Page 72 of Chasing Forever

She gave a little laugh, which made him laugh too.

“What did you have to say, or is it too personal?”

She leaned her head against his chest, and he inhaled the sweet scent of her shampoo, suppressing the urge to nuzzle his nose in her hair.

“I thanked her for sending me here, or forcing me is more like it.”

“I can think of worse things to be forced into.”

“I miss her, Chase.”

“I know. I bet she’d be so proud of you. You’ve been working hard on your new book, and hey, you jumped off this cliff. That had to earn you a few extra points!”

She glanced up at him with a smile. “You forgot one other thing.”

He brushed her hair off her face. “What’s that?”

“I met you.”

He froze for a second, the loving look in her eyes stealing his breath.

“Sorry. Maybe you weren’t ready to hear that.”

“You just surprised me. Things haven’t exactly been smooth between us.”

“Do you mean perfect? Because nothing ever is, Chase. That’s the beauty of it.”

“Okay, you lost me.”

She giggled and lifted a hand to his stubbly cheek. “Neither of us is perfect, but that’s okay. Whatever this is has helped bring my smile back, and I thank you for that.”

He warmed at the sentiment, and then, because he couldn’t wait another minute, he tipped his head down and brushed her lips.

“Mmmm.” He moaned as she opened her mouth to him, inviting his tongue. It felt like forever since they’d kissed like this. Something about being on what felt like the top of the world only added fuel to the fire.

Her arms coiled around his neck, and her fingers threaded into his hair, effectively holding him in place. But there was no place he’d rather be. Correction. He could think of a few other places more comfortable than that rock, but he’d take it.

She pressed her breasts against him, and he moaned again, remembering how they looked and felt in his hands and mouth.

He ran his hands up and down her back, but it wasn’t enough. He slipped one hand under her top and relished the smooth, silky feel of her skin.

He could have stayed on that rock indefinitely but for the buzz of voices in the background. They reluctantly pulled apart, and he leaned his forehead against hers.

Panting, he whispered, “I want you so bad right now.”

“I want you too.”

“If only we could pull an invisibility cloak around us. I’d take you right here on this rock.”

“Sounds uncomfortable yet oddly appealing.”

He laughed and then kissed the tip of her nose.

“Would it be horrible if I said I’ll be glad when my sister leaves? Don’t get me wrong. I love her like crazy, but…”

“Her being here makes it hard for us to be together.”

“It’s hard, alright.” He glanced down at the tent in his running shorts, and Callie followed suit.