Читать книгу Here and Now - Michelle Monkou - Страница 9

Laura didn’t go out of her way to avoid contact with Chase. She didn’t have to. She had full days of completing therapeutic massages and daily reports for each athlete. Three weeks after her start, she continued to feel that her decision to pursue physical therapy was the right move—even if she was working for Chase. Any free time or breaks were spent with her coworkers, getting to know them.

Occasionally, she did catch a glimpse of Chase as he coached the track team on her way home. The main street narrowly snaked through the campus, linking several side roads into a network of roads. Laura had no problem driving at the posted low speed limit because it allowed her to see him at work unnoticed. She figured watching him was safer.

From all the signs, Chase seemed to be honoring her wishes and leaving her alone. She still wanted to know how he knew that she’d be working there. What man walked around with a birthday gift for an ex-girlfriend waiting for the appropriate moment?

One thing was clear, he’d thought about her. She’d never admit it to him, but he’d touched her very deeply with such a thoughtful gift. His act had rattled her defenses. She couldn’t deny the warm tingle that had seeped in between the cracks in her armor.

Determined to keep Chase from invading her thoughts any further, she accepted her coworker’s invitation to go to happy hour at a local bar and then head to a club in downtown Atlanta. She couldn’t remember the last time that she’d gone dancing.

She wanted to freshen up instead of going right after work. She raced home, mainly taking side roads to avoid most of the traffic. A half hour later, she’d showered and dressed. Satisfied with her makeup she fluffed her hair out after wearing her usual pony-tail. However, she wasn’t satisfied with her clothes. She looked bland.

She selected gold coiled drop earrings. They dangled boldly from her ear lobes. The bronze-gold color mixture stood out against the silk black shirt with tiny gold threads.

“What the heck am I doing?” she questioned the mirror. A yawn overcame her, to which she noisily succumbed. She peered into the mirror. “What a poor excuse for a party girl.”

She hadn’t dated much since breaking up with Chase. Who could blame her? Rejection stung. Not only had Chase’s family told her that she wasn’t up to par, Chase grew increasingly critical of her. It all coincided with his meteoric rise on campus, then at the state championship.

She slipped on a sensible pair of black flats. The wide shaped front made her feet look like square blocks. She frowned debating on what to do next.

A car horn honked. A few seconds later, her cell phone rang.

“Hey, Kasey.” Laura walked over to the living room and pulled back the curtains, spying her friend’s red Jeep below. “I’ll be right down.”

“Hurry up,” Kasey yelled her response. She hit the annoying horn to punctuate the order.

Laura grinned. Kasey was the most outgoing and happy person that she’d met on the job. Her stories of her crazy weekends left Laura feeling a bit envious. All she could talk about of her weekends were the cable movies she watched.

She looked down at her feet once more. With an irritated grunt, she kicked off her shoes. “Darn it, life is too short.” She pulled out a three inch heeled pair of mules. Turning from one side to the other in front of the mirror, she gave a somewhat satisfied grunt. She glided her hands down the sides of her hips frowning at the inches that seemed to expand on a daily basis. Maybe the black jeans in a darkened room would help mute the imperfections.

Another honk sounded. She flicked off the light switch and hurried out of her apartment.

“Looking good. You know how to clean up.” Kasey grinned at her. Her loud perfume matched her loud voice and her equally loud personality.

But it was all good. Laura returned her grin and settled in the car.

“First stop is The Inner Circle,” Kasey announced.

“Sounds very exclusive.” Laura worried that maybe she’d underdressed. Looking at her friend and comparing outfits, Laura imagined that she’d be the Pollyanna-type next to Kasey’s exposed assets.

“Tonight the club’s only open to the staff, that’s about it. Most of the staff hangs out there before we go our separate ways. But there’s also a few other companies in the area that come to see who is our fresh meat. Can’t complain, though. We do the same with their people.” Kasey leaned over and squeezed her hand. “Can’t wait to show you off.”

“Look, I’m only hanging out. Mainly because you insisted,” Laura protested. “I’m not looking for a man.”

“These days, no one looks for a man.” Kasey impatiently honked at the car in front that didn’t pull off a second after the light turned green. “This is the age where we sample the goods, but don’t stay for the feast.”

“Well, I’m not hungry.”

Kasey laughed. Laura couldn’t help smiling. She suspected that her friendship with Kasey would be full of adventures. She hoped that she had the stamina to keep up with her.

They pulled into the parking lot, which looked fairly full. Most of the nearby parking spots were gone with only handicapped spaces available. Kasey parked between two mini-vans. Then she reached into the glove compartment and pulled out a blue hanging handicapped sign. She hooked it on the rear view mirror gave Laura a wide smile and exited.

“Kasey, you’re not handicapped!”

“I know. It’s my mother’s. When I go out at night I use it. Figure it’s safer to park near the entrances to the clubs.” Kasey strutted off in her tight-fitting scooped-neck T-shirt and jeans that looked two sizes too small.

“Kasey, you can’t park here!”

Kasey didn’t turn around and was at the entrance.

Laura ran after her. “Give me the keys, then. I’ll park it.”

Kasey tossed the keys to her and disappeared through the doors.

“What a wench,” Laura muttered.

She got into the car and drove around to the side where there were several open spaces. She didn’t care if Kasey was irritated by her citizen-of-the-year performance a few seconds ago. If she didn’t move the car, she’d think about some person with physical challenges struggling to get into the bar while she and her friend, whooped it up inside.

Unfortunately, she knew all too well what it was like to be considered less than normal.

“Laura?”

Laura recognized the smooth tone that used to call her endearments like pretty lady, sexy brown eyes and her personal favorite, sweet buns. Her cheeks warmed. Thank goodness for the cool evening.

“Glad to see you’ve discovered our favorite watering hole.” Chase caught up to her near the doorway.

“Kasey invited me,” Laura explained. She touched her hair, hoping that there were no stray strands poking up in the air.

They entered the darkened interior. Laura waited a few seconds for her eyes to adjust. She didn’t need to bother.

“Laura! Chase! Over here.” Kasey stood on a chair, holding a bottle of beer. She waved at them as if they were a hundred feet away.

“Hey, guys,” Chase responded. His voice had changed into a low boom that made her jump. “Look who I found wandering outside.”

Laura glared at Chase, not appreciating being the object of his joke.

“Introductions, please.” A young man hit his empty glass repeatedly on the counter. “I’m liking what I’m seeing.”

“Hold your horses, Brandon,” Chase responded. “Everybody, this is Laura Masterson.”

The responding greetings came back to her like an echo. Then they went around the table sharing their names. Some she recognized, but some didn’t work with at the university. The young man who’d smiled like a kid in a candy shop perked up like a spaniel when it was his turn.

“Brandon Littlejohn, computer whiz extraordinaire. I work with the brokerage firm about ten minutes away.” His voice carried a thick layer of boastfulness.

At first, he seemed cute and harmless. But with one drink thrown back and another one quickly ordered, Laura wondered if she was going to be stuck with his unwanted attention.

“Don’t worry, I’ve got your back,” Chase whispered in her ear. His breath tickled her ear. “And what a lovely back it is.”

At twenty-six years old, she blushed. So he would still take it there. Whatever it was. She couldn’t define what he did to her, how his words could make her emotions swirl like the beginning of a wind storm. On the other hand, his words could also cause a freeze. That, she didn’t care for.

“Whoa, sweetie, I didn’t mean to anger you.”

Laura pulled her hair back around her ear. She accepted her drink from the waitress, taking a deep sip of cola as if it had the properties to dull her senses. She wanted more than dulling of the senses, she wanted total numbness.

“Keep it up and I’ll switch chairs,” Laura threatened. The only seat available happened to be next to Brandon. On one side was the geek who thought he was Casanova. On the other side, a remarkable physical specimen who once had been her Casanova.

“I won’t tease you anymore.” He smiled and touched his hand to his heart.

“Apology accepted.”

“How’s work?”

She nodded, glad for the switch in subjects.

“Getting the hang of things?” he asked.

“Going pretty good. Can’t complain.”

“How’s the kid with the stress fracture?”

“Hey, you two, no shop talk,” Kasey shouted from across the table. Her edict was followed by several kernels of popped corn being tossed at Laura and Chase.

They ducked trying to miss Kasey’s accurate aim. They only succeeded in bumping heads.

“Ouch. Good gosh, you’ve got a hard noggin.” Laura rubbed her forehead wincing at the sore spot.

“Let me have a look.” He promptly grabbed her face in his hands. “Whoa. Are you going to look a sight tomorrow,” he whistled.

Laura jerked her head away from Chase’s hand. Her body responded, recognizing the trigger that caused a physical reaction that had nothing to do with extreme temperatures. A warm flush blossomed from her cheeks, where his hands only a few seconds ago pressed against her face, and now ran through her body.

“You know, you don’t have to be afraid of me.” Chase looked perplexed.

“I know. I’m not.”

“Could have fooled me.” Chase drained his glass and set it down with a firm tap.

“Look, Chase, I don’t understand why we’re suddenly in each other’s space. You’ve moved on and so have I.” At least she was trying to move on and not think about him. Now that she worked in the same building and for him, her emotional separation threatened to evaporate.

“Hey, you two,” Kasey shouted across the table. “Looking awfully serious.” She and few others shared a laugh at their expense.

“Laura is an old friend from my hometown in Maryland,” Chase explained.

Laura saw the sudden gleam in Kasey’s eyes as she glanced at him and then at her. To her horror, Kasey picked up her drink and practically ran over to them.

“Laura, some friend you are.” Kasey playfully punched Laura in the arm. “How could you keep this from me? To the famous Chase Westfield and Laura Masterson.” She grinned, her face looked as if she would burst before she had the first opportunity to tell the news.

“It was a long time ago.” Laura didn’t bother to look at Chase, not caring what his version would be.

“Looks like there may be some spark left.” Kasey signaled the waiter over and ordered another round. “Get this one a chardonnay, instead of a cola.”

Laura shook her head. “Cola, please.” She had a feeling that she’d be driving Kasey home. Now that her friend was getting comfortable, they probably weren’t going to the club. This change in plans suited her. As a matter of fact, she’d rather leave now to head home.

None of them spoke. Music blared. People poured in. The bar had gotten lively. And then the karaoke singing began. Laura seized the noisy distraction to grab her soda and head for an empty seat near the stage.

Soon she was laughing as a young man attempted to sing an Earth, Wind and Fire song. His attempt at the falsetto had her doubled over with tears rolling down her cheeks. Only after he’d left did she notice Kasey sitting next to her. She didn’t want to look for Chase, but did wonder where he’d disappeared to.

“I can see why you jumped on that.” Kasey slurped her drink. Laura knew it had to be at least the fourth or even fifth drink.

“Jumped on what?” Laura shot back, as if she didn’t know.

“I’d heard he wasn’t bad to look at, but up close, he’s good gosh almighty—darned beautiful.” Kasey laughed at her own comments.

Laura shrugged, knowing that her friend would be like a dog with a juicy bone.

Another wannabe-singer walked on to the stage and decided on a Mariah Carey song. During her butchering of a perfectly fine song, the crowd who had gotten into the swing showed no mercy. By the time the poor woman had ended, the crowd had split between full laughter and boos. Laura could never boo anyone, so she opted for the side-splitting laughter. She’d feel guilty later.

“Speak of the devil.” Kasey nudged her.

“What?” Laura looked over at Kasey, then followed her gaze. Chase stood on the stage.

What the heck was he doing up there? Chase may have been a spokesman for various products and used to cameras and fans, but voluntarily having the spotlight was so not him.

“Didn’t know he could sing. My, but this is a night filled with discoveries.” Kasey slurped her drink.

“For me, too,” Laura muttered under her breath. She settled back in the chair. There would be no laughing and certainly no booing. Chase had a voice that could’ve landed him a record contract if that was his passion. She glanced around for the waiter, deciding that she might need something stronger, after all.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Chase began. “I’d like throw a little old-school out at you.”

A roar went up from the crowd. Great. He won them over with no problem. When did he become such a ham? Back in the day, he only sang in church and once at his mother’s birthday.

“But first, I need my partner in crime with me. We never actually sang this, but we did roller skate to it when we were kids.”

Laura stared. Then set her glass down to flee. She couldn’t believe that Chase had the nerve to spread this insanity to her. Well, she wasn’t playing.

“Folks, I think my other half is leaving. Don’t you want to hear that classic hit, Reunited, by Peaches and Herb? Come on folks, let Laura know that you care.”

Laura heard her name being thrown back at her like an annoying echo. Someone reached for her elbow, yanking her back so that she lost her footing.

“Get your hands off me.” Laura glared at the man who had too much to drink. She pushed away from him, as he hooted and hollered with his friends. She turned to look at Chase who still called her up to the stage to join him.

Anger propelled her forward. She’d had enough. With or without Kasey, she was leaving. But before she left, she planned to tell Chase and his alter ego just what she thought of his school boy antics.

Laura strode up to Chase, stopping a few inches from his face. Her finger started poking at his chest before she could think straight to get out the words.

He smiled with all his teeth and charm displayed, while she sputtered incoherently. Why did he have to look so good? Never mind that, she knew enough to stop talking when he shoved the microphone in front of her.

The music started. Then the words scrolled on the monitor. Chase put his arms around her waist. He held firm. With a bold wink, he pulled her into his arms, swaying to the music. Laura looked out at the crowd, deciding not to make a scene. Plus the song was so addictive that her brain already followed the lyrics, reminding her of their times in the roller skating rink.

As a teenager, she couldn’t wait for couples only. He’d come to take her hand while she was surrounded by her girlfriends. They would descend into a giggling mess, while she left them for Chase. They’d skate hand-in-hand, weaving their way among the others, each wrapped up in their own world.

She may not have been allowed to go on dates, but the skating rink was as good as alone time. Her siblings had to attend and so did his sister. But everyone was on the prowl to hook up with someone, so no one bothered her and Chase. Besides, everyone took it for granted that they were together.

She sang the words, knowing that she wasn’t anywhere close to the quality of Chase’s melodious voice. Although she sensed him looking down at her, she refused to look into his eyes. He already had enough power over to her to make her act like a fool for four minutes. She didn’t need her legs to feel like rubber when she gazed into his honey brown eyes.

The song did manage to summarize some of her feelings and the current state of affairs with this sudden reunion. Boy, did it feel good to lean against his body, firm and very muscular. His hand sliding up and down her back made her want to purr. She was relaxed enough to sway in time with him. Her leg slipped between his as they waltzed the last verse.

Her brother, Pierce, had taught her to dance the box step. But Chase had taken it to another level full of sensuality and forbidden passion. When he spun her and ended the move with a dip, she succumbed and slowly moved her gaze from his full lips in its constant grin, up to his nose with its slender bridge, up to his eyes that pierced her with their intensity.

The song died and yet she remained in his arms. Good sense prevailed as she broke the eye contact. Or, maybe it was Kasey’s sudden appearance as she popped her head between theirs.

“That was awesome, guys. Ever thought about taking that stuff on the road?” Kasey straightened up and emitted a loud hiccup. “You all shouldn’t break up. Ya’ll look too good together.”

Laura stepped away from Chase. Any high that she could’ve blamed on the caffeine from the cola was gone. There’d be no getting together. His family had made sure of that and he had aided and abetted everyone’s handiwork.

Maturity had given her an upper hand. She didn’t plan to be in the position where a man’s rejection could devastate her to that degree. Life may not have any guarantees, but it didn’t mean that she had to go blindly into wrong situations.

“Kasey, I’m ready to go.” Based on her friend’s drunken weave back to the chair, Laura figured that Kasey needed to leave also.

“What’s the rush?” Kasey asked, her voice slurred.

“You’re right, you should get her home. Do you need any help?”

Laura jumped, not realizing that he’d approached.

“I’m fine.” Kasey stomped her foot. The effort threw her off balance and she fell heavily into a nearby chair.

Laura didn’t want to make a scene. She hoped that her friend would follow her quietly to the car. Despite the fact that she really wanted to get out of there and put some distance between Chase and herself, she couldn’t in good conscience leave Kasey. She’d never forgive herself, if something happened.

“I don’t need your help.” Kasey showed her annoyance by shoving a chair aside before Laura clamped a tight, firm grip around her friend’s waist and propelled her out of the building.

Immediately the cool night air hit them with a shocking blast. It had the desired effect, letting some rational thought make headway this disastrous night. She snapped the seat belt around Kasey.

A tap on the glass startled her. Her nerves were on edge.

Chase motioned for her to lower the window. She started the car first just to let him know that there would be no long conversations. Then she pushed the black button on the door panel until the window slid down mid-point.

“I can follow so you can leave her car at her place. Then I can give you a ride home.”

“Nope.” She hadn’t thought about the car logistics, unless she took Kasey to her place.

“Laura, I know that I’m fine enough to drive.” Kasey must have seen the ready argument on Laura’s face. “But let’s go home. I’ve got to head to Savannah tomorrow morning—early.”

“And you were out partying tonight?” Gosh, she sounded like her mother.

“Well, I roll like that.” Kasey yawned and leaned her head back on the head rest.

“If you ask me, I don’t think she’s going to be fit to go anywhere until probably noon tomorrow,” Chase offered.

Laura nodded, keeping her eyes forward. To turn her head would mean that he was in kissable distance. Thanks to Kasey’s SUV, she was sitting high enough that she or he only had to lean forward and succumb to a good night smooch.

Not a chance.

“For once, would you not be so stubborn?” Chase placed his forearms on the door.

“Stubborn? Because I won’t let you take me home?”

He pulled on his ear lobe, a familiar habit when he got irritated. Good. His cologne was driving her crazy. The very clear memory of swaying to an old-school song had more than her mind buzzing. And darn it, she couldn’t stop thinking about kissing him.

Maybe that’s why she turned her head. Of course, she later told herself that she had to let him know whom he was dealing with, eye-to-eye.

“We’re not buddies, Chase. I need this favor from you to take me home. But don’t think what happened in there is the beginning of a new chapter for us. We are still at the end of the happy trail. No happily ever after, no riding off into the sunset and certainly no reunion of the cast members here.” She had more to say about hurt and disappointment, but for the life of her, she couldn’t remember what it was. But she shouldn’t have looked into his eyes.

Then, she made the mistake of looking at that mouth. The perfect mouth that Pierce had taken pleasure in punching when he caught them kissing behind the large oak tree in Chase’s backyard. At fourteen years old, the kiss was a mere peck, but she swore that she’d floated up past the trees, over the neighborhood to settle among the clouds.

In college, and after college, their relationship had moved beyond chaste, stolen moments. Chase could make her melt into an incoherent puddle when she was locked in his arms for a steamy kiss after a rousing night of passionate lovemaking.

“Have dinner with me.”

“Did you hear anything I just said?” Laura couldn’t believe his tenacity.

“Yes. And if you have dinner with me, I’ll clear up all the questions.”

She could demand that he cleared them up now. Who was he to give her conditions after all he’d made her go through?

“It’s cold and I’m freezing my buns out here,” he complained.

His buns weren’t bad either. Sprinter buns.

“Fine.” She pursed her lips, detecting an amused twitch to his mouth. “Don’t think you’ve landed some big coup. I’m on to you, Chase Westfield.”

“Good, then you’ll know that I’ve wanted to do this since I saw you.” He leaned in and covered her mouth with his. He didn’t touch her, didn’t pin her face between his hands, did nothing to force her to be kissed. Yet, like a magnet, she couldn’t pull away drawn by an intangible force that ignited when they were together.

His attention was gentle, loving, coaxing for which she obliged his attentive tongue. Her entire body tingled, aroused out of a deep slumber, yearning for fulfillment.

He pulled away first. Laura opened her eyes, unable to speak. Only her chest rose and fell with an uneven breath.

“Let’s get you home, shall we?” Chase jingled his keys and turned to head to his car.

“That son of a—” Laura called out.

“Girl, shut your mouth. He lit you up like a Christmas tree,” Kasey uttered and promptly fell asleep with a small snore escaping.