,” I say surprised.

“You never asked,” she replies as she pushes past me and makes her way inside. “Where’s Mr. Gigolo anyway?”

“Please, Dana,” I beg. “He’s been really good to me. I’m happy to have him here. Please don’t say anything which will upset him.”

She cocks her eyebrow at my response. “Really? If you call fucking you and—” I know what she’s about to say, so I cut her off.

“Please. Let’s not get into this now.” She sighs at my response.