Chase (20 page)

Chase

“Babe, we never spoke about kids. Losing the baby was really tough on me, and yes I said that I didn’t want to ever go through the possibility of that again. But...”

But I would love to have kids with Layla, I would love to build a family with her, marry her. I would take that chance for her. I would do anything for her. Before I can tell her that, she cuts me off.

“Okay.” She whispers. I can hear in the voice that she is crying, barely holding it together.

“Okay? Fuck it breaks my heart to hear you cry. I’m leaving now. No running baby.” I say desperately, already standing up grabbing my briefcase, ready to leave.

“I saw you today,” she tells me and the hurt in the voice, Fuck, It’s breaking me.

Please, oh fuck, let her not have seen that. Aubrey had shown up unannounced and attempted to seduce me.

When that failed she had jumped on me and kissed me. I pushed her away and told her to leave.

But apparently not soon enough.

“I saw you fucking kissing her, Chase. I came to your office! I can’t believe I trusted you! How stupid am I?” She’s yelling now, the hurt giving way to anger. Her anger is easier to take. “If you wanted her, you should have just told me, Chase, not string me a long like this!”

“Listen to me Layla, fucking listen to me a moment!” I’m freaking the fuck out.

“I guess I wasn’t the only woman you have slept with without a condom after all,” she says flatly, randomly.

She thinks I’m a liar, but I haven’t lied to her once.

Evaded, yes.

Dodged, maybe.

But never have I lied to her.

She hangs up. I’ve fucked up, big time. She never said she won’t run, like she always does when I say that line.

Fuck.

She’s going to run.

I run to my car and jump in, almost speeding all the way home. I hope she’s there. If she’s not I will fucking track her down. Aubrey, fuck! Why can’t she just let me be happy? It hurts to think about the child I lost, that’s why I didn’t tell Layla. I didn’t tell her that I didn’t allow Aubrey to fuck anyone else either, because I knew she would take it the wrong way. It wasn’t that I was possessive, per say, with Aubrey, but I was not going to allow what I had at that time considered mine, to just fuck around. I told Aubrey the rules, she agreed. Hell, she would have done anything to be able to claim me as her man. I’m pretty sure she used me more than I used her.

When I found out she was pregnant, I was not pleased. Only because I was pretty sure she did it to trap me. She said she was on the pill, but I still used a condom each time. One time though, the condom broke, and she became pregnant. Clearly, she wasn’t on the pill after all. But it was my child and I would love him or her regardless. Just when I was getting used to the idea of being a father, she lost the baby. I was devastated. But that is all in the past, and Layla is my future. I was with Aubrey yesterday, but only because we went to Lilly’s gravestone. I always get depressed on those days, and I know it was fucked up of me to shut Layla out like that. But I’m going to fix this; I’m going to explain everything to her.

I pull into the house, Layla’s car is gone.

I run into the house, into her room.

Empty. Some of her things are gone.

She ran.

And the worst thing, her cell phone is on the table.

Fuck.

Kade rushes into the room and he’s pissed. His jaw is tense, and his hands are curled into fists. Before I can say anything, his fist connects with my lip and I’m knocked against the wall. I don’t bother fighting back, I seriously fucked up.

“What the fuck did you do, Chase? She couldn’t leave here fast enough, fucking crying!” He spits out vehemently.

“Fuck! You let her leave?” I lift my hand to my bloodied lip, and I can see it shaking.

“Of course I did. You fucking hurt her, and she needed space.”

“Nothing fucking happened, Kade, Aubrey tried some shit, I pushed her away. Layla walked in at the worst possible moment. You think I would fuck it up with Layla for Aubrey? You know how I feel about Layla!”

Kade looks into my eyes, searching. It hurts like hell that my own brother doesn’t completely trust me.

After a few moments, he nods, his stance relaxing. “Bring her home, Chase. You need to fix this.” He puts his hand on my shoulder, squeezing it once, before leaving the room.

I fall to my knees when he leaves the room. I take a couple of deep breaths, allowing myself a moment of weakness.

Then I get back up.

Time to get my woman back.

First, I’m going to make sure Aubrey leaves me the fuck alone, once and for all.

******

Aubrey

I watch Layla walk into the store, and head straight for the pharmacy section. Curious, I slowly head over, following her. My gaze looks over her from head to toe. I suppose she is beautiful, if you like that kind of thing, but many women are beautiful. I’m beautiful. So what’s so good about her? What does she have that Chase can’t get enough of? It can’t be sex, because the sex between Chase and I was always... wild. Chase is mine, and he will always be mine. Our fathers have wanted us to get married for years. They were business partners, still are. I am close with Chase’s father. Very close.

My heart misses a beat when I see her stop in front of the pregnancy tests. She picks one up. Shit. No, this can’t be happening to me! I’ve been trying for months to get Chase back, and this little bitch is not going to stand in the way, pregnant or not. I will never admit defeat when it comes to him.

I met Chase this morning. Same spot as usual, out the front of the cemetery. We both bring flowers and then walk together to the gravestone. Our little girl would have been a year old. Well, my little girl. Chase and I had an open relationship. He told me that if I wanted him, I had to be faithful to him; always there for him when he decided he wanted a taste of me. But the rules were different for him of course; he got to fuck around if he felt the need to. Trying to have his cake and eat it too. I would have agreed to any of his regulations to be his woman. The title brought many things, jealousy from other women, wealth, amazing sex and the pride to be on the arm of a man such as him.

I told him I would only be his. However, after being neglected time to time when he felt like he wanted another woman, I decided that I couldn’t take it anymore. If he was going to screw around, so was I. I am a very desirable woman. It didn’t take much for me to entice other men, ones willing to be discreet. I will never let him find out that Lilly isn’t his. Lilly is my last link to Chase.

I pull up to Chase’s work, dressed to kill. A tight dress, a lot of cleavage and fuck me stilettos. My man always did have a thing for sexy high heels.

“Hey Chase.” I purr, as I enter his office.

“What are you doing here, Aubrey?” He growls in an angry tone.

“Thank you for coming with me yesterday.” I tell him.

“Don’t thank me; I would have gone either way, with or without you.”

“Chase honey…” I’m cut off.

“Don’t honey me, Aubrey. We are done. I will always love and remember Lilly, forever, but you and I, we are done,” his tone is harsh.

“She doesn’t know, does she?” I ask smugly, knowing my answer already.

“It’s really none of your business.” Chase hisses.

“Now, Chase, you don’t have to be so rude. We were good together honey, we could have that back.” I walk towards him, swaying my lips seductively.

“Aubrey! Take a hint, we are over. I fucking love Layla, I’m not going to change my mind. You need to move on,” he says tonelessly.

I turn to leave, and then see Layla in the lobby talking to the receptionist. She couldn’t have had better timing.

Without warning I walk up to him, wrap my arms around the back of his neck and shove my lips on his. He grabs my hips and pushes me away roughly and I hit the wall.

“Get the fuck out, Aubrey. Don’t come back,” he says angrily. I glance at the half open door, no Layla. I smile smugly.

“We will never be done, Chase,” I say as I depart his office. I know exactly where I’m going to go to next.

When she opens the door, she slaps me across the face. Maybe I should have expected that… “You bitch!” I yell. That fucking hurt.

“I guess we are going to add stalking on your list of many faults? What, home wrecking not enough?” She sneers at me.

“You think you’re all high and mighty, but you don’t know anything. Chase keeps so much from you.” I hiss at her.

“Apparently.” She says bitterly. “And I suppose you’re here to tell me?”

` I smirk. Oh boy am I, and I’m going to love every minute of it.

“Do you even know where he was yesterday? Because he was with me.”

She looks like she wants to slap me again.

“If you don’t believe me here, read our texts.” I had her my phone, and she looks like she’s going to be sick. Good. “Did he tell you that he got me pregnant?” I chuckle, seeing the look on her face. “Yes it was while we were together. It wasn’t planned, but I knew he was going to be a great father.”

“How did he know it was yours? Didn’t you have an open relationship?” she asks quietly.

“Is that what he told you? Yes, he had an open relationship. I couldn’t make him commit to more than that. But that doesn’t mean I was allowed to be with anyone but him, you know Chase, he can be possessive like that. I lost her. My baby. I had a miscarriage, at five months.” It still hurts talking about this sometimes.

“I’m sorry,” she says quietly.

“No you’re not,” I sneer, “And that’s not why I’m here, for your pity. I’m here to tell you that he will never fully let go of me, because we went through so much together, losing our little girl. We will always have something that you will never be able to erase. When I went to his office today, we were reconciling. As you could see. He told me he doesn’t even want children anymore, since losing our child hurt that much.”

My works done, I walk out. Chase may be mad at first, but he will get over it. He needs a strong woman like me.

I’m in bed, when I hear a knock on my door. I look at the clock, right on time. I’m not wearing anything, just my robe. I open the door and invite him in.

“I knew you would come to me, honey.” I smile, opening my robe a bit, so he can see what he’s been missing. Suddenly I’m up against the wall. Ooh, foreplay, my favorite. But when I look up at his face, I flinch at the coldness in his eyes. His lips are pursed together, and he is so intense in his fury. A whimper escapes my throat.

“You fucking bitch. Why can’t you leave me alone? How dare you say that shit to Layla, that wasn’t your fucking business Aubrey,” he spits out.

“Honey, I only told her the truth,” I say shakily.

“What truth would that be, huh? That we’re reconciling? That sure as fuck ain’t happening.” He sneers.

“Honey…” I’m cut off.

“Stop fucking calling me that. I’m not your honey.” His hold is starting to hurt.

“Let go, you’re hurting me.” I plead.

“I’ll let you go when I’m done talking. As of now, you don’t exist to me. I’m going to get her back. I’m going to marry her. And yes, one day have children with her,” he growls.

“You said you would never have children after what happened to Lilly.” I whisper out.

“I was grieving when I said that.” He yells at me. “Layla is it for me. She’s everything I want. She has my heart, my respect, my love. Something you never had. I am done playing nice with you, Aubrey, I’m done placating you. The next time you come around, I won’t be so nice about it. Stay out of my fucking life.”

Well, that hurts.

He lets me go, and storms to the door, leaving, slamming the door behind him.

Four days later

I bought a new phone and I text Nikki and my parents, giving them my new number and telling them I am fine. Here I am, a couple days after my heart was crushed, holed up in some random motel, lying down in bed feeling sorry for myself. I’m listening to Passenger-‘let her go’ on repeat on my iPod.

Only hate the road when you're missing home

Only know you love her when you let her go

And you let her go...

I know I am going to have to go back and face him. All my things are there. But I needed time to think. It’s not just me to think about anymore. I glance down at my stomach. I have to think of my baby.

My period had been a week late, but that wasn’t too unusual for me. So I waited an extra week before I started to worry. The day I saw Chase kissing Aubrey, I had just done a pregnancy test that morning. It was positive. And Aubrey had perfect timing. I was already feeling vulnerable before she sprung all that on me. Chase doesn’t have my new phone number, but he’s been emailing me nonstop. I haven’t read any of them. My phone rings with Nikki’s ring tone ‘About a girl’ by Nirvana.

******

Chase

Nikki is standing in my kitchen, surrounded by myself, Kade and James. We are all staring at her, as she dials Layla’s number. She hands me over the phone, and my hand is shaking. It took about an hour or two of convincing her to do this, as she felt like she was betraying Layla. Layla had only given her new number to her parents and Nikki, no one else. We convinced her that Layla was over reacting, and that she needs to get her ass home. Kade pulled her into the room and had a chat with her, and she somehow relented. Fuck, I needed my woman home. I was over this shit. I’m fucking miserable without her. I explained to Nikki about the kiss. Aubrey is pulling out all the stops to keep Layla away from me. Manipulative little bitch.

******

Layla

“Hey Nikki,” I greet tiredly.

“Layla, don’t hang up!” Chase says in a hard voice.

“Nikki’s so dead,” I say irritably.

“Layla, let me fucking explain. I deserve that at least. Which motel are you at? I’ll come and get you. Please, Layla,” he begs, hurt leaking through his voice.

“You don’t deserve anything, Chase. But don’t worry, I’m coming home tomorrow; I need to pick up my things. It would be considerate if you made sure you weren’t home.” I say bitterly.

I hear Chase growl, he wants to say so many things, but he’s scared I won’t come home tomorrow.

“Fine,” he hisses through what I imagine are clenched teeth.

I hang up.

******

I spend the morning throwing up. I haven’t told anyone about the baby yet. I feel guilty; Chase deserves to know, even if we aren’t together. I need to tell him today. I check out of the motel and drive home. It’s only about an hour away. I pull up and see all the car’s gone, except Chase’s car and motorcycle. I take a deep breath, and mentally prepare myself. I’m still sitting in the car when Chase walks out. He walks up to my car and opens my door and I take a good look at him. He looks exhausted. Probably the same way that I look. He puts his hand out to help me out, which I ignore and get out myself. Petty maybe, but if I need to keep my walls up and touching him won’t help me with that. He sighs at me, and pulls me towards him in a hug. A hug which I don’t return.

“I missed you so much baby,” he whispers in my ear. I pull away, and walk towards the door. We walk inside, side by side, but miles apart at the same time. Once we’re inside, I head to my bedroom and start pulling my clothes out of my cupboard. Chase stands behind me, so close I can almost feel his body heat. The air is thick, heavy.

“Layla, stop.” He says in a tortured voice.

I don’t, I continue to angrily grab my clothes, throwing them on my bed. Chase gently grabs my hand, stopping me from moving. “Layla, stop. Please.” His voice is almost a whisper.

I pull my arm away from him and step back. “You kissed her!” I yell suddenly, causing him to flinch. “What else did you do with her?” The intensity in my voice surprises even me.

“Nothing. I did nothing with her, Layla. Listen to me!” He sounds so frustrated, and a little defeated.

“I saw you, Chase! Don’t even try to lie! I deserve more than that!”

Chase walks over and puts his hands on my shoulders. “And I deserve you giving me a chance to explain.”

His warm breath fans my cheek, and it hurts so much to have him this close to me. I used to look down on women who forgave their men for cheating, but I would love nothing more than to forget this ever happened. If only it were that easy.

Chase takes a seat on my bed, and pulls me next to him. “Aubrey showed up, invited and unexpected. She kissed me. Which is when you would have walked in. Baby, I pushed her away instantly. Why would I want her? All I can see is you, Layla.”

I take a shaky breath, considering his words. I look at him, and for the first time, notice his lip is cut and swollen. Looks like Kade had a ‘talk’ with him after all. I don’t like that he was hurt, I find it brings me no satisfaction.

“You kept so much from me, Chase,” I whisper, my voice breaking.

“I tried to protect you, Layla... I know I’ve fucked up. A lot. I handled everything badly. Let me fix it, Layla. I want to spend the rest of my life making it up to you.” His voice is full on sincerity. “I’ll explain everything.. I’ll...”

“Chase, I need to say something first, okay?” I say, cutting him off. “It’s something you will probably be upset about, and I’m sorry, but it’s happened, and now...” I trail off. At first he seems hesitant for me to continue, looking worried, but then he nods encouragingly.

“I’m pregnant,” I blurt.

His eyes widen, showing his surprise. He goes to talk, but I cut him off.

“I know I was on the pill, but it can still happen and...” I swallow. “I know this is not something you want, and if you don’t want anything to do with the baby, that’s okay, I don’t want you to feel obligated or anything. I mean, if you do want to be in his or her life, then we could work out some kind of visiting,” I ramble.

Chase’s eyes narrow and his eyes harden. A muscle ticks in his jaw and I can tell he’s mad.

“You think that I wouldn’t want anything to do with my own child? My son or daughter?” His voice is calm, but I can hear the rage and hurt laced within it.

“Considering you said you didn’t want any children after..” He cuts me off.

“Am I not entitled to change my mind about something I said, recklessly, when I was still grieving?” he says, affronted.

“Of course you are, Chase, but..”

“How long have you known, Layla?” he demands.

Trying not to cower at the intensity of his voice, I say “Since the day I saw you kissing Aubrey.”

“You ran off; by yourself knowing that you were carrying my baby? It wasn’t safe, Layla!” he snaps.

Now I was getting angry.

“Well excuse me for getting upset seeing the love of my life kissing his ex-girlfriend, after he didn’t come home the night before and completely shut me out!” I yell. I stand up and start pacing. “And how was it not safe? I’m an adult. I can take care of myself!”

Chase’s eyes soften at my outburst. “Baby, this is all my fucking fault, I should have just told you...” he sighs. “ I went out with Aubrey that morning because we went to the cemetery to bring Lilly flowers. When I got home, I was still out of sorts, and I ignored you. I fucked up, Layla. I’ve never had anyone, a woman like you, to share those things with. I just went to my apartment, had a few drinks and fell asleep that night. Then Aubrey showed up at my office and kissed me. I pushed her away, and kicked her ass out. Fuck, I know it looks bad, but how could I ever want anyone but you? You are my everything, Layla, I never thought in a million years I would be so blessed to find someone who is perfect like you are.”

“I’m not perfect.” I mumble.

“Maybe so, but you’re fucking perfect for me, baby,” he says meaningfully, staring into my eyes. He walks over to where I’m standing and gets down on his knees, lifting up my tank top. He places a soft kiss on the middle of my stomach.

“I love you. And I love our baby.” He rumbles against my stomach. He looks up into my eyes, and I can see his happiness, his wonder. But also his anxiety.

“I’m healthy, and the baby will be fine.” I assure him.

“I’m going to be a bit over protective, Layla, you’re going to have to deal with it.” He gives me a small grin, and then kisses my tummy again.

“Daddy loves you, little one. So, so much.” He almost whispers, his voice so tender it brings tears to my eyes. He glances up at me again. “Don’t cry, love.” He says.

“I love you, Chase.” He gives me the most beautiful smile ever.

“About time.”

I giggle through my tears. He stands up and pulls me in for a deep, long kiss.

******

Much to Chase’s dismay, I decide to spend the night at Nikki’s. I want a little time to think, to recuperate. I had twenty missed calls from her and a million texts, apologizing. I decided to drop by and put her out of her misery. I walk into her room and find her sitting cross legged on her pink sheets. She jumps up when she sees me.

“Layla? OMG I’m sorry I gave him your number! But I heard his side and I realized you were being stupid and..”

“It’s okay, Nikki, I forgive you.”

She eyes my bag, “Yes! You’re staying the night?”

I grin, “Sure am, just like old times.”

“Did you guys make up?” she asks inquisitively.

“Yes, but we still have a lot to work out,” I say truthfully.

“I’ll bet, come on, let’s have a girls night in. Movies and junk food,” she suggests.

“Sounds wonderful.” It is just what I need after a drama filled few days.

“What do you want to watch?” Nikki asks, pulling out all her DVDs.

“Let’s start with Love and Basketball,” I suggest, grinning.

“Good choice.” She cooks some popcorn and we both change into our pajamas. Snuggling together on the couch, we commence with our bonding.

******

I drive home the next day, and see that Chase is the only one home. He greets me at the door, giving me a tight hug and a long deep kiss. “Thank fuck you came home,” he says, relieved.

“You thought I wouldn’t?” I ask, surprised.

“I was worried.. Fuck I needed you last night Layla. I wish you had stayed,” he admits.

“I’m sorry Chase. I just needed a little time.”

“I know, and although it nearly killed me, I gave you that play. But your time is over, Layla. If you need to think, you do it near me, with me. No more of that shit. I went through hell last night, I was pacing up and down, trying to stop myself from dragging you home where you belong!” he growls heatedly.

“I’m sorry,” I say, my voice fragile.

“I’m done restraining myself because I’m scared that you will run off, Layla!” He hisses, pulling me in for a greedy kiss. He lifts me up and I wrap my legs around his waist. He kisses me passionately, walking with me in his arms, until we get to the living area. He sits down with me still wrapped around him, so I’m straddling his lap. Breaking our kiss, he pulls my top and bra off, leaving me naked from the waist up. I watch his gaze admire my breasts, before he suckles on them gently, causing me to moan. Slowly, he runs his hands up, from my knees, making a trail, until he is lifting up my skirt so it sits on my hips. He is now leaving hot, wet kisses on my neck before he leans me back so he can undo his jeans. His eyes are on mine as he unzips them, pulling them down as far as they can go, without me having to move off him. I moan when I see him, aroused and ready, and he pulls me close to him again, his lips fusing to mine. His kisses are hot, needy and hungry. Possessive. I lift his T shirt off, pulling it over his head. I glance down at his chest and gasp at what I see. I place my hand over his heart, where he has the word ‘Layla’ is tattooed in a beautiful font.

“Chase?” I whisper reverently.

“Do you like it?” he asks, his husky tone deep.

“I love it,” I tell him, placing a kiss over each letter of my name. I hear a guttural moan as he rips my flimsy underwear off me in impatience, tearing away the last barrier between us.

He grinds me against his arousal, until I’m whimpering with need. “Ride me, Layla.” He demands, his eyes looking wild. He slides into me, and my whimpers turn to moans. “That’s it baby, just like that,” he encourages, as I move my hips up and down in smooth movements. I seize his face in my palms, and fuse my lips to his, kissing him uninhibitedly. He catches my moans of release with his mouth, as I shatter into a million pieces. Chase grips my hips, raising his into mine, pounding into me with quick strokes, until I feel his body shake with his release. We are both panting, and hanging on to each other. Chase pushes away the strands of hair that have fallen onto my face. “I love you Layla,” he whispers, full of emotion.

“I love you too Chase.” I look around. “We just had sex in the living area where we all sit.”

Chase chuckles. “I’m pretty sure we’re not the first ones, baby.” I scrunch up my nose at the thought. We snuggle for a moment before I go to the bath room to clean up. I then walk into my room to find it cleared out, empty. Am I being kicked out?

“Ummm Chase?” I call out.

I can hear him chuckle.

“Come on, baby, we’re going for a drive,” he calls out. I walk out, curious, and allow him to lead me to his car. He glares at the motorcycle on the way out and mumbles, “No more motorcycle for you.” I roll my eyes. We drive to his apartment building, and I give him a suspicious look, getting a wicked grin in return.

“Chase, you didn’t?” I drawl.

Instead of answering, he just gives me a sly grin.

“Chase?”

He opens the car door and helps me get out.

“Chase, it’s not really necessary to...”

“Get used to it, Layla.” He demands through a smile.

We walk into his apartment, and the first thing I see is that it has been refurnished. Eyes wide I look around, and it looks really good. Chase takes me into his bedroom and that’s when I see all my stuff. Already unpacked. In his room.