Free Enlightened (Red Flags) by C.C. Brown

about your new job, and of course that panty dropping boss of yours."  She winked and moved her martini glass up to her lips when I shot her a look of death.
    I could see Chase growing more and more uncomfortable.
    "Chels, you are ridiculous.  I have an awesome job, but I'm not fawning over my boss."
    "You were all descriptive when telling me about Mr. Rolston," she said, allowing his name to roll off her tongue in a seductive manner.  "Nothing to worry about, Chase.  He's too old for Cara."
    I kicked her under the table and she grimaced while laughing.  Hunter sat with a slight grin on his face, shaking his head.
    "I don't want my boss and Chase and I are just friends -- nothing more."  I wanted to move away from that conversation quickly, so I redirected the conversation to Chelsea and Hunter.
    "So what are the plans for the big day?  Any thoughts about it?"
    Hunter scoffed.  "Your friend has been going non-stop about the wedding. I think we might have a bridezilla on our hands." 
    I laughed. Hunter was absolutely right.
    "I'm not a bridezilla. I just know what I want." 
    In Chelsea's world, that meant the moon and the stars.  Hunter had been with her long enough to know that so I didn't feel sorry for him.
    "Anyway, what are you doing tomorrow night, Cara?  I'm checking out some outdoor venues at night and I want you with me," she said, staring me into submission.
    "Sorry, Chels, I have to work."
    "Work?"  She questioned. "On a Saturday night?" 
    "Yes.  My job is all about promoting and networking.  My weekends are going to be shot for a while."
    "Well that sucks for you." 
    I sarcastically smiled at her and dug into the food that had just been delivered to the table.  Chelsea was back, and this time with a ring on her finger and more of a reason to be crass.
     

Chapter 7
     
    My beeping cell phone was the unwanted alarm clock that awoke me early on Saturday morning.  As I lazily reached out of bed to grab the phone, it dropped on the floor and I had no choice but to get up and retrieve it. 
    I had two text messages from Mila asking if I wanted to meet up for a run at Del Mar beach, and a text message from Jason.
     
    From Jason
    Good Morning, Gorgeous.  Hope you slept well. 
    I Love You!
     
    I replied to Mila letting her know that I didn't feel like making that long drive and that I had a work engagement later in the evening. But I didn't reply to Jason's.  A couple of times my fingers fixed themselves over the keys, but just as I was ready to type a response, I remembered how much I wasn't supposed to feel for him, so I sat my phone down.
    I jumped into the shower and allowed the water to soothe me into a daydream.  I kept thinking about Jason and how much I missed his sweet touch, but then thoughts of him and Stacey's smug face popped into my head, breaking me from the pleasantries.  I missed him, but every time I thought about reaching out to him, my conscience told me to remember the red flags that had been thrust at me.  I couldn't imagine going through what I went through ever again.
    After finishing up in the shower and dressing in a tank top and a pair of mesh shorts, I sauntered down stairs to the living room, I heard the front door open and in walked Hunter with coffee and donuts in hand.  I smiled at him, wondering where Chelsea was.
    "Morning, Hunter.  Where is that wholly inappropriate fiancé of yours?" I asked, laughing as I walked over towards him.
    "She's still upstairs sleeping.  Too many martinis last night.  Coffee?"  He pushed a cup over to me, and I took it, along with a few creamers to make it more manageable.
    I looked at Hunter as he popped a chocolate covered donut into his mouth
    "What's wrong?" he asked, suspicion written all over his face.
    I sighed.  "I've just been getting text messages, calls, and flowers from Jason.  I miss him, but I don't want to.  I need a guy's opinion."
    He sat his donut down on the napkin and wiped his mouth.  I could tell the