Page 2 of Check & Chase
I turn to find Tyler West standing beside me, holding out a red solo cup. His sandy hair is styled in that perfectly messy way that used to make my heart race. Now it just makes me want to punch him in the throat.
“No thanks. I’m waiting for Maya.”
Tyler’s smile doesn’t reach his eyes. “Come on, Em. It’s been four years. We can be civil.”
“Civil would be you leaving me alone,” I say through gritted teeth.
He leans closer, and I smell his cologne—the same one he wore when we were together. “You look incredible tonight.”
“And you look like you should be with your date.” I nod toward a redhead across the room who’s watching us with narrowed eyes.
He glances over his shoulder, then shrugs. “Jessica? Or was it Jennifer? Maybe Jill?”
I scoff in disgust. “You really are a pig.”
He has the decency to look embarrassed. "Look, she's just—"
"I really don't care." I push off the wall. "Excuse me."
I weave through the crowd, looking for Maya and finding the bar instead.
“What can I get you?” the bartender asks, a rookie player who seems stuck with the boring job.
“Something strong,” I reply.
“Rough night already?” a deep voice asks from beside me.
I turn to find myself staring at a broad chest covered by a simple black T-shirt. My eyes travel upward, over muscular shoulders, a strong jaw covered in light stubble, and finally to a pair of startling blue eyes framed by shaggy brown hair.
Oh.Oh.
The stranger’s mouth curves into a smile, revealing a dimple in his left cheek. “Let me guess… ex-boyfriend?”
I blink, caught off guard. “How did you know?”
“You have that look.” He accepts a beer from the bartender. “Like you’re plotting a murder.”
I laugh. “Is it that obvious?”
“Only to someone who’s been there.” He extends his free hand. “I’m Chase.”
“Emma.” I take his hand, noting how mine disappears in his grip.
I don’t recognize him, which is strange because I know most of the Bears players thanks to Tyler. He must be visiting a friend or something.
The bartender slides a red cup toward me. I take a sip and nearly choke. Whiskey. Straight.
Chase watches in amusement. “Careful there.”
I take another sip, more prepared this time. The liquor burns a path down my throat. “I can handle it.”
“I don’t doubt that.” His eyes hold mine for a beat longer than necessary.
The music changes to something with a heavier beat. Around us, people start migrating toward the dance floor.
“Do you want to dance?” He asks, placing his beer down.
I should say no. I came here to prove to Maya I could handle being in the same room as Tyler, not to hook up with some random guy. But there’s something in Chase’s blue eyes that makes me nod.
