Mr. & Mrs. Impossible!

Chapter 37

--- 37 ---

*Chase Lancaster*

I woke up with a start. I squeezed my eyes tight and shook my head as I sat up. The weariness from the drinking had finally worn off leaving a mild aching in my head and my back skin was on fire. The teasing burning was excruciating now.

Sucking a sharp breath through my teeth, I took my face in my hand. A hard cold thing rubbed against my cheek. I pulled back my hand and saw my mother’s ring sitting there.

For moments I just stared at it. Everything from the night before reeled in my mind.

I had no idea when, but I knew Arianna had somehow found it. I clenched my fist as I remembered how badly I had grasped her and shook her right after we made love and I almost confessed how I felt towards her.

And then I had walked out. I couldn’t quiet remember what I did but I was pretty sure I drank. More than I ever had. I didn’t remember when I came back, or what happened in between.

Deep down in my mind –not knowing why though, I wished I didn’t do anything stupid.

What more stupidity I could’ve done than walking out on the girl I was in love with?

Quickly I made my way to Arianna’s room. As I strolled in, it was dark. Curtains were drawn but I could see her lying on the bed. Even from the distance I could tell she had cried herself to sleep.

Ashamed of myself I slowly sat besides her. “Arianna?” my voice was thick and my throat was dry.  I stroke her hair lightly; they were still a little damp against my fingers. She stirred a little. “Arianna…” I called out again and she sat up, narrowing her eyes to focus. I could see the red brimming under her eyes.

A shiver of guilt ran down me. I was glad it was dark enough that she couldn’t see my face too clearly or she’d witness it dripping in shame.

“I’m sorry.” I whispered but it was barely audible to me; I doubt she heard it.

Gently she covered her hand on mine and I could see her smiling, slightly though.

God, how much I loved her yet I had hurt her. Controlling the urge to hit myself, I slowly brought my hand to her warm cheek.

She leaned herself, resting her face against my chest and wrapped her arm around me.

Suddenly and unwittingly my eyes started burning. I hugged her, rocking back and forth. Maybe I was soothing myself, making the guilt leave me. “Arianna, I am so sorry—”

“Chase…” She pulled herself back. “Remember you said your apologies where like Astatine, rarest element on the earth?”

I remembered it. I had apologized for what I did to her the night I officially met her as Austin Blake Carlson’s daughter. The first time I had apologized to anyone in my life and it wasn’t even sincere.

“So don’t waste what’s rare. I forgave you even before you asked.” She smiled and my heart filled.

I kissed her forehead, forcing the tears back. “I want to show you something.” I told her, grasping her wrist and helped her up and walked out of the room.

I know I wasn’t in shape of going out but nothing mattered. I let her wear her shoes while I pulled on my converse. As I led her into the elevator, holding her hand firmly she continued to look at me questioningly.

“Where are we going Chase?” she asked once we were out of the building.

“You’ll see.”