“What do you mean?” I studied her face, wondering what she was hinting at.

“Why don’t you call him and find out.”

“Call him? Now? Isn’t that rude to you?” I was itching to call. A part of me hoped she was hinting that he was coming to see me, but I knew that was impossible. He was on tour.

“It’s not rude when I’m the one who told you to do it.”

I pulled out my phone and dialed.

He answered immediately. “Hey. How are you? Aren’t you having coffee?”

I glanced at Rachel. “I miss you.”

“Yeah? I miss you too.” That had better not have been the response Rachel meant. “Do you have plans tonight?”

“No. Sunday’s aren’t really happening nights in my circle.”

“Good. That means I don’t have to beg you to cancel them.”

“Why would I be canceling anything?”

“Because I’m about thirty-five minutes from Charleston. So, about the tonight thing… would it be pushing it to ask if you have afternoon plans?”

“Seriously? You’re coming back today?” My heart soared. The thought of seeing Chase had me giddy.

“We had one extra night built in because Jessa’s from Baltimore. As long as I leave early tomorrow, we’re good.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“Say you’ll drop everything and spend the next sixteen hours with me.”

I didn’t hesitate with my answer. “Where should I meet you?”

“What’s the address of the coffee shop you’re at?”

“It’s at King and Market.” I was so excited I could barely speak. My heart was racing.

“I’ll see you soon.”

“I can’t wait.”

“I’m glad. It isn’t every day I drive nine hours to see a girl.”

I could practically see his wry grin. “Well, then I guess I better make it worth your while.”

“You will.” He hung up.

Rachel was grinning from ear to ear. “Yeah, you guys are too cute.”

“I feel bad though.”

“Bad? Why?”

“I don’t want to put you and Riley out.”

“You’re not staying with us.”

“We’re not?”

“No. Chase wanted privacy. He got a hotel somewhere.”

“Oh.” A hotel sounded different. I wasn’t sure if it was bad or good. On one hand, I loved the idea of privacy, but on the other hand, it made it seem all about sex.

“Stop. Stop. This time you’re reading into the hotel room and convincing yourself he just wants some.”

“How do you do that?”

“It’s a gift.”

“I can’t believe he’s driving all the way back here.”

“Why?” She sipped her coffee and set it aside. “Why does it surprise you so much?”

“Because I’m going to see him soon anyway. It’s not worth it for him.”

She smiled. “I don’t think he’d agree.”

I crossed my arms. “It just doesn’t add up.”

“What doesn’t add up, babe?”

I jumped out of my chair at the sound of Chase’s voice.

He was standing directly behind me. “And for the record, there’s only one thing I’d rather be doing right now and it also involves you.”

I wrapped my arms around his neck and rested my head on his chest. He moved his arms around my waist and patted my back. “Good to see you too.”

I felt such an unexpected surge of comfort and relief at his presence that I had to fight back tears. “That was a short thirty-five minutes.”

He grinned. “Wasn’t it?”

“I’m going to leave you two alone. Let’s get together next week, Cara.” Rachel smiled and picked up her tote.

“Definitely. Thanks.” I waved without picking up my head.

“Let’s run by your house so you can pack a small bag.”

“Why would I need to pack a bag?” I picked up my head and looked at him.

“Because you might want to change at some point. And maybe brush your teeth. Oh, and you don’t want to forget your glasses.”

Maybe Rachel was right. He wasn’t using the hotel just as an excuse to hook up.




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