Page 89 of Chasin’s Surrender

“Don’t think we have anything to discuss, but if you’d like to have a seat, I’ll give you a few minutes.”

“Darlin’, come on, you know we have a lot to talk about. Have dinner with me tonight. We’ll hash out the details and you can come back to Nashville with me. I saw the papers so I know you can’t go home. There’s plenty of room at my house. You know you’re always welcome there. And you should’ve called me in the first place. I woulda helped you.”

“Say what now?”

“Vivi, honey—”

“Are you on drugs?” I asked. “Pot? Crack? You freebasin’? Something, anything? I have never been to your house nor would I ever call you if I was in trouble. I don’t know what you’re playing at here, but cut the shit, Bent, and tell me why you’re here.”

“Vivi.” Bent reached out, but before he could touch me again, I jerked away and slammed into Chasin.

I don’t know how he’d maneuvered to my side, but when his hands went to my hips to steady me, I was grateful.

“For the last damn time, stop touching me.”

Bent was no longer paying attention. His eyes had dropped to Chasin’s hands and he made some weird gurgling noise in his throat. Chasin heard it, too, because his grip tightened and he pulled me back.

“Are you fuckin’ kiddin’ me?” The sound of Bent’s voice was like sandpaper grating my last nerve. Then his eyes snapped back up and he was madder than a hornet. “Why’s he touchin’ you?”

“What’s happening?” I asked no one in particular but everyone at the same time. “I’m confused why you think you have the right to ask that. Hell, I’m confused as to why you’re here to begin with. Wait, I’m confused how you even knew I was here.”

Chasin’s fingers were digging in, but even so, I felt them flex. I wasn’t sure if he was just losing patience or wanted me to keep going.

“You know we got great chemistry, we’re good together. Come home with me,” he cooed.

Okay, at this juncture I was pretty creeped out. Actually, I was creeped the fuck out. Bent had always been handsy, but now he was delusional.

Holy freaking shit.

My hand went to one of Chasin’s and he immediately twined our fingers but did not move his hand. He knew. He understood I caught on. The vibe in the room changed and all the men went on alert. But Chasin was hyper-alert. His body was wound tight, his chest to his hips pressed against me.

Holden moved next to Bobby, and Nixon crowded Chasin and me. Alec was near the door blocking the only exit.

Oh, yeah, the vibe had changed.

“How long have you been in town, Mr. Bromley?” Nixon asked as if it was all the same to him and everyone in the room didn’t think Bent was a lunatic.

“I don’t see how that’s your business. As a matter of fact, none of this is your business. What Vivi and I have to discuss is personal.”

“Personal?” Nixon pressed. “Or business?”

“A personal business matter.”

“How is asking Ms. Rush to your home business?”

“God, really, Vivi. Who are these people? It’s like amateur hour in here. They’re not even part of the industry. Let’s call Leslie and have her hook you up with Chad. That way you can still work. This is ridiculous, they’re gonna ruin you.”

“How did you know I was here?” I rejoined.

“What do you mean? Was it a secret you went to your uncle’s?”

Chasin gave me two hard squeezes that I was sure were supposed to communicate something, I just didn’t know what. Until he leaned forward a hair and kissed my cheek.

“You done, baby?”

His question made me jolt in surprise. Apparently, Bobby was quicker on the uptake because she popped up out of her seat immediately.

“I’m goin’ with you guys, I’m starving.”