Page 18 of Asystole

“Noted. I’ll make sure he stays away from you, too,” I vow, although I’m not entirely sure I can keep that promise.

Chase nods with a tight smile, then changes the subject, moving into the harness, still in his sweatpants and hoodie.

“Okay, watch me, because I’ll have you do the same thing in just a second,” he instructs. “This is the front of the harness. You see this loop?”

I nod, and he continues.

“This is where the carabiner will clip.” Chase steps his right foot into one leg hole, then does the same with his left leg and pulls it up his thighs.

I have to admit, I’m trying hard not to look, but when he cinches down the belt and leg loops, it basically frames his dick in a triangle.

Chase laughs.

“I know it’s a little awkward, but you get used to it.”

I shake my head.

“Nah, it’s all good.”

“Since you’re climbing first, you’re going to want to take those off,” he says, pointing at my athletic pants and sweatshirt. “You’ll get hot fast, and you don’t want the harness to slide around on that material.”

Following his advice, I push my pants to the floor, stepping out of them and into the harness just like Chase showed me.

“I’m gonna check it just to make sure you’re secure, but I’m not gonna touch⁠—”

“Chase? Do what you need to do. I trust you.”

Chase nods and gives me a smile before slipping one finger under the strap at my outer thigh on both sides, then tugging on the belt secured around my waist.

He isn’t anywhere near my dick, which makes me angry on his behalf all over again.

Fucking Cameron.

As we step up to our belay station, a couple more people come over to talk to Chase. These interactions aren’t laced with tension, and I begin to calm down. He introduces me to a couple and a friend of theirs who are climbing next to us.

And then he gives me a quick rundown.

“The blue handholds are the easiest route. I’d start there just to get a feel for it. There’s no pressure to go high. You can boulder across if you want, just watch Jess’s line next to you. The first thing I want you to do, though, is climb about halfway up, then let go.”

“What? Why?”

“So you know I can catch you and see what it feels like. Trust me. It’ll be more fun if you’re not worried about falling, and the only way to do that is to show you that even if you do fall, you’re perfectly safe,” he says.

Something about Chase Matthews encourages my trust. His easy smile, his laid-back demeanor, and his natural instinct to make those around him better have me nodding my head.

“Okay.”

As Chase is clipping me in, Cameron makes his way over to us.

“Any questions?” he asks me before looking over at Chase. “I know it’s been a minute, so if you need a quick refresher, I’d be happy to show you.” Cameron slides his hand across Chase’s back. I don’t know if Chase is afraid of causing a scene, hurting this guy’s feelings, or what, but he stays silent—though I notice his flinch—and I’m pissed all over again.

The fact that Chase, who loves bro cuddles and has admitted that he’s not great with boundaries, is uncomfortable with this guy’s touch infuriates me. Sure, Chase may have no filter and may have been physical with Hanlon, but those two are still best friends. The script with them was different because of their relationship. With me, Chase is quick to apologize if he thinks he’s overstepped.

Something this fuckface seems incapable of picking up on.

Snapping like a crazy person, I grab Chase’s wrist, yanking hard as I pull him into me, away from Cameron’s touch. Without asking for permission or checking in, I look Cameron dead in the eye and stand to my full height—which is laughable next to Chase, but I do it anyway before opening my mouth.

“I’d appreciate it if you kept your hands off my date. If we need help, we’ll ask for it.”