Page 37 of Mine Forever
I gesture toward the double doors behind me that lead into the bathroom. “Bathroom’s right there and should have everything you need in it. And I’ll just leave your suitcase at the door.”
She nods, crossing her arms over her chest, hugging herself. “Thanks for letting me stay. I know it’s the last thing either of us wanted…but I do appreciate it.”
We stare at each other for several beats before I nod once. I swallow the lump in my throat and try to quiet the thoughts running in my head.
“You’re welcome. I’m going to get a few things out of here.”
“Sure.”
While I gather some dry clothes, she sits on the bed and scrolls through her phone, twirling the ends of her hair.
She’s nervous. On one hand, I’m glad because she’s had me on edge since she got here.
On the other hand—the hand that still holds the torch for her—it makes me feel like shit that I’ve made her feel unwelcome.
“I’m going to make a sandwich. Want anything?”
She drops her phone on the bed and stands. “No, thanks. I’ll make dinner tomorrow night if that’s okay. I know it’s early, but I just want to get some sleep.”
“I’ll see you in the morning then.” I turn to leave, but she calls me back.
“Chase, we still need to talk about the speaking engagement.”
Relentless. I bite back a sigh but nod. “I know. Tomorrow. We’ll talk.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Night, Chase.”
“Night, Eden.”
TEN
eden
Me: Hey, how are things at the office?
Katie: Eden! Are you okay? I started to worry when I hadn’t heard from you.
Me: Well, I’m looking at sideways rain and the thunder is make the windows rattle.
Me: I’m fine given the circumstances.
Katie: Did you make it back to Jacksonville?
Me: No. I’m stuck on the island. They closed the bridge to the mainland before I could get back.
Katie: Oh shit. Were you able to find a room on the island?
Me: Not exactly.
Katie:…
Katie: So where did you stay?
Me:Chase’s house.
