Page 47 of Check & Chase
“So we’d be fake dating to make both our exes disinterested?”
“Exactly.”
I lean back in my chair, considering his proposal. It’s ridiculous, something out of a bad romantic comedy. The kind of scheme that inevitably backfires in spectacular fashion.
Andyet…
Tyler’s texts have been relentless since the gala. Three this morning alone, each more presumptuous than the last. The final one suggested dinner to “talk about us,” as if there’s still an “us” to discuss.
“It would only be temporary,” Chase explains, reading my hesitation. “Just until they both move on to other targets. Then we have an amicable breakup and go back to being strictly professional.”
“This is crazy,” I mutter, more to myself than to him.
“That’s not a no.”
“It’s not a yes either.” I chew my bottom lip, weighing the pros and cons. “I need to think about it.”
“Fair enough.” Chase adjusts his position, wincing slightly as he shifts his knee. “But think fast. Halloween party at Donovan’s on Friday. Tyler and Carina will both be there.”
“I’m not invited to Donovan’s party.”
He grins. “You could be. As my plus one.”
Before I can respond, my phone buzzes on the desk. I glance down to see Tyler’s name on the screen, accompanied by a text that makes me grimace.
Tyler:Can we have lunch together? We need to talk about last night.
Chase raises an eyebrow. “Tyler?”
I nod, showing him the screen.
“Perfect timing.” He stands, balancing on his crutches. “Think about my offer, Blondie. Could solve both our problems.”
He leaves with a wink, passing Tyler in the doorway. The two exchange looks that could freeze hell before Tyler turns his attention to me.
“Emma,” he greets, leaning against the door frame. “Got my text? Thought we could grab lunch.”
“I’m busy.” I don’t look up from the patient chart I’ve suddenly become very interested in. “And I have nothing to say about last night.”
“You seemed pretty cozy with Mitchell.” His voice hardens slightly. “Didn’t take you long to move on.”
I close the chart, finally meeting his gaze. “We broke up five years ago, Tyler. I moved on a long time ago.”
“To Mitchell? Seriously?” He steps into my office uninvited, lowering his voice. “You know about him and his last PT, right? The guy has a pattern.”
“I know more than you think,” I reply, thinking of Chase’s confession. “And my personal life isn’t your concern.”
“It is when you’re making a mistake that could cost you your career.” He leans closer. “I’m looking out for you, Em. That’s all.”
“I don’t need you to look out for me.” I stand, putting the desk between us. “I need you to respect my boundaries and stop sending flowers to my office.”
He has the grace to look slightly abashed. “The flowers were an apology.”
“For what? Cheating on me? Or for harassing me?”
“I’m not harassing you,” he protests. “I’m trying to reconnect with someone who was important to me.”
“Well, I’m not interested in reconnecting.” I gesture toward the door. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have patients to see.”
