Page 35 of Unexpected Love

Chapter Eleven

Chloe

I’m just putting the finishing touches on a bracelet when my phone rings. I get that familiar warm, tingly feeling in my belly when Joe’s name pops up on my screen. Over the past week, this is what our relationship, if that’s what this is, has entailed: long phone calls or texting back and forth for hours.

Things have gotten better this past week. I feel great physically, and I’m getting there mentally and emotionally. I’ve been dodging Reggie and Elizabeth’s calls because I just don’t want to deal with them. I’m still really hurt that my trust was betrayed like it was. Hailey has been super nice, but I’m figuring it’s the guilt talking…maybe. I’ve kept things with us professionally pleasant.

She doesn’t know how I found out, and she hasn’t brought it up, so why should I? She’d probably just run back to her sister anyway. My parents have finally stopped hovering and looking at me with those sad looks. Of course it’s because I finally had to sit them both down and state it very clearly that I was okay.

I answer the phone and put it on speaker so I can work and talk. “Hey, you. How’s it going?”

“I fucking miss you.” I love when his voice gets growly. He can’t see the huge smile on my face.

“I miss you, too. Are you working right now?”

“No, I just got home. It was a long fucking day. I think I’m going to shower and head to bed soon. What are you doing?”

“Working on a bracelet, and then I was going to pour myself a glass of wine and watch iZombie.”

My doorbell chimes, and I get up, moving through the house. “Joe, are you still there?” I look through the window and can’t help the big smile on my face. Ripping the door open, I can’t help but squeal. “What are you doing here? I thought you were just getting home from work.”

“Are you going to let me in?” I push open the screen door and jump into Joe’s arms. “I take it you’re happy to see me.”

“Yes, so happy.” He carries me into the house while I continue to smile at him. “What are doing here? I thought you worked today.”

“I was supposed to, but I switched with someone and wanted to surprise you. I hope that was okay.” He starts to look unsure of himself even though I’m in his arms.

“Of course it’s okay. I do have a little gig tonight.”

“A little one?”

I smile at him. “It’s little because it’s just me and the piano.”

“Is it okay if I come watch?” It gives me a little thrill that he wants to come watch me.

I kiss his forehead. “Of course you can. Just FYI: my parents, Carter, and Eli will be there.”

I don’t miss the way he slightly cringes at my words. “Hey, I promise they’ll behave. It sucks sometimes being the only female. They’re all protective of me.”

He reaches up and tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “I can see why they would be. It’ll be fine. Show me what you were working on?”

Unfortunately, he sets me down. Grabbing his hand, I lead him to my spare bedroom that’s part workshop, part music room. He gazes around the room—I’m sure taking in the pictures of me in musicals, talent shows, and pageants when I was younger. I don’t keep them up because I’m vain or anything but just to remind me of a fun time in my life.

“God, you were beautiful back then, too.”

How can this man make me blush? “Thank you. You can sit in here and hang out with me if you want. I just need to finish this bracelet. It’s for Eli’s mom.” I sit back down on my stool. “Help yourself to something to drink. You can sit in here with me or watch TV in the living room if you want.”

He kisses the top of my head before disappearing. I stick my earbuds in and turn on some working music—Classical. A minute later, I feel him reenter the room and sit down next to me. My fingers work quickly to add the last of the gemstones, and then I tie off the end and attach the clasp.

Now that it’s finished, I spray it with a gentle cleanser to get all my fingerprints off. Once it’s all polished, I place it in a little box and then tie it with my signature lavender ribbon.

I clean up my space. Joe heads out in the living room, and when I enter, I find him sitting on the sofa watching baseball. I move around and sit down next to him. He wraps his arm around my shoulders. “I’m really glad you’re here.” I smile up at him, and he leans down, kissing my forehead.

“I’m glad. I almost turned around twice because I didn’t want to seem like a creepy stalker, but I just wanted to see you. Do you want to go have dinner before you play tonight?”

“Sure. What were you thinking?”

“Last time I was up here, I saw a steakhouse by the hotel. It’s called Vaughn’s. Have you been there?”

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