Page 63 of Bachelor CEO

“You will be able to handle Walter, won’t you?He was rather harsh last time you saw him.”

Chase answered with a question. “Have I beendoing a good job?”

His grandfather sighed. “You’ve gone above andbeyond everyone’s expectations.”

“Then it’ll all be fine,” Chase said. He madehimself a promise not to ask about Miranda. She’d told him to go, and he had.Everything they’d had was in the past.

So why did his heart still hurt?

AS THE SUN DIPPED below the horizon, endingyet another Friday, Miranda tightened her grip on the steering wheel. Sheshouldn’t be here. She’d sworn she’d never come back.

But she’d been in Minneapolis–Saint Paulretrieving her car, close enough that she couldn’t say no to two people whomeant the world to her.

After leaving Chenille, she’d put her car inlong-term parking and flown to Vancouver, Canada. She’d spent the past month ata high-end wilderness resort, isolated from the rest of the world, basicallylicking her wounds.

Sadly, Chase had been right. After the firstfew days, she’d been antsy. By the time she left, she’d been stir-crazy. Theresort was beautiful, a full five star establishment. She hadn’t skimped on themoney. But there were only so many yoga classes she could take, so many booksshe could read and so many hikes through the woods she could go on beforeMiranda longed for what she did best—work.

No wonder Chase had arrived home at the firstopportunity. She’d relaxed, but she’d never been able toturn off that driven, alpha side of her personality. While being one withnature was enriching and enlightening, she didn’t find just “being” verysatisfying. She liked supervising things and solving problems. She needed to dosomething.

Her plan was to return to Chicago and startthe job search. She’d save the rest of her severance for a rainy day. Despitewhat she’d told Chase in a fit of bravado, traveling the world could wait.

She reached the turnoff, and her tirescrunched over the gravel that led to Lone Pine Lake. Walter and his wife werestaying at the cottage, and she’d agreed to meet them and spend one nightbefore continuing on to Chicago. When she’d spoken to them a few days ago toconfirm, Walter had assured her that Leroy was doing quite well. Neither ofthem had mentioned Chase.

Still, her fingers grew even tighter on thewheel as she reached Lone Pine. In the distance she could see that a few lightswere on in the lodge, but neither Chase’s nor Leroy’s car was parked out front.She loosened her grip. The McDaniels weren’t here.

She parked next to Walter’s car, turned offthe engine and hopped out. Although she couldn’t see them, she could hearWalter and his wife talking.

“Hey,” she called.

“Ah, Miranda! We’re in here.” Christineanswered from the porch. “Let me turn a light on.”

“No need. Then the bugs will swarm. I can seewell enough.” Miranda knew the short path by heart, and soon pulled on thescreen door and entered. Walter and his wife sat in Adirondack chairs, severalcitronella candles providing a romantic glow and protection againstany insects that got through the screens. Both rose to their feet and huggedher.

“I’m so glad you didn’t chicken out,” Waltertold her as he released her.

“I’ve missed you two,” she replied.

“You didn’t enjoy Canada?” Christine asked.

“It was lovely, but I’m ready to get back towork.”

“I’ve heard about a company that needs a vicepresident,” Walter said. “You’d be perfect for the job.

“You can tell me about it tomorrow. I’m prettybeat. I lost two hours, flying east, and I had to get up really early to catchmy flight.”

“Grab her bags, Walter,” Christine insisted.The screen door banged as he left. “Are you doing okay?”

“I’m fine,” Miranda lied. “It gets easierevery day.”

“Oh sweetie, I’m so sorry. Walter told me whathappened. I never imagined you would fall for Chase. Do you still love him?”

Tired as she was, Miranda didn’t even questionhow Walter knew about that. Leroy had probably told him. Hopefully, that was asfar as the revelations went. “I don’t know. I think I’m still grieving.”

“That’s understandable and so normal. My sonis going through a divorce. It’s horrible. At least you didn’t marry the man.”

“We were never like that,” Miranda said. Theyhadn’t even dated. They’d just had sex.

“Still…” Christine soothed. “Come inside. Yourbed is all made up and you look exhausted. We were about to turn in anyway. Wewere just waiting for you.”

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