Under a Georgia Moon: Georgia Moon Romance Book 1 (22 page)

“You’re welcome.”

A horn honked, and they watched Jackson’s red truck come to an abrupt stop.

“Looks like our ride is here.” Chase stood up and Addie joined him as they watched Jackson cut the engine, jump out and saunter toward them. “Hey, y’all,” he said.

“Hey,” Chase said, feeling a little wary. The sardonic smirk Jackson wore could only mean he had something up his sleeve.

Stopping in front of the bikes, Jackson methodically stroked his goatee as he studied both of the deflated tires. He shook his head, making a tsk-tsk sound with his tongue. “Wow, a flat tire on both bikes. That’s like the
kiss
of death on a date.” He emphasized the word kiss.

Chase fought back a smile. “Yeah, thanks for coming to get us.”

“Hey, it’s no problem.” Jackson tucked his fingertips in the front pocket of his jeans. “That’s what friends are for. Heck, if I didn’t come…well, I wouldn’t blame you if you just
kissed
our friendship goodbye.”

Schooling his emotions, Chase grabbed a hold of his bike. He’d started this whole thing, and he didn’t want to egg Jackson on by laughing.

“Where’s your wife?” Chase asked, hoping to sidetrack him. He had a feeling Jackson was just getting started with all the “kiss” puns.

“She’s at her parents’ house.” He shifted his focus on Addie. “Syd asked me to tell you since the band will go over early to set up at Gracie’s, she’ll come pick you up at six.” He smiled with probably the same look the cat had on his face right after eating the canary. “She’s pretty excited and said she could just
kiss
you for agreeing to sit with her.”

The corners of Addie’s eyes creased and she pressed her lips together as if trying to suppress a grin. She obviously didn’t miss Jackson’s play on words either.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

Jackson raised an eyebrow and chuckled. “I’ll just bet you are.”

Her lips twisted up before she turned away and coughed. Chase knew she was desperately trying not to laugh. One laugh and Jackson might never stop. Grasping the handlebars, she started to roll the bicycle toward the truck.

Jackson stepped in front of her and took a hold of the bike. “Here, let me get that for you.”

“Thank you, Jackson. If you weren’t married, why, I just might kiss
you-ew
,” Addie said with a lot of attitude and a very poor southern accent.

It cracked Jackson up. “Sorry. I’m taken.” He pointed to Chase. “But I reckon he wouldn’t mind a kiss.”

Chase rolled his bike to a stop and groaned. He’d created a monster. “I should’ve just called my dad.”

Jackson gasped dramatically, appearing to be insulted. After leaning the bike against the tailgate of the truck, he reached his hand over his shoulder and patted it haphazardly. “Oh, man, I can’t get a hold of it…can you please pull the knife out of my back?”

Regardless of their efforts, Chase laughed and a giggle bubbled out of Addie.

Jackson grinned and lowered the tailgate. “Do y’all wanna come over and watch a movie with us?”

Does this mean he’s done?
Chase exchanged a glance with Addie and she shrugged her shoulders. “Maybe,” he said, as he jumped up in the truck to pull the bike inside.

“We can watch one of Sydney’s favorite movies.” Jackson lifted up Addie’s bike. “It’s that one with Drew Barrymore.
Never Been Kissed
.”

Guess not
. Jackson was just getting started.

Chase gave him an eye roll and jumped back down. “We’ll see.” He took a hold of Addie’s hand and pulled her to the passenger side of the truck. He opened the door and whispered, “I’m sorry. I should’ve never said anything. Just try’n ignore him.”

“Uh-huh,” she said under her breath as she slid in the middle of the front seat.

Chase sat down next to her and pulled the door shut as Jackson climbed in behind the wheel. Addie was sandwiched in between the two men.

“Excuse me.” Jackson reached across the middle to open the glove box. He pulled out a bag of silver-foiled covered chocolate. “Anyone want a Kiss?” he asked in a droll voice.

Addie snatched the bag out of his hands. “Yes. I love chocolate.”

Chortling, Jackson turned the ignition on and the stereo blared Faith Hill singing
This Kiss
. The track was just starting on the chorus. Grinning from ear to ear, he said, “If y’all don’t like this song, I can change it.” Without waiting for an answer, he pushed another button.
Kiss a Girl
by Keith Urban played over the speakers.

Chase had to give his friend credit. He’d come up with some great stuff on such short notice.

Jackson sang along with the lyrics as he put the truck in gear. “I wanna kiss a girl. I wanna hold her tight. And maybe make a little magic in the moonlight.” He raised his eyebrows comically.

Addie let out a big breath as she dramatically lolled her head against the seatback and turned her face toward Chase. Her lips stretched into a smile and then the two of them burst into laughter.

Jackson had won. Only then did he turn the volume down.

Chapter Sixteen

By
the time they reached Aunt Janie’s house, the sun had lowered beyond the horizon, leaving the sky a brilliant color of purple. As the truck bumped down the driveway, it jostled Addie into Chase’s side. He had a hold of her hand, loosely covering her fingers, but his grip tightened, as if he wanted to keep her close. She didn’t mind, and stayed right where she was.

“Y’all sure you don’t wanna come by the house?” Jackson asked, shifting the gears down as he pressed on the brakes.

Addie liked the McCalls, but she felt too keyed up to watch a movie right now. There was the matter of “missed opportunities” humming between her and Chase, an almost palpable electrical energy that seemed to grow with every passing second.

“Nah,” Chase answered. “It’s getting late, and I have to get up early in the morning for work.” He gave Addie’s fingers another gentle squeeze. “But maybe another night?”

It seemed so natural to make plans for a movie night. Like they were really a couple.

“Sounds good.” The truck rolled to a stop. Jackson cut the engine and opened his door. “I’ll have Syd give Addie a call. It’s the ladies turn to pick out a movie.”

“Is that okay?” Chase asked, helping her down from the truck.

“Sure. That sounds fun.” She liked the way Chase looked at her. As if he liked the idea of her picking out a movie for them to watch as much as she did.

As the guys transferred the bicycles to Chase’s truck, Addie inched toward the house. She needed to use the restroom and definitely wanted to brush her teeth.

“Thanks,” Chase said, patting his friend on the back.

“No problem.” Jackson pivoted toward Addie, a silly grin on his face. “Did you get your Kisses?”

He just can’t leave it alone
. “Nope.”

Jackson swung open the door to his truck and leaned across the seat. He pulled out the bag of candy and tossed them to her. “Here you go.”

“Thanks.”

“Make sure to give Chase a few of your kisses.”

She knew he wasn’t talking about the candy, and she was half tempted to throw the bag back in his face. But it
was
chocolate so she hugged it to her chest.

“Bye, Jackson,” she said sweetly.

Chuckling, he waved, climbed into his truck and drove away.

“Sorry about Jackson.” Chase glanced over at her. “He doesn’t know when to stop.”

“Really? I hadn’t noticed,” Addie said dryly, making him laugh.

“If you’re not too mad at me,” Chase said, looking a little contrite, “do you want to sit on the porch swing and talk for a while?”

Addie didn’t want the evening to end yet, so she let him off the hook. “I’d like that.” She took a step backward. “I just need to run inside for a minute.”

They started toward the porch, and their arms brushed. Instantly, the electric pulse arced between them. “I won’t be long,” she said, opening the door.

Chase took a seat on the swing. “I’ll be waiting.”

The screen door slammed behind her and she rushed up the stairs. Sort of. Her legs were a little wobbly. She hoped she wouldn’t be too sore tomorrow. After tossing the bag of Kisses on her bed, she stepped into the bathroom and caught her image in the mirror. It surprised her. She looked different somehow. Happy. Could it be the exercise?

Or was it something else?

Whatever it was, it looked good on her. She took care of business and then she brushed her teeth. Twice.

Aunt Janie still wasn’t home when Addie stepped out onto the porch. The full moon illuminated Chase, making it unnecessary to turn on the porch light.

“Hey,” Chase said, giving her a smile that tickled her stomach. He stopped the swing with his foot and patted his hand on the seat beside him. “Come and sit by me.”

Her bare feet treaded softly across the wooden porch. After brushing her teeth, she had removed her shoes and socks and changed into a clean, white T-shirt. She’d also used a little of her vanilla and brown sugar scented lotion on her arms and legs.

“No fair,” he said as she sat down next to him. “You changed your shirt.” He leaned in close. “And you smell good.”

Dang. She’d kind of hoped it wouldn’t have been that obvious. “Will it make you feel better if I go put back on my attitude shirt?”

He laughed, curling his fingers around her hand. “No.” With the toe of his shoe, he pushed back, rocking the swing in motion. “But if the shirt fits…”

She gave his shoulder a playful nudge. “I do not have an attitude…much.”

“You’re right,” he teased. “Besides, I think the problem had more to do with the
altitude
.”

“And here I thought Jackson was the comedian.”

He looked at her sidelong. “Yeah, I guess he was kinda funny.”

She hadn’t meant to bring up the whole “kiss” thing. It made her appear too eager. Nervously, she changed the subject. “I think I’m going to borrow Aunt Janie’s car tomorrow and stop by that house we rode by. You know, the one with the amazing wrap around porch?”

“It’s also the one with all the No Trespassing signs.”

“What?” She glanced up at him. “How did I miss those?”

He grinned. “I have no idea.”

She bit her bottom lip. “I planned on asking permission anyway, but maybe it’s not a good idea to even try.”

He slowly circled his thumb over the top of her hand. “I know the owner. Mr. Hanks is a grumpy old guy, but he likes me. When I used to deliver the paper, I was the only one who ever made sure the paper landed on the porch instead of the sidewalk.”

“Really? Do you think he’ll remember you if I tell I’m your friend?”

“Maybe.” He studied her for a few seconds. “Tell you what, I have an early meeting in the morning, but should be done around eleven. What if I take the rest of the day off and take you to meet Mr. Hanks? I’m sure he’ll say yes, and then after we can go somewhere to eat.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah.” He gave her a mischievous smile. “Besides, I would never want to be responsible for anymore missed opportunities.”

His implied message made her heart beat wildly. “You wouldn’t?”

“Absolutely not.” His tone was seductively low.

They leaned closer, and Addie’s gaze drifted to his mouth. Every nerve ending was alive with anticipation as he lowered his head. It was like being at the top of a roller coaster just before it plunged straight down, leaving you breathless.

Her eyes fluttered closed, and she felt his warm breath next to her mouth. Then, under a Georgia moon, Chase kissed her. Lightly at first, like he was savoring the feel of a first kiss. Then he shifted and the pressure on her mouth intensified.

He was very talented—and not just as a musician. His kisses mirrored the way he spoke. Slow and soft. Perfect.

The most intoxicating warmth engulfed her body as his lips skillfully moved over hers, and Addie finally understood what Faith Hill was singing about—centrifugal motion, perpetual bliss and all that. She had never felt like this. Never been kissed like this.

Chase drew back, his breath uneven. Still lost in the blissful, floating sensation, Addie met his eyes. “Wow…that was amazing.”

“Yeah. It was.” A playful smile spread across his face. “Wanna do it again?”

She grinned and nodded her head, leaning into him as his mouth met hers in another long, slow kiss. Heat trailed up her arm as he slid his palm along her skin, bringing her closer. A soft sigh escaped as he deepened the kiss, and Addie became lost to everything around her. She was flying—floating, and she never wanted to come down.

At length, they reluctantly parted. Her eyes fluttered open and she shivered.

“Cold?” he asked, his voice rough with emotion.

Was he kidding? She felt so warm she could instantly melt an ice cube on her skin.

“No. No, I’m not cold.” She drew in a shaky breath. “In fact, I doubt I’ll ever be cold again.”

Deep laughter rumbled in his chest as he hooked his arm around her neck and pulled her close. “You know what?” he asked, pressing a kiss into her hair.

“What?”

“I think I just had my last first kiss.”

With her thinking still clouded, her mind struggled to make sense of what he’d just said. She tried to recall the exact wording when headlights illuminated the porch as her aunt’s car pulled into the driveway.

Chase stood up and pulled her up beside him. “Well, Miss Attitude, looks like we’re not alone anymore.”

She melted into his side. No they weren’t alone anymore. And after that kiss, she never wanted to be alone again. What was she going to do?

Chapter Seventeen

Chase
tapped the ballpoint pen on his desk and wished this morning was already over. He stared at the computer screen in frustration. The program wasn’t loading correctly and the last thing he wanted to do was shut everything down and reboot his computer. Mr. Barclay had requested a few changes after this morning’s meeting, and it was taking longer than it should have.