CHAPTER 109

CHAPTER 109
I couldn’t help but smile as Chase set the plate of food in front of me. The smell hit me first—warm, savory, comforting—and my stomach growled right on cue. I was already starving, but somehow the food looked even better knowing he’d made it just for me.

“There you go. I know you’re already hungry,” he chuckled, standing there with that satisfied look, like he was proud of taking care of me.

“Tss. Yeah,” I muttered, unable to hide my grin as I grabbed the spoon, ready to dig in.

But before I could take a bite, he leaned forward slightly, watching me with those gentle eyes. "Hey, be careful. You might burn your tongue," Chase said, his voice full of that soft concern that always made my chest tighten in a good way.

"Ah. Yeah. Thanks." I nodded, feeling a little flustered by how closely he was watching me. I scooped up a spoonful of food, blew on it to cool it down, then finally tasted it. The flavors hit me immediately — warm, comforting, and honestly way better than I expected.

I looked up at him, seeing that hopeful smile on his face as he waited for my reaction. I couldn’t hold back my grin.

"Damn! It's good!" I said, my eyes widening a little in surprise.

His smile grew even brighter, and I could see how happy that simple praise made him.

"Do you like it?" Chase asked, his eyes shining with anticipation.

"I love it," I replied without hesitation, nodding. His smile widened, lighting up his whole face in a way that made my heart race.

"Let me taste it," he said, leaning forward slightly.

"Yeah." I chuckled, scooping a bit of food onto the spoon and holding it out for him. "Here."

But instead of taking the spoon, he gave me that mischievous smirk—the one that always made me both nervous and excited at the same time. "I want to taste it in a different way."

Before I could even process what he meant, he stood up, stepped closer, and gently cupped my cheeks. My breath hitched as he leaned in, his face so close that all I could see were his eyes. And then he kissed me—soft, warm, and full of so much affection that my mind went completely blank for a second.

I felt the world blur around us, the taste of the food forgotten as the sweetness of his lips became the only thing I could focus on.

"Mm. You're right. It tastes really good. I love it," Chase said after pulling back from the kiss, his grin playful and satisfied.

I let out a soft chuckle, shaking my head. "Tss. You're crazy."

But he just kept smiling at me, that same smile that always made it impossible for me to stay annoyed at him. I could feel my face warming up, and I knew—I just knew—I was blushing.

"Go back to your seat and eat with me," I said, trying to regain some normalcy, though my heart was still beating a little too fast.

"Uhuh. And I’ll eat you later," he teased, that mischievous glint in his eyes.

I almost choked on air. "You’re damn crazy!" I shot back, half-laughing, half-embarrassed.

He just laughed, that carefree, infectious laugh of his, as he finally sat down across from me. I could only shake my head, trying to hide the stupid grin tugging at my lips. I kept my gaze on my plate, scooping up another bite, pretending to focus on the food.

\-

After we finished eating, I started to stand up, ready to help clean the table and wash the dishes. But before I could even take a plate, Chase stopped me.

“I’ll do it. Just sit down,” he said, already gathering the dishes.

“I can help—” I tried, but he shook his head firmly, leaving no room for argument.

So there I was, sitting at the table, watching him as he moved around the kitchen. He handed me a small plate of fruit he had prepared—slices of apple and mango.

“Eat this while you wait,” he said with a soft smile.

I sighed in defeat, picking up a piece of mango. My gaze lingered on him as he worked, sleeves pushed up, focused on rinsing and scrubbing the dishes. I couldn’t help but smile to myself.

I leaned my elbow on the table, absently poking at the fruit on my plate as I watched Chase rinse the last of the dishes. The thought had been lingering in my mind, so I finally spoke up.

“Do you still have to work on your shift tonight?” I asked, my voice casual.

He glanced over his shoulder, wiping his hands on a towel. “Maybe? Why?”

I hesitated, realizing I didn’t really have a reason—I just wanted to know. “Nothing. Just asking.”

A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “Do you want to hang out later? I can work the other night.”

My heart squeezed at the offer, but I shook my head, not wanting him to change his plans for me. “No. You don’t have to do that. I was just asking. Don’t bother.”

He tilted his head, looking at me thoughtfully. “Yeah?”

“Yeah. Of course,” I said, managing a small smile.

“Okay, then,” Chase replied softly.

Once he was done with the dishes, we both made our way to the living room. It felt good—comfortable, easy. We settled on the couch, and before I knew it, Chase was lying down, his head resting gently on my legs like it was the most natural thing in the world.

We watched the movie peacefully, the only sound between us was the soft crunch of popcorn in our mouths. The room felt warm, cozy—like the world outside didn’t exist for now.

But then, my eyes slowly drifted away from the screen. They landed on Chase’s face. He was laughing softly at something in the movie, that kind of genuine laugh that made his eyes crinkle a little at the corners.

And my gaze fell lower. To his lips.

Those lips that had kissed me not too long ago. Those lips that always seemed to know how to make me feel safe—and crazy at the same time. His kissable lips.

I didn’t even realize I’d stopped eating. I just kept looking, heart beating a little faster, wondering how I ever got so lucky... and at the same time, feeling nervous at how much I wanted to kiss him again.

Jeez. What am I even thinking? I tore my eyes away from his lips for a second, staring at the screen like it could somehow help me clear my head.

It’s getting hot in here. Or maybe it’s just me.

But I won’t lie—to myself at least. I wanted to kiss him right now. So bad. The way he was just lying there, so at ease, so close... it was driving me insane in the sweetest, most frustrating way.

I let out a quiet sigh, trying to focus on the movie. My eyes stayed glued to the screen, but my mind was still a mess, thoughts of Chase swirling in my head.

And then, just as if fate was mocking me, the main characters leaned in and kissed. A soft, slow kiss that made my chest tighten even more.

I swallowed hard, glancing down at Chase. He was still resting on my legs, watching the scene, his expression calm and focused. But for me—damn—it only made me want him more.

I clenched my hands together, trying to stop myself from doing something reckless. My heart was racing, louder than the dialogue of the movie.

\-