Page 69 of Broken on the Mountain
Because I can't tell himwhyI'm missing a weekend. Can't explain the gala or the foundation or the fact that my mother expects me to stand in a Valentino gown and make polite conversation while pretending my life is exactly what they all think it should be.
The thought of Chase knowing more about that world, myrealworld, the one I've spent weeks trying to escape, makes my skin crawl.
He talks about rescue missions and trail maintenance and community potlucks at the fire station. His life is genuine, meaningful,realin ways mine has never been.
The wheels touch down with a gentle bump, and passengers around me start gathering their things. I stay frozen in my seat, watching the tarmac roll past.
This weekend needs to be perfect. I need to soak up every second. Every laugh, every touch, every moment of feeling like myself.
Because all of those little things, they have to last me through next weekend's absence.
The flight attendant announces we've arrived and I pull my bag onto my lap. Staring out the window, I take a breath.
Chase will be waiting inside the terminal, probably bouncing on his heels with that infectious energy, ready to sweep me into his arms and make me forget Chicago exists.
Maybe I'll wait to tell him about next weekend. I can tell him later, can't I?
The airplane door opens and we pile out, walking across the tarmac as the beautifully chilly wind blows through me.
Stepping inside the terminal, I spot Chase immediately. My heart damn near explodes at the sight of him.
He’s beaming, his smile huge and contagious. But it’s not just his smile that catches my attention. Oh no, it’s the giant, handwritten sign he’s holding up.
"CHICAGO ESCAPEE! PIPER WHITMAN: REWARD IF FOUND!"
I burst out laughing, drawing a few curious glances from other passengers. Chase grins even wider, clearly pleased with himself.
"You like it?" he calls out as I walk toward him, still giggling.
"I love it," I reply, shaking my head in disbelief. "You are absolutely ridiculous."
"And you look stunning," he says, lowering the sign and pulling me into a hug.
He's wearing his rescue team jacket, and it smells exactly like him. He's paired it with his nicest jeans. The ones without any holesorfraying at the knees.
His sandy brown hair is slightly less unruly than usual, like he actually attempted to comb it, and his hazel eyes light up right in front of me.
That smile. God, that smile.
My chest tightens, but this time it's not anxiety or dread. It's something else entirely. Something warm and terrifying and absolutely perfect.
Forever Friday, I think,Let's have our Forever Friday.
I'll tell him about next weekend later. Sunday morning, maybe. Right before I leave.
Right now, I just want to be here. With him.
Chase throws the sign aside, nearly whacking an elderly woman in the head.
"I've got plans for this weekend, baby," Chase murmurs against my ear, his breath warm and delicious. "Big plans."
I laugh, heat flooding my cheeks. "Is that right?"
"Absolutely." His hazel eyes dance with mischief. "But first—"
He sweeps me backwards in a dramatic dip that makes my stomach flip, and then his mouth is on mine.
The kiss steals every coherent thought from my brain. His tongue slides against mine, confident and claiming, and I melt into the solid strength of his arms. One hand cradles the back of my head while the other presses firmly against my lower back, holding me like I'm something precious.
