Chapter 24 Sealed with a Kiss
Andrea hadn’t meant to eavesdrop, but when she’d walked past Case’s slightly ajar door and heard him on the phone, she’d known he had to be talking to Sarah. It was obvious by the tone of his voice. He sounded frustrated, and Andrea couldn’t imagine anyone else would make him as frustrated as his horrible ex-girlfriend.
At first, she hadn’t planned to let him know she’d been listening, but when she heard him mention the movie, she couldn’t help it. Sarah was a witch, and she needed to be stopped!
Either that, or she needed to be given a taste of her own medicine.
If it made Sarah so mad to see Case was with Andrea, why not go ahead and let this little story circulate? It would give Andrea and Case a chance to find out if they could be more than friends while giving Sarah the opportunity to marinate in her own anger.
Even when Sarah was treating Andrea awful, she’d never retaliated beyond just saying she felt sorry that Sarah was so busy worrying about other people. She’d never done anything rude or even said anything ugly about her in the press or on social media. Now, she’d had enough. If she could get back at Sarah and drive her crazy while spending more time with Case, why not?
“Can I come in?” she asked, waiting for him to look up.
Case nodded. “Sorry about that.”
“I’m sorry I was listening.” Andrea walked over and sat next to him on the bed. “I didn’t mean to.”
“It’s okay. Obviously, we were talking about you.” He rolled his eyes and let out a sigh. “I wish she didn’t care so much about other people.”
“She’s an awful person.” Andrea assumed that’s what Sarah had just been saying about her, but when Case nodded, she knew she’d made some progress. “Listen, I was going to suggest that we just tell everyone the truth, that you gave me a ride here because my grandfather is sick. But now... I’m not so sure we have to rush to do that.”
He turned toward her, his knee bumping hers. “What do you mean?”
“I mean... my parents love you. My grandpa adores you. I’m... growing more fond of you by the minute.” His cheeks reddened and he looked away, which made her smile. He was so cute when he was embarrassed. “What do you say we play this out? See how it goes? You stay here for Christmas and give my mom the gift she’s been begging for, and I’ll go home with you for New Years. If the media wants to stalk us, so be it. I’m sure Sarah will come unglued, but it’s not like she can actually do anything to hurt us, right?”
Case’s eyebrows raised. “I wouldn’t bank on that. I’m sure she can find a way if she wants to. But... if you want me to stay for reasons other than making Sarah’s life a living hell, I’m all for it. I like you, Andrea. You’re just as wonderful in person as I always thought you were from seeing you in your movies and in the news. My sister would be so happy if you came home for Christmas.”
“Then, it’s settled. We’ll continue to get to know each other, and if it also aggravates the crap out of Sarah Lockton, then so be it.”
Snickering, Case said, “There’s something you should know, though. My mom is still a big fan of Sarah’s. I’m sure she’ll be nice to you, but I don’t think she’ll be nearly as nice and welcoming as your mom has been for me.”
Andrea didn’t like the sound of it, but she wasn’t about to let that dampen her plans. “Well, then, I’ll stay in a hotel if I have to.” Confident that she would find a way to win Case’s mom over, Andrea tried to imagine how angry Sarah must be right now. Her pretty face was probably all red and blotchy. The idea brought a smile to her face.
Leaning closer to her ear, Case asked, “So... you’re not just asking me to stay because of Sarah, are you? I mean... what almost happened on the couch last night, I didn’t imagine that, did I?”
That intoxicating scent that was so uniquely him filled her lungs as Andrea looked into his dazzling green eyes. “No, that was definitely real,” she assured him, unable to stop her lips from drifting closer to his. The fact that they were sitting on a bed was dangerous. But... one little kiss wouldn’t hurt, would it? Case was a gentleman, and she fully trusted him not to move too fast.
His thoughts must’ve been the same as hers as he closed the space between them. His warm lips brushed against hers as his hand tangled in her hair and pulled her even closer. He tasted of peppermint and felt like heaven. Andrea knew already she’d made the right decision in asking him to stay, regardless of what Sarah’s reaction might be. Case Meyer was all man, and at the moment, he was all hers.
Case released her, leaving Andrea wanting more. She opened her eyes as he gently stroked her cheek with his thumb. “Let’s do this,” he said. Andrea smiled. She was all in.
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