Chapter Nine
Rich
After we order our meal, I study Chloe as she sips from her glass of water. Her pink lips press against the rim as she drinks. She’s beautiful. When she’d opened the door, I’d been speechless for a moment.
The shy teen I’d hauled back and forth to high school has blossomed into a woman with soft curves and a wide smile. When she walks, the hem of the short flowing dress brushes against the flesh of her upper leg, giving me a sneak peek of her tan legs. And I’ve been fighting a losing battle against my cock since.
“Did you talk to Jenna?”
“No. I missed her last week when I tried to catch her.” There went my erection.
Initially, I was avoiding Jenna because I didn’t want to tell her about Jim. Now? Now, it’s ten times worse. Jenna is a bloodhound. Once she figures things out, the lectures will begin. Her words will be painful, but nothing compared to the right hook to the face I can expect the next time I see her. “I need to call her, but it doesn’t seem like the right time.”
“I’m sure she wouldn’t approve of what we’re doing.”
“Yeah.” I glance around the restaurant. Kameron said he and his girlfriend also have reservations at eight o’clock, but I haven’t seen them. Maybe, Kameron is blowing smoke about the entire thing. Shit. If I find out he’s jerking my chain, and there isn’t a bet, will I tell Chloe the truth?
My cock is in complete opposition to being truthful. However, my conscience would make me tell the truth. She thinks I’m a good guy. She trusts me.
“Do you see him yet?” Chloe asks.
“No.”
“Good.” Chloe shudders. “I would prefer to never see him or Jim again.”
“Jim got fired today.”
“What?”
“I told the Captain he was an ass the other night at the bar, and since he was on probation, he got canned. ”
“Crap.” Chloe grabs my hand. “You shouldn’t have gotten involved. What if he tries to fight you?”
“Chloe, I can handle my own.”
She flushes. “I don’t mean it that way. I don’t doubt you could kick his butt. I meant that you shouldn’t get yourself in a bad situation. Over me.”
“Babe, I’d do whatever I needed to protect you.” I lace my fingers through hers as I stare into her eyes.
I’m knee-deep in a bad situation. I’m in the middle of a bet I want nothing to do with while planning to make love to the woman I want to have a serious relationship with – and she’s going to walk when our time’s up.
“Chloe. Rich. I’m surprised to see the two of you here.”
I turn and look up at Kameron and his girlfriend, Tabitha Young, who’s glancing down her nose at Chloe. God, I can’t stand two-faced, snarky bitches. “Hey, Kameron. ”
Chloe tucks a strand of blonde hair behind her ear and batts her eyes at Kameron. “I’ve heard the food’s great here.”
“Oh, Chloe.” Tabitha rolls her eyes. “You’re so predictable.”
“Honey.” Kameron puts his arm around Tabitha’s shoulders and rubs her skin.
“Yes?” Tabitha slaps a hand on her hip.
“Don’t be rude.”
Her eyes narrow into slits, and she steps away from his reach. “Are you standing up for Chloe, now?”
“Let it be.” Kameron’s face stains a deep red as he shifts his weight from one leg to the other.
“It was good to see you. I’ll catch up with you tomorrow at work.” I stare pointedly at Kameron, hoping he’ll get the hint to leave. Kameron isn’t that bad of a guy, but his girlfriend is something else entirely. She’s an anvil holding him down – one he needed to dump – yesterday.
“Sorry.” Kameron nods, grabs Tabitha’s hand, and walks to their table.
Chloe growls. “Tabitha is such a cunt. ”
“Chloe?”
“What?”
“You cussed.”
Her hand flies to her mouth. “Darn it. I wasn’t going to do that tonight.” She drops her hand to the table. “But she’s so vapid. Do you remember her from high school?”
“Yeah, she was one of the cheerleaders.”
“God…” Chloe shudders. “Tabitha, along with Jamie Wright, made my life miserable. They made fun of me every day for being flat-chested and not stick thin.”
“I’m sorry.” Fucking bitch. I hate bullies. My eyes dart to Chloe’s chest. There’s nothing wrong with her tits, as far as I can tell. Shit. I jerk my attention back to her face. “You’re a better person than Tabitha. Any guy would be lucky to have you.” But I’m going to keep you.
Her gaze is stuck to the tablecloth. “Thank you.”
My knee brushes against hers, and the desire to forget about our meal and head back to my place is stronger than anything I’ve experienced. I’ve had my fair share of meaningless hook-ups, but no one has captured my attention like her.
Am I ready to settle down? Get married? Have 2.5 children and a white picket fence? When Chloe’s tongue darts out of her mouth to lick her plump lips, I know the answer. I want Chloe Sparks to be my wife. Now, I have to convince her.