Krista stood and shook the man’s hand as she made introductions. “These are my sisters Jessie and Becca and my cousins-in-law Amber, Chelle, and Jamie.”
All the girls smiled and said hello.
“I see some rings on those fingers. What kind of men would leave ladies as lovely as these sitting around while there is a dance floor to take a spin on?”
“Those men.” Amber pointed to where Krista’s cousins were talking to Chase.
Chip made a tsking sound as he shook his head. “They’re young still. They’ll learn.”
All the girls at the table made comments about how he should go school them and that they could learn a thing or two from Chip. Obviously, they all felt the instant bond and affection for this man that Krista did.
“Well now, I don’t see a ring on your finger.” Chip turned to Krista and held out his elbow. “Would you do an old man the honor?”
Krista felt herself beaming as she wrapped her fingers around Chip’s arm and he escorted her onto the dance floor.
As they began moving to the music, Krista asked, “So how long have you worked for Chase?”
“Oh well now, let me see. It’s just about goin’ on eight years.”
“Wow. That’s a long time.” That was almost the entire time Chase had been away.
“Well, I suppose that depends on your take on time,” Chip answered, sounding wise and philosophical, although if he was being either, it had gone straight over Krista’s head. “I tell you one thing though. It sure is nice to finally meet you. I have heard a lot about you, Miss Krista Sloan.”
Krista wasn’t really sure what to say to that. Chip seemed to be saying that in a positive tone, but it’s not like she and Chase had parted ways on the best of terms. Then there was the fact that he’d reached out to her so much over the years and she’d never responded with even a quick thank-you text or email.
“I hope it was good things,” Krista said, suddenly feeling nervous under Chip’s assessing eye. She had a feeling that this man did not suffer fools, and if Chase had been honest about their relationship and how she’d treated him, then he knew that, in fact, Krista was a fool.
She was always the one to instigate fights, and ninety percent of the time, it had been because of rumors or just insecurities she’d had about other girls. Looking back, she realized just how patient Chase had been with her. He’d always forgiven her for flying off the handle. It wasn’t like he’d excuse her behavior or acted like it was all okay, but he would forgive her and move on. Now that she thought about it, she honestly had no idea why he’d put up with her.
He’d put with her right up until that final night she’d seen him. The night he’d needed her the most and she’d once again accused him of something he hadn’t done. Not only was hind sight twenty-twenty, but a few years ago, Larissa Peters had actually confessed to breaking into Chase’s truck and planting her panties there so Krista would find them and break up with Chase in hopes that she would have a shot at him. It still made her a little sick to her stomach to think about that night. Larissa had apologized to Krista, and they weren’t even friends. Krista still hadn’t apologized to Chase for her behavior and they were…more than friends.
“Oh yes. All good things. Chip nodded. “Although I don’t think any words could have done your beauty justice.”
Krista smiled just as she heard a voice that caused goose bumps to rise on her arms and the tiny hairs on the back of her neck to stand up.
“May I cut in?”
Turning her head, she saw Chase standing beside them.
Chip grinned at him with a mischievous glimmer in his eyes. “Can’t you go find your own woman?”
“I did. You’re dancing with her,” Chase said, staring straight into Krista’s eyes.
Chip nodded happily, tipping his hat to Krista before strolling off the wooden dance floor.
Chase stepped up, closing the distance between them. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he pulled her body snug against his body. Her head rested on his shoulder and her lips were millimeters away from the very skin she’d been ogling from across the room moments earlier. As she tried to take a calming breath, all she accomplished was inhaling the intoxicating scent that was uniquely Chase. Her eyes rolled shut as her body responded to his touch, his scent, his hard body against hers.
Oh my…
Everything in the room started spinning. She was lightheaded and her stomach was rolling faster than a snowball in an avalanche. Her heart was pounding so fast that when she tried to count her beats per minute she ended up guesstimating.