Page 99 of Committed to You

“Tell me about your family.”

“Everyone is in New York. My parents have been married for over fifty years. My brother, Nick, is four years older and married to his high school sweetheart. My nephew is six, and my niece is four. My younger sister, Anna, is still single. She’s your age. I think you two would get along really well.”

“Are you close?”

“I’m closer to my sister. She’s not married and is dating a douchebag. I’m trying to get her to move to Chicago and away from him. It’s another reason I wanted a separate wing. If I can get her to move, then I want to keep my eye on her for a while so she doesn’t go running back to him.”

“Why is he a douchebag?”

“I don’t have proof, but I’m pretty sure he’s cheating on her. She never comes first. It’s all about him. He says stuff to her that puts her down, and the last time I saw him, he’s lucky Jamison was there.”

“Why?”

“He threatened my sister. We got into it, and Jamison grabbed my arm mid punch.”

I stroke his cheek. “Sounds like you’re a good big brother.”

Chase is about to say something when the hotel phone rings. Startled, we look at each other, and he reaches for the receiver. “Hello?” He pulls his arm off me and sits up straighter.

Goose bumps pop up on my arms.

“No, I do not authorize you to give my room number to anyone.” He shakes his head at me. “Tell her to stay put. I’ll be right there.” He hangs up.

“What’s going on?” My pulse beats harder against my veins.

He stands up and puts his clothes on. “Meredith is downstairs. She’s trying to get my room number.”

“What? Chase, call the police.”

“I’m going down there to tell her that this needs to stop. Can you call the police?”

“Yes, of course, but you shouldn’t go down there. You don’t know what she has planned.” I get dressed, too.

“Vivian, you need to stay in the room. I’m going down there. She needs to stop this.”

“Aren’t the police going to want to talk to me?”

“I’ll bring them here.”

I grasp him around the waist. “Chase, I don’t think this is a good idea. Let’s just call the police.”

“No. I’ll be fine. You stay here and phone them.”

“Chase—”

He puts his lips on mine. “I’ll be fine. Don’t let anyone except me in.”

Releasing his arms from my body, he kisses me on the top of my head and leaves as the pit in my stomach grows.

22

Chase

My blood is boilingas I step out of the elevator and into the lobby. When I turn the corner, I see Meredith pacing with her back to me. She turns and sees me and comes racing over, throwing her arms around me.

I pull her off me. “Meredith. What are you doing?”

She tries to grab my head, and I catch her hands in mine.

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