Chase had imagined he would simply get through these two weeks, have some fun adventures with a hopefully nice lady, and not think about the million dollars. Lizzy was above and beyond any hopes he’d had for his counterpart. These two weeks suddenly loomed like a shining star in front of him. He prayed he could gain her trust. She already seemed much more relaxed around him, and he wanted to give her space and time to relax and trust him more deeply. The million dollars was inconsequential. He had no desire to trick Lizzy into falling for him quickly, and he doubted anyone could fall in love in two weeks anyway.
Thanking their protectors, they walked inside and he armed the security system. Maybe they could go sit in the hot tub again like they’d talked about earlier. He’d love to spend more time with her.
“Would you like to hot tub?” he rushed out.
She smiled but shook her head. “I’m exhausted. Aren’t you? I want to sleep for twelve hours, then start our first adventure. I keep claiming I want to be surprised, but I’m dying to know what we’re doing tomorrow.”
“I can’t in good conscience keep you in suspense.” Chase pulled out his phone and clicked on the email from Madelyne. “We are touring the Hallstatt salt mines, exploring downtown and having lunch, and then taking a long, slow hike to the Waldbachstrub Waterfall.”
“Awaterfall?” Her eyes were wide and her mouth soft.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“I’ve never hiked to a waterfall before.” She let out a whoop. “I’m out of my mind with excitement!”
She didn’t seem tired any longer. Never hiked to a waterfall? That blew his mind. She’d said earlier she’d never traveled, but never being to a waterfall? Had she never left the flats of Kansas at all? No wonder she was so taken by this scenery.
“Wow,” she said when he didn’t respond. “I can hardly wait. Awaterfall. And I thought this beauty was unsurpassed.” She gestured outside the rental house, her dark eyes sparkling with excitement.
Chase nodded. Her ardor was infectious. Now that she was gushing and excited again, could he talk her into sitting in the hot tub tonight? He wanted to keep chatting with her, maybe even hold hands. At the same time, it was smart not to rush anything. He wanted to develop her trust and keep himself from falling too quick. He’d never been around someone so infectiously appealing and happy as Lizzy. His lack of relationship knowledge could ruin the easy familiarity they’d fallen into today.
“I really owe Brandon and Madelyne,” she gushed. “This is a dream vacation, and you are just as kind as they said you’d be, and …” Her eyes widened. “Did they tell you they’re gifting my children’s home with a hundred thousand dollars?” She twisted her hands nervously. “I wanted you to know, so you wouldn’t think… Ah, crap. I keep making things awkward, don’t I?”
Chase chuckled uneasily at that, but he surprised himself by reaching for her hand. He loved the way her smaller hand fit in his. He’d don that T-shirt blindfold again in an instant if she’d hold hands and do hydrotherapy with him again tonight.
“They didn’t tell me,” he said. “But … Brandon might be gifting me with money as well. He’s a very generous guy.”
He couldn’t spit out the million dollars he might be gifted. It was highly unlikely she’d fall in love with him. And after her saying a hundred thousand dollars like it was a fortune, he didn’twant to admit he could receive ten times that. He also had to be careful not to share that Brandon was dying.
It was still impossible to wrap his mind around that secret.
“Oh yay! Of course they are. Brandon and Madelyne are such great people.” She beamed at him, then she arched up and softly kissed his cheek.
Warmth rushed through Chase’s body. He should’ve grabbed her and hauled her close, but he was caught up in the feel of her soft lips on his cheek, the smell of springtime, and the light that was Lizzy Birmingham. He was frozen like a statue.
“Goodnight,” she whispered, then she walked away from him and hauled herself up the stairs. Her knees were bowed in and she was moving slowly. She obviously was exhausted.
Chase waited until her door closed, then followed her up the stairs. He changed into a swimsuit and went down to the basement. He was going to lift, swim again, soak in the hot tub, and pray he could sleep. It was only eight o’clock, and he was far too stirred up by Lizzy. Sleep would be hours away.
Chapter
Seven
Lizzy sleptdeep and woke feeling rested and full of energy. Maybe the jet lag she’d read about wouldn’t hit her. She would have to set an alarm tomorrow and lift weights before their adventure. She worried about zapping her own strength and becoming exhausted during their busy days, but two weeks was too long not to do her strength training routine. Her trainer Jodi was adamant that if she kept her strength up, she’d have more energy and mobility now and throughout her life.
Right now, she wanted to focus on enjoying each day to the fullest. To enjoy each moment spent with Chase.
Giving a squeal of excitement, she rushed to shower and put on a T-shirt and jogging pants from Lululemon. Could she really take these clothes home? They were more flattering and comfortable than anything she’d worn in her life. She put on minimal makeup and brushed out her long hair, grabbing a cross-carry bag, hat, and a jacket.
She hurried—well, as fast as she could hurry—out into the hall and down the stairs. Chase was already in the kitchen in a T-shirt and joggers, stirring eggs in a pan. He turned and grinned at her. “Ready to tour the seven-thousand-year-old salt mines?”
“Yes! Elijah—I think it was Elijah—told me the salt mines are prehistoric. It makes sense but absolutely blows my mind. The history in this place is unreal. Our church back home was built in 1864, and I saw a grave once from 1858 … I can’t even comprehend prehistoric salt mines. Wow. I also remember reading, during mySound of Musicfascination era, that the Hohensalzburg Fortress was built in a thousand A.D. And the Nonnberg Convent, where Maria tried to be a nun, was even older, like seven hundred A.D. So fascinating. I wonder how old the churches here in Hallstatt are. The churches and cemeteries are my favorite. I can’t wait to see the cemetery from theSound of Music.”
“I love the churches too, but not cemeteries,” he said. “Are you claiming you aren’t in aSound of Musicfascination era right now?”
“Ha! My obsession withSound of Musicas a teenager would’ve blown your mind.”
“I would’ve liked to see that.”
