Now

Chloe and Lisa emerged from Baroque, Lester Harbor's top-tier hair salon, their Saturday routine unfolding with familiar comfort. Lisa's balayage hair shimmered under the sun—a significant upgrade from her experimental college dyes.

"You're kidding, right? After seven years, how did it feel to see Damian?" Lisa's voice, laden with concern, broke into Chloe's daydreaming as they strolled down the vibrant street.

Chloe hesitated, tucking a lock of her freshly conditioned hair behind one ear. "I had mixed feelings, honestly. It was hard. But I needed to tell him about the baby we lost," she confessed, a poignant truth she had kept locked away.

Lisa's eyebrows drew together in a frown. "And after all that, do you still love him?"

A sigh escaped Chloe's lips. "I'll always love him, but I've done my best to let go. Therapy helped me face those demons. I'm really okay now."

Lisa nodded, her expression softening. "You're strong, girl. Don't let anyone shake that. I still can't believe Damian played a part in your job loss, though I don't think it was his intention."

They reached Lisa's car, its sleek form a testament to her success as a tech company marketing director. Chloe shrugged off the concern with practiced ease. "I'm not worried. I've sent out my CV, even got a job interview next week. But let's talk about you—how have you been?"

Lisa's face brightened, shining with bliss. "Theo proposed last night!" she exclaimed as she grasped Chloe's hand, her new engagement ring catching the light. The central diamond, set in a slim platinum band, was a brilliant-cut gem surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds.

"No way! That's amazing, and I love your ring. It's so beautiful," Chloe gushed, her troubles eclipsed by her friend's happiness.

"It is, isn't it?" Lisa boasted, her happiness radiant.

Chloe pulled her best friend into a warm embrace. "You deserve all this happiness, Lisa."

"Will you be my maid of honor?"

"Of course, I'd love to!" Chloe beamed. But her joy was shadowed when Lisa continued, "There's just one thing. Damian will be there. He's one of Theo's groomsmen."

Chloe's heart stuttered, not with delight but dread. "What? Are you serious?"

"He's been Theo's friend for years."

Taking a deep breath, Chloe masked her initial panic with a smile. "You know what? I can handle it. It's your day, and it's going to be perfect."

Lisa grinned, her earlier excitement returning. "And hey, you can bring Chase as your date. He's really into you, and he's super cute."

The idea took hold in Chloe, stirring a quiet thrill at the prospect of venturing anew. Chase was a great guy, and maybe it was time to explore something different.

"That's not a bad idea," she mused, allowing herself a moment to imagine a future where shadows gave way to light.

"Hey, aren't you meeting up with Chase tomorrow?" Lisa asked.

"Mm-hmm." Chloe's eyes lit up. "We're planning a hike in the woods."

***

Shadow Creek National Forest was a secluded place, its air thick with the musk of damp earth and resinous pine. Sunlight slipped through the leafy woods, splattering the ground with patterns of light and shadow. Chloe's heart thrummed as she walked beside Chase, his enigmatic presence drawing her in like the gravitational pull of a dark star.

They navigated the forest trail, each step softened by their sturdy hiking boots. Chloe's hair was pulled back into a practical ponytail, a few strands fluttering free with the breeze, and her face bore only a hint of makeup, highlighting her natural ease in the wilderness.

Beside her, Chase carried a backpack, bulging with provisions, his stride confident and athletic. His T-shirt clung lightly to his muscular frame, and his dark-brown hair curled just above the collar, a subtle nod to his Italian heritage from his mother's side of the family tree.

Chase's husky voice sliced through the quiet like a knife. "Did I tell you about last month's fiasco at my uncle's birthday party?"

"No, what happened?" Chloe stopped in her tracks, turning to face him.

A smirk played on his lips. "Your ex-boyfriend, Damian, turned up with Gemma Rochefort—the lawyer's daughter."

"Who is this lawyer you're referring to?" Chloe felt a stir of curiosity and dread as she remembered Damian's mention of Gemma, the woman tied to his secrets.

"Gemma's dad, Grant. He's Saira's lawyer. Your ex has his mother's temper—he gets volatile. It's a relief you're out of that mess. All he and Gemma did was argue at the party until she lobbed a shoe at him. He left her at the bar and disappeared," Chase recounted, scoffing.

"Damian's not my concern anymore." Chloe shrugged and stepped forward, eager to put the conversation—and her past—behind her.

They found a clearing where the forest seemed to hold its breath, watching them in silent anticipation. Chase unscrewed a thermos, and the scent of rich, dark coffee lingered in the air. He handed her a cup, their fingers brushing.

"Hey, can I ask you something? Will you be my date at Lisa's wedding?" she asked, her voice a mix of boldness and vulnerability.

He grinned, his eyes twinkling with a mix of mischief and promise. " With pleasure. When is it?"

"They haven't set a date yet, but she said it will be sooner than we'd expect."

"Are they gunning for a last-minute wedding?" Chase chuckled.

"With Lisa and Theo, anything's possible. They thrive on spontaneity."

"I'm glad you asked me to join you," he murmured, his rough thumb grazing her jaw sensually. "You look exotic, and I can't stop looking at you. You're an attractive woman."

Her pulse quickened under his touch, her breath catching as she lifted her eyes to meet his—dark and fathomless. "You're a beautiful man," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the rustle of leaves.

He leaned closer, his eyes hooded with desire. "I'm not after anything serious, but if you're willing to dance with the fire of something casual..."

Chloe's body leaned into the magnetic field of his allure. "Friends with benefits?"

"Are we good?" Chase's eyes searched hers.

She gave a slight nod. "Yes, I'm good."

"Hmm," he murmured, closing in with a heated gaze that pinned Chloe to the spot. He whispered huskily, "Is this okay?"

"More than okay," Chloe breathed, her voice a velvet invitation.

Chase didn't hesitate, capturing her lips in a fiery kiss that surged with intensity. His hands tangled in her hair, pulled her closer as her fingers gripped his shirt, clinging to him as if to steady herself in the whirlwind of sensation.

"You're so fucking tasty," he growled in between short breaths.

Chloe felt a rush of emotions, tangled and raw. "Chase," she started, her voice trembling with the magnitude of her feelings.

He placed a finger over her lips, his eyes devoted to her. "Shh, no need for words. I'm here, now, with you. That's what matters."

Their mouths met again, exploring the new terrain of each other's desires. His lips blazed down her neck, igniting trails of fire with every touch. She responded with equal fervor, her hands tracing the contours of his muscles beneath his shirt.

Yet, as Chase's hands unbuttoned her blouse, a flash of Damian's intense stare intruded on her thoughts—a sharp pang of longing for a type of love as dangerous as it was deep.

Chloe's mind began to drift while Chase massaged her breasts in their torrid embrace. His passion was wildfire, but she had known a darker, more profound love—a love that seared her soul, leaving an indelible mark. Even amid Chase's feverish touch, Chloe remembered being engulfed by a love more consuming.

Damian.

Chase paused, sensing her withdrawal. "If you're not okay with this—"

"Just caught in a moment," Chloe replied, backing away.

Chase nodded, straightening his shirt as he watched Chloe button hers. "No matter what happens, we're friends. I care about you."

"I care about you too," she responded. But caring wasn't the same as being in love.

***

Chloe's phone buzzed that evening. Its screen lit up with Damian's name—a reminder of a chapter she thought she'd closed. She let it ring, eyes locked on the screen until it fell silent. A message notification popped up moments later. Ignoring the urge to read it, she shoved the phone aside, focusing on reading a mystery novel.

The phone rang again. Sighing, Chloe snatched it, her thumb hovering over the decline button before pressing 'answer' instead. "What do you want, Damian?"

"I know you could just block me," he started, his voice heavy with urgency, "but I heard about the wedding. I will be there, and we need to clear the air."

She paused, weighing her words. "You're making this difficult."

"Just hear me out," he pleaded. "Give me a chance to explain. Let me tell my side of the story."

Chloe rubbed her temples, the knot of unresolved feelings tightening. "Fine. When and where?"

"Next Saturday night. Six-thirty. I'll pick you up."

"All right," she said, giving him her address before hanging up.

She set the phone to her side, feeling a turbulence of emotions as she glanced out the window. The moon hung full and bright in the sky, casting a soft, silvery glow. She wondered, staring at the luminous orb, if meeting Damian could mend old wounds—or if it would be a big mistake.

She had already lost so much. What was left to lose?

***

A/N: Are you on Team Chase or Team Damian? Or both? We can never be too greedy... 😉