Page 105 of Rainstorm

My body wasn’t responding and I was out of air.

My last thought was for her.

Roselynn.

Chapter 25

Rose

Present day

“What in the hell are you doing here?” I snap when I see Chase standing by what should be Ariel’s seat.

We’re at the stadium, ready to enjoy our favorite baseball team’s game. At least we were. Now I’m not so sure.

Ariel and I have had this planned for days. Talking about it incessantly, picking new shirts from the official store and taking extra time to primp ourselves before leaving the apartment earlier.

But then Miss Ariel Wilkinson suddenly rushed off at the entrance to the stadium, making some bullshit excuse about forgetting something back at home, leaving me standing in line at the security gate. I didn’t understand what was going on, but now it all makes sense. Obviously, she’s been in cahoots with Chase behind my back, the little traitor.

What is she playing at?

“If you recall, I did say you’d be going out with me, that I’d make it happen. So here we are.” Chase smiles as he gloats over his victory. Asshole.

But as angry as I am, when he puts his hand on my shoulder, just that light touch still burns my skin through my cotton navy shirt, and I can’t prevent my eyes lingering on his body, focusing on the SD logo on his T-shirt, wishing I could replace it with my hands.

Why does he have to be so god damn handsome?

Even with those dark shadows under his eyes.

Even though he’s still losing weight.

His smile is still a wrecking ball breaking down the walls I’ve built around me.

His presence is like an earthquake, breaking through my defenses.

But two can play this game, Holland.

His rules. My tempo.

This time I won’t run like a scaredy-cat little girl.

I’m a woman, a fierce lioness now.

The sunshine is still with me, peeking behind the horizon. My light hasn’t faded away.

I need to be strong, it’s the only way to survive.

He wants to call this a date?

Fine.

So be it.

I can deal. There are all kinds of dates after all, including the frosty cold type.

So by the time the game starts, we’ve barely spoken more than a few words.

Do you want a beer? Some nachos?

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