Worth the Chase

He stalls before answering. “I can’t really disclose my—”

I raise my hand. “Check—”

“Hannah! It was Hannah. She folded like a cheap suit.”

My brow rises in surprise. I assumed it would have been Kipley. “Interesting.”

“Please don’t be mad. I didn’t make it easy on her, and I may…well, I may have told a little lie in order to get your information.”

Now, I’m even more intrigued. “Do tell.”

“Shit. Okay. Promise not to take off?”

I tap my fingers on the table, enjoying his discomfort. “I’m waiting.”

“So…I may have told her I was thinking about changing my life around and wanted to ask you for spiritual guidance—don’t leave!” He reaches over the table and grabs my hand, his large palm blanketing over mine. “I had good intentions. I swear.”

“And were those intentions to get another round with me? Is that what this—?”

“Jesus, no! I mean, if you wanted—God, shut up, Chase.” He takes a deep breath. “Let me start over. I lied because I knew Hannah wouldn’t give any information otherwise. If I told her I was interested in you, she would have shut me down immediately.”

“Why?” He has yet to let my hand go, and I’m kind of enjoying his warmth against my skin.

“Long story. Look, I’m sucking at this, I know. We met on…strange terms—great terms— but those aren’t my intentions now. I like you. Like, convince-you-to-let-me-take-you-out-on-a-date like you. If you don’t like me, then I retract my statement and friends it is. I’m super busy with my modeling career, and... fuck, I’m not a model. I’m babbling. You make me nervous.” Releasing my hand, he grabs for his water and chugs it.

I, on the other hand, burst into a fit of laughter.

“I know. I’m blowing this.”

I shake my head as another round of giggles takes over.

“Okay, it’s not that bad.”

I try to inhale a breath to relax but snort out in another fit of laughter.

“Okay, it is that bad. Shit.”

“No, no. It’s…” I take a few deep breaths. “It’s honestly been such a long time since I’ve been around someone—someone like you. I have to admit, I’m enjoying it.”

“Considering I’m botching this non-date lunch, I’m not sure if your comment is a good thing or bad.”

I wipe away the tear at my eye and sigh. “It’s actually a good thing. I haven't laughed in a long time. It feels good.”

His nervous smile morphs into satisfaction. He adjusts himself taller in his seat. “Well…good. I have more where that came from. Jokes for days—”

“Let’s not get ahead of yourself here.”

“Yep. Yes. Good point.”

I bite the inside of my cheek to hold back my unrestrained laughter. I can’t seem to read him, but I sense he’ll be fun to discover. I sit back in my chair, enjoying his quirky smile and the way his V-neck shirt offers a nice little peek of his tanned, muscular chest. I stare too long and get caught. Thankfully, our food arrives, and I dodge that bullet.

“If you need anything, let me know. Enjoy, kids.” The waitress is gone again.

The smell of the food hits my nose, and my stomach growls. I can’t remember the last time I ate a full meal. Between both jobs and heading straight to my room to avoid my parents, I haven’t taken time to think about food.

My stomach growls again.

“Um, is there a gremlin in your purse?”

I chuckle and pick up my fork. “No, more like in my stomach. I’m starving.” I take a bite of my chicken salad and moan in delight. God, this tastes like heaven. With each bite, another moan falls off my lips. I look over at Chase. His brows are pinched. “Oh no, what’s wrong? Do you not like it?”

“Oh, I like it…”

I look down at his sandwich. He hasn’t even taken a bite yet. “How? You haven’t…”

Oh… Oh! “Oh my god, I’m sorry.”

“No. Don’t be.” He adjusts himself under the table, and my cheeks turn to hot coals. I grab my water and take a sip because I’m suddenly feeling incredibly hot. When I peer over my glass at Chase, a large silhouette behind him grabs my attention. A man in a dark, pristine suit is posting an ad to the bulletin board.

“Excuse me. I’ll be right back.” I leave Chase and his discomfort and walk up to the front of the café.

Nanny Wanted

Looking for a full-time nanny.

Will supply vehicle and housing.

Experience preferred. Certifications preferred.

Full compensation. Includes insurance and benefits.

Jonathon Brooks (309) 555-3244

“Interested in the job?”

I pull back to address the man. “I’m always interested, but sadly, I don’t have the credentials you’re asking for. I’ve never watched kids before.”

The man turns to me, the glare from the window shining off his diamond watch. “Do you enjoy children, Miss…”

“Oh, Bridget. And yes. I used to work in the daycare at my church, but it was nothing compared to this. I hope you find someone.” I turn to walk away, and his deep voice calls out to me.