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Chapter

Seventeen

Chase hated being separated from Lizzy for more police questions, but he understood the procedures and paperwork.

It was early evening when they were finally alone again in her apartment. They ordered a pizza and then she sat on the threadbare couch and patted the spot next to her. “I have a load of questions.”

He grinned and sat down next to her, taking her hand. “I’m sure you do.”

“First, how did you know to come for me?”

Chase licked his lips. “I walked back to the plane, but we didn’t take off.

Brandon had told the pilot to wait. He and Madelyne called, and …

” He shifted on the couch, looking away, then focused on her beautiful face.

“Lizzy. Brandon wanted to pay me a million dollars if you fell in love with me.” He shook his head.

“From day one I pushed the idea to the back of my mind, thinking it was ludicrous. I focused on how amazing you were that first week as we spent time together. Then, after you were attacked, your safety took precedence.”

“You weren’t focused on the million dollars?” she asked, biting her lip. “That wasn’t why you were so tender and let me blindfold you and then acted like you accepted my scars and cared deeply for me?”

“Oh, Lizzy, no. I wanted you to trust me, and I do think you’re impressive because of your scars.

I care deeply for you.” He shook his head, hoping he was getting this right.

“Brandon and Madelyne called and told me they thought you loved me. Apparently, the reports from Macon and the rest of the guys convinced them.” He shrugged.

“They were going to pay me a million dollars, and they insisted I should come for you, not fly away.”

She sucked in a breath.

“I told Brandon I don’t want his money.”

Her eyes widened. “You don’t?”

“No. Lizzy.” He turned her toward him and gently grasped her shoulders. “I only want you. I want to date you, kiss you, grow closer every day, laugh with you, adventure with you, work with you… Whatever you want to do, I want to be there.”

Lizzy stared at him, and he prayed she’d believe how deeply he felt for her.

“I think you should take the million dollars,” she said.

“What? No. I don’t want that to taint what we have.”

“I can see that, but you’re going to need some money to set yourself up in Eudora, Kansas.”

He smiled at that. “I am?”

“Very expensive cost of living in this metropolis.”

“I can imagine.”

“Plus, I’d like you to apply for the position of pro bono security guard and adventure buddy for the manager of The Safe Spot, and official fun guy volunteer at the center.

Since I have no money to pay you, and I want to go on a variety of adventures with you, that million dollars could come in handy. ”

He grinned. “I’ll think about taking their money.”

“Well, you earned it.”

“I did?” He cocked his head to the side.

“Yes, sir. You made me feel safe, comfortable, like a real human whose opinions mattered to you, confident, happy, beautiful, and…” Lizzy smiled shyly. “Loved.”

She was more than beautiful to him. She was everything.

His heart raced out of control.

“Most importantly, you made me fall in love with you. Wasn’t that their requirement?”

“You fell in love with me in two weeks?” he asked, incredulous.

She shrugged, adorable and enticing. “I’m impetuous and rush too fast.”

“You are, and I love that about you,” he said, “But more importantly, Lizzy … I love you.”

She arched up and kissed him. Chase gathered her close and returned it.

Lizzy had fallen in love with him. Nothing else mattered.

But once again, she’d kissed him first.

He smiled against her lips and leaned back. “You keep kissing me first.”

“Oh, my. I am too impetuous.”

“I love that you are. I love everything about you.” Then he lifted her off the cushion and onto his lap. “Now it’s my turn to kiss you first.”

And kiss her, he did. This kiss soared to higher heights. He’d make sure to kiss her first as often as he could.

With his impetuous Lizzy, it would mean a lot of kissing, and that sounded fabulous.

Thank you for reading Chase and Lizzy’s story. I had the best time escaping to Salzburg and Hallstatt where my husband and I traveled for my fiftieth birthday. It’s magical there!

I hope you adored the touching and romantic story and the setting. Robbie’s story is up next. Don’t miss any of the European adventures!

Please read on for an excerpt of The Fitness Retreat Sanctuary : Jade Valley Romances #7.

Hugs and thanks,

Cami

European Romance Suspense

Chase: Austria

Robbie: Venice

Emmett: Lake Como

Parker: Switzerland

Nelson: Augustine

Rockwell: Rome