It's Always Been You

chapter fifteen

Riley

Waking up in Chase's arms this morning was something else. Last night was one of the best nights I've ever had. The feelings I have for this man are so overwhelming. I don't know what we are exactly doing, but I know that I want him.

I told him I forgave him last night for leaving two years ago. After he left university and he felt like he couldn't be honest about his feelings for me, the best thing he thought he could do was put some distance between us, I get that now.

I want us to be able to find happiness again, and if that is us starting over, then I'm more than ok with that.

Sat in Chase's large kitchen after making myself a coffee, I gaze around. This place is beautiful, from the marble island I'm sat at, to the expensive coffee machine that just made my coffee, to the huge windows in the living area, showcasing the incredible view of the city. I wish I could afford a place like this.

After finishing this currrent project, I'm hoping it will take me somewhere so I can make a name for myself and one day, I will live in a place like this.

A noise coming from the hallway startles me, as I look up I'm met with the most handsome man walking sleepily towards me. His joggers hanging dangerously low around his hips, as he pulls a white tee over his head covering up is incredibly toned body and he pushes his hair back with his fingers.

"Hey, you been up long?" Chase places a quick kiss on my head before he saunters over to the coffee machine and pulls out a mug from the cupboard above.

"About half an hour."

"Everything ok?" He asks while raising his brow to me, turning to face me.

"Yeah. I hope it's ok I made a coffee?"

"Of course."

"And I borrowed a shirt I found in your room." I say, looking down at the crinkled white shirt I picked up this morning as I crawled out of bed.

"I see that." He nods at me smiling.

I take a sip of my coffee while my eyes stay trained on him. He casually runs his fingers through his hair again while he looks like he's about to say something, but then decides against it.

Once his coffee is ready, he comes to the island standing opposite me. I feel myself grow nervous how exposed I am right now. I'm wearing nothing but his shirt, my hair is flat from it getting wet last night and my face now make up free.

"You sure you're ok?" Chase's words make me glance up.

"Yeah, I-"

"I thought you left." He cuts me off. My brows furrow at his words. Why would he think that?

"I thought maybe you regretted being with me last night and-"

"No, not at all." I shake my head.

"Really? Because if we moved too fast, if you don't know how you feel-"

"Chase."

I stand, sliding myself around the island and invading his personal space by basically crushing him into a hug. My arms wrap around his torso tightly while I stare up at him, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. His arms capture me, wrapping around my shoulders as his eyes flick between mine.

"I really enjoyed last night. Every part of it." I tell him honestly.

"Good. Me too."

His head leans down into me, pecking my lips with a gentle kiss before he pulls away smiling, his dimples on show.