Page 17 of In League with Ivy

As we walked along that familiar strip, I felt sparks from my shoulder brushing gently against his arm.

When we walked past an alleyway lit up by a blue flashing neon sign, Chase pointed. “How about there?”

I nodded as we continued to move in silence.

“Are you okay?” He stopped walking, his melting-chocolate eyes earnest and concerned in the light of the streetlamp above him.

“That was pretty scary,” I said with a sigh. “If you hadn’t shown up, he might have hurt me.”

His brow creased. “Are you sure you don’t want to press charges?”

“No.” I sighed.

“But he forced you.” His frown deepened.

“And you gave him a black eye.” I smiled tightly. “Come on. Let’s get a drink. I could use one.”

His eyes penetrated mine. “Okay. Promise me that you’re fine?”

A faint smile grew on my lips. “I’ll live.”

He shook his head. “What a fucking snake. You should at least report him to Tinder.”

“I’ll look into it. Thanks.” A lump settled onto my vocal cords.

As our eyes locked, a warm, fuzzy feeling touched me. I sensed that Chase would protect me from anything.

In total chivalrous mode, he opened the door and waved his arm for me to pass. “After you, angel.”

I stepped through and turned to face him. “Angel?”

He rubbed his sharp jaw. “You are. I mean, look at you. You’re gorgeous.”

“But an angel?” I cocked my head with a grin.

“Well, you are. Sometimes. Other times, you’re a she-devil. Especially when you don’t return my calls.”

“Is a she-devil nicer to fuck than an angel?” I asked, studying him closely.

He held his chin like a professor trying to solve a complicated equation. “Mm… I like them both. I like you dirty and nasty, and I like you sweet and virginal.”

“Virginal?” I laughed.

His mouth curled up at one end, dimpling his cheek. “Well, maybe not virginal.”

“I am not going to sleep with you,” I said.

Who am I fooling?

“I’m just happy hanging out with an angel by my side.”

I rolled my eyes.

He shook his head. “What?”

“You’re full of crap.”

He laughed.