Page 46 of Chasing Forever

He understood she’d been hurt by her ex and was being cautious, but he couldn’t imagine her staying single for long. She had too much to offer, and it was just a matter of time before she’d meet someone and fall in love again.

On the other hand, he was still a cynical SOB and couldn’t see himself going down that path again. He would have been all for a vacation fling if she’d been willing, but that wasn’t what she wanted. So, while he’d like to spend more time with her, he’d need to keep his fantasies to himself. If she wanted more kissing, he’d be happy to oblige, but he couldn’t expect it to go any further.

On the way back from his run, he glanced up at her unit, but her blinds were still closed. He wondered if she were sleeping in or had gone somewhere. Since it was mid-morning, there was also the possibility that she was busy writing and hadn’t bothered to open the curtains yet.

It was another gorgeous day, but he guessed she’d try to keep her distance, and he had no choice but to let her. However, if he happened to run into her around the resort, who knew what might happen.

He went inside, took a shower, and thought about what he could do today. After he got dressed, though, he realized he was still tired from the night before. He decided to take his book—his physical book, not his phone with the Kindle app—and sit outside and read for a while. He might even try taking a much-needed nap.

But just after he’d collected his book, a towel, and his sunglasses, his phone rang. He should have known.

“Hey, sis.”

“Did you kiss her yet?”

“Who?” He knew exactly who she was referring to, but he couldn’t resist teasing her.

“You know who! Callie Cooper. My favorite romance author ever!”

Chase rolled his eyes at that and slumped down on the couch. “If I answer you, what’s in it for me?”

“Never-ending love and affection?”

“You’re supposed to give that to me anyway.”

“Dinner out when you get back home?”

“Are we talking McDonald’s or something better?”

“Whatever you want within reason. I’m on a budget, you know.”

“Fine. And the answer is yes.”

She literally screamed in his ear, and he held the phone away until she’d finished.

“Seriously? She might have heard that through the wall.”

“Sorry. I just can’t believe you kissed someone famous.”

“Famous?” He’d never thought of Callie that way, and he doubted she did either. She was way too humble for that.

“She’s not J.K. Rowling, Miranda.”

“I know, but she’s well known in the romance world. Have you seen how many followers she has on Facebook? Thousands!”

He chuckled. “That’s all fine and good, but here she’s just Callie. I don’t think anyone has recognized her.” And she probably preferred it that way. She was someone who liked to blend in, not draw attention to herself.

“Well, I would if I saw her. Speaking of which…”

He could practically see her wheels spinning. “No, Miranda.”

“You don’t even know what I was going to say.”

“I have a pretty good guess. You’re thinking of coming here to meet her.”

“I’d be coming to visit my big brother, and it’s Hawaii. Hello!”

“I can’t let you come here.”