Beautiful Music by Lisa DeVore Read Free Book Online Page B

was vulnerable and scared. He would have to be cautious, but he had to let her know what she meant to him and what his intentions were without scaring her off. No small feat. She couldn’t stand being in the same room with him and that was before she knew they had joint custody. He was the enemy.
    Chase knew, with the insults she threw at him, she had preconceived ideas about anyone involved in a band. To her, he was a traveling musician with no income and even less stability. He was even less sure how to proceed on this subject. What would she think if she knew the truth?
    He turned down her road and his pulse quickened. As he shut down the motor he glanced over to the single red rose that signified I love you. “Calm down,” he said aloud. “It’s not your first dinner with a woman,” he tried to convince the dashboard. Who was he kidding? This wasn’t any woman. She was the woman he loved for a decade. He grabbed the rose and made his way to the front door.

Chapter Nine
    Jena peered out her bedroom window. Her mind wandered, replaying the prank calls in her head. She trembled once again as she remembered the caller’s words. Who was she getting dressed up for? How could the caller possibly know that unless he was watching? Even though the caller whispered she could tell he was male. If she told Chase he would overreact and they would be dining at the police station. No, she needed to quit being so jumpy. It was most likely a teenage prank. All thoughts left her when she spotted Chase walking up the sidewalk. She placed a hand to her throat. “Whew…he looks so…wow,” she whispered to herself. How could she pretend this was just dinner when her stomach was hosting not butterflies, but fighter jets? This wasn’t a good idea. Maybe she could feign the flu.
    “Aunt Jen! Aunt Jen!” Andrea burst in the door out of breath. “Uncle Chase is here for your date.”
    Why did everyone insist on calling this a date? “I’ll be right down,” Jena said forcing a smile.
    Andrea retreated downstairs and Jena dropped on her bed burying her head in her hands. Why had she agreed to this? Andrea’s voice floated up the stairs and Jena groaned as she heard, “She looks like a movie star, Uncle Chase. Wait ’til you see her!”
    Although the prospect appealed to her, she couldn’t hide up here forever. Lifting herself up, smoothing her dress, and taking one last look in the mirror, Jena moved with determination to the top of the steps. As she glanced down she saw Chase talking with Andrea. His eyes met hers and his smile melted her fears.
    “Andrea, I think you’re right. She does look like a movie star.”
    Her niece had a smug smile on her face. “I told you so. I picked out her jewelry.”
    “Andy, you did an amazing job.” He narrowed his eyes, his expression serious. “I think we need to hire you out as a fashion consultant.”
    Willing her voice steady Jena descended the stairs. “You look very nice, Chase.” Oh boy, besides being the understatement of the year she was mortified by how stupid she sounded.
    “And you…take my breath away,” Chase whispered.
    Jena bit her lower lip. She cast a quick glance to the floor, sheepishly avoiding his eyes. Those deep, dark eyes had always taken any coherent thought from her brain. Tonight, she could tell, would be no different.
    “Chase! Aren’t you looking the handsome devil?” Mrs. R replied coming from the kitchen flinging a dishtowel over her shoulder.
    “Mrs. R., you’re looking lovely this evening.” Chase planted a kiss on her cheek.
    “Oh, you flatter an old woman with your lies, and shamefully I allow it. You take Jena out and show her a good time, will ya? She could use it…much too uptight.”
    So much for Mrs. R. saving her from an awkward moment.
    “I plan on it,” he said glancing at Jena with a challenging look.
    “That’s a pretty flower you have there. What do you plan on doing with that?” Mrs. R. laughed.
    Chase glanced down at the