There was an awkward pause, and neither of them seemed to want to expound.
Lizzy grinned at him as if nothing was amiss. “We are best friends.”
Madelyne crossed the room and reached for her hands. “Are you really all right? I can’t believe you were attacked twice.”
“Chase kept me safe.” She smiled at him but looked away quick. “And neither of the attacks had anything to do with you two. All the nightmare was from my past. I’m so grateful that Grady Worthen is in prison now. Thank you.”
Chance gave her a partial smile, but his blue eyes searched hers, looking for answers. Had this ideal man really committed to making her fall in love with him in two weeks for a million dollars? Her stomach twisted. That was wrong and didn’t fit the character of the Chase she knew.
Thoughtshe knew.
She didn’t know him. Not really.
She absently touched the scar that her romper covered. He’d seemed to accept her and love her in that beautiful spot in Hallstatt. Their hydrotherapy heaven.
Lizzy drew in a breath and dropped her hand, noticing Chase’s gaze following her fingers. Was he remembering those special moments as well?
Any special moments had to be over. Chase had been trying to earn a million dollars by making her fall in love with him. She felt used and uncertain and undesirable. None of those feelings were unfamiliar, but she hated them associated with Chase. All of their memories now felt tainted.
“Time to go home, then?” she asked brightly.
“If you’re ready.” Brandon looked from her to Chase.
Chase nodded. “Let me take a quick shower and we’ll head out.”
He brushed past her as he headed for the bathroom. The look he gave her made her knees quiver. Maybe he did love her … but what did it matter if that love was built on a farce? She’d let herself believe Chase wasn’t hiding any secrets from her. She was far too trusting and let herself fall in love too fast.
As soon as the door to the bathroom closed, she started brightly chatting with Brandon and Madelyne about all the fun experiences, thanking them over and over again. She didn’t talk about falling in love with Chase or the attacks.
Chase came back out quickly, clean and dressed, and Lizzy loaded up her suitcase. She’d left her own clothes and toiletries in the Hallstatt house. The suitcase was now stuffed with all of Madelyne’s beautiful and generous gifts.
They left for the airport, where Brandon and Madelyne said their goodbyes. They were flying to check on their other friends from Squadron 7. They both seemed to want to say more or maybe get more questions answered, but Chase was closed off and quiet and Lizzy was far too chatty.
They loaded onto the beautiful private jet with her four original buddies—Peter, Tony, Elijah, and Joshua. She was grateful for those men and their protection the past two weeks. She was also grateful for the buffer they provided for her with Chase now.
The flight was long, and she didn’t watchThe Sound of Music. She read, ate, watched some action movies the guys chose, slept off and on, and chatted with each of the men at different points. She and Chase weren’t alone, which was good. She had no clue what she’d say to him.
Finally, they landed in Eudora, Kansas. Lizzy looked out the window at the flat prairie, trees along the muddy-looking river, and her town. It was home, and she loved it here, but comparing this scenery to Austria … it was like comparing how bland her life would now be compared to how epic, fun, breathtakingly beautiful, thrilling, and romantic the past two weeks had been with Chase.
Maybe she was only cut out for bland—no mountains, no waterfalls, no excitement, no Chase. It was definitely safer. For her heart.
She rubbed at her scar.
Chase lifted her suitcase and gestured for her to precede him off the airplane.
“Thank you all for keeping me safe and being fabulous,” Lizzy gushed to the four tough men who looked uncomfortable with her praise. She shook each of their hands and then had no choice but to walk off the airplane. The airport was tiny and privately owned. Her rusted-out Fiesta was not too far away.
“Ah, there she is,” she crooned. “Feisty Fiesta.”
Chase smiled at that. He walked with her to her car and waited while she popped the trunk. He slid the suitcase in and shut it. Coming around to the driver’s side, he rested one hand on the hood of her car, his arm brushing her shoulder.
Lizzy was instantly out of breath and filled with longing. The depth in his blue eyes tugged at her.
“Do you feel safe, or should I accompany you home?” Chase asked.
“I feel safe,” she rushed to say. She didn’t want him to see her small apartment, and she didn’t want to extend this goodbye. Her heart was already breaking.
“When will I see you again?” he asked, leaning in slightly.
