Page 60 of One Hot Chase

Her whole face lights up. "Oh, yes, please."

I reluctantly disentangle myself from her warm embrace and pad naked across the room to the mini fridge. I can feel her eyes on me as I bend to retrieve our snacks, and I can't resist giving her a little show, flexing my muscles just a bit more than necessary. When I wriggle my arse, she cat calls me.

No, I don't mind that at all.

We do indeed devour the strawberries and cheese, then we tease each other with sarcasm as we often do. I want to ask if our days of me chasing her are over now, but I worry she might panic if I suggest I'd like to date her, much less take her home with me to meet my family. She sort of met Julian, but that was a brief encounter.

Will she panic? I don't know, but I have to try.

As we lounge on the bed, savoring the last of the strawberries, I steal glances at Sabrina. The way her eyes crinkle when she laughs, the gentle curve of her lips as she smiles---it all makes my heart race in a way I've never experienced before.

"What?" she asks, noticing me staring.

I cough, using that as an excuse until I can find the right words. "I was just thinking...about us."

She hunches her shoulders, lowering her head. When she speaks, her tone is hesitant. "In what way were you thinking about...us? If you want more bondage fun, I'd love to tie you up this time."

"And I would love that too, but..." I take a deep breath and plunge into the cold waters. "I was wondering if...well, if our days of me pursuing you are over now."

Her head jerks up, and I can see her body tense. Bloody hell, I've spooked her. Sabrina's eyes dart away from mine, and her fingers fidget with the edge of the sheet. The playful atmosphere from moments ago evaporates, replaced by a palpable tension.

"Declan, I..." she begins, then trails off.

I reach out, gently clasping her hand. "Hey, it's all right. We don't have to label anything if you're not ready."

"Um, it's not that I don't want to. It's just...I've been hurt before, Declan. Badly. You know that. And the thought of opening myself up to that again terrifies me."

I grasp her chin, urging her to look at me. "I get it, love, believe me. I've been hurt before too. But can I tell you something?"

Sabrina nods hesitantly.

"I'm scared too," I admit softly. "The way you make me feel...it's unlike anything I've ever experienced. And that's bloody frightening."

Her head pops up, and her eyes go wide.. "Really? You're scared too?"

I run a hand through my hair. "I'm absolutely petrified. But you know what? I think it's worth it. You are worth it, Bree."

She's quiet for a moment, her gaze searching mine. Then, little by little, a smile spreads across her face. "You know, for a sarcastic British jackass, you can be pretty sweet sometimes."

I grin, relief washing over me. "Don't spread that rumor, please. I have an atrocious reputation to uphold."

Bree draws her knees up to her chest and finally looks at me. "Maybe part of me does want more than hit and run sex with you, but I...I can't do that. Not yet."

"How much more time do you need?"

She shrugs. "It hasn't even been a week yet."

"I understand." But yes, my heart just fell to the floor and lies bleeding at my feet. How can I feel so deeply for her? We've only just met. But I already know she's the one for me. "Let's have a shower together and curl up in bed."

She smiles, her eyes twinkling. "Yes, please."

By the time Sabrina falls asleep, I've concocted a plan to win her heart---for real, and forever. It's risky. She might run away and never come back. But I must try.

So, I gather my belongings and skulk out of the hotel. But I do write Bree a note, handwritten, and leave it on the nightstand where she'll see it. The note consists of seven words.

It's your turn to chase me, darling.

Chapter Twenty-One

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