Chasing Fate (Dark Love 5)

I laugh. He’s on point. “Yep.”

“Let her go. C’mon, you’re in LA, there are plenty of women out here.”

“You’re right. It’s not like we’re in a relationship.”

But I can’t let it go.

It eats away at me how she can so quickly walk away.

The next day, I take matters into my own hands, turning up at her office. The receptionist informs me she’s out and won’t tell me where. I slip her a twenty, and she stares at me with an insulting frown.

“C’mon, please,” I beg for a solid ten minutes.

“I’ll tell you, but I can lose my job. So, don’t you dare tell her I told you.”

I drive over to the address she gives me. Leaning my head forward, I look at the surroundings. It’s a park. My eyes graze over the piece of paper again—this is definitely the right address.

Parking the car in a tight spot, I step out and walk through the gates. It’s not too busy, a few kids playing at a playground and some ladies walking their dogs. None of these people are her, though. I’m wondering if the receptionist has sent me on a wild goose chase.

Toward the back of the park, there’s a basketball court, and I can see someone shooting hoops. I move closer until I’m at the fence.

It’s her.

She’s wearing tight shorts, Nike sneakers, and a black tank as she nails a three-pointer.

I clap loudly, watching her turn to face me.

“Noah, what are you doing here?” she says out of breath.

“It’s been three days,” I merely say. “I didn’t know you played ball.”

She smiles. “This is what I do for fun.”

“I don’t know whether to be happy or disappointed.”

/>

“Why would you be disappointed?”

“Because I was hoping your idea of fun was whips and chains. You know, some light bondage.”

This time she laughs, throwing me the ball. “Mind out of the gutter, Mason. I actually coach a kids’ team.”

“Really?” I pass her the ball. “Then show me what you got, Bentley.”

Unpinning my cuffs, I roll up my sleeves and move in closer. She backs up into me, and when I reach to steal the ball, she beats me with a spin move and nails the layup.

“Damn, girl, you got skill.”

Standing only a few steps away from me, she catches her breath. In a severe and apologetic tone, she says, “I’m sorry.”

I pull her arm toward me. Placing my hands on her face, I kiss her lips. I fucking missed her. And it feels like forever. I don’t want to be apart.

“What other hidden talents do you have?” I question her playfully, my hands wrapped around her waist.

“I can drink a gallon of milk in less than a minute.” Her eyes light up proudly.

“You cannot.” I smile.