Page 47 of Hard To Love

She grinned, “You’re a bitch. You know, that, right?”

We both laughed, but it was obvious that she was happy for me.

I wanted to be angry with her, but I knew that Mark was the sole reason behind her commitment issues. Just like I knew that going backwards would only end up in heartache again. She may have drunk the Kool-aid that he was selling, but I sure as hell wasn’t.

The thing with Mark, was that he actually believed the shit that came out of his mouth. Which in his case, could run a successful manure business.

Liam was a much better option. Not just because he was friends with my boyfriend, either. I got the sense that he really did want more from Cassie, but maybe felt that she wasn’t quite ready. Hopefully, this little setback would be the push she needed to open her eyes and see what was right in front of her.

The rest of our meal was filled with light banter. When the check finally came, I insisted on paying, then gave my card to the server and asked her to give us a few more minutes alone.

While Cassie and I were standing along the curb, waiting for a taxi to drive by, I heard my phone chirp, letting me know that I had a waiting text message.

Are you done with dinner yet?

Just seeing his name on my phone made me smile.

Yes, just leaving now.

Get over here then, I miss you.

I laughed and shook my head causing Cassie to raise an eyebrow and look in my direction.

What happened to hanging out with the guys tonight?

They’re boringme to death and not nearly as entertaining as you. I’m kicking them out soon.

How did you ever survive w/out me all these years? Glad to know that I don’t bore you.

Sweetheart, you do a lot of things to me, and boring isn’t one of them. Now get over here before I come looking for you.

My cheeks colored at his comment and I turned to Cassie who was smiling at me. “By the look on your face I don’t even need to guess. What does lover boy want?”

“He wants me to come over.” I bit down on my lip, looking away.

“Well, what are you waiting for? Go get some booty!”

“Are you sure you don’t mind?” I asked, already knowing what I planned to do.

I heard the nervous jingling of her keys as she shifted to hail her own ride. “I’m positive. I have something I need to take care of, anyway.”

“And what would that be?” If nothing else, Cassie was a woman of swift and decisive action.

“You think you are the only one who has a life?” I heard her say as she climbed into the waiting cab, smiling.

I reached in to give her a hug. “You know I’ll support you with whatever decision you make.” We gave each other a quick squeeze and said our goodbyes.

It was a quick ride over to Central Park, so I found myself fumbling through my wallet to pay my fare. I felt the excitement building as I hurried through the entrance, walking towards the doorman’s desk. The uniformed, older gentleman recognized me. He politely interrupted me before I could even tell him why I was there.

“Good evening, Miss Emily.” He greeted me, in that British accent that I loved.

“Hello, Henry. I’m here to see Chase, I think he is expecting me.”

“Indeed, he is ma’am. Please go on up.”

“Thank you, Henry, have a good night.”

When I reached his apartment, I smoothed out my skirt, took a deep breath and knocked. As soon as the door opened, Chase’s warm smile greeted me causing my mouth to run dry. That familiar heat and excitement started to tingle in my bones just like it always did when he was near. When he grabbed me by my waist and planted his mouth on mine, that tingling sensation traveled all the way down to my toes. My muscles tightened as his hands slid up the back of my neck.He left me with no choice but to return his welcome. Not that I was complaining.

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