Page 9 of Stolen Kisses

He cocked a brow. “Why?”

“Because I like them so much more than you.”

Something glinted in his eyes. It was a different look than before, but I couldn’t pinpoint it.

“You came here only to insult me?”

“No, I came for the champagne. But I couldn’t pass up the opportunity toteaseyou. How is Josh? Happy?”

“Why wouldn’t he be?” he asked, probably picking up on the trepidation in my voice.

I frowned. “No reason.”

Suddenly, Chase went into a defense pose. “If Blair thinks about dumping my best friend—”

“No, of course she’s not thinking that. Why would you jump to that conclusion?” I snapped.

“I don’t know your sister.”

“That doesn’t give you the right to assume the worst.”

He cleared his throat. “I know. But Josh went through a bad experience. He nearly got married once before. She... wasn’t who he thought she was.”

That could explain why he was overprotective, but still.

Then I remembered what my sister said and pointed at him. “I hopeyou’renot putting any ideas in Josh’s mind.”

He shook his head, looking even more annoyed. “Despite all appearances, Hannah, I’m not a jackass. Why would I do that?”

“Word is you might not be a big fan of weddings.”

“I’m not, but that doesn’t mean I can’t be happy and supportive of my best friend.” I’d clearly pissed him off, because he suddenly dismissed himself. “Have a great evening. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

He moved quickly past me, holding the bag of ice over his shoulder. He had impressive muscles in his arms. In fact, I was willing to bet all his muscles were fabulous.

Now you’ve done it, Hannah.You were supposed to clear the air, remember?

Chapter Three

Chase

The next morning, the hotel was completely quiet when I woke up. I liked to start the day with a run. At home, I used a treadmill even though my loft was close to the beach, but now I wanted to be outdoors.

Running on sand was different, harder than running on a treadmill, but I liked challenges. I started at a slow jog, then worked up to my normal pace. I was the competitive type, always competing against myself and past achievements. It was the only way to get better.

Finishing my run fifty minutes later, I slowed my pace to a brisk walk and checked the stats on my Apple Watch. Not bad—I’d shaved off a few seconds from my last run and hadn’t really tried.

Slowing my stride, I checked my email. My assistant hadn’t gotten back to me yet.

My parents used to own a general store back in the day. They had to sell it in the divorce, and now it was back on the market. I wanted it and had hoped she’d have some news about the transaction. It would be a surprise for them. My assistant also didn’t make headway on Jeremy’s video game, but I’d only told her about it yesterday.

I sent my mom a quick text on my way back. She lived on her own, and we took turns stopping by her house and checking if anything needed fixing.

As I approached the hotel, I was surprised to see the staff was already milling around in the garden, setting up for the wedding. The ceremony was still hours away, but they were already getting things in place.

Intending to go straight back to my room and take a shower, a familiar shape caught my eye. Hannah was there, talking with a tall blonde woman. Neither of them looked happy. I walked straight toward them.

Hannah was wearing a short pink beach dress that wasn't covering too much. Her ass was utter perfection, and her legs were long and tanned.

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