Page 57 of Things Good Girls Don't Do

“You won’t bad-mouth Chase anymore?” Katie crossed her arms over her chest.

Steph held up her hand. “Scout’s honor.”

Katie stepped back and said, “Too bad you were never a Girl Scout.”

“Mom said it was too time-consuming.” Steph came into the house.

“Wanna watchThe Vampire Diaries?” Katie asked, shutting the door.

“Sure, which episode?” Steph asked.

“Does it matter? I have two words for you. Klaus and Damon.” Katie said, smiling.

“I’ll make some popcorn.”

“I’ll grab the sodas.”

CHASE LEFT THEparlor and locked the front door. Pulling his phone out of his pocket, he checked for a message from Katie. Nothing.

Making his way down to where his chopper was parked, he climbed on and realized the last thing he wanted was to go home. After spending the last couple of nights with her, being alone in his big old house just didn’t sound fun. Maybe he’d head over to Buck’s and play a little pool.

Weak, Trepasso. You’re just hoping she calls.

He started up the chopper and rode down to the outskirts of town. Parking in front of Buck’s, he climbed off and strode to the front door. He walked in and sat down at the bar, nodding at Eric, who handed him his usual draft. “What are you doing here? Thought you’d be out with Katie.”

Chase shook his head and took a drink of his beer. “Nope, just stopping by on my way home.”

Eric grinned. “Well, word is you guys were getting pretty hot and heavy. Guess she ditched work to be with you?”

Chase made a disgusted face. “This town is too damn small.”

Eric laughed. “Yes it is. We have no secrets here.”

Chase’s phone rang and he saw Katie’s picture flash on the screen. He took another drink of his beer and picked up the call. “Hey, Firecracker.”

“Hey, you done?”

He tossed some bills on the counter and gave Eric a little wave as he left. “Yeah, I just stopped by Buck’s for a beer.”

“Oh, well, I’ll leave you alone ...”

“No, I’m done.”Please say you want me to come over...

“Oh, are you sure, ’cause ...”

He straddled his chopper and said, “Katie baby, were you calling to see if I was coming over?”

Silence stretched over the line and he almost didn’t catch her “Yes.”

Grinning, he gave an air punch like a geeky kid. “I’ll be there in ten minutes. But warn your cat that if I see him, he’s going to end up as a pair of slippers.”

Her gasp turned into a laugh, and she said, “No, he’s not.”

“You just tell him, and I’ll see you in a bit.”

“Be careful.”

He chuckled. “It’s a three-minute ride. I’ll be fine.”

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