“Tell me where you’ve been,” she rushed to ask so he wouldn’t ask why she’d never traveled. No money was the answer. She, her mom, and Janie daydreamed a lot and shared social media posts of epic places to travel and clothing and beauty products they’d never be able to afford. They would be excited when she brought home all the beautiful clothes and high-dollar beauty products Madelyne had purchased for her. She’d conserve the toiletries so she had more to share with them.
“The most scenic places I’ve been to are Vietnam, New Zealand, the Philippines, Thailand, and Fiji. Lush and green and amazing mountains and lakes and villages like this.”
“Sounds dreamy.”
He was dreamy, and she was getting far too caught up in him, far too quick. The speed that he was yanking her in emotionally should be a red flag, but Chase was tough to resist. The man was wearing a blindfold made from her T-shirt in a hot tub to help her feel comfortable. He’d been wearing a blindfold or closing his eyes for over an hour now and allowing her to lead him around.
What kind of tough guy did that? Chase, apparently. She told all manner of children and friends and church members that she loved them. She wanted to shout it to Chase but was afraid he’d get the wrong idea. “Where’s the ugliest place you’ve been?”
He grimaced. “Iraq.”
She could imagine he meant the landscape as much as the warfare.
“And the prettiest?”
“Here, of course.” His smile returned.
“Me too! So pretty. Where did you grow up?”
“‘Hey … I’m from Georgia,’” he sang, loud and proud.
“Now that was impressive.” She didn’t recognize the singer he was impersonating, but it was cute. “You should be a singer. I love your voice.” His voice was lyrical, sensual even. Thankfully she didn’t let those words out.
“Ah, thank you kindly ma’am,” he drawled. “Kansas for you?”
“Yes, sir. Sprawling prairie. Goes on for miles—like your green forests, I imagine.” She’d seen pictures of the greenery in Georgia. No mountains but loads of trees.
“Yes, ma’am. I love it. Georgia will always be home.”
She was glad he had a home, even if he didn’t have a solid family base. “But you don’t live there now?”
“No. I’m a police officer in a small valley in northwestern Arizona.”
“Why not Georgia?”
He shrugged, the muscles in his shoulders engaging. “Different experience. Jade Valley is the complete opposite of this and doesn’t fit its name.” He gestured with his hand. “Very different from Georgia too. Tall, red sandstone cliffs, red rock, intriguing desert plants and wildlife. The hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing are amazing there. None of that in Georgia.”
She understood the love of mountains and this gorgeous scenery, but she couldn’t imagine permanently leaving Kansas.
“Can you tell me about your friend group? Was it Squad 7?”
“Squadron 7.” He smiled. “That is a great subject.”
He spoke with pride about Robbie, his closest friend who had been an Army Ranger with him and now worked fortheAiden Porter. Next was Nelson, the contractor cowboy who still managed to be a pretty boy. Parker, the joker and computer genius. Emmett, the football hero, a wide receiver for the Titans. Rockwell, the toughest and most standoffish of any of them but with a heart of gold. And finally Brandon, who everybody knew and loved, the prankster and playboy of the group.
Lizzy responded effusively about each of them, grateful he had such a solid group of friends. She had little desire to meet any of them. They each sounded intimidating in different ways. Yet she’d met Brandon and Rockwell. They’d both been kind.
“Brandon, Madelyne, and Rockwell all praised you,” she told him.
“As they should.” He grinned, obviously teasing. “Seriously, that means a lot. Thank you for telling me.”
There was silence for a beat. She wanted to praise him, but it was premature.
“Well, I’m pruned and ready to shower and eat dinner,” she said. She was hungry but reluctant to get out and spoil this time together. “What do you think?”
“Do I get to remove the blindfold?”
“When you’re alone in your own room.” She laughed but then said, “Seriously, Chase, thank you. It … means a lot.”
