Beautiful Music by Lisa DeVore

would give her the time she needed to make sense of everything that was changing in her life.
    Chase turned on the radio for the ride home. He was quiet and she didn’t question the silence. She had time to think and guessed that was his intention. He wanted her to replay the evening in her mind. He was getting his wish. That’s all she could think about—the dance, the walk on the beach, his lips on hers…as Chase pulled into the driveway Jena faked a yawn.
    “You’re killing my ego,” he joked.
    “Sorry. Take the droopy eyes as a compliment. The fresh air did me good.” She was intent on avoiding another romantic moment.
    He moved toward her, his arm lying across the seat behind her. There was no escape and her heart thudded rapidly in her chest.
    “Think about what I said.” His lips brushed softly against her cheek.
    “I will,” she said barely above a whisper.
    “Promise?”
    “I promise.” Her eyes kept wandering to his lips.
    He stirred something in her she barely remembered existed. The yearning in the pit of her stomach confirmed she wanted more than possibilities. Jena could no longer resist the urge. She gently ran her index finger across his lower lip. She focused on the sensation. She swallowed hard, shocked by her need, even more shocked by her willingness to satisfy that need. Pulling his face gently to hers, she brushed her lips across his. She heard him groan, but he barely moved. The kiss was soft, gentle, and somewhat reserved. Jena didn’t unleash the passion she was battling. She was frightened of where it might lead. As their lips slowly separated Chase rested his forehead against Jena’s. She closed her eyes and sighed.
    “I should go in,” she reasoned.
    “I’ll walk you to the door,” Chase responded in a low voice.
    Jena waited as he came around and opened the door. They paused for a moment as he helped her down. His hand cradled her head as his mouth covered hers in a sweet possession Jena hadn’t experienced since the last time he kissed her, all those years ago. This was different somehow. She responded as he knocked the wall down she had built to protect herself.
    She stepped away from him and said awkwardly, “Thank you for dinner.”
    “You’re welcome.”
    Why did everything he say make her blood boil with urgency? Go inside now…alone.
    Chase accompanied her to the door, grasping her hands in his. They were silent like two teenagers under the porch light. A thought amused her. She wanted to grab him by the arm and drag him up to her room. A nervous giggle escaped as she enjoyed the mental picture.
    “What? Care to share the joke?”
    “Not this one, well, not tonight anyway,” she conceded with some embarrassment. Jena fumbled through her purse for her key and opened the door. “Goodnight, Chase.”
    “Goodnight, Beautiful. Sweet dreams.”
    Jena quickly shut the door and leaned against it for support. A smile crossed her face. Her knees were weak and her blood was rushing through her veins. To her amazement she was happy. How long had it been since she had experienced anything close to happiness? Longer than she realized. She exhaled and made her way up the stairs.
    By the time she entered her room the smile had faded and her mind was full of doubts and regrets. What was she thinking? How could she be so stupid? She couldn’t do this. A rock star and a lawyer didn’t mix. They were from two different worlds. He traveled the world and she barely left her office. She was asking for trouble. They had absolutely nothing in common besides their niece. She would have to explain to Chase in the morning. She had gotten swept away by all the memories, the scenery, and the jealousy. Jena had made decisions in the past with her heart. Look where that got her. No, she would continue to live her life lead by her brain. She would have to make him understand.

Chapter Thirteen
    Jena switched on the bedside lamp with a conflicted heart. Sitting on the edge of the bed she