Shocked, I wasn’t sure what to say. No one ever buys me anything. “Wow, I don’t know what to say,” I admitted, as I took the bag.
Looking inside, I saw a sleek cell phone. “What is this?” I asked, with uncertainty.
“I hate that you don’t have a phone. You need one for when you are out or if you are here alone and something bad happens. It isn't safe to not have a way to call 911 or get a hold of someone,” Chase finished, as he reached into the bag and pulled the phone out for me. “I programmed my number into it so you can call me whenever you need to,” he finished.
“You didn’t have to do that,” I said.
“Yes, I did. You are important to me and I want to talk to you and send you texts or pictures. You need this,” he said, as he pushed the phone into my hands.
Leaning in, I gently kissed Chase’s cheek. This was so sweet and I wasn’t sure what the appropriate response was, but I wanted him to know how much I appreciated the gift.
Pulling me into him, Chase placed his lips on mine and gave me a kiss that took my breath away. I swear I felt my legs go weak as he held me.
“You are too good to me,” I said, as I hugged him.
“I could never be as good as you deserve,” Chase said, as his eyes drifted away from mine.
I hated that longing look he had that made me see how tortured he really was deep down under the sexy facade. I wanted nothing more than to erase that look and make him smile all the time.
“Don’t say that,” I began. “You are amazing and you don’t give yourself enough credit. If we are going to make this work, then I need for you to understand and to see what I see in you,” I said, as I placed my hands on his face and forced him to look at me.
I needed him to see what I was feeling. I needed him to see the admiration I had for him. I couldn’t understand how anyone could be cruel or unkind to him, he was beautiful and sweet, and caring. I hated anyone who had ever hurt him before in his life and who had been responsible for the walls and hatred he had built for himself. I knew that on top of my dreams and goals, I had to make it my mission to prove to Spencer Chase that he was more than just a fighter. He didn’t need to fight anymore. I would win him over and together we could be champions.
As my words finally sank in, Chase’s eyes seemed to glaze over. He looked at me with wonderment like he didn’t know how to respond. And that was ok. I didn’t need him to say anything. I just needed him to believe that my words were true.
Hooking his arm around my neck, Chase pulled me close. “Let me take you and Avery to school today,” Chase demanded, more than asked.
I knew with him, there was no arguing. “Lead the way,” I said, as I pointed toward the door.
****
“I can get used to this,” Avery said, as she waved to Chase as he sped away from campus.
After he dropped us off in front of the school, Chase had opened my door and given me a heart-stopping kiss before telling me he would be back to pick me up when I got out of class. I had given him my class schedule and he said he would tell Jim he would just have to work around it. I didn’t argue, but accepted the ride and the benefit of getting to spend more time with Spencer Chase.
Avery and I went to our classes and then as promised, were picked up by Spencer when we were done. As Avery’s words rang through my ears, I thought that maybe, just maybe, I could let myself get used to this kind of treatment.
CHAPTER 17
Chase
Watching Lizzie walk to her class gave me a strange feeling of satisfaction and enjoyment. Something about the way her face lit up as she talked about going to class and what this degree could hold for her future, made me want to help her get there.
I had decided that my life was forever changed now that I had Lizzie. She was a ray of sunshine in a world full of darkness. For someone like me who had never experienced light before, I was slowly getting used to this warm feeling of happiness. Even though it was an odd and foreign emotion, I began to crave it anyway.
My next step would be to get her to trust me more. I knew she cared for me and trusted me, but she was still guarded. I guess I am too.
“What are you doing?” Jax asked, as he slapped me on my back.
I had been sitting outside of Jim’s office waiting to talk with him when Jax had approached. I had been so lost in my own thoughts that I hadn’t even seen him coming.
“I am waiting to talk to Jim,” I said, as I continued to sit watching the door to Jim’s office carefully.
“What about?” Jax asked.
I raised my brows at him. Normally, Jax wasn’t so intrusive but since he noticed my infatuation with Lizzie and how my personality had changed, he had been braver with asking me questions.
“Well, I guess it’s none of your damn business but I will tell you anyway,” I began, as I shot him a daring look. “I am going to tell Jim to change my schedule around. I need more time off to spend with Lizzie and I want her schedule to reflect mine so I can make sure she has a ride to and from school every day.”