He moved his hand to the back of his neck, squeezing it. “There isn’t really much to tell. I’m the youngest of three. I have an older brother and sister. Both of them live across the country, along with my dad and stepmother. It’s just me and my momhere. And her boyfriend, whom she’s been with for the last ten years, but refuses to marry.”
I laughed at that. “Why?”
He chuckled and shrugged. “She said she wasn’t ever making that mistake again.”
We both laughed. We were only about a block away from my place, so I started walking a little slower, wanting this moment to last longer. I found that the more time I spent with Chase, the more I liked him. I enjoyed talking to him and getting to know him, and it felt like it was the only time I’d be able to without Elliot noticing.
“Did you grow up here in the city?”
“Yeah, pretty much. I still have friends in the area, and of course, here at school.”
I came to a stop outside my building. “You must be close to your mom.”
He stopped in front of me. “Yeah, it was just her and me for the longest time. I guess I didn’t have much of a choice but to be close to her. I’m a total mama’s boy. Go ahead and make fun of me.”
I laughed. “No, I wouldn’t make fun of you. I think it’s sweet.”
“Really?” His eyes locked with mine, and I could see his pupils dilate, causing his eyes to grow darker.
“Really,” I agreed, slightly breathless from looking into those darkened pools. I could feel my heart start to race. My stomach tightened and filled with butterflies. From the look in his eye, I wondered if he was going to kiss me.
He wet his lips, but as soon as he started to lean in, he pulled back. “So, when do I get to take you out on a date? A real date.”
A long breath left me. I wasn’t sure if I was relieved or upset that he didn’t kiss me. “I… I don’t know.” I shook my head to clear it. “I’m just so busy with school, and homework, and my shift at the restaurant.”
“Well, you have to have one night off, right?” He looked so hopeful, it was cute.
A laugh slipped out. “Yeah, of course I do. I just…”
“What?” he asked, cutting me off. “You can’t say that you don’t like me. I know you do.”
I rolled my eyes. “Of course, I like you. It’s just that my life is complicated enough as it is without throwing someone else into the mix.”
“I won’t make things complicated.”
“Yeah,” I muttered, thinking about how it wasn’t he who was the problem. It was Elliot.
“I won’t,” he promised. “I’ll take some of those complications away.”
I leaned my shoulder against the brick building. “That’s some big promises to keep.”
“I’d promise to hand over my left kidney if it made you agree to go out with me.” He smirked.
I laughed. “Alright, fine,” I agreed, instantly regretting it. But it was too late. I’d agreed.
His eyes lit up, his grin growing. “On one condition.”
“What?”
“You have to keep this quiet.”
He frowned. “Why? You’re ashamed of me or something?” He feigned hurt.
“No, it’s nothing like that. I just… like I said, my life is complicated. I don’t want anyone else in my business. Let’s just keep this between us for now. OK?” I lifted my brows as I looked up at him.
He studied me for a moment, but eventually, he nodded. “Alright. We’ll keep it quiet for now.”
“Thank you.” My entire body relaxed.
