Page 29 of Chasing Forever

“I wouldn’t have bothered you, but I saw you standing there, so I thought I’d say hello.”

“Well, as you can see, I just woke up, but hello.”

He smiled. “I was going a little stir crazy these past few days. How about you?”

“Not really.”

“Let me guess. You were writing.”

And stalking you on Google. She nodded.

“Anything good?”

“I’d like to think so, but I never really know until the readers weigh in.”

He cocked his head and studied her with a curious expression. “I have a feeling you’re good at what you do.”

“Why is that?”

“You seem very…focused.”

“Thank you?”

He chuckled. “You know, I’d be happy to read a few pages of whatever you’re writing. In case you want an opinion or anything.”

She shifted uncomfortably and pulled the pretend blanket tighter around her, even though the air was already plenty warm. “I don’t let anyone read my work until I’ve finished the first draft. But thanks for the offer.”

“Maybe there’s another way I can help.”

She eyed him suspiciously and waited.

“We could drive up the coast today and do some exploring. Maybe you’ll get some more inspiration for your story.”

She hadn’t thought they’d get together again so soon, but it wasn’t a bad idea. That way, she could pick his brain about lawyer stuff. “Okay,” she said, nodding.

“Yeah?”

“Um-hmm.”

“Great. What time can you be ready?”

She didn’t even want to think about what her hair looked like right then. “Well, I need to shower and eat breakfast…”

“We could grab some breakfast on the way.”

“Are you always this chipper in the morning?”

He laughed. “Just anxious to get out and explore.”

His enthusiasm was contagious, and suddenly she was anxious too. “Okay. Give me half an hour, and I’ll be ready.”

He smiled big and started to leave, but then he paused. “Don’t forget your notebook. Oh, and you might want to bring your swimsuit too.” With that, he winked and was gone, leaving her staring after him.

Chapter 14

Chase smiled as he stepped into the shower. When he’d seen Callie watching him through her window, he’d recalled the scene he’d read in her book and couldn’t resist acting it out. It hadn’t been the identical scenario but close enough. In her book, the heroine had been eyeing her neighbor as he’d jogged down the street in front of her house. He lived across from her, and when he got up to his front porch, he’d whipped off his shirt and turned around to find her staring at him out her window.

Chase hadn’t planned on imitating the book character, but when he’d seen her standing there and she hadn’t turned away, he’d decided to give her a show. He hadn’t done it to be cocky, but he was confident in his appearance, and he hadn’t minded stripping for her, especially since she seemed like such a rapt audience.