The Hazards of Sex on the Beach (Hazards #3)(32)
Author: Alyssa Rose Ivy

She held up her coffee. “Nope, I’m set, but thanks. See you in a second.”

I ordered a skinny vanilla latte and headed back to the table. Rachel pocketed her phone. “Chase just texted me to check up on you.”

“Checking on me? We talked for an hour last night. I’m surprised he’d still worry.”

She set aside her cup. “Surprised? You just got in an altercation with your ex.”

“Yeah, but still.”

“We’ve been over this before, Cara. He cares about you.”

“I care about him. And I want to see him so bad it hurts.”

She smiled softly. “He feels the same way.”

“I wish that made things easier.” I took a slow sip, savoring the first taste.

“Either that’s really good or you’re daydreaming about Chase.”

I laughed and decided not to tell her which it was. Her comment reminded me that no matter how easy it was to talk to her, I needed to be careful. Everything I said, or didn’t say, could be repeated to him.

“Stop. Just stop it.”

“What?” My cup was inches from my lips, but I didn’t sip.

“I know what you’re doing. What you’re thinking.”

“You do?” I hoped she wasn’t going to tell me she thought she was psychic or something.

“You’re wondering how much you can trust me. You think I’m going to tell him everything.”

She was so on the mark, I decided to continue with honesty. “Well, aren’t you?”

“No. I love Chase. I’m excited he’s going to be my brother-in-law, but I like you, and I can see us becoming good friends. Sure, if you tell me that you plan on using him and dumping him, I might warn him to be careful, but that’s not what’s happening—or what you’re afraid to tell me.”

“I don’t want to feel this way. I don’t want to need him.”

“Needing is different than wanting. Which is it?”

“I don’t know,” I replied in barely a whisper. “I hope it’s want. I can’t afford to need someone again.”

“It wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. We all need someone.”

“But, does it have to be Chase?”

“Yes. I think he’s the perfect one for you to need. You should tell him how much you want him with you though. I think you’d be pleasantly surprised with his response.”

“What do you mean?” I studied her face, wondering what she was hinting at.

“Why don’t you call him and find out.”

“Call him? Now? Isn’t that rude to you?” I was itching to call. A part of me hoped she was hinting that he was coming to see me, but I knew that was impossible. He was on tour.

“It’s not rude when I’m the one who told you to do it.”

I pulled out my phone and dialed.

He answered immediately. “Hey. How are you? Aren’t you having coffee?”

I glanced at Rachel. “I miss you.”

“Yeah? I miss you too.” That had better not have been the response Rachel meant. “Do you have plans tonight?”

“No. Sunday’s aren’t really happening nights in my circle.”

“Good. That means I don’t have to beg you to cancel them.”

“Why would I be canceling anything?”

“Because I’m about thirty-five minutes from Charleston. So, about the tonight thing… would it be pushing it to ask if you have afternoon plans?”

“Seriously? You’re coming back today?” My heart soared. The thought of seeing Chase had me giddy.

“We had one extra night built in because Jessa’s from Baltimore. As long as I leave early tomorrow, we’re good.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“Say you’ll drop everything and spend the next sixteen hours with me.”

I didn’t hesitate with my answer. “Where should I meet you?”

“What’s the address of the coffee shop you’re at?”

“It’s at King and Market.” I was so excited I could barely speak. My heart was racing.

“I’ll see you soon.”

“I can’t wait.”

“I’m glad. It isn’t every day I drive nine hours to see a girl.”

I could practically see his wry grin. “Well, then I guess I better make it worth your while.”

“You will.” He hung up.

Rachel was grinning from ear to ear. “Yeah, you guys are too cute.”

“I feel bad though.”

“Bad? Why?”

“I don’t want to put you and Riley out.”

“You’re not staying with us.”

“We’re not?”

“No. Chase wanted privacy. He got a hotel somewhere.”

“Oh.” A hotel sounded different. I wasn’t sure if it was bad or good. On one hand, I loved the idea of privacy, but on the other hand, it made it seem all about sex.

“Stop. Stop. This time you’re reading into the hotel room and convincing yourself he just wants some.”

“How do you do that?”

“It’s a gift.”

“I can’t believe he’s driving all the way back here.”

“Why?” She sipped her coffee and set it aside. “Why does it surprise you so much?”

“Because I’m going to see him soon anyway. It’s not worth it for him.”

She smiled. “I don’t think he’d agree.”

I crossed my arms. “It just doesn’t add up.”

“What doesn’t add up, babe?”

I jumped out of my chair at the sound of Chase’s voice.

He was standing directly behind me. “And for the record, there’s only one thing I’d rather be doing right now and it also involves you.”

I wrapped my arms around his neck and rested my head on his chest. He moved his arms around my waist and patted my back. “Good to see you too.”

I felt such an unexpected surge of comfort and relief at his presence that I had to fight back tears. “That was a short thirty-five minutes.”

He grinned. “Wasn’t it?”

“I’m going to leave you two alone. Let’s get together next week, Cara.” Rachel smiled and picked up her tote.

“Definitely. Thanks.” I waved without picking up my head.

“Let’s run by your house so you can pack a small bag.”