“That’s not my suitcase,” she said, backing away and walking past him. He noticed that same inward turn to her knees. Had she been born with a physical disability and she was embarrassed about it? His stomach churned with worry on how to address the subject and reassure her he wouldn’t make fun of her. She’d wanted to hike and ride mountain bikes, so she must be physically able to do everything just at a slower pace.
She shoved open the door on the other side of the hallway. “There are my suitcases,” she said brightly. “I’ll change into my suit and meet you downstairs.”
Chase forced a smile. “Sounds great. Can’t wait.”
“I know, right?” She disappeared into her room and shut the door rather forcefully.
Chase studied the closed door. He’d messed this all up, and they’d barely known each other for half an hour.
Chapter
Three
Lizzy barely madeit inside the gorgeous bedroom before the tears leaked out of her eyes and down her cheeks. She let them come, leaning against the door for support and hoping she could cry quietly.
Chase seemed like such a nice guy, and he’d been worried she was injured and then tried to reassure her that she didn’t have to explain. She’d made it even more awkward. Why hadn’t she just told him? The obvious answer was she’d trusted other men and they’d made fun of her, every time. Chase already knew something was wrong, and the longer they spent together he’d notice even more. Sometimes she could walk straight and not have her knees bow in, but when she got tired and stressed like she was right now, it always got worse. He didn’t seem the type to ridicule anyone, but she didn’t know him well enough to be certain of that.
Looking around the spacious bedroom, she was as impressed as she’d been with the rest of the house. The windows were large and showcased the greenery, lake, and mountains. The furniture was a light wood like the interior and exterior walls. The bed was interesting—two separate mattresses on top of a wooden frame,each with a rolled white comforter arranged artfully next to the pillow. Was that something they did in all of Europe or just Austria?
Lizzy walked slowly into the bathroom, appreciating the marble countertops and glassed-in shower. There were high-dollar La Prairie skin products on the counter and in the shower. She’d seen those advertised on social media. Was that customary for rental homes to provide such expensive products?
She used the bathroom, washed her hands, and splashed some water on her face, peering at her red eyes. Shoot. Chase would know she’d been crying. Could she pass it off as jet lag? She actually felt pretty good, despite her legs being tired.
There was a closet attached to the bathroom. It was spacious and already had clothes in it. Had the previous occupant left all of these gorgeous dresses, wraps, and high heels with brand names she’d only seen on social media and dreamed about wearing? Stepping up to a silky blue dress, Lizzy knew she could never wear a beautiful dress like this one. The V-neck would reveal her scar for sure. Disappointing and frustrating. She was sick of the scar and the pain and terror it represented.
A card sat on a long shelf. Next to it were separately folded piles of swimsuits, shorts, T-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, and pants. What was all of this?
She lifted the note.
Eliza,
I’m so happy you’re here! I hope you love the beautiful and scenic home, location, and most especially our beautiful and incredible Chase.
Lizzy’s cheeks got hot thinking about how ‘beautiful and incredible’ Chase was. She was definitely not the type of woman he dated. Could she believe him when he said he rarely dated and wasn’t a player like his friend Brandon Richards? Madelyne and Brandon endorsing him didn’t mean much as they were hisfriends and could have a skewed vision of him. Also, everyone knew Madelyne was Brandon’s girlfriend, but he dated dozens of other women at the same time. That was no kind of relationship of trust. Rockwell’s endorsement of Chase felt more sincere. After meeting Chase, Lizzy could see him escorting a little grandma to basketball games and asking girls who might not get a date to a dance. She liked those images of him.
Please use and take home any of the skincare products or makeup in the bathroom and please wear, and take home, any of the clothing you like. I bought it all with you in mind, wanting you to have a fun getaway and feel spoiled and pampered. You deserve it with all you do for the children.
Hugs and love,
Madelyne
So kind, but also humiliating. Madelyne had found her and researched her before offering her this trip. The model girlfriend of a billionaire knew Lizzy wouldn’t have nice clothes. It was thoughtful of her but still made Lizzy’s cheeks flare with heat. Especially as Chase had noticed the red stain on the back of her dress.
She fingered the soft material of the blue Carolina Herrera dress and could only imagine how beautiful she’d feel at a fancy dinner with Chase in such a dress. Would he wear a suit? Would he hold the door for her? She was more drawn to him by the moment. It was hard not to get caught up in this fantasy. Until she remembered she couldn’t wear this blue V-necked dress and show off her ugly scar.
Sorting through the pile of swimsuits, she found a two-piece Karla Colletto red suit with a bandeau top. It had the highest neckline and most coverage of any of them. Still, it wouldn’t cover the barely healed knife wound. She’d thrown her old threadbare swimsuit in the suitcase, but it wouldn’t cover her scar either.
Shoot. She hadn’t been thinking clearly when she’d insisted they swim instead of hike or bike. Actually, she had been thinking about how tired her legs were, and how she didn’t want it to get worse if they went on a hike or a bike ride right now.
Lizzy slowly took off her dress, glancing at the red stain on the back. Chase had noticed so many awkward things about her. He had to be wondering what he’d signed up for. She hoped he’d already gone downstairs and was enjoying the pool instead of waiting for her. She tried to move faster in case hewaswaiting but tripped over her own underwear and had to steady herself on the shelf. She tugged on the red swimsuit. It was flattering and high quality. It gave her full coverage of her chest and rear, but sadly nothing could cover up the puckered red of the knife wound. The doctor had said the wound would fade with time, but she knew it would never disappear.
What to do? She wanted to wear one of the beautiful swimsuit coverups hanging next to the dresses, but they were either see-through or had a V-neck. Instead, she picked up a LouLou Lemon T-shirt and shorts and slid them on. They were comfortable and lightweight. Could she keep them on while they swam?
My goodness, she was awkward.
Lizzy let out a sigh as she shuffled back through the room. Despite sleeping on the plane, she must be overwrought. She should’ve told Chase she needed to unpack and rest before dinner.
She didn’t want to miss this experience despite her discomfort, and with all the clothes and products Madelyne had left for her, she didn’t need to unpack. She might only open her suitcase to get her running shoes out. When it was time to leave, would it be bad form to dump all of her clothes in the garbage and keep all of these beautiful clothes?
