Page 31 of Avoidance

“I made one-hundred and twenty dollars in five minutes tonight. It’s better than sitting here while you’re on stage.”

“You’ll take care of her?” he asked Dave, though it was more a statement than a question.

“Of course,” Dave replied. “She’s pretty tough, though. You don’t have to worry about her.”

I held up my arm and tried my best to make a muscle. “See, babe? Tough.”

Chase laughed, and shook his head. “Let’s go, tough girl. I hear the bed calling our names.”

I hugged Dave. “See you for training tomorrow!”

He squeezed me back. “I’ll let you know what Colorado says.”

Chase held on to me as I tried to climb the stairs. Frustrated that my legs weren’t working the way my brain was telling them to, I kicked off my heels. “Why do there have to be so many?”

“That’s the downfall of living on the top floor. How many drinks did you have tonight?”

“A few. Dave poured us shots of Fireball. It literally tastes like a ball of fire. Hey, did you know Dave is gay?”

“No, I did not.”

“Well, he is. He’s heartbroken over his ex who lives in Colorado. I don’t know how people do long distance relationships.”

Chase let me ramble while he helped my feet get up each step. “Last step and we’re home.”

Once inside the apartment, Chase led me to the bedroom. I crawled on top of the bed, and sprawled out on my back.

“I need to take a shower. Do you need anything?”

“I’ll be fine once this bed slows down,” I mumbled with my eyes closed.

I heard him chuckle as he headed for the bathroom. Several minutes later, he reappeared in the bedroom. I had not moved.

I opened one eye to look at him, and realized he had nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist. I clumsily sat up and folded my arms behind my head to enjoy the view.

He grinned, dropping his towel. My eyes lowered, slowly taking in every inch of protruding muscle down his abdomen, until they settled just a bit lower on something else that was now protruding.

He took his time making his way on top of me on the bed. I watched as his biceps and triceps took turns bulging as he walked himself across the mattress. Reaching out for him, I slid my fingers through his damp hair.

His lips brushed against mine ever so lightly. “Are you too tired?”

“Never for you,” I breathed, running my hands down his back. My eyes begged for him to continue.

He lifted one hand off the mattress to caress my face, then cradled the back of my neck as he kissed me passionately. His movements were deliberately slow, as he peeled my dress up and over my head. The intensity in his eyes matched his kiss, and I could have stared into them all night.

We didn’t know it then, but this would be our last night together.

Chapter Six

Nightmares and Mimosas

“Help!” I shouted. “Can anybody hear me?”

Just moments ago, there were over one hundred people on the other side of the wooden door. I listened now, but heard nothing. I pounded on the door as hard as I could.

“Chase! Are you out there?” No response. Nothing but silence. Tears began to fill up in my eyes, though I tried to remain calm. A sickening, familiar sensation ran throughout my body. I had been stuck once before, and I remembered the feeling all too well.

My hands were sore from banging so hard. I tried kicking, but it was no use.