Under a Georgia Moon: Georgia Moon Romance Book 1 (31 page)

A soft moan coming from Addie drew his attention away. He quickly knelt by her side, the moist grass cool against his knees. Taking her hand he leaned close. “Addie?”

Her eyes popped open, a wild look in them. She gasped, attempting to sit up. Chase kept her down. “It’s okay, baby. You’re okay.”

“Where…But…I…” She licked her lips and took a steadying breath. “Ernie?” she finally said, giving up on anything more complex.

“Out like a light.”

“You hit him?”

One side of his mouth lifted. “In a round-about way.”

Her forehead puckered. “The grass is wet.”

He helped her sit up and she threw her arms around his neck, knocking his glasses askew. “You saved me.”

Holding her close, he drew in a deep breath of relief and smiled. She couldn’t seem to form more than a three or four-word sentence. “Actually, you passed out.” He buried his face in her hair. “Ernie wasn’t expecting that.” Neither had he. He would never forget how he felt as he watched her slump to the ground.

Behind him, Ernie groaned. Chase stood and Addie huddled behind him. “Addie, go into the house and call the police.”

She pulled her phone from her pocket and held it out. “I’m not leaving your side again.”

This time he agreed. Seeing her held captive by that man—not knowing what would happen to her—had been a wakeup call. In that moment Chase realized how much she really meant to him. How much he loved her.

He took the phone and dialed 9-1-1 and then reached behind him to find her hand. He held on, determined to never let her go.

The police arrived just as Ernie came around. Chase kept his hands to his side in an effort to keep from shutting up the guy with his fists. He wasn’t typically a violent person, but when it involved the woman he loved, Chase found out he wasn’t opposed to hitting someone in order to protect her. He glared at Ernie and admired the patience of the cop arresting him. The officer was more in control than Chase was.

“This ain’t right, y’all. I didn’t mean to hurt no one,” Ernie said for the hundredth time as the officer hauled him away. “I’m telling ya…they startled me.”

Gage, the paramedic attending Addie, snorted and rolled his eyes. “That boy’s two bricks shy of a full load.”

“I think it’s more than two bricks,” Chase said, shaking his head in disbelief. Apparently Ernie didn’t see anything wrong with trespassing on private property. Or holding a girl in a chokehold.

Chase crouched down by Addie and took her hand. “You okay?”

She squeezed his fingers and nodded. “Yes. Much better now that I don’t have to listen to that sorry excuse for a man complain anymore.”

Gage chuckled. “For someone who isn’t from the south, you sure got spunk.”

“Hey,” she said. “I’ve got southern blood running through my veins.”

Both Chase and the paramedic laughed at her poor attempt at a southern accent. Addie was tough, and had been joking around with the police and the ambulance crew, but Chase could hear how shaky her voice was whenever she talked.

She narrowed her eyes. “What? I do. Not everyone loves pulled pork and coconut cream pie, ya know.”

“Speaking of the pie,” Chase said in a low whisper. “You still have a couple of slices, right?”

Her hand trembled slightly as she held up three fingers. “One for each of us if we’re quiet about it.”

Gage removed the blood pressure cuff. “Y’all knock yourself out.” He patted his rounding stomach. “The wife’s got me on a diet.”

Addie grinned. “I have dibs on the third piece then.”

“Hey,” Chase said wryly. “Let’s not forget who came over to rescue you.”

“True.” She batted her eyelashes playfully. “Even if I was held captive, you still deserve the third piece.”

Gage laughed and picked up his chart to write on it. “I think the girl wins.”

Chase leaned in and kissed her on the mouth. Then said, “Nah. I’m definitely the winner here.”

* * *

Staring at the phone, Chase couldn’t decide if he felt excited or panicked. Nashborough wanted him to fly in for an interview tomorrow. In one way it couldn’t have come at a better time. Whit Barclay decided to stay in South Carolina a few more days, so Chase wouldn’t have to worry about him. As for Hayden, for once it appeared she’d kept her word. He knew she did it to protect herself, but this time around her selfishness actually benefitted him.

In matters of the heart, the timing was terrible. Addie only had a few more days in Georgia before she flew home. He still hadn’t talked to her about the potential job and move to Tennessee.

His eyes scanned the rest of the email. He’d be flying on a private jet owned by Nashborough, and had the option of staying the night in a hotel, or returning that same evening by the same plane. Either way, the company needed his reply by the end of the day.

Placing the phone on his desk, Chase stood up and walked over to look out his office window. If he’d gotten the offer last week, he wouldn’t be having this dilemma about what to do. He’d prayed so fervently about working for this company. He believed if he got an interview, and then subsequently offered the job it was an answer to his prayers.

Now, he wasn’t sure what to believe.

Last night, when Addie fainted, Chase knew he was in love with her, and wanted to marry her. No fear. No second guessing. His doubts returned this morning the minute he read the email.

He groaned, and ran his hand through his hair. “Please, God. Tell me what to do.” He waited for a few heartbeats, praying for divine guidance. Closing his eyes, he prayed more sincerely about what to do.

The only impression he had was to talk with Addie. He grabbed his phone, and sent her a quick text, telling her he missed her, and asked if it was okay if he came by right now. While he waited for her answer, he exited his office and strode purposefully to Shanna’s desk.

“What’s up?” she asked.

He wished he could share the exciting news about the interview with her, but decided it would be better to wait until he and Addie talked.

“I’ve had some things come up that need my attention so I’m taking the rest of the day off.”

She lifted a brow. “Anything I can help with?”

“No, but thank you for asking.” He started to walk away, but paused. “If anyone calls and needs to speak to me, just text me and I’ll take care of it.”

She opened her mouth, then closed it, simply nodding her head. Chase waved and hurried out to his truck.

Addie replied just as he started the engine.

Sure it’s okay. Just looking through my picture files for the contest. I’ve narrowed it down to three photos. Maybe you can help me decide?

I’ll do my best. Be there in a few.

Chase shifted the truck into gear and started for the Caldwell’s house. How ironic that he needed Addie’s help making a decision that affected his career, and she wanted the same thing from him.

Chapter Twenty Five

Aunt
Janie hadn’t left Addie’s side all morning long. Still in shock about what happened the night before, she hovered around Addie like one of Chase’s groupies.

“Chase is coming over,” Addie said, unable to hide her delight. “You should go meet your quilting ladies for lunch. I’ll be fine.”

“What if he can’t stay very long? I don’t want you here by yourself.”

“He’s going to help me decide which picture to send in to the contest. After, we’ll warm up some of your Brunswick stew you pulled out of the freezer this morning.” Addie grinned mischievously. “He said his boss is still out of town, so I’m sure I can persuade him to skip the rest of the day.”

Aunt Janie smiled, but the worry remained in her eyes. “You two seem to be getting along quite well. Have you talked about anything serious yet?”

Addie’s stomach tightened. Her sister had asked her the same thing this morning when she told her all about her close encounter with Ernie. Chellie recounted the past week, and Addie realized she and Chase had spent almost every day together since he’d picked her up.

“No, we haven’t. We’ve only known each other eleven days.”

“But you’ve been with each other ten out of those eleven days, and that’s only because Chase had to go out of town.”

True.

“We’re taking things one day at a time. Besides, long-distance relationships are a lot easier these days with all the technology.”

While her aunt considered this, Addie stood up and gave her a hug. “Don’t worry about it, okay?”

“Okay, sugar.” Aunt Janie squeezed her hard before releasing her and standing up. “I promise not to be so nosey.”

Addie laughed. Her aunt would always be nosey. “Now go have fun with your friends, and I’m going to run upstairs and change into something cute.”

“It’s too bad that pink tee is ruined by grass stains. It hugged your figure perfectly.”

Another laugh bubbled out of Addie. “You and Daddy couldn’t be more opposite. He liked my shirts to do anything but hug my figure.”

“That’s because he’s your father. You don’t have any clothing that’s indecent, and I wouldn’t let you out of the house if I thought you looked like a loose woman.”

“Thank you. I appreciate that.”

Grabbing her purse, her aunt waved goodbye. “If Chase can’t stay, just text me and I’ll come home directly.”

“Okay.” Addie had no intention of ruining her aunt’s luncheon. “Have fun.”

As she climbed the stairs to her room, Addie thought about how loved she felt by her aunt. Because of that love, Addie realized that if she ended up living in Georgia it wouldn’t be completely horrible. She’d have Aunt Janie.

Of course she still worried about her dad.

Chellie assured her everything was fine, and that he’d come out to her house a few times. He rarely left home, unless Addie drove him somewhere, so she’d been surprised by that news. More than once, Chellie told Addie to stop coddling their dad. Maybe she was right.

After changing into a pair of denim capris and a teal colored tee, she brushed her teeth. Chase pulled in just as she peeked out the window.

Warmth spread through her entire body just watching Chase approach the door. At some point they needed to talk about their relationship, but right now she just wanted to kiss him.

She opened the door before he could knock, and threw herself into his arms. He smelled so good. He tasted good too.

“Did I do anything special to deserve such an incredible hello?” he asked when their lips finally parted.

“I’m just happy to see you.” She tugged on his hand and led him toward the kitchen. “I thought I’d have to wait until this evening.”

“Where’s your aunt? From what you said a couple of hours ago I didn’t think she’d let you out of her sight.”

“She wouldn’t have if you hadn’t come over.” Addie directed him onto one of the bar stools. “Are you hungry? I’ve got Brunswick stew we can warm up.”

Chase didn’t answer right away. In fact, he kind of looked a little pale. “I’m not that hungry right now.”

Addie expected him to be playful and maybe try kissing her again. She hoped he wasn’t getting sick. “Are you okay?”

Again, he waited a few seconds before answering. “Yeah, but I have to talk to you about something.”

A cold feeling of dread snaked through her. Brandon had said those exact words to her when he broke off their engagement. “Okay.” She slid onto the bar stool next to him. “I’m listening.”

He drew in a small breath. “I have a job interview tomorrow.”

She smiled in relief. “That’s awesome. Now you won’t have to work for Hayden’s father anymore.”

“The interview is in Nashville.”

Confused, she sought clarification. “Is this for your music?”

“In a roundabout way.” He swallowed hard, making his Adam’s apple bob. “I’d be doing the same thing I do at Barclay, only the clientele at Nashborough are mainly those in the music industry.

It sounded like the perfect set up, except for one problem. That cold feeling enclosed around her as she drew the fateful conclusion.

“You’d move to Nashville if you got the job, right?”

He nodded. “Yes.”

Addie might be able to reconcile living in Georgia, but Tennessee? Assuming the two of them did end up together, that is.

“Wow.” She licked her lips, unable to say anything else at the moment.

Her brain whirled with the information. Naturally, she figured if he got picked up by a record label there was a good chance he’d spend a lot of time in Nashville. She just didn’t think he’d have to live there.

Had that been wishful thinking? Of course it had. Somewhere in her subconscious it allowed her to justify falling in love with him.

“Well, congratulations.” Her voice wobbled, and she popped out of her seat before she did something stupid like start crying.

“Addie, I’m sorry.” She heard him scoot the barstool away and walk toward her.

She blinked rapidly, and kept her back to him.
Do not cry. Do not cry
. “There’s nothing to be sorry about. This is a fantastic opportunity for you.”

Ha! She’d gotten out an entire sentence without losing it. She moved to the fridge to get the stew out.

Then he touched her. Stupid chemistry. One touch and she was ready to follow him anywhere, including Tennessee.

“Addie.” He gently turned her around to face him. “I’m not sure what I’m gonna do. I never planned on falling in love with you.”

Those words nearly stopped her heart. He was in love with her. She pressed her back up against the refrigerator, grateful to have something to keep her upright.

“You love me?”

“Yeah, does that scare you?”

Not as much as it should
.

“A little.” She managed to give him a tremulous smile. “But I think I love you too.”

He grinned. “You only think?” He placed both his hands against the fridge, trapping her in place.

“Um…”

She couldn’t utter anything else as Chase took his time lowering his head until their mouths touched. The kiss was achingly slow and tender, making it feel as if the floor disappeared from beneath her, and she floated on air.

Too soon, he pulled away and gazed into her eyes with a passion that appeared to be able to start a fire. “Change your mind?”