Emancipating Andie

“Oh God,” Andie mumbled again, her face turning crimson as the man took her hand and walked her out into the open space.

Chase turned in his seat, his eyes on her as the man walked her through a few of the basic steps. She followed him, hesitant at first, and despite her admitted lack of expertise, she carried herself with such an elegance and a grace that it looked like she had been dancing for years. Chase could see her smile, see the confidence growing behind it as she picked up the steps, and every now and then, she’d throw her head back and laugh at something the man said.

She had not the slightest idea how charismatic she was. Everyone in the room seemed to be watching her, and Chase couldn’t figure out what he’d ever done in his life to deserve her.

When the man saw Manuel bring their dessert to the table, he kissed both Andie’s hands and sent her off the dance floor, nodding his thank you to Chase, and Chase held up his hand and smiled in return.

“You were great,” he said as she sat across from him, fa

“I don’t know about that, but at least I stayed on my feet.”

They finished their dessert and said good-bye to everyone in the restaurant, and it was blatantly clear to Chase that everyone was as smitten with Andie as he was.

“That was so much fun,” Andie beamed as they walked back out onto the street.

“I knew you’d like it. Oh, and Andie?” he said, opening the car door for her.

“Yeah?”

“I know what El Hueco means. It means The Hole.”

“The Hole?” Andie echoed, her brows raised.

“Yeah. I figured I probably shouldn’t tell you that before we went in.”

“Good call,” she said through her laughter, and he leaned in and kissed her softly on the mouth before he closed the door and walked around to the driver’s side.

“I had so much fun tonight,” she said as he slid into the car. “Thank you.”

“It’s not quite over yet. There’s one more place I want to take you.”

Chase drove through the darkened streets with Andie’s head resting on his shoulder, and this time, as he turned up side roads and off onto a dirt trail, she didn’t question where they were going.

He parked at the end of the trail and took her hand as she exited the car, walking them through the underbrush and up a small hill.

“This might be a little hard to get up,” Chase said, gesturing toward the rock incline that led up to the bridge above.

“I got it,” Andie said. “But stay behind me, just in case.”

Chase watched her roll up the sleeves of her sweater as she dug the toe of her heeled boot into the side of the wall, using her hands to help scale her way up. It was unbelievable how much something as silly as watching her climb turned him on.

“You coming?” she said over her shoulder once she reached the top, and he laughed, shaking his head before he climbed up after her.

“Wow,” she breathed as he came up behind her, taking in the view that was as familiar to him as his own apartment. “Chase…this is…”

“I know,” he said, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind and resting his chin on her shoulder.

The bridge itself was old and forgotten, the road closed off years ago, but from the top of it, you could see for miles. On one side, the lights of the city below twinkled and glittered in different colors like scattered jewels, and on the other, the peaceful, tranquil stretch of wilderness, broken only by a lazy stream meandering throughout.

“Can you tell me how you found this place? Or is that not a first-date story either?” she murmured contentedly.

He chuckled softly. “When I was younger, whenever I felt like getting away from all the bullshit, I used to just drive. Half the time I didn’t even know where I was going. One time I ended up here.”

“It’s beautiful. Like it should be a painting. Or a picture.”

Chase smiled, closing his eyes. “This was the first photograph I ever sold.”

He felt her turn her head toward him. “Really?”

“Mm-hm,” he hummed. “I photographed a whole series of this place, transitioning from day to night. And one day I got the balls to go to a gallery show. It sold within the first half hour. That was the first time I felt like I was good at this, you know? I always loved it, but that was the first time I felt like I was good.”

She slid her hands over his where they rested on her stomach.

“I come up here whenever I need a little inspiration.”

“Were you in need of a little inspiration tonight?” Andie asked, and Chase shook his head.

“Not when I’m with you. Not ever with you.”

Andie smiled, leaning back into him as she closed her eyes.

“One day I’m go

Andie turned her head slightly to look at him. “Aren’t we already up here?”

Chase shook his head. “One day I’m go

Andie groaned softly as her eyes fluttered closed. “Then do it,” she whispered, turning in his arms and wrapping hers around his neck. “Take me.”

Chase nearly broke under that look in her eyes, but he shook his head. “Not now. I would never do that on our first date.”

“Chase,” she whispered. “It’s not really—”

He cut her off with a shake of his head. “No sex tonight, Andie. Just us. Just this,” he said, gesturing between them with his hand. “This is just as important to me.”

She looked up at him, her eyes still filled with lust. “That’s some self-control you got there, McGuire.”

He smiled slowly. “It’s not as infallible as you think,” he said, gently kissing her lips. “That being said, I’m go

Andie stuck her bottom lip out, pouting adorably, and he laughed softly before he leaned in and took it between his lips. “We’ll come back,” he whispered against her mouth. “I promise.”

Chase helped her down the side of the bridge, and they walked back to the car, their hands clasped in comfortable silence. And when they got back to her apartment, he walked her to her door, thanked her for a wonderful evening, and kissed her good night.

“Mmm,” she hummed against his lips. “Your kisses still give me butterflies.”

He smiled, brushing the hair away from her face.

“You’re really not coming in? Just for a few minutes?” she asked, and he laughed softly.

“I’m a man who knows his limits, Andie,” he said, kissing her hand before he turned and walked toward the stairs.

“Chase?” she called just as he reached the top, and he turned his head over his shoulder just in time to see her grin.

“Now it’s my turn to do this right. Clear your schedule for tomorrow night. I’m making you di

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Chase stood in his living room, giving his apartment the once over. He had straightened up as much as possible, especially in the kitchen. Andie assured him that his lack of kitchen supplies and cookware would not be a problem; she’d be bringing over everything she needed, so he at least wanted to provide her with a neat space to work in.

He was just about to wipe down the stove one more time when he heard a knock on his door, and he smiled, turning to open it.