to the music blaring in the background.
How the fuck was I supposed to find my way to the bar? I considered stopping a scantily-clad woman to ask for directions, then decided against it. By the time I found the bar, I was fifteen minutes late and sure Chase had probably bolted figuring I was a no-show.
As soon as my eyes fell on him, my breath caught in my throat.
He looked so darn sexy.
Sexier than in my naughtiest thoughts.
He was so gorgeous, it took my breath away.
Judging from the tailored business suit and the leather briefcase occupying the seat next to him, he looked like he had worked late. And maybe he had. He was so engrossed in his drink, I had a few moments to take him all in before he felt my stare on him and turned.
His eyes swept over the crowd, focused on the entrance for a few moments, and then they found me.
His expression relaxed a little, and a smile lit his lips as he waved at me.
I headed for him, barely able to contain my own smile.
“Hi Laurie.” He stood and leaned in to kiss my cheek. His lips brushed my skin, sending jolts of pleasure through my body.
“Chase,” I whispered, my mouth opening and closing as I struggled for words.
“I got us a table.” His hand moved to the small of my back as he guided me through the crowd to an upper level where the noise level was bearable and everything seemed more relaxed.
“How are you doing?” he asked as soon as I had sat down and he had taken his seat opposite from me.
“I’m great. How are you?”
God, could I sound more breathy?
“Busy but good.” He smiled and moistened his lips. His gaze swept over my body, but didn’t linger the way it had a few months ago. My heart dropped just a little bit. Had he moved on already? “It’s good to see you. You look beautiful.”
“Thank you. It’s good to see you, too.” Heat crept up my body and face. “You look…” My throat closed in.
He looked perfect.
Like a god.
So sexy I wanted to rip his clothes off and make love to him right there and then.
God, I missed running my hands over his body, kissing every inch of him.
“I’m not dressed to fit the crowd,” Chase said nonchalantly. “I had a business meeting here an hour ago.” As if to emphasize his words, he let his hand run down his business suit. The ring on his finger sparkled in the lights. He noticed my glance and lifted his hand in the air, a soft smile on his lips. “Still married, remember?”
“Yeah. Got to play the part and all.” I nodded, swallowing down the sudden lump in my throat. “How’s everything going for you?”
“Good. Much better than expected.” His expression remained relaxed, as if nothing could faze him. “The guy knows how to put up a fight. I’ll have to give him that. But thanks to your mom’s last will, he’s going to lose. Big time. I know my game.”
Of course he did. I wouldn’t have expected anything less from Chase Wright.
“How sure are you?”
His lips curled into a show stopping grin. “Very sure. Let’s say we could be toasting.”
“Can’t. I’m very superstitious,” I said faintly.
He shrugged. “I’m not. It’s a good case.”
“Do you need my mom’s letters?” I asked even though I hoped he’d say ‘no’ because I wasn’t ready to disclose the dark parts of her yet.
He cocked his head to the side and regarded me interested. “Why are you asking? Do you have them with you?”
“Just one. It’s the one I think you should read.” My hands trembled slightly as I picked up the photocopy I had made and passed it to him.
“May I?” He pointed at the piece of paper
“Yeah, go ahead.” I shifted uncomfortably in my seat as he started to read.
“I’m going to get us a drink,” I mumbled, ready to jump to my feet.
“No need. I already ordered before you arrived.”
Like on cue, a woman appeared with a tray and placed our drinks in front of us.
I began to sip my cocktail nervously, my gaze focused on the dance floor below. Club 69 was stunning. Everyone seemed to have such a great time—everyone but me.
At last, Chase leaned back, and his eyes settled on me in silence.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” he said softly, pushing the piece of paper toward me.
“I couldn’t. It’s not something that can be said in an email.”
“I get it.