Page 60 of Mind

He shakes his head. “You know, I’ve never been surprised or had anything planned for me. I’m flabbergasted.” He blows out a breath smiling at all of our friends and family. “You constantly blow me away with your kindness.” There is wonder in his tone and it fills me with warmth. Though it does sadden me that his mother, once she was back in good health never made a point to surprise him. At least she’s meeting us in Cancun alongside her brother Charles. Wouldn’t mind his Uncle here, but two full nights on a boat with Colleen Davis…this yacht is big but not large enough for that.

I smile and he kisses me softly. “I’ll make note that you like surprises…like maybe the one I have for you under this skin tight dress.” Wiggling back, I stealthily slide a hand down to caress alongside my breast, then ribs and over my hips. Chase sucks in a breath between his teeth, his eyes following the movement like a hawk watching its prey.

“There can’t be much under there, baby.” He grips my hip letting his fingers dig into the flesh there. He leans close and nuzzles my neck and ear. “Don’t feel anything here,” he slides a hand over my ass then squeezes the cheek.

“That’s because I’m not wearing panties,” I lick the side of his neck, letting my wild curly red hair hide the audacious move. He groans and hugs me close.

When I pull back and look into his eyes, they are dark and swirling with lust. “You temptress,” he scolds. Now that one I like. I grin wickedly. “How am I supposed to enjoy my party knowing at any moment I can lift that dress and slide into home.” He yanks me back to him, thrusting his very impressive erection against my belly. I laugh and kiss him several more times in succession.

“Um, hello,amigoshere!Conseguir una habitación!Maria yells.

Chase chuckles. “What did she say?” I ask.

He grins and nips at my lips. “She said to get a room.” I turn around and shoot daggers at her with my eyes. After all these years, I think it’s time I getRosetta Stoneand learn Spanish. It’s not smart allowing these two to have a secret way to speak to one another.

“Bring it!” she flexes her hands in a come-hither gesture.

“Only if you’ve got booze!” I holler as she walks over to the freestanding bar. Chase releases me as I take a few steps away to take in the view. Since we’re the last to arrive the crew readies the boat to set sail. Once we’re out, heading deeper into the horizon I finally allow myself to relax. It’s been a horrendous few months but right now, a giant tranquil expanse of blue water and nothing but happy days are ahead for all of us. The time to let loose, be ourselves, enjoy one another’s company and celebrate life.

A hand lands on my shoulder warmly. I turn and see Phil, brown hair blowing in the wind, a pair of Ray Ban knockoffs perched on his nose. He looks so good. Three months has done wonders for his healing. He’s walking well, even with a little limp. Broken bones have mostly healed and he’s doing well in physical therapy. One of his long arms curves me to his side and we both look out over the ocean.

“It’s finally happening,” his voice is a soft rumble over the sound of the yacht moving through the water. It will take a couple days by boat to get to Cancun but no one minds.

“What is?” I smile. I have a feeling I know what he’s referring to.

“The elusive redhead is getting married. At least this man I wholeheartedly approve of,” he grins.

I laugh and turn around locking eyes with Chase across the span of the boat. He’s being entertained by Maria, Kat, and Carson. Those blue eyes sparkle as the sun hits the horizon. I blow him a kiss and he pretends to bite at the air. Phil laughs next to me. “You know, when I first told you we were dating you didn’t think it was a great idea,” I knit my brows together for effect.

He sighs loudly and then the corner of his mouth crooks up. “Well, in my defense, you were dating your boss, and my boss!” I continue to stare at him unimpressed. “Okay, okay, I was wrong, you were right, I owe you lunch or something. Will you drop it now that I’ve admitted the error in my ways?” He laughs.

I pretend to think about it bringing my finger up and twisting my lips. “Um hmmm…”

“Come on!”

“No, I forgive you for being an overprotective friend. It’s okay. I’ve had a lot of practice between you and the girls. Chase though, his protective streak borders on insane. Sad thing is, I can’t prove him wrong because of all the crap that’s happened.” I lean both forearms on the railing of the ship and look down at the water. “I just hope it’s all behind us.”

Phil pets my back. “Should we have reason to think otherwise? I mean they got Justin, he’s going to trial for the assault and attempted rape. It’s only a matter of time before they connect the dots between the gym explosion and killing that young girl.”

My heart sinks. “I hope so. Right now, he’s laying low but Tommy and Chase have people on him just in case. I don’t really even know where he is. Last I heard from Maria was that he made bail and was living with his mother until the hearing.”

“Good thing is in three days you’ll be getting married and whisked away to your honeymoon. You don’t have to think about any of it for a while. Unless you’re staying in Cancun for the honeymoon.”

I shake my head. “No, we’re staying in Cancun for the ceremony and three days after to enjoy the resort and time away with all of you, but after that we’re going to Ireland for two whole weeks. I can hardly wait!” The wind picks up and gooseflesh tickles my skin. Running my hands up and down my arms to warm them isn’t helping. That is, until two much warmer hands cover the bare skin and run up and down.

“Cold, baby? I saw you from across the way and thought you might be chilly.” Always aware of me. He’s made it very clear that he plans to be a doting husband in all the ways that count. Apparently, my body temperature is included. “Here.” Chase removes his suit jacket and places it over my shoulders. Sandalwood and citrus, the scent that has become a beacon of comfort, surrounds me as the heat from his body and jacket warm me straight through to my soul.

“Mmm, better. How about a drink?” I turn to Phil and he holds out a hand.

“Lead the way m’lady,” he gestures toward the bar.

Chase nudges Phil in the shoulder. “I think you mean,my lady, Phillip,” he says without an ounce of humor, but I know better.

“You were right, Gigi. Possessive much?” He shakes his head at Chase then hooks an arm around Bree as he passes. She whoops in delight when he swings her around. She’s wearing a form-fitting turquoise blue dress that accentuates her perfectly round baby bump and swelling cleavage. The inflated breasts have been a much-appreciated side effect of pregnancy that Bree is riotously fond of. Even though she’s only four months along, the bump is a nice size and the focus of attention. Maria constantly taunts Bree that it could be twins and one baby is hiding behind the other. I’m just excited to see her healthy, happy and glowing with Phil’s baby.

Chase’s eyes follow Phillip’s move with Bree. “Takes one to know one, buddy,” he grins.

“Oooh, he so got you, Phil!”

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