Chapter Fourteen

Her boots clicked on the hardwood floor as she entered the house, Chase a step behind her. Their fingers remained lightly hooked together and she smiled, looking at them. How she loved seeing their connection like that. So light, so fragile and yet so powerful. She couldn’t believe she was here right now. The path she’d stepped on at the start of her vacation certainly had sent her to a very unexpected destination.

Chase dropped his keys into a bowl next to the door then tugged her forward. She let her gaze roam over his wide shoulders, his powerful back and down to the trim hips encased in nicely molded jeans that hugged his rather tantalizing ass and showcased the strength of his thighs. His cowboy boots might be well broken in, but they were lovingly cared for. She could tell by the soft buttery luster of the leather.

Ava knew it. She was in trouble. Her romantic nature was definitely finding perfection in him. He was the full package. Sweet. Sexy. Mysterious. A gentleman. And an amazing kisser.

Ava’s attention was so focused on Chase she barely noticed the room he’d led her into. The cool silence of his home cocooned her as she noticed they were in a great room. A floor-to-ceiling fieldstone fireplace was positioned on a full double-story wall with stacked windows that looked over a portion of a stunning pool area. There were more fireflies twinkling on the night air in the branches of trees that appeared to ring the pool and patio, contrasting with the dark of the country night.

“This is quite a house. I feel like I just walked into a magazine editorial.”

“Thank you. It’s my place to escape.” He leaned a hip against what looked like a tree trunk that was stained and highly polished. It rose up to the roof and supported the cathedral ceiling, which was complete with skylights that would bathe the room in sunlight during the day.

“And a wonderful haven it is.” The decor was spectacular as well. Ava loved the combination of country and mountain and how it blended effortlessly together with an element of modern. It was a warm, welcoming place that she could easily imagine as a family home full of love, laughter, meals, and kids, and… Ava stopped. What the heck was she doing to herself?

She knew she’d have to be very cautious and not let her romantic nature carry her away. Which she was wont to do.

But that was exactly who she was. Ava wasn’t fooling herself. She knew she saw love and romance and happily ever afters around almost every corner. She sighed. I could find something romantic about a tree stump. She wore her heart on her sleeve.

Ava had so many questions. She wondered if he had designed it or had had help. Why did he live way out here alone? And why such a massive home? What were his likes, dislikes? How did he spend his days when he wasn’t working? How did he take his coffee? Did he even drink coffee? Did he sleep on his back, or his belly, or—

She had to stop her rambling thoughts.

“Would you like anything before we…go upstairs?” Chase asked her, and his hesitancy was sweet, one more thing to make her swoon.

“Oh, uhm, maybe just some water, thank you.”

He went into the kitchen, which was just off the great room. It was all open-concept and flowed wonderfully together.

“Have you been living here long?” Ava watched him take two heavy tumblers from a glass-fronted cabinet and place them on a counter that also looked like it was made from a slab of a tree. She twisted her hands together and got another whiff of fish stink. She wrinkled her nose and went over to the sink. Pumping out a generous portion of cherry-scented soap from the bottle, she scrubbed her hands. Chase took a dish towel from a drawer and handed it to her so she could dry her hands.

“I’ve owned the property all my life.”

“All your life, huh? As a child as well? That’s odd—” Then it dawned on Ava. “The fishing hole…”

“Mine, too.” He took a jug of water from a monstrous-sized, very professional-looking fridge, filled the glasses and then slid one toward her over the counter. She sipped at the water as he explained.

“My grandfather transferred the title to me when I was born. He brainwashed me to love the land from as far back as I can remember. Care for the land and treasure it. He drilled into me ‘They don’t make any more land, son.’ I’ve never forgotten it.” Chase grinned at her and she could see how he felt about his grandfather and the land by the look in his eye. He took a long drink and placed his glass beside hers on the counter.

“Smart man. Real estate can be a sensible long-term investment, so long as you can afford the taxes and the upkeep,” Ava answered. Chase’s grandfather sounded like her kind of people. “Is he still alive?” As soon as she said the words she wished she could pull them back. “I’m sorry, that was indelicate.”

“No, it’s fine. He is alive, a ripe old ninety-five. He no longer rides but he does drive his Morgan horse around the trails.”

“That’s amazing. I bet he’s quite a character.” Ava picked up her purse from the counter as Chase came around the far end and placed his arm around her shoulder. Her heart did a little dance in her chest and a strong feeling of contentment washed over her.

“He is. One day I’ll tell you more about him. Gramps and me got into all kinds of scrapes. Drove my mom up the wall.” Chase led her back through the great room.

“I’d like that.” His words echoed in her ears. One day I’ll tell you more about him.

One day…oh, the possibilities those two little words opened up.

So far, the night had been full of surprises. No one had taken her fishing on a date since she was thirteen. Now, here she stood, in a fabulous house, smelling like fish and mud and easing into sex with a man who was lusted over by thousands of women. Chase’s fame was the last thing on her mind, though, she was so ready to be with him. She reached up to touch his hair. He hadn’t taken his hat off when they arrived.

She got up the nerve to gently lift it from his head. “May I?”

“Of course.” He nodded, and his mischievous grin made her smile.

She removed it and set it on a low table beside them. He had thick, wavy, wild hair. With an intake of a soft breath, Ava ran her fingers through it. It was just as sun-streaked as his beard and mustache. She dated a lot of businessmen, because that’s who she was surrounded by all the time. Chase was so different from those guys, hard where city life had made them soft.

“All good?” he asked her with a grin. “Did you think I was bald or something before I took my hat off?”

She shook her head, unable to respond. He was just too damn gorgeous to be legal.

“So, Boots, do I pass the no-hat test?” He placed his hands on her shoulders and Ava didn’t resist when he pulled her closer. It felt like the entire night had been foreplay and she was eager to continue their kisses.

She couldn’t deny that the closer they were to each other, the more powerful the fire of her attraction to him burned and the more her body craved him. Even though they barely touched, the air between them seemed energized. Ava knew what she wanted to do tonight, and it was to be with him. The butterflies in her belly told her it was the right decision.

“Mmhm, yes, I think you do past the test.” She reached up and fingered his long strands, tucking one around his ear, noticing that it was pierced. Well, well, wasn’t that intriguing?

“Now, about that shower?” He took her hand.

“Yes, about that shower.” Ava let him guide her.

He stopped at a wide set of incredible stone stairs that led to the second level. Ava glanced up at Chase and her belly did a little flutter. She was so ready for what was coming next.

His eyes searched hers, deep, brown and questioning. Instinctively, she knew the question and her decision hadn’t changed since the fishing hole. Reaching out, she took his hand and stepped up on to the first step, turning to face him. They were at eye level now. “The stairs are magnificent. They match the fireplace on the wall there.” She raised her finger to point and was unable to drag her gaze away from him.

She was happy to see the look in his eyes soften and the etchings of concern on his forehead relax. He was nervous. Ava’s heart swelled and she hoped he could see the eagerness and desire she felt reflected in her gaze.

“I built it myself,” he told her in a low voice. Chase slid his arm around her waist and stepped up beside her. Ava heard Chase’s deep breathing and then his words sank in.

“Y–you what?” She tried to process what he’d just said and looked up at him. “You built the stairs and that fireplace?” She was incredulous. The stonework looked very complex and she tried to picture him with a trowel or whatever, painstakingly putting everything together.

He looked at her and pride filled his features. “Yeah. As a kid, I used to imagine what I’d want my home to be like when I grew up. Back then, there was just a small log fishing shack on the property and a few hunting lean-tos. I’ve been working on the fields, barns, outbuildings for years. This house was more recent, and I finished it last year.” He looked around, his gaze far-off. “I had to go on tour a coupla times, but whenever I was back in Nashville I was here, helping to build my house. You know, whenever possible, I reclaimed wood from the original structures on the property and used it in this building. See there, the mantle on the fireplace is one spot.”

Ava gasped and stared in wonder at the majestic fireplace, the high beamed ceilings, the beautiful log and stone that accented the room. The floors were a blend of wide board oak and what appeared to be slate as well as some very scarred wooden patches in front of the fireplace and various other places in the room. She bet those were from the original structure.

“Those spots on the floor are reclaimed?”

“Yes, from the floors of the old cabin.” She heard pride in his voice and couldn’t say she was surprised.

This wasn’t just a building, it was historical and held the essence of his ancestors. It would have been very easy for him to have someone else build the house, overseeing from a distance while he went on tour, making more money, until the house was completely done and he could move in. But that didn’t seem to be Chase’s style. He wanted to be part of building the home he had dreamed of for so long, a home that incorporated his family’s past. It gave her a whole new appreciation for the house, and for Chase.

“It’s like a living history and I’d love to know more. I’m just blown away by this. I can’t believe you were that involved in the construction. Didn’t your label worry about your hands?”

They slowly climbed the stairs as he replied, “Well, it wasn’t like I was out hang-gliding or racing motorcycles, but you gotta live life. I have some awesome back-up with a group of guys that I’ve been touring with for ages, so as long as I can sing, the fans will get their money’s worth.”

Ava was the one with him now and she leaned into him, slipping her arm around his waist. “I’m absolutely stunned. To know that you helped build this, that makes it even more special.”

“My hand touched pretty much everything in this house. I had help designing it, I’m not that creative.” He chuckled. “But I knew what I wanted. Brought Gramps out to see it, too, and he was almost moved to tears.”

“What an accomplishment. You should be proud of yourself.”

As they reached the top of the stairs Ava glanced up at him and was concerned to see sadness now in his eyes. He had been bursting with pride a minute ago—what had changed? Was he thinking about his grandfather or maybe something from his past? This house had been made for a family. Even though he said he’d been designing it since he was a kid, maybe he had planned to share it with another woman? That thought gave her a little spark of jealousy, which she firmly tamped down. She wasn’t one of those people who judged others on their pasts. It didn’t matter if he used to date a supermodel, he was here with her now, and she only planned to keep him for a little while.

After this weekend he could go back to dating drop-dead-beautiful celebrities, but, at the moment, he was all hers.

Chase’s presence was reassuring as he led her along the balcony that overlooked the great room below to a hallway that ran off into another wing. It was a wide hall and also very striking. Beautiful paintings hung on the walls, and she paused.

“These are old.” Ava said. The first one was of a military man wearing a pith helmet on a stunning white horse. The background looked like desert, complete with Bedouin-style tents. The horse was magnificent and had a beautiful face with tassels hanging from the bridle and a tail held high. She bet it was an Arabian and the tack looked luxurious. Clearly, he had been a wealthy man.

“That there is a very distant relation of my mother’s. It’s a mystery who he is. We just call him old Uncle Jed.”

Ava giggled. “That’s funny. I’m fascinated by stories like that. And he doesn’t really look like a Jed, he looks more like a Nigel. The horse is beautiful.”

Chase laughed. “Nigel—I think you’re right. Rumor has it is the stallion was one of the original sires of today’s thoroughbreds.” Chase looked up at the artwork and nodded. “Yup, there’s definitely a story in that painting. I just wish we knew it.”

“You mean you don’t know anything? There’s not one clue about the horse and Nigel? That’s just tragic.” Ava felt suddenly sad that the subject of this painting was a mystery. To think, someone who looked as proud as Old Jed seemed to be, who had a horse as magnificent as that stallion, had lost their place in the family history book.

“Back then, I don’t think people had the same desire to know their roots. So many records were lost in wars, emigration, and in a lot of cases it was just plain denial. People wanting a fresh start. And lots of skeletons in closets.” Chase led her along the hall, and she was interested in all the other paintings, too.

“I’d really like to open some of those closet doors and rattle the skeletons,” she mused, pausing in front of another one, of a woman on a chair under a rose arbor, a dog on her lap and others lying at her feet. “Who’s this?”

“My great, great, great, great, and a few more greats, I think, grandmother Thirza. She came over on the Mayflower.”

“Oh my God! You are kidding me, right?” Ava blurted, and looked at him wide-eyed. The Mayflower had existed only in the history books for her until this moment.

Chase chuckled. “Nope, she did.”

“Wow, I’m so impressed. My history doesn’t go back as spectacularly. My grandparents immigrated in the 1950s and, like you said, due to the war, many records have been lost. I really don’t know anything about any family I have left in Europe.”

“Really? I’d like to know more about where you came from,” Chase told her, interest in his voice.

“It’s long and complex story in the Second World War, but my grandfather was Polish, forced to fight for the Germans until he escaped, and my grandmother was English. She was evacuated from the south of England to north of London.”

“Now that is a story I would like to hear.” They continued on down the hall and she looked at the other paintings with interest. “How did they meet?” Chase asked her.

“My grandparents? After the war, he went to England and was decommissioned there. They met at a dance.” Ava looked up at him and smiled.

“Now is that a fact. I wonder if he knocked her over?” Chase smiled and Ava giggled, liking the humor in his voice.

“I wonder. He obviously swept her off her feet. They were married sixty years.”

“I like the sound of that.” The look on his face was unreadable. She bet Bonni’s fiancé Quinn would love to play poker with him. But it was super-easy for Ava to speculate about what was going on behind the expression and to conjure up all sorts of things he might be thinking. Like, did he want a love like that? Was he thinking the same thing she was? About how the way her grandparents met and the way they met earlier tonight were eerily similar?

He carried on down the hall, not letting her go, his arm around her waist. Knowing what was coming next, the anticipation built in her until she thought she might burst from it. He stopped in front of one door and opened it.

“You’re welcome to stay in this room. There’s a shower that I think you would enjoy. And a lock on the other side of the door.”

She peered into his eyes and saw honesty shining there. She appreciated his offer and it further cemented her idea about the kind of man he was. She knew it was up to her which way the night ended. And she knew darn well which way she wanted it to go.

“Or?” She said the word so softly that Chase leaned in slightly to hear.

“Or?” Ava could see behind his beard and mustache a slow and very sexy smile that reached his eyes. She couldn’t deny it. It was so sweetly evident to her now. In this short period of time, she was falling for this man.

She nodded and repeated the word. “Or?”

Chase let her hand go and gathered her in his arms. His cradling touch was exciting and powerful and made her want to know what his or would be. She waited.

“I’d love for you to come down the hall. And shower in my room.”

She looped her arms around his neck and it was as if their surroundings faded. She no longer had a sense of place or time. She was floating, floating along on a magical current that he created. In a wonderful world that belonged just to them. And she loved it.

Ava let out a sigh she’d been holding in, her words tumbling out along the way. “Does that shower have room for two?”

The look in his eyes told her what she needed to know and he tightened his arms around her.

This whole evening had been the most romantic, albeit somewhat quirky, evening she’d ever experienced. He was romantic. His house was romantic. The food was romantic—well, for being fish on an open fire. The fireflies. The creek. It was as if the concept of romance had been conjured up especially for them. Ava was beguiled and in such sensory overload she could barely stand it.

“I would love to use your shower.” She stared up at him and pulled her lower lip between her teeth.

Chase seemed to grow in size after she whispered the words, almost like her answer made him swell with happiness, and the smile on his face conveyed so many things. She was unable to resist him and felt her own lips curving happily. The biggest surprise, though, was when he swept her up into his arms.

“Oh! No one’s ever carried me before.” She linked an arm around his neck and rested her head on his shoulder, gazing up at him.

“Then I’m glad I can be the first.” He strode down the hall with sure steps and she felt very much like Scarlett O’Hara being carried up the grand staircase by Rhett Butler. Chase was romancing the heck out of her and she loved every minute of it.

“I’m not too heavy?” Ava asked hesitantly.

He chuckled. “Far from it. Here we are.”

He stopped before the double set of doors and used his foot to nudge the door open, then kicked it shut behind them. He held her for a moment longer before letting her legs drop so she could stand. Part of her wished he just carried her right over to the bed and tossed her on it.

But no matter.

They’d be there together soon enough.