Page 24 of Chasing Forever
Because I’m not your type? “Because we don’t know each other that well?”
“Isn’t that how you get to know someone? By spending time with them?”
“Yes…”
“You don’t sound convinced.”
“Sorry. I’m not very good at this.”
“This?”
“The process of getting to know someone.”
He’d pulled into the parking space in front of their condos and shut off the car, but neither of them made a move to get out. He shifted to face her, and she turned and met his eyes. Thank goodness she hadn’t had a third cocktail. Who knew what might have come out of her mouth then?
“Am I making you uncomfortable?”
“No. You’ve been great.”
“If you’d rather be alone, you can tell me. I’m a big boy. I can take it.”
She shook her head and tried not to wonder how big he really was. “It’s not that. I’m just surprised. I never expected to…make a friend while I was here.”
He smiled. “Is that a bad thing?”
“No. I just envisioned being alone, that’s all.”
“Well, I don’t know about you, but some things are better with company, like exploring the Na Pali Coast.”
More book material, more book material… “You’re right. I’ll go with you.”
“Great.”
With that, they exited the car and walked up to their front porches, which were separated by a narrow wooden post. If this were a date, she might have expected a kiss, but since it wasn’t…
“I had a really good time tonight,” Chase said as she was inserting her key.
She paused and looked over at him. “Me too. Thanks for suggesting dinner.”
“And you got some inspiration for your book.”
She nodded and swallowed hard. If you only knew…
“I’m gonna hold you to that trip up the coast.”
“Okay.”
“And I know where you live, so don’t think you can get out of it.”
She laughed.
There was an awkward pause, and he took a step toward her, but she quickly pushed open the door. With one foot inside and one out, she said, “Goodnight, Chase.”
“Goodnight, Callie.”
After she shut the door, she leaned her back against it and breathed out. What on earth was happening? How had her research mission turned into what felt like a date and a promise of another one? This was crazy! This was supposed to happen to her book characters, not her!
A while later, she climbed into bed, thinking, There must be some mistake. Is this life imitating art or art imitating life?
