An Engagement in Seattle - Debbie Macomber [96]
“Daisy!” It irritated Lesley to no end that her friend was siding with Chase and worse, offering him advice on how to handle her.
“I’ll talk to you later,” Daisy said as she hurried over to her own house.
“I would’ve said something yesterday,” Chase told her, keeping a safe distance between them. “But you mentioned having seen the billboard yourself, remember?”
Lesley lowered her eyes. She’d more than mentioned the billboard, she’d offered a detailed opinion of the mental state of the man who’d paid for it, never guessing it was Chase.
“You could have told me later, after dinner,” she reminded him. “That would have been the fair thing to do.”
Chase advanced one step. “You’re right, I should have, but it completely slipped my mind. I got so caught up in being with you that I forgot. I realize that’s a poor excuse, but it’s the truth.”
Lesley felt herself weakening. She’d enjoyed their evening together, too. That was what hurt so much now. For the first time in months she’d been able to put aside the pain of Tony’s betrayal and have fun. Playing the role of tour guide and showing Chase the city she loved had been more than a pleasant distraction, it had freed her. But after she’d seen the noon news, all those reawakened emotions felt like a sham. Instead of anticipation, she’d suffered regret.
“I was hoping you’d agree to see me again,” Chase said enticingly. “I’ve been meeting with women all day and I haven’t met a single one I like as much as you.”
“Of course you like me the best,” Lesley said indignantly. “Only a crazy-woman would answer that ad.”
Chase buried his hands in his pants pockets. “That’s what you said when you mentioned the ad, remember? You had me wondering, but, Lesley, you’re wrong. I’ve spent hours meeting with them, and that isn’t the case. Most have been pleasant and sincere.”
“Then you should be dating them.” Her minuscule lawn was well past the point of being watered, but she persisted, drenching it. If she continued, it’d soon be swampland.
“You’re probably right. I should be getting to know them better. But I’d rather spend my free time with you. Will you have dinner with me tonight?”
The temptation was strong, but Lesley refused to give in to it. “I…don’t think so.”
“Why not?”
“Something’s come up unexpectedly.”
“What?”
“I forgot I was meeting a friend.”
“That’s not very original, Lesley. Try again.”
“Don’t do this,” she pleaded.
“Where would you like to eat?”
“I said I couldn’t.”
“Any restaurant in town—you name it.”
Lesley hadn’t expected him to persevere. But she could be equally stubborn. A rejection had already formed in her mind, when Chase removed the hose from her hand, putting it down. He took her by the shoulders and turned her to face him. She might’ve been able to send him away if he hadn’t touched her, but the moment he did, Lesley realized it was too late.
She knew the exact second she surrendered; it was the same second she knew he was going to kiss her and how badly she wanted him to.
His palms framed her face and he took her mouth greedily. Not only did Lesley allow the kiss, but she assisted him. Her hands splayed across his chest and she leaned closer. His kiss was hungry and demanding, and she clenched her fists in the fabric of his shirt as she battled against the sensations and feelings that came to life inside her. By the time it ended, Lesley knew she’d lost.
“Do you believe in fate?” he whispered.
“I…I don’t think so.”
“I didn’t until I met you.”
“Stop, Chase. Please…” She was fighting him for all she was worth and losing more ground every second he held her.
“Dinner. That’s all I ask. One last time together and if you decide afterward that you don’t want to see me again, I’ll accept that.”
“Promise?”
“Cross my heart and hope to die.”
Despite her indecision, Lesley had to laugh. That sounded like something the kids next door would say.
“Now, where would you like to eat? Anyplace in town, just name it.”
“Ah…”
“The Space Needle? Canlis? Il Bistro?”
Lesley could suggest a better way of testing a man’s character than sitting across from him