Bad Boy (An Indecent Proposal) - J.C. Reed Page 0,49

the most recent number I had saved: Kade.

“What are you doing?” Chase asked warily.

“I’m calling your brother.”

He placed his hand on the screen, blocking my view. “Don’t.”

The command came forceful.

I frowned. “Why not? You’re bleeding.” I stared at his split lip and winced. The bit of pressure did nothing to stop the blood flow. “Quite heavily, I might add, and you clearly need medical assistance Besides, I can’t drag you all the way to the hotel all by myself.”

“It’s nothing.” He swatted his hand, as though we were talking about an annoying fly. “It doesn’t even hurt.”

I stared at him, having my doubts. His upper lip, now swollen, looked horrific. His nose didn’t look swollen, but there was blood. I hoped it wasn’t broken. “We should get you a mirror, because in all honesty, it looks like you need stitches.”

“What is it with you women and your tendency to exaggerate? The next thing you’ll be doing is dragging met to a nearby hospital.”

“I was going to suggest that,” I said dryly.

He laughed until he noticed my expression. “This—” He pointed to the split lip “—is nothing. My brother and I fought a lot, so I’m pretty used to a little bit of blood and a bruise or two. Frankly, if we’re being absolutely honest, I let that kid beat me on purpose to get your attention.”

I crossed my arms over my chest and regarded him in mock disbelief. “Yeah, right. That’s what you say.”

“Trust me when I say I could have easily beaten his ass.” He grinned, swollen lip and all, and I couldn’t help but shake my head, marveling at his ego. “The fact that you’re still here makes me think you’re the kind of woman who’s into tough guys. Since you seem more into boxers than lawyers, I could change my profession for you,” Chase said. “For you, I’d do anything.”

“Great,” I muttered. “Now you’re delirious, too. Your head must have been hit.”

He chuckled and fished his phone out of his pocket. “I’m calling the driver to pick us up. We’re having ice cream.”

I stared at him. “You’re kidding, right?”

“I don’t see why we shouldn’t.”

I shook my head. “Chase, you can’t run around like this. Tell your driver to pick you up and take you back to your hotel.” I bit my lip, my thoughts a hailstorm as I watched Chase busy himself with his phone.

“Where are you staying, by the way?” I asked as soon as he had finished the call.

“Why are you asking? Are you thinking of paying me a visit?” His eyebrows rose.

“No, Chase.” Emphasis on ‘no’. “I’m definitely not sleeping with you again, if that’s what you’re thinking about.”

“Who said anything about sex? See, you’re the one with the dirty mind.” He smirked and I rolled my eyes. “You just keep mentioning it. It’s like you can’t think of anything else when you’re around me.”

His ego was unbelievable.

“What?”

“I was thinking of my mouth needing some—” he babbled something undistinguishable, then pointed to his lip. “Sorry, it’s really hard to speak. On a second thought, it really hurts. Maybe you could help a man out here.”

I inched closer and touched his cheek before I realized it was all a pretense so I’d feel sorry for him.

It was working. But it wasn’t that I felt sorry for him. He hadn’t been completely wrong about the tough guys part.

“You’d better not be trying what I think you’re trying right now,” I said. “You’re not exactly sexy with all that blood on your face.” I scowled which only had him laughing out loud. “Just to be clear, the only reason I’d accompany you to your hotel is to make sure you don’t end up jumped on by someone else.”

His laugh bellowed behind me as we left the marketplace and returned back to the street. Waiting for the limousine, I turned to Chase. “Where are you staying? You never told me.”

His lips twitched. “I’m afraid to disclose that bit of information, but only almost.”

“Almost? Why would you…” I broke off mid-sentence and stared at him.

Why the hell was he smiling? And why the hell did his eyes shimmer like he was up to no good?

Slowly, realization kicked in.

No way.

I closed my eyes and gave an exasperated sigh. “Please don’t tell me you’re camped at the same hotel, Chase.”

Because that was exactly the kind of thing I should have expected from Chase.

“I am,” he said with a smug grin. “The place isn’t so bad. However, I do have some concerns.