Page 55 of Chasing Forever

She took a few deep breaths and gave herself another pep talk.

You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. You’re in charge here. It’ll be fine either way. Just have fun and go with the flow.

The problem was, “going with the flow” wasn’t her usual M.O. But maybe things were changing. Maybe she was changing. And change was good, right?

Chapter 26

Chase smelled something cooking as soon as he stepped out of his unit. His stomach rumbled, but he wasn’t sure if it was from hunger or nerves. He’d been battling them since Callie had invited him to dinner, and he wasn’t sure why. It was just dinner, right? At least, that’s what he kept telling himself as he’d taken a shower, shaved, and dressed in his best polo shirt and khaki shorts.

It had taken him a ridiculous amount of time to decide what to wear and whether to spritz on cologne. He’d considered calling his sister for advice but thought better of it. She’d probably freak out if she knew he was going to Callie’s place for dinner, and he was freaking out enough already.

He couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt like this over a woman. Honestly, he couldn’t recall ever being nervous with Cassandra. The thought nagged at him until he finally came up with the reason. Cass had been a sure thing—the way she’d looked at him, flirted with him, and stood close when they were talking. She’d displayed interest in him from the start, and that had given him the confidence to ask her out.

The situation with Callie was completely different. Despite having shared a few passionate kisses, she seemed hesitant and cautious, which made him act in kind. Yet today she’d surprised the hell out of him when she’d agreed to jump off the cliff and then invited him over for dinner.

He’d laughed when she’d peppered him with questions on the way up the trail.

“Will it hurt when we hit the water? What if I don’t come back up?”

“Callie,” he’d said. “Don’t worry. You’re going to love it. Trust me.”

And she had, although she’d clutched his hand so tightly that he still had red marks from her nails digging into his skin. He hadn’t minded at all. When they’d sprung up out of the water, she’d been so excited she’d jumped into his arms and hugged him, yelling, “I did it! I did it!” until everyone in the vicinity started laughing and cheering.

He’d decided it was one of those moments that he’d never forget as long as he lived.

Now, as he prepared to knock on her door, he wondered if they were about to share another moment like that. He gave himself a silent pep talk (or more accurately, a talking down) like he’d been doing for the past hour or so.

It’s just dinner. She’s in charge. Go with the flow and just enjoy her company.

Glancing down at his watch, he saw it was five fifty-five. He hadn’t wanted to come over too early or be late, so this was the perfect timing. He lifted his right hand and knocked.

“Coming,” she called out.

Maybe later? Stop that!

She opened the door, and he froze. He’d seen her in dresses before, but this one was amazing. She usually covered her cleavage, but tonight it was on display due to the deep V-neck of the dress. There was just enough skin showing to make her look sexy and classy at the same time. The dress hugged her waist, which made him want to do the same, and the hem stopped at mid-thigh, showing the perfect amount of leg. He glanced down at her shoes and realized why she appeared taller than usual. Her strappy sandals were probably three inches high, and her bright pink toes peeked out at him.

“Chase? Would you like to come in?”

Hell yeah! “Yes. Thanks.”

She giggled. “What are you thanking me for?”

His brain was scrambled, and who knew what might come out? “For the invitation. Dinner smells great.”

“I hope you like stir-fry,” she said, turning and walking to the kitchen.

He followed a few steps behind, admiring her backside and tan legs.

“I do. I brought the wine.” He set it down on the kitchen counter, feeling like he’d just relinquished his security blanket. He hadn’t realized how tightly he’d been holding it until then.

“Can you get down the wine glasses? They’re too high for me to reach.”

“Of course.”

He took out two glasses while she put the finishing touches on their meal.

“You really didn’t have to go to all this trouble. We could have gone out to eat.” He’d said it even though he’d been thrilled she’d asked him there.