Page 61 of Lead Me On
“You’re thinking too hard again, Jane.”
She shook her head, her hand splaying against his stomach.
Why couldn’t she just enjoy this? Just give it a chance? “It’s just lunch.”
“No,” she whispered. “It’s not just lunch.”
“Okay, so it’s more than lunch. What’s wrong with that?”
She pushed up and leaned toward her dresser to snatch open a drawer.
Chase tried to control his anger as he watched her pull a T-shirt over her head. Just seconds ago he’d felt forgiving. Understanding. She’d missed out on a lot in her life. But, Christ, he’d lost his mom. His dad was an alcoholic. Chase had acted out. His childhood had been screwed up, too, and he wasn’t afraid to try.
He growled, “I’m a person, Jane. Do you get that? A real person.”
“Of course. I—”
“I spend time with you and I have sex with you and I like you.”
When she stood, he closed his eyes so he wouldn’t get distracted by the sight of her naked ass.
“I know. I’m sorry. I like you, too. You know I do. But…”
When he dared to open his eyes, she was safely covered by a pair of sweatpants. “But what?”
“Let’s not do this.”
“No, let’s,” he insisted. “I want to take you to lunch. I want to talk to you. I want to pretend for an hour or so that I’m more to you than just an easy lay.”
“Chase—”
“Am I?”
She rounded on him with a glare. “Why are you doing this?”
“Because I’m not just an easy lay!”
“I have made clear to you from the very first day that I want—”
“Jesus Christ, Jane, we both know what you want. I’m talking about whatIwant now. Not as much of a concern to you, I understand, but you could at least pretend to listen.”
Her mouth tightened. “You’re asking for exactly what I told you not to ask for.”
“Fine,” he snapped, whipping the sheets back. He brushed past Jane to get to his jeans. “You had a bad childhood. You’re damaged and uptight, and you don’t want to change. A relationship with a guy like me is your worst nightmare. I got it.”
“Why are you so angry?” she shouted. “You volunteered for this.”
Chase paused in the act of tugging on his boots. She was right. Whywashe so angry? Running a hand over his hair, he bit out a few curses, then shook his head. “I’m sorry.” He yanked his laces tight and took a deep breath. “Sometimes it feels like it means more to you. And to me, obviously. My mistake.”
From the corner of his eye he saw Jane raise a hand toward him, then slowly drop it. “Chase…”
“I’ll see you later, Jane,” he muttered.
She didn’t try to stop him when he walked out of the room. She didn’t walk him down the stairs or watch while he pulled his shirt on. She didn’t open the door and wave goodbye. And he couldn’t even be mad, because she’dwarnedhim.
Knowing full well he was making promises he wouldn’t keep, Chase told himself it was over and slammed the door behind him.
* * *
