Read Incompatibly Yours: Charity Anthology Supporting Fertility Research for Free Online

say being called pretty wasn't a shot to my ego, though. But it was sweet coming from you."
    Reaching over, I do what I know I shouldn't, but I feel safe with Chase. My hand covers his and holds on. "I'm glad you told me why you stopped talking to me." His hand closes around mine and he doesn't let go. "I never knew and it still bothered me."
    George Straight's "I Cross My Heart" is playing from inside the truck. I can't help but think how fitting it is to be sitting here, in an open field, drinking a beer, with the first man I ever loved.
    And just like that I frown, realizing it's not the man I'm going to marry in just three weeks.
    "We should go," he murmurs. When his hand drops from mine, he starts to move to the front of the truck bed. Once standing down on the field below, he offers his hand to help me down.
    "Thank you for bringing me here tonight. It was perfect. I had fun."
    His hand squeezes mine as he brings it up and holds it to his chest. Judging by the sincerity in his voice, his confession must be what he believes is true. "I hate you're marrying Myles, but I get it."
    "You get it?"
    "He's more for you than anyone in this place will ever be. Just do your childhood crush a favor?"
    "Anything." I smile to ease his tension.
    "Don't let him hurt you."
    His words echo in my head as I search for their deeper meaning. Surely Chase can't know how I've been feeling and how much I'm doubting my marriage to his brother? Unless Myles said something, but I know he's too proud to seek advice from Chase.
    I don't know.
    "He won't hurt me."
    "He does, I'll fuckin' kill him."
    I can't hold back my laugh. What he said wasn't exactly funny; however, it breaks the tension between us.
    Chase's eyes darken as his face inches closer to mine. The skin on the back of my neck tingles and my stomach twists with anticipation. The sweet smell of the beer he drank mixes with the smell of mine. It's then I realize…
    He's going to kiss me.
    I freeze in place when his warm lips drop down and touch mine. The chaste kisses on each side of my mouth are soft and gentle. When his tongue runs the length of my bottom lip, I open and he goes for it.
    Goes for it.
    I take a step back, to no avail. The lowered tailgate hits the back of my thighs and a fierce sting forces me to bite down on his lip. It only serves to incite more aggression as he pushes me down and positions himself on top of me. His hands are no longer pulling me in to him, but positioning at either side of my body, caging me in.
    Instinctively, my arms make their way around his neck. I bring him in closer and hold him against me. Once our chests come together, I feel the heat of his body increasing the heat of mine.
    Oh, God.
    Sensing my internal battle, Chase pulls back, lifting his head so it's looming above me. His small smile glistens from my kiss. The moonlight casts light on his face and I watch him suck his lips to taste me there. Letting me go, Chase stands, runs his hands through his hair, and takes me in. I finally gather the strength to bring myself to my feet.
    "Christ, I shouldn't have done that," he hisses as reality breaks through.
    "No. Probably not," I agree, but not for the reasons he’s assuming.
    What he shouldn't have done was just give me a glimpse of the best, most meaningful kiss I've ever been given. Not because it wasn't only perfect and beautiful, but because I'm not sure I'll ever expect less than what the promise of being so close to him just offered.
    Lust.
    Longing.
    Love .
    Leaving him here, I have to come to terms with the fact I'll be walking away from everything I've ever wished for.
    You've loved that one man your whole life, Ryleigh. Why did you stop?
    The truth is, though, I don't think I ever have.
     

 
    Chapter Eight
     
     
    CHASE
     
    I haven't heard from Ryleigh since I took her home in awkward silence over a week ago. I haven't been back to the bar for fear of running into her. I haven't answered her calls, not wanting to hear her make