At last, I gave a sigh. “I’ll think about it.”
“No, don’t think,” Jude said, her tone betraying her annoyance. “Just do it.”
That evening, after Jude went to bed, I opened my laptop. Even though the prospect of contacting Chase was terrifying, it also made me hopeful.
I had to do it.
More than two months had passed since that day on the beach. The only contact we had was me sending him a copy of my mom’s last Will to help him with his case. Because truth be told, while Clint might have cared for my mom during their marriage, she had been right in her letters. He had been after her money. By now, I knew her words by heart. She had wanted me to have Waterfront Shore, not just a quarter of the money.
After downing a glass of wine to help me man up, I started to type an email because, even if I wanted to, I couldn’t see him. I couldn’t talk with him face to face just yet. His memory was too strong, my pain too raw.
It took me hours to write up the parts of my mom’s story that were of importance to him: a bit of her life, the adoption, adding my plea to get his brother tested so we’d find out whether Kade and I were related.
Outside, night had fallen. A glance at my watch revealed it was three a.m. Once done, I leaned back and pressed my glass against my hot cheek, welcoming the cool sensation on my skin. I had logged off and almost switched off my laptop when Chase’s reply came by text.
You can always count on me. I’m going to ask him tomorrow.
I smiled, oblivious to the fact that he was still awake, and then I typed back a reply.
Thank you. When do you want to meet?
His answer came quickly.
The correct question is where? I’ll be at Club 69 tomorrow 11 p.m. sharp.
I stared at the screen, my chest heaving with excitement, until my eyes fell on
Club 69?
69? Is that some kind of joke?
My fingers drummed on the table impatiently.
No joke. It’s my favorite.
The club or the position?
I laughed the way I hadn’t laughed in a long time.
Was it a wise idea to see him? Could I do it? And 11 p.m.? Then again, the late hour wasn’t a surprise. Chase was a lawyer who probably worked late.
And it wasn’t like we were going on a date. Before I could reply, my phone beeped again.
Is it true? You really think Kade could be your half-brother?
I bit my lip as I pondered my answer. Then I wrote:
I wouldn’t ask you to do this if I wasn’t sure.
A minute passed. Then another. At last he replied.
I’ll be emailing you the address of a friend of mine who’s a doctor. Make sure to visit him tomorrow. He’ll tell you how the DNA test works.
I typed my next message, then got up to get ready for bed.
Thanks, I owe you one.
I left the phone on the nightstand and switched off the lights. A few moments later, the screen lit up with a reply.
Do you miss me?
I stared at his text, my heart pounding hard as my brain began to try to interpret the motivation behind his question. Was he still thinking about us? Was he missing me? What the fuck could I possibly reply to that without offending him, or letting my guard down?
At last, I decided to stick to the truth as I replied,
Yes.
Chapter 25
Club 69 was one of the most prestigious nightclubs in Los Angeles with similar establishments in NYC and major cities in the United States. That’s where the celebrities hung out, where scandals took place, and a long line of paparazzi waited day and night to take that one major picture that would make them rich. Unsurprisingly, it was a place I didn’t frequent. The fact that Chase did, rendered me both impressed and pissed beyond my wildest dreams.
The moment I stated my name, the bouncer opened the doors and motioned me inside. I stopped in the doorway to gawk. Boy, was it big and sparkling, with loud music, stunning light work, and exquisite decorations on various levels. Gorgeous women seemed to stand around at every corner, their hungry eyes scanning the crowd for what I assumed where celebrities or someone at least half-famous to hang on to for the night.
Dressed in a short but inconspicuous black dress, I wriggled passed the crowd swaying 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. It’s not something you can discuss.” He stared at the piece of paper with a deep frown, his thoughts miles away.
Or maybe that was what I wanted to believe.
“So what do you think?” I asked. “Could it be Kade? He’s the same age and he looks like my mom and my grandfather. If you could convince him to get the test done, then—”
“I already got it.”
“What?” My heart lurched. “When?”
I had waited weeks for an answer, and he managed to get the results within twenty-four hours?
He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Today. This morning. The results came back a few hours later.” He downed his glass before his gaze met mine again.
My body began to tremble with anticipation. My mind was barely able to form the words, and yet I couldn’t stand the tension. I had to know.