Page 6 of The Spring in My Heart

He means Ollie, and my stomach starts to churn.

“Good,” I say.

“Just good? When does he start digging? Is he starting with your bottom?”

The image of Oliver’s hands between my legs is instant and so quick it makes my stomach dip. “What the hell are you talking about?”

Chase sighs, and it’s loaded and exasperated. “I’m asking where the reno is starting. Is he starting with the bottom floor? We want to know so we can clear the guest room in case you need to stay with us.”

“Oh, I don’t know. He’s putting a proposal together.” My face is burning, and I crack my car window to let the air in.

“You didn’t bring that asshole to meet with Coach, did you?” His voice is tight and loaded with his hatred.

The asshole he is referring to is my boyfriend, Mateo. At times, this is the perfect description.

“No, I didn’t. This is my house and my reno.” My tone is harsher than I mean it.

“You don’t sound excited, even though this is what you wanted.”

I shake my head to clear it. “I am. It’s just…there’s going to be a lot to do, and I just want it to be done. I don’t want to stay at your place or Cam’s. I want to be in my own space.”

He’s silent for a few seconds. “I get that. Just stick it out, Lux. Don’t go back to New York where you’re miserable.”

“I’m not?—”

He cuts me off. “You hate it there. You hate being with him.”

“Chase—”

“No, don’t say anything. I’m not trying to pick a fight. I am just saying that you can use this time to build your life here. The life you want.”

He’s right.

“I know. And I am. You and Cam just need to let me do this my way.”

He sighs again. “We just want you to be happy. And that douche…”

“He’s trying…”

The other line beeps, and now Mateo’s name pops on my screen. I need to answer since I’ve been ignoring him since last night.

“I have to go, Chase. I’ll ping you once I pick up Felix.”

I switch over to the other line.

“Finally,” Mateo spits before I can even greet him.

“Hi,” I say.

“Hi,” he mimics. “I’ve been calling you since last night. Where have you been?”

“I watched a movie with Justin and Felix and fell asleep after putting them to bed. I texted you.”

It’s not a complete lie. I’m just not admitting to the part where I saw his messages and opted to put on a mud mask rather than answering.

“Luxxy, we haven’t really talked in, like, a week.” He’s annoyed, and I get it, but I can’t help how I feel. I just want time away.

From him.

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