Free The Choice by Kate Benson Page B

strong hand over my skin affectionately . I can’t help the sigh of contentment that leaves my chest.
    “What are you going to tell Ana?” he asks finally and I shrug.
    “What do you think I should tell her?”
    “You know what I want, Sophie. You just have to decide if what you want is the same or not,” he says softly. “Nothing will change between us no matter what you tell her, so just choose whatever feels right to you, Sweetheart.”
    “I love you,” I whisper quietly through heavy breaths after a moment and he tenderly squeezes my hip.
    “I love you, too, Baby,” he says, continuing his soft massage over my ass as I let out a whimper and allow my eyes to close and my thoughts to wander.
    This, his voice, his body and his touch surrounding me, filling me; is that what I want? I know it is, but am I ready to move in with him after what we’ve just been through?
    My phone rings and I reach over to grab it from the table as he gently slides out of me, leaving me with an empty feeling to the depths of my soul. Without hesitation, I hit the answer button and put the phone to my ear.
    “Ana?” I answer softly , standing slowly.
    “Hell o?” Ana says into the line. Although I feel his blue eyes on me, I don’t meet their gaze.
    “ Hey,” I whisper back. My voice is shaking with nervousness, but I couldn’t be more sure that the choice I’m about to make is the right one.
    No matter what anyone says, my next words are going to change everything .
    “So did you talk to him?” Ana asks me and I dumbly nod as though she can see me. Standing up, I meet Chase’s gaze briefly for a moment as I sit on the couch facing the wall in front of me.
    “Yeah, we talked,” I tell her as Chase moves away to pull his boxer briefs back on.
    “So , what should I tell them at the rental office?”
    I ca n’t see him anymore, but I feel him behind me as he places his large hand on my shoulder supportively.
    He’s a good man and I’ve already nearly lost him once. Losing him completely isn’t something I’m ready to face, not now.
    Not ever.
    But le aving my life with Ana behind? That was the same as finally leaving my life with Jack behind. Am I ready for that? I don’t know.
    So how do I make this choice?
    I do what feels right.
    I jump off the high board.
    “I’m moving in with Chase,” I say quietly and I hear his breathing hitch as he gently digs his fingers into my skin. “You can let the rental office know I’ll have my things out by the end of the week.”
    ***

Chase
    “Yes, I’m sure,” Sophie says into her phone calmly. “I promise, Ana,” she says, her soft voice wavering for the first time since she started her phone call. “Okay. Love you, too … Bye.”
    Slowly pulling the phone away from her ear, she stare s down at it for a few seconds before releasing a breath and setting it down beside her.
    I couldn’t be happier about what she’ s just said, but I know the decision hadn’t been easy for her. Starting a life that doesn’t include living with Ana is a huge step for her and I’d always known taking it would be hard.
    “Are you okay, Baby?” I ask quietly and she lifts her hand to hold mine on her shoulder before turning her head to kiss m y wrist sweetly.
    “Yes,” she says softly. “Are you still okay with everything? You’re awfully quiet back there.”
    Walking around to the front of the couch, I sit on the end and pull her onto my lap, cradling her on my good arm. Her breath is shaky and I can tell she’s nervous.
    “Sophie,” I whisper. “Look at me, Sweetheart.”
    Slowly, her gaze meets mine and I can see the moisture springing up there. Leaning over to kiss her temple, I rub gentle circles over the small of her back to soothe her.
    “Why did you tell Ana you were moving in with me?”
    “Because I thought it was what we both wanted, Chase,” she says, starting to panic. “Did you change your mind? Do I need to call her back? I don’t understand, I