Blurred Lines 1: CHASE
Chapter 45

-Sofia-

"Sofia!" Hillary squealed, her stilettos echoing against the noise in the conference room, flashing at toothpaste commercial worthy smile. She was a sight to behold in her red one-shoulder midi dress.

"Hey." She pulled me in for a tight embrace, patting my back. The strike of her floral perfume made my eyes sting. "How are things?" I asked, gazing over the Montiero Holding's staff working with her colleagues.

It has been two weeks since the interview. And as per The Rio Bulletin, their sales skyrocketed because of Chase's article. So they requested another interview. Chase will be on the cover of next month's magazine, highlighting the Warm Heart Orphanage and Montiero Holdings foundation.

Since Hillary's interview went smoothly, I convinced Chase to do another one. We'd be airing it live on his social media account.

Well, he agreed after we had a quickie in his office.

Since then, Chase and I had been sneaking around, as if we couldn't get enough of each other. We'd been extra careful. He knew what was at stake on my end, and so far, I could see how he was trying to protect me. I think it was part of what makes this thing between us more thrilling. Some sentences are incomplete if you are not reading this novel on FindNovel.net. Visit FindNovel.net to read the complete chapters for free. The danger, the risk coupled with this explosive attraction... I haven't felt anything like this before. It was scary and exciting at the same time.

Hillary glanced around, clasping her hands together. Her brown eyes were dreamy, and I bet I know why. "I can't wait to see Chase again."

Annoyance strikes me to the core. Chase and I might not have a label, but we are content with how things are. I knew I was his as much as he was exclusively mine. 'Mine."

Yes. My first love, the one who got away is finally mine. I hate that I cannot voice that out to the world, but it's too soon, and the timing is off.

"Do you think I could ask him if he's seeing someone?" Hillary gave me a sidelong teasing glance. My brows creased. "That's not on the script," I reminded her.

She nudged my shoulder, pouting. "That would sweeten this interview." She wiggled her brows. "A lot of girls are swooning over your client. How can you work with him, see him every day, and not drop your panties and toss them like a white flag?"

Warmth bloomed in the pit of my belly. If only she knew. I didn't just toss my panties; Chase ripped an entire collection and bought me a new set.

"There's this thing called professional boundaries," I said, face scrunching. Lying left a sour taste in my mouth.

She shook her head. "If I were given a choice, my work or the man of my dreams, I would choose the latter without hesitation. I could always find a new job, but guys like Chase don't come around often."

That caught my attention. I took Hillary's crush on Chase lightly. Seems like there's more to her adoration for him than she's letting on.

She smiled at me, cheeks heating up. "I didn't mean to get emotional, but I've had a thing for him since he made a name in the industry. He had such a huge impact on my life. My dad was one of the lucky people who got medical support from Montiero Holdings." "Oh..." now I'm getting the picture. "How is your dad now?

"He passed away," she said, her face-sole.

"Leukemia.

"I'm sorry," I said. Losing a parent is never easy.

She heayed a breath. "Life is like that. Cherish the people we care about while we still can... oh, he's here!" Like a switch, her bubbly attitude was back, eyes laser focused on the man who entered the premises.

His black sweater stretched across his shoulder and chest, and his light gray jeans hugged those legs that carried our combined weights more than my fingers could count. Like a magnet, his blue eyes met mine. I swallowed hard, everything around me fading into the background. Walking regally, he removed the distance between us.

"Ms. Lopes," he recognized Hillary, "it's nice to see you again."

Hillary smiled cheekily. "You never called," she murmured, batting her long lashes.

I bit back the urge to roll my eyes. Chase's eyes twitched, preventing a smile from stretching his lips. "I've been..." he glanced at me, "occupied."

My cheeks instantly warmed up. My lady parts were enjoying his meaningful glances too much. Rafael walked,two guys trailing behind him, rolling with clothes hung on a rolling rack. "Uhm... excuse me," I said, needing the distraction, almost bumping into Mich. "Hey. I didn't see you."

She glanced up from her phone. "It's a busy day," she sighed. "Andre is inviting us over to his bar. Please come? Ana is blowing up my phone. She misses you." My brows creased, questioning. "She's still rooting for you and Andre. She said to carry you over my shoulder, or I'd sleep out of the bedroom."

I giggled, pausing when Mich didn't. "You can't be serious. "Sadly, I am," she pouted. "Please?"

Chase was still in earshot. I glanced up at him, his face not giving away anything. My only indication that he could hear us was the clenching of his fist. He shoved it in his pocket and continued conversing with Hillary.

"Okay," I sighed. A drink with my friends was long overdue. I just need to explain to Chase why he doesn't have to be jealous of Andre.

"Yeah?" Mich's eyes lit up. "Thank you!"

I hummed, patting her shoulder. Chase's jaw ticked. He turned away from me as the photographer approached them.

Hillary eyed me, fanning her face. I smiled, although it didn't reach my eyes. Chase is very possessive. I don't mind, especially inside the bedroom, but my world cannot revolve around him alone.

"This isn't included in the script," Hillary murmured apologetically, although her eyes said she was anything but.

She glanced at me, and I shook my head in disapproval. internally groaned as she opened her mouth. "Since the article came out, fans have flooded the magazine with questions about your personal life, particularly your dating life."

Spotlight and cameras were directed at Chase as the interview rolled. Chase and Hillary occupied a stool with a round table separating them. The black curtain behind them has The Rio Bulletin, Montiero Holdings, and Warm Heart Orphanage written on it. Chase chuckled, shaking his head as though he'd been expecting Hillary to pop this question. "What do they want to know?"

Hillary's eyes lit up, clearly surprised that Chase entertained the question.

Rafael, standing beside me, nudged my shoulder. I ignored him since Mich was on my other side. He knew something was up with Chase and me. He's been giving me a hard time about it, teasing me whenever he could. I clenched my fist, fighting the urge to walk out of the room.

What we have is not public knowledge. But the thought of Chase denying having a lover clenched my chest.

"There are tons of questions," Hillary giggled, glancing at the camera. "Well, are you seeing someone? Or are you single and ready to mingle?"

Chase looked in our direction, blue eyes colliding with mine. He smirked. That knowing look made my heart -stutter.

'What the hell are you thinking?' I bit my lip.

"Single..." he said, not taking his eyes off me. I was standing behind the cameraman; it seemed as though he was gazing at the camera. The small monitor zoomed in on his face and caught the mischievous glint in his eyes.

My mouth goes dry as he continued "... but not ready to mingle,"

"No?" Hillary pressed, genuinely curious. "Now that you mentioned that, I haven't seen you with anyone in a long while."

Chase glanced back at Hillary. "I could tell you I'm busy with work and all that shit, but that's not me. I'm seeing someone, and she's very particular with her privacy. We're not together yet, but I'm f*****g crazy about her. She just doesn't take me seriously." My mouth hung open. Mich had fallen stiff beside me while Rafael chuckled. "This is going to be fun," he murmured.