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Matty moves to sit near me so we can talk. Chase, who has been quiet, is on my other side.
“So, Megan, Lexi tells me that you’re not dating anyone.”
“No, but I heard you’re seeing someone.”
“Matty is dragging her heart through the mud,” Rory interjects.
“Is that true?”
“No. Ellie wanted to see other guys. How come we never went out?”
“Do you want to? All you have to do is ask. You know where I live.”
“I might just take you up on that,” he replies with a smile.
From the corner of my eye, I see Chase scowl at Matty and me. If I didn’t know better, I would have thought he was jealous. When Hunter engages Chase in conversation, I’m thankful for it. I didn’t want him frowning at me the entire time I talked to Matty.
Eventually, dinner is served around the long table near the kitchen. JC had put the leaves in so it more than four would fit around it. Chase takes a seat near me. As we all continue talking, I feel his hand squeeze my knee before he withdraws. It startles me as I put a forkful of salad in my mouth and almost choke. What the hell is he doing? I’m no longer hungry as I scoop a spoonful of the pasta that Lexi served. Pterodactyls are flying around my stomach, making me nervous.
“Megan, are you not hungry?” Lexi asks, looking worried.
“Sorry, I had a big lunch. I thought I would be hungry by this time.”
“You can take it home for later,” she assures me.
“Thanks.”
I’m quiet as everyone chatters on. I’m confused by Chase’s actions. What does he want from me? I can’t figure him out. By the time dessert comes, Johnny is bouncing off the walls at the prospect of choosing two cookies. Chase made sure to get a wide assortment, and my nephew is clearly having a hard time deciding what to pick.
After what feels like forever, dinner finishes, and my nephew asks me to read him a story.
“Hey, that’s my job,” Hunter says, pretending to be offended.
“No, Aunt Megan!”
“I guess you’re being replaced.”
I smirk at Hunter as I take Johnny to his room. Taking a seat on his bed, I let him pick a picture book for me to read before he slides under the sheets. Halfway through the book, Johnny is nodding off. Upon glancing up toward the door, I spot Chase watching me.
I close the book and tuck the blanket around my nephew, kissing his forehead before I shut off the light. I head to Bella’s room to check on her with Chase behind me. She’s still sleeping, her pacifier in her mouth. Entering silently, I stroke her tuft of blond hair and plant a kiss on her cheek.
“You’re very good with them,” Chase comments once we’re outside of Bella’s room.
“Oh, single women can’t mother children?”
“No, I’m just surprised. You don’t seem like the type that wants children.”
“I want them, but I need to find the right mate first. That’s usually the natural progression. I know you don’t agree with my lifestyle, but it’s mine for the present, not the future. I don’t want entanglements right now.”
Not sparing him a glance, I search for my sister, who I find cleaning up.
“Lexi, Johnny’s asleep, and I’m tired, so I think we’ll be leaving.”
“Megan, don’t be a stranger. It was very nice to meet you, Chase.”
“Megan, can I talk to you?” Matty asks as he appears around the corner.
“Uh, sure. Excuse me, Chase.”
