The Naked Truth (The Honeybrook Hamdens)

“I mean…” Chase ran a hand through his hair. “Look, that guy is a douche. A real big one. But he does have a point. He has connections and when this show is a smash, he’ll be even more able to help you. Maybe you should put the past aside and—“

“You can’t be serious.”

“But I am. Jules, I’ve seen your designs. You’re meant for more than small town living and if this guy is going to help you get there, then I think you have to—“

“Make a deal with the devil.”

“Exactly. I mean, be really honest with yourself. Why didn’t you tell your family you broke up with him?”

“Because they’d think I was a failure.”

“I don’t believe that.”

“You can’t seriously think there’s still something between us.”

“I…” Chase shook his head. “I don’t know what to think. But I learned the hard way that secrets aren’t the way to go. Here’s your chance to get out easy. Go back to your life, Julie.”

“But what about us?”

“It can be our little secret.”

“But I don’t want that! I want…I want…Well, I don’t know what the hell I want, but I know I want you. Chase—“

“It never would have worked out, Jules. I think we both know that.”

“I…”

“I’m gonna find my own hotel room, okay? Your catwalk will be just fine by tomorrow. Just, you know, think about what I said.”

“Are you breaking up with me?” She practically whispered the words, and between the whirr of the city around them and the hammering of her heart, she wasn’t sure he’d heard her, but then he turned around again.

“We were never together. Not really.”

And then the light turned green and he was cutting across the street, lost in the sea of the crowd while she stood transfixed and heartbroken.

All. Over. Again.

Chapter Ten

Nine Years Ago

The nearest Walmart was a good twenty minutes outside of town, and on a cold night on the east coast, that meant driving like the world was out to get you. Chase took every turn carefully, watching like a hawk for deer, and, more than anything, for the patches of black ice that so often popped up on the streets of their seaside town.

All the while, Julie sat in the passenger seat, her brows knit together as she rested her hand against the tiny red circle on her neck.

“It’s really not that bad,” he tried, but she barely moved. She only made a little noise and continued staring straight ahead, apparently focused on something he couldn’t see.

After ten long moments of silence, though, she straightened and said, “I don’t care what Luke thinks. Why do you?”

“It’s complicated.”

“It’s not. I’m not little anymore. And I don’t need protecting. Especially not from you.”

“Julie—“

“Chase. I don’t want to do this anymore. I don’t want to lie. I lo—“

It was slow and sudden all at once, but there was no mistaking it—the car was no longer in his control. It fishtailed slightly at first, and as he tried to steady the wheel, the car jerked wildly and careened downhill.