Page 18 of Lost Without You (Chasing Olivia 2)

“I am always on your side. I just don’t want you to ruin something over some guy you barely know.”

“Well, that guy I barely know is sweet, and kind, and most importantly, honest.” I turn around and head for the front door.

“Olivia, get back here. This conversation is not finished,” she yells as I head to my Jeep. Without turning around, I get in, back out the driveway, and drive away.

After driving aimlessly for a few hours, I arrive back to Manhattan a little after eight. Pulling my car into the parking garage, I step out and hand the keys over the valet.

The few hours of driving didn’t seem to quell any of my anger, but most of all, I’m hurt. My own mother didn’t even stop to listen to me for even a moment. She didn’t stop to think about how I felt, or what’s best for me versus what she thinks is best for me. I kick at some loose rocks on the sidewalk and pause at the entrance of my building.

My stomach twists in a knot at the thought of going up to my apartment right now. I don’t want to be alone, trapped in there with my thoughts. Crossing my arms over my chest, I turn on my heel and continue down the sidewalk, my head cast down, looking at my shoes as I put one foot in front of the other.

A shiver bolts up my spine even in the warmth of the night and a feeling of dread washes over me. I lift my head and look around, taking in the busy street. Headlights flash toward me and the chatter of couples on the sidewalk resonates around me, but nothing unusual.

I pick up my pace and turn to look behind me, the feeling becoming almost palpable. Nothing looks out of the ordinary, but it’s a busy street. I veer toward the street lights and businesses, staying in the light, probably freaking myself out more than anything.

Taking the path I know well, I all but jog toward Chase’s building, feeling on edge. A car on the street honks and I almost jump out of my skin, stopping just short of running into a man on a phone. With a hasty apology, I dart around him and walk through the grand set of double doors encasing Chase’s building, not feeling settled until the familiar setting washes over me.

I reach his apartment and knock on his door, since I threw his key out my window the night I thought he was having an affair. I really need to stop jumping to conclusions.

“Well, this is an unexpected surprise,” he says as he answers the door. I walk right past him, through the kitchen. and into his office. “You busy?” I ask, looking up.

“When it comes to you, never,” he says, his eyes soft and caring. I flop down on the couch. “You okay?”

“I went to see my mother today,” I mutter.

“Oh. That good, huh?”

“She. Is. Impossible!” I throw my arms up in the air to accentuate my point.

Chase stops what he’s doing to sit next to me on the couch, placing an arm around me. “So, what happened?”

“All she could talk about was how Evan wanted me back,” I mumble into his chest and he gives me a comforting squeeze. “Why does she continue to be his advocate?”

“I don’t know. I wish I could help.”

“Just being here helps.” I lift my head to glance up at him. His expression is schooled, his features guarded. I can’t tell what he’s thinking. When he catches me looking, his lips twitch up into a smile, but it doesn’t reach his eyes.

“I don’t like seeing you upset,” he whispers.

“Help me forget about today,” I whisper. “I need you to make me forget.” Standing, Chase scoops me up and brings me to his bedroom.

I wake, once again, tangled up in Chase. And once again, I untangle myself without waking him. I swear, he thinks he’s a blanket. Scooping my clothes up from where they lay on the floor around the room, I dress as I tiptoe out the door, trying to make a quiet exit.

Out of his building, I sprint to mine, not wanting to be late for work. A quick shower and I’m back out the door.

As I’m heading to a job site in Long Beach, my cell phone rings. “Hello?”

“Good morning, beautiful. How’s my girl?”

“Good,” I murmur.

“I missed you this morning. I didn’t hear you leave.” He sounds wounded. I didn’t mean to stay there last night, but I was so wound up from the shit with my mom and sore from the multiple orgasms Chase bestowed upon me, I didn’t have the energy to walk home. If I didn’t need to go where I’m going now, I would have stayed in bed.

“No, I needed to leave early so I could grab work clothes from my apartment.”

“You should keep some stuff here—”

“Chase,” I cut him off, “I will, just give me some time.”

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