Free Beautiful Music by Lisa DeVore

expecting that kind of honesty. Jena’s eyes pooled with tears. “I’m sorry. I had no idea. Seems I’ve missed a great deal.”
    “I’m not trying to play the guilt card.”
    “I know that. I just assumed you were happy all these years.” Jena searched for the right words. “Andrea’s my only connection to my sister. I’ve missed so much of her life. I need to be there for her now. Honestly, I need her. ”
    “Our needs are not the issue.”
    “Ouch.” He stunned her with his bluntness, but she pleaded her case. “She needs a woman in her life. I’ll be able to handle the issues that arise in a growing girl’s life. I’m not saying you shouldn’t be a part. I’m just thinking it’ll be healthier for her if she lives with me.”
    Chase’s mouth was set in a thin line. “I’m going to give you honesty. I don’t want you yelling or getting defensive. I want you to really listen, and then I want you to take some time to think about it. I want you to think like a lawyer and react with the emotions of a woman. This subject will be off limits the rest of the evening. Can you agree?”
    Apprehension spread through her, but she nodded slowly in agreement.
    “Here’s what I want. I want you to move to Clearwater. Sign up with a law firm here, or hell, open one of your own. I want you to let me touch you again. I want to taste your kisses. I want to get to know you…raise Andrea together…as a family in the same house. I want to marry you.”
    Her lips parted in protest. Or was it shock? “Chase…” she said anxiously. Had she heard him right?
    “You promised,” he cautioned. “Perfect timing. Here comes our dinner.”
    Jena leaned back in her chair dumbfounded. She had to give him credit. He rattled the attorney.

Chapter Twelve
    Chase and Jena’s dinner was a friendly one. They discussed safe subjects; the weather, Florida tourist attractions, the economy…even politics seemed safer than discussing their rapid heartbeats.
    Jena kept to their agreement and didn’t bring up the custody issue. She was certain a relationship with Chase would never happen, but she kept quiet on that subject too. However, a move to Clearwater set her thinking. She did like it here. If they could hurdle the past…maybe she could make a home for Andrea here.
    What was that noise? Her phone…where was her phone?
    Jena rummaged through her purse frantically. Maybe something was wrong with Andrea. Or was it another prank? Her stomach pitched. She grabbed it off the bottom and fumbled with the button. “Hello,” she said quickly.
    “Jena…it’s Todd. I’ve been so worried. I haven’t heard from you.”
    She exhaled with relief. Andrea was okay and she didn’t have to deal with another practical joke. “I’ve been busy here with…things.” Jena raised her eyes toward Chase. She found his intently on her.
    “When are you coming home? I miss you.”
    “I’m not sure. Is something wrong, Todd?” Jena was concerned about the workload she left him.
    “No…no, nothing I can’t handle. It’s a little busy, but Emily is helping out, too. Your secretary is quite organized. I might steal her while you’re away.”
    Jena relaxed a little. “Don’t even think about it. Lauren’s mine,” she joked in return before turning serious again. “I have some unexpected things to clear up with Jasmine’s estate first.”
    “Do you need me to fly down and help you?”
    “No, I’m fine. There’s no need to come down. I have…um…help…here.” Her tongue tripped over the words. Jena didn’t have to look at Chase to know he was paying close attention.
    “I wouldn’t mind hitting the beach with you,” Todd flirted from the other end of the phone. “The nights are getting cold here.”
    Jena wasn’t sure if he was implying what she thought he was implying…safer to ignore the comments. Was her face as red as she thought? She couldn’t keep ignoring his innuendos. She would have to talk to him when she got