Page 90 of Chasing Forever

“Are you sure?” Callie and Chase said at the same time.

They all laughed.

“I’m positive. It was very nice meeting you, Chase.”

“You too.”

Quinn turned and wiggled her brows at Callie before disappearing inside.

Chase immediately held out his hand to her, and she took it, eager for his touch. He clasped her hand tightly as they walked across the lawn to the path that led to the beach.

“I’m kind of overdressed for this,” she said self-consciously.

He shook his head. “You look perfect.”

If she wasn’t mistaken, his voice sounded gravelly, and he seemed more subdued than usual. She was dying to ask him if he’d read her draft, but she decided to wait. It was a beautiful night, and she was determined to enjoy the sunset, if nothing else.

When they reached the end of the cement path where it met the sand, Chase let go of her hand to remove his shoes, and she did the same, although she’d liked the extra height her sandals afforded.

There were already several people lining the beach to watch Mother Nature’s display, but Chase led her to a quiet area apart from the crowd.

“Here okay?”

She nodded, her throat too constricted for words.

He stood behind her and slipped his arms around her waist, hugging her back to his front. She leaned against him, happily soaking up his solid warmth.

This reminded her of the first time they’d watched the sunset together, when they’d shared their first kiss. The start of it all…

“Callie?”

“Yes?”

She was grateful at that moment that he couldn’t see the fear in her eyes. She focused on the sunset, watching it slowly sink into the horizon, which was as far and wide as the eye could see.

“It’s us, isn’t it? In your book.”

Before she could answer, he turned her around to face him and locked his arms around her back.

She looked into those enchanting green eyes and slowly nodded.

“I loved it,” he said. “Every minute of it. I couldn’t put it down. Didn’t want to.”

Why did she get the feeling that he was talking about more than just her book?

She released a long breath. “Thank God. I was…worried.”

“About what?” he asked, smoothing the back of his hand over her cheek.

“I don’t know. Everything. I didn’t want you to be mad that I’d used you as my muse.”

“How could I be mad? You made me out to be perfect!”

She laughed. “Creative license.”

“I’m not, though.”

She slid her hands up his chest and entwined them behind his neck. “You are to me.”