The kiss, is just that. A simple kiss. Our lips joined together, nothing more, but it’s enough to send excitement coursing through my whole body, desire pooling deep inside me. How can he make me feel like this from one simple kiss? Especially after everything Riley did the other night.
It’s in that moment I realise Chase may be exactly what I need to help me forget. Can I really go there again though? Risking everything—possibly losing him, our friendship.
He pulls out of the kiss, resting his forehead against mine, sighing heavily. “Good night sweet-cheeks,” he whispers, before turning and making his way down the front steps. I just stand, rooted to the spot. I don’t move until he drives away. My hand comes up to touch my lips. I feel them curve into a smile beneath my fingers. What in the hell just happened? For the first time in a long time, I feel hope fill my heart.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Angel
Monday morning comes way too soon for my liking. I’m not ready to go back to Uni, even though Riley won’t be there. I’m also sad my mum is flying home today. I’ve loved having her here. It’s times like this, that everyone needs their mum.
My dad is missing her though; he hates being apart from her. It’s like he’s lost when she’s not around. He’s called her at least ten times since she arrived, and it’s only been twenty-four hours. Last night I could hear them talking on the phone into the early hours of the morning. It’s really nice they’re still so in love after all this time.
I love how much he loves her.
After mum and I have breakfast with Dana at the coffee shop, I drop her at the airport. “Keep me informed, sweetie,” she says when she hugs me. “I hate having to leave you with everything that’s going on, but I’m grateful you have Chase looking after you.”
“I hate that you have to go too, mum,” my eyes filling with tears as I speak. “Promise me, you won’t mention Chase or what happened to daddy.”
“As hard as it is for me to keep something like this from him, I will for now, but, if the situation changes, I’m going to have to tell him.”
“Okay. Fair enough.” I know she’s right. I have no idea what’s going to happen when Riley wakes from his coma. I may just need dad’s help to get out of this mess I’m in.
“Now,” she says cupping my face, “I need you to promise me something.” I nod, even though I have no idea what she’s about to ask. “Promise me you won’t let what happened with that pig, get in the way of what you feel for Chase.”
“What?” I’m surprised by what she says. I’ve never told her how I feel, or what happened between us. She has no idea that the guy I cried on her shoulder about, when I went back home for a week was him.
“Come on, baby. You care about him just as much as he cares for you. I can see it as plain as day. What you two have is special. When the time is right, let it happen.”
“We’re just friends, mum.”
“For now you’re just friends,” is all she says as she kisses my forehead. “You two are perfect for each other,” she adds before letting go of my face. “Trust me on this.”
I smile at her. He is perfect for me. I’ve known all along. I’m glad someone else can see it, too.
••••
On my drive back, I go over my mum’s words in my mind. Although Chase and I agreed that friends only is best for us, in my heart I want more, so much more.
My mind wanders to the kiss Chase gave me last night. I hope things aren’t weird between us now. He did text me this morning to see if I needed a ride to school, which is a good sign.
When I told him I was taking mum to the airport, he arranged to meet me in the car park before our first class. I’m glad he’s not running from me again, because I need him now, more than ever.
When I drive through the main gates of the university, my stomach’s doing flip-flops. I’m not sure if it’s because of Chase, or what happened with Riley, probably a mixture of both.
I spot Chase straight away. He’s sitting sideways on his bike, legs crossed at the ankles and his arms folded over his chest. He looks as hot as sin. When I pull up beside him, the first thing he does is give me a beautiful smile as he removes his aviator sunglasses, tucking them into his jacket pocket. Standing, he walks towards my car.
“Morning, sweet-cheeks,” he says as he opens the door for me.
“Morning.” He reaches for my hand, helping me out of the car. It makes me smile. For a rough-and-tumble biker’s son, he’s such a gentleman.
“How did your mum go at the airport?”