My Saving Grace

Chapter 27

Would wonders never cease?

As I approached the freeway exit for LAX, my mind kept replaying the monumental reunion I'd had with Chase Lincoln. The fact that it'd taken place at a mere coffee shop had stripped us both down to the people we used to be seven years ago. I'd felt like I was still a freshman in college, and the Chase I'd talked to certainly hadn't felt like Mr. Hollywood.

He was the same down-to-earth, honest man I'd met.

As opposed to the past couple of years, which had left me pondering his wordless disappearance, I now had a sense of closure. He was successful, happy, and even had a girlfriend. The last thought brought a smile to my face.

Chase Lincoln and Sophia Grace Weston- two lost souls who sought each other out in an abandoned restaurant- had both managed to find a love of their own. 

I already couldn't wait to see him again. There was so much I wanted to ask and know about his new life. With my wedding to Antonio in July, no doubt things would start to change, but it felt reassuring to know that some wouldn't- my relationship with my family, and hopefully, my renewed friendship with Chase.

Upon reaching One World Way, I followed the signs for Terminal 3, where Antonio would be arriving. A quick glance at the clock revealed that I was twenty minutes late, but hopefully he hadn't had to wait too long. I missed my man, especially earlier today when I'd felt his absence weighing on me during the cake tasting. On the bright side, he would probably approve with my choice, since we had very similar tastes.

Just as I expected, he was standing at the curb when I began to drive up, looking handsome as ever in a black polo and dark blue jeans. He took his sunglasses off as I rolled the passenger window down all the way, and the instant our eyes made contact, he gave me a dazzling smile, leaving my heart racing.

"Get in the car, Professor."

"So demanding." He smirked, throwing his travel bag in the backseat before joining me at the front.

"I missed you," I murmured as we both leaned in for a brief, but nevertheless blissful, kiss.

"Was it me you missed? Or my di-"

"Okay, we're not going there."

He threw his hands up in surrender, pretending to look all innocent.

"You didn't even let me finish."

"You are such a dirty professor," I said with mock admonishment, turning on my blinker to pull away from the curb.

He chuckled, his eyes gleaming with amusement as he took my hand in his, resting it on his thigh.

"I was gonna say "dill pickle," but if you wanna think dirty, be my guest." He shrugged nonchalantly.

I blew a raspberry, biting back a laugh.

"Dill pickle? God, you're really not helping here."

He snickered.

"In case you're wondering, I missed you too, mia bella. Especially your pus-"

"So...," I spoke loudly, cutting him off. Less than five minutes in the car with my fiancé, and already, my face was burning up.