Page 100 of Rainstorm

But instead I’ve been left with a broken heart and a messed-up head.

A new kiss invades my mouth, he is so strong and his hands are everywhere, making the blood course through my veins at the speed of light. When he starts to unbutton my shirt, I willingly allow him, I’ll let him do whatever he wants, just as long as it deals with the burning heat he’s creating.

My skirt is pushed up around my hips, my blouse is undone and I can only imagine the deplorable state of my hair and makeup.

But something suddenly clicks inside my head as I come to my senses, and my fever no longer has control of the situation even though there’s no denying I’m wet for him and he’s hard for me.

“Not here. Not happening,” I state firmly as I try to pull away from him.

“But I want it to happen. Right here, right now. I want us to make a new memory,” Chase whispers seductively, as he tantalizingly nibbles my earlobe and nuzzles my neck.

I know what he’s after, but no… no, no, no!

I’m here on a mission, and it’s not to get laid.

“Chase, you said if I came here today, you would sign the papers for the house sale. That’s the only reason I’m here,” I insist breathlessly as I attempt to gather my wits.

“You really know how to burst the bubble,” he sighs, leaning his forehead against mine. “Look, I know you want to start your new business with Ariel. I also know you need the money from the sale of this house to do that. So yes, I will sign everything necessary to finalize the sale.”

Thank God.

So why does it bother me so much that I’m getting what I’ve been asking for?

Damn man.

“But what else do you want, Chase? Tell me what you were hoping to achieve by insisting I meet you here? I don’t understand.”

“I just wanted to tell you that I love you,” he says before kissing me again.

I love you too, I want to reply, but I can’t.

I’m sick and tired of being stuck in the dark place his actions put me in. I’m only just managing to fight my way out of it, and I can’t risk sinking back down if he changes his mind yet again. I think of Oliver’s words, how men like the thrill of the chase—how long would it be before he got bored of me again?

I can’t take that risk, and I’m really tempted to kick him in the nuts, make him wince in pain, but before I get the chance, he falls back onto one of the chairs that I had so lovingly re-upholstered.

And that’s my chance to get the hell out of here.

To escape in one piece. Well, physically speaking, because my heart is about to explode, and I seriously don’t know if it’s going to survive all of this drama.

My pulse is racing, my hands are sweating. There is an empty space that only he can fill. And no, not between my shaky legs. In my heart.

“Goodbye, Chase. Have a good life.”

And with a whistle I call the first taxi that passes and I climb in quickly, before the object of all my dreams, even damp dreams can think of reaching me.

Chapter 24

Chase

A few months ago

It’s our five year anniversary.

I can hardly believe it.

Time has flown by.

Looking back, I can say with total frankness that they have been the happiest years of my life.