Free Chasing Payne by Chantel Seabrook Page B

her body, she opened the door, and glanced around the large apartment. She'd only been there a few times before. Neutral tones covered the walls. There were no adornments, just the essentials. Cool and reserved, just like Chase.
    She followed the sound of sizzling bacon, and found Chase in the spacious, well-lit kitchen, standing bare-chested over the stove.
    Her breath caught in her throat. He was perfection. Hard, coiled muscles worked under sun-bronzed skin, and jogging pants hung low on his waist. Everything about him screamed sex. Damn it, she needed to get control over her need for him if she was going to make it out of there with her dignity still intact.
    He turned and cocked an eyebrow at her, a touch of a smile curving his lips.
    “Hi,” she said tentatively.
    “I made breakfast.”
    “It smells wonderful.”
    “Sit.” He motioned to a stool at the island. She sat down and he placed a plate filled with scrambled eggs, bacon and toast in front of her. “Eat.”
    She was too famished to argue over his bossy attitude. “Thank you,” she said, digging into the eggs.
    He poured himself a cup of coffee and leaned against the counter, watching her. “I need to go into work this afternoon, but I thought we could go to your apartment later and pick up some of your stuff.”
    She froze, swallowed the mouthful of food that now seemed lodged in her throat, and placed the fork back on her plate. “My stuff?”
    “Just enough for a few days. Once you're settled in, we can figure out what to do with your apartment and the rest of your things.”
    “Settled in?” She felt like a parrot repeating everything he said, but she couldn't wrap her brain around what he was suggesting. Surely, he didn't think she was going to move in with him? “I'm not staying here.”
    He frowned. “Of course you are.”
    Suddenly not hungry, she pushed the stool back and stood. “I don't know what you're expecting to happen, but me moving in with you is not on the radar.”
    He placed his cup on the counter and took a step towards her. His movements were slow, precise, and the look in his eyes was dangerous. “We're mated now. Like it or not, this is your home.”
    Bullshit.
    “I already have an apartment. What I don't have is a job.” She pushed past him. “I've got about two weeks left before my next rent is due, so if you wouldn't mind driving me home—”
    “Stop.” Rough fingers encircled her arm and stopped her rapid escape.
    She almost laughed at the ridiculous command. Like she had a choice. He held her immobilized, and while he didn't hurt her, she knew there was no escaping his iron grip.
    She pressed her lips firmly together and glared.
    Loosening his hold, he pulled her towards him, the fingers of his free hand sweeping upwards until he clasped her chin and tilted it upwards. “Don't fight me on this, Lora. There's something between us. More than just what happened last night. I'm not going to let you walk away.”
    Goosebumps peppered her arms and she blushed under his intense stare. Her heart was suddenly racing. Her breathing hitched and her skin tingled at the nearness of his hard, heated flesh.
    A satisfied smirk curved his lips. His head lowered and his breath caressed her mouth.
    “Do you deny it?” He held her gaze, waiting for an answer.
    She licked her lips as a flush of heat warmed her and anticipation tightened her stomach. She shook her head. There was no use denying her feelings, not when her body hummed and sizzled with electricity whenever he was near.
    She was so screwed. There was no way she was going to walk away from this with her heart in one piece.
    Her brain fought for control, but it was outnumbered, with both her heart and lioness fighting to believe that she really could have her happily ever after.
    “I won't hurt you,” he said, as if reading her thoughts. The seductive roughness of his voice stroked against her senses.
    She closed her eyes, wanting to believe him. Wanting to trust him.