More Than I Could (27)

“Yes.”

I lift a brow. “You think that’s possible? This is your life, your kid. You better be sure.”

“It’ll work as well as pouring a sports drink in your radiator.”

“Hey, that did work.”

“Speaking of, did you make an appointment for your car? Or call the rental company?”

I laugh in disbelief. “No. When I walked in here an hour ago, I thought I’d be leaving town in the morning, so I wasn’t worried too much.”

“Suit yourself,” he mumbles, shifting in his seat. “I’ll make an appointment for you.”

“No. I need to turn it in tomorrow. Your mom said I could use her car while they’re gone.”

He stretches his arms over his head. The corner of his shirt slips up, displaying the expertly crafted muscles lining his sides.

How will I do this for thirty days?

I pause.

I’ll do this because it’s what’s best for me. This time away from life is what I need.

Besides, I can already see why a relationship—sexual or otherwise—with Chase would never work. He’s gorgeous and probably amazing in bed with those rough hands and scruff, but he’s a package deal. He and Kennedy … but there’s also Maggie and Lonnie to consider. They’re long-term people. And I’m … not.

I’m thirty-day people.

“We’re going to need some ground rules,” I say, looking at his face again.

“For what?”

“To make this arrangement work.”

“Okay. Like what?”

I lean forward, pressing my chest together to create cleavage in the V-neck of my shirt. As expected, his gaze falls on my breasts.

“Like that,” I say, sitting back again.

His eyes lift to mine. “Point taken.”

“No undressing me with your eyes,” I say.

“No flaunting that little body around in my face.”

I snort. “Oh, okay. Well, how about this? No walking around the house in your underwear.”

“I wasn’t walking around the house.”

“Fine. No getting naked in a room without the door locked because now that I know your cock got hard when I walked out, I’d rather not walk in on you like that again.”

His eyes burn.

“Also, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t bring girlfriends home,” I say, feeling out his dating situation.

“I don’t bring anyone home. The only people who will come over are my brothers.” He narrows his eyes. “By the way, I’m talking with Gavin.”

“Me too.”

Chase flinches, looking uncomfortable.

“What?” I ask. “What’s wrong?”

“Is there something I should know about you and my brother?”

“Not really. Gavin is my only friend in Peachwood Falls, and I’m pissed at him for playing me like he did.”

He blows out a breath. “I’m not sure I like you being friends with him.”

“Well, I’m not sure I give a shit if you like it or not.”

He lifts his chin. I do the same.

He straightens his shoulders. I do, too.

He gives me a look like I’m pushing his limits, and I raise him an I’ll walk out of here if you don’t like it.

Finally, he shakes his head and growls.

“Glad we took care of that,” I say smugly. “When do you want me to start?”

“Tomorrow.”

“What time?”

“Eleven thirty.”

“So specific.”

“You asked.”

I roll my eyes. “Fine. What do you need me to do while I’m there? Your mom told me you would let me know what you expected.”

A couple with a wheelchair comes down the aisle toward us. Chase jumps up and apologizes before putting his chair back where it belongs. He stands out of the way as they push through. Then he takes the seat across from me.

His leg brushes mine as he gets situated. I pretend I don’t feel it, like a rip of heat didn’t just blow through me like a hot knife.

“I’m not … I don’t know,” he says. “I’ve never had someone do this before. What are you supposed to do?”

“I don’t know. I’ve never done this before either.”

“Oh.” He pauses and looks around the room. “You can do whatever, I guess.”

That doesn’t help.

“Look,” I say, resting my forearms on the table. “Your mom is paying me well. I’ll be at the house anyway, and Kennedy will be at school during the week. I don’t want to overstep my bounds or get into something you don’t want me to do, but I don’t mind going to the grocery store or doing laundry. Dishes. I can cook a little, too, if you want.”

He lifts a brow. “You cook?”

“It’s not the greatest stuff you’ll ever eat, but I can put together a simple meal.”

“All right.”

“All right.”

We grin, both relieved, I think.

Tabitha swings by the table. “Do you need anything else?”

I glance down at my untouched grilled cheese. I bet that was delicious when it was hot.

“Put that on my tab, Tabitha, please,” Chase says.