Beautifully Awake(74)

“I think that’s a fine idea.” Chase agreed and steered the conversation toward idle chitchat while we ate.

I stayed quiet, listening to the two men of my life get to know each other. Chase seemed genuinely interested in Dad’s shop talk and asked my father lots of questions about some classic cars he was interested in. Boys and their cars. And of course, my dad rambled on about how Claude Julien needed to make serious changes next season if the Bruins had a chance. Chase was smart enough to agree. Emphatically. Even though, I swore there were a few moments Chase looked a little lost. Basically testosterone drove the breakfast conversation. I didn’t mind in the least. Who was I kidding? I loved it.

Before it was time to go, Chase excused himself to the restroom and quietly handled the bill, insisting to my dad that it was the least he could do to thank my father for arranging our hotel stay.

“It was great meeting you, Jim. Would love to have you down to Philly or even Manhattan. Your daughter took a real liking to the Big Apple, especially the planetarium.” Heat flushed my cheeks instantly. Oh no he didn’t. “She’d probably be a better tour guide than me. Maybe we can plan something for the fall.”



“Sounds good, I’ll check with the boss lady.” Dad smiled and pulled me in for a tight embrace. “Take care of my babydoll, Chase. I don’t trust easily, but you seem like a good man.”

“Thanks, Jim. She’s definitely precious cargo.” Chase and Dad shared one last handshake. Damn, my heart near melted.

“Bye, Dad. Please send Sharon my love and tell her sorry we missed her. I’ll call you later, let you know how it went.”

“Bye, babydoll. Good luck.” After one more precious wink, my dad headed back to work, and Chase and I crossed the street toward the courthouse.

“First, thanks for breakfast.” I kissed his perfectly chiseled cheek. “I know it’s no big deal to you, but my dad is kind of a proud man. Thanks for how you handled the check.”

“He should be proud. He works hard and raised an amazing daughter as a single parent. I couldn’t have more respect for the man. And I told you, baby, you never have to thank me. I would feed your entire family every meal for the next twenty years to see that smile on your face.” This time Chase leaned down and kissed my nose. “So if that was first, is there a second?”

I loved that devilish grin, but even more, I loved that I was the only one who got to see it.

“And second, the planetarium? Really! I could have killed you.” I playfully pushed him away from me.

Laughing, he embraced me tighter. “Hey. Did I lie? I distinctly remember you chanting how amazing it was, like it was your mantra. Or were you referring to something other than ... the exhibit?” His eyes sparkled, making him look impossibly adorable.

“You’re impossible!” I nestled my flushed face into his side, tempted to laugh myself.

“And you’re pure sweet.” His voice was serious before his lips touched mine. “Now let’s go, so you can get this over with. Maybe if there is time after, you can show me the rest of your hometown?”

“Sounds great.” And it did. I marveled at his ability to ease my nerves and turn my emotions around. “Not that the grand tour of Wrangel takes that long. You’re looking at most of it.” I gave my best Vanna White impression and waved my hand toward the few blocks that made up the town. “Or maybe we can just go back to the hotel instead, and you can remind me of everything amazing about the planetarium.”



Chase lifted my chin, holding my gaze. “Nothing sounds better ... but first tell me one thing, do the boys being away at a race have something to do with your sudden change in attitude? Truth.”

“Um. Dad’s not so subtle. Hmm?”

“Subtle? Not a fucking bit.”

Dad needed serious work on his poker face. Chase’s jaw tightened and the amusement in his eyes was gone. “Look. Not that I’m complaining. You’ve been on eggshells since you got served those fucking papers, and I don’t care what you say, I know it wasn’t all about this trial. You could handle this in your sleep.” He nodded toward the courthouse doors. “You said it yourself, it’s part of the job you’ve done plenty of times before. Fuck, you watched a patient almost bleed out on my table and you held your shit together like a pro. Then your dad lets the cat out of the bag that your ex is out of town, and all of a sudden, it’s like he took a ten-ton brick off your back.” Chase’s voice deepened. “Something I need to worry about, Blue?”

The color drained from my face. How was I supposed to answer that? I pursed my lips, but no words came out. It was like someone sucked away the air I needed to make sound.