Page 31 of Just A Little Chase

Happy to have this handsome man by her side for the evening, she gave him a nod and placed her hand in the crook of his elbow. “Let’s do this.”

Chapter Thirteen

Chase walked toward the small church with Lauren on his arm, an odd sense of pride filling him when he caught the surreptitious stares cast their way from some of the other guests gathered outside. He didn’t lie when he’d told Lauren she looked stunningly gorgeous, and judging by the head-turning glances from a few of the men in the area, it only confirmed his earlier flattering remark.

“Let me introduce you to some of my family before we have to head inside,” Lauren said, and guided him toward where an elderly woman was waving them over, her gaze brimming with interest as they landed on him.

As soon as they reached the small congregation, Lauren launched into introductions, acquainting him with her aunts and uncles, numerous cousins, and friends on her side of the family. They welcomed him with friendly smiles and handshakes, complimented Lauren on how beautiful she looked, and asked how she was enjoying life in the big city.

Then, one of her aunts asked those questions everyone else was probably wondering, too, judging by the curiosity in their eyes. How long have they been dating? Where did they meet? Where did he work and did he live in New York City, too?

He held Lauren’s hand in his and took the other woman’s interrogation in stride, and since he and Lauren had rehearsed the more personal questions, the answers came easily and seemed to appease everyone.

“We need to head inside and get seated,” Lauren finally said, thankfully ending the inquisition.

They all entered the church. Since Lauren was immediate family, a groomsman ushered them to one of the front pews where her gramps was already seated. Chase shook the man’s hand and Lauren gave him a kiss on the cheek, and then they settled in beside him. A short while later her mother, Penny, joined them after lighting the candles at the altar with Greg’s mother.

The groom and his groomsmen took their places at the front, along with the bridesmaids. Light, lilting music began playing, and everyone stood up, so Chase followed suit, watching as Dale escorted his daughter down the aisle.

This was the first time Chase had ever seen Ashley, and while she was as beautiful as Lauren had said, he realized that the woman by his side was equally as radiant, and far more his type. Apparently, beauty queens didn’t do it for him, and his strong attraction to Lauren was based on more than just her pretty face. He was beguiled by her lively spirit, determination, and optimistic attitude. He was impressed by the way she didn’t take shit from him and hadn’t let his grumpy personality deter her from getting what she wanted. Not many people stood up to Chase the way she had that day she’d come storming into his office, demanding he fulfill his bachelor auction obligation.

In an incredibly short amount of time, she’d bulldozed through all his defenses. Stripped away painful, emotional layers he’d safeguarded for most of his life. She’d provoked smiles and laughter when he rarely indulged in either. She exasperated him and amused him and challenged him, and those qualities were the things he was inexorably drawn to, despite knowing this was just a temporary, fake relationship for the sake of her having a date for the weekend. Knowing they’d be parting ways tomorrow afternoon made his chest tighten and ache in a way that was completely foreign to him.

He exhaled a deep breath and refocused his attention on the bride and groom. His thoughts had drifted to the point that he realized he’d missed most of the ceremony and vows, and they’d reached the part where the minister pronounced Greg and Ashley as husband and wife. The two kissed, everyone cheered, and down the aisle they went as a newly married couple.

“I need to stay for the family photos,” Lauren said, turning to him as guests filed out of the pews and exited the church. “You’re welcome to head to the reception with everyone else so you’re not bored to tears here, and I can meet you there, if you’d like?”

He shook his head, because he knew that just watching her do anything would never bore him. “No, I’ll stay and wait for you.”

A soft, appreciative smile curved her pink-tinted lips. “Such an attentive boyfriend,” she whispered in a teasing voice, and brushed a light kiss across his cheek before she followed her parents and Gramps up to the altar.

The bride and groom returned shortly after, and Chase sat back down and watched as Lauren and Ashley exchanged a genuine hug and smiles. Greg was off to the side talking to an older gentleman who looked to be his father, so Lauren wasn’t put in the position to have to converse with her ex for the time being.

While things were repaired with Ashley, Chase had no idea if the other man planned to follow suit and apologize to Lauren, as well. But Chase decided if Greg had any integrity at all, he’d fucking man up and express regret for his part in hurting Lauren.

For the duration of the photo session she and Greg never interacted, but Lauren was all smiles as the photographer took what seemed like endless amounts of pictures.

When Ashley’s side of the family was finished, Lauren headed back to Chase and announced they were free to go. They drove his car to the reception and found a place to sit inside the venue, and it wasn’t long before they were joined by her parents and Gramps, and then the bride and groom arrived, as well.

A delicious meal was served, speeches were made, and after dinner was finished, Ashley and Greg made their way around the room to greet their guests. Lauren and Chase had just stood from their table when the bride and groom approached. He slid his hand into Lauren’s in a show of solidarity, and prepared to meet them for the first time.

Ashley’s smile was sweet and kind, but Greg seemed uncomfortable in Lauren’s presence. Tough shit, Chase thought.

“I wanted to make sure that we had a chance to meet Lauren’s boyfriend before the evening gets too crazy,” Ashley said, and extended her hand to him, which he gently shook. “It’s so good to meet you.”

“Pleasure to meet you as well,” he replied in a warm, cordial tone.

“And this is Greg.” Ashley smiled at her husband, as if to encourage him to do the polite thing and acknowledge their guest, as well.

Greg pulled back his shoulders as he reluctantly offered his hand. “Chase, right?”

“Yes.” Chase didn’t hesitate to clasp the other man’s hand in a firm, tight grip. Maybe too tight and assertive, he thought, watching the way Greg winced—not that he gave a damn. “Congratulations to you both.”

“Thank you,” Ashley said, looping her arm through Greg’s when Chase finally released his hand. “I hope you and Lauren have a nice evening.”

The duo moved on, and as soon as they were out of hearing distance, the cutest little giggle escaped Lauren. He glanced at her, realizing she’d already consumed two glasses of champagne, which probably accounted for her giddy mood.

“What?” he asked, wondering what had her so amused.

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