Page 25 of One Hot Chase

She accepts the shoes, her fingers brushing against mine. The brief contact sends a jolt through my body, reminding me of our earlier intimacy. She slips the shoes on quickly, her eyes darting between me and the door. Finally, she gives me a tight smile. "I appreciate what you're trying to do, but I need some time to process all of this. It's...a lot."

I nod, trying to mask my disappointment. "I understand. Take all the time you need. But remember, I meant what I said. I'll be chasing you, Sabrina Remington."

A small smile plays at the corners of her mouth. "Well, Sir Hot Stuff, you better be prepared for a wild goose chase. I'm not easy to snare."

"I wouldn't have it any other way," I reply, returning her smile.

With one last lingering look, Sabrina slips out the door, leaving me alone with nothing but sofas and tables to console me. I lean against the doorframe, watching her hurry down the hallway toward the elevator. Just before she turns the corner, she glances back, our eyes meeting for a brief moment. Then she's gone.

I close the door and lean my forehead against the cool wood, letting out a long sigh. What the bloody hell just happened? In the span of two days, I've gone from a carefree bachelor to a man utterly bewitched by a woman who seems determined to keep me at arm's length.

Running a hand through my hair, I move back into the bedroom. The rumpled sheets and lingering scent of our lovemaking are a stark reminder of what transpired here. I begin tidying up, my mind racing with thoughts of Sabrina. Her fear of commitment is evident, but I will prove to her that I would never hurt her. From the moment I first saw Sabrina Remington, I knew I must have her. But now, I realize that need is for more than a fantastic shag. We have more in common than she knows, and soon, I will prove that to her.

As I finish straightening up the bedroom, my mind keeps forcing me to recall things I wish I could bury deep inside my psyche. The way her eyes sparkled when she laughed, how her body fit perfectly against mine, her vulnerability. I shake my head, trying to sweep away those thoughts. This isn't like me at all. I've never been one to pine after a woman, especially one I've known for such a short time.

But Sabrina is different. There's something about her that's gotten under my skin, and I can't shake it off.

I grab my phone, my finger hovering over her contact information. Should I text her? No, that would seem too desperate. She only just left my flat less than an hour ago. I need to give her the space she asked for, even if every fiber of my being wants to chase after her right now.

Instead, I pull up my travel itinerary. I'm supposed to fly to New York tomorrow, but suddenly, the idea of leaving London---leaving Sabrina---becomes utterly untenable. I ring my executive assistant to give the bad news that New York is off, and I'll be taking an indefinite leave of absence. No one on my staff needs to know the reason why. They won't question me about it. I am the CEO, after all. But I can't focus on work, hence the extended holiday.

I have just one project on my mind---finding Bree.

The chase begins now.

Chapter Nine

Sabrina

Now that I've left Declan behind, I grab yet another taxi and head for Derek and Diana's house to retrieve my luggage. They invite me to stay for tea, but I decline that generous offer. Pippa is disappointed. I can't explain to my new friends why I have to get moving again. I'm letting Declan chase me, and there will probably be mind-blowing orgasms involved. So, yeah, I'll keep my plans to myself.

Where should I go? Someplace touristy but away from Declan's apartment or the Savoy Hotel. A quick look at the map on my phone gives me a great idea. I drop my bags off in a locker at a "left luggage" facility inside a train station. That way, I can access my stuff again whenever I want.

Finally, I'm on my way to my first destination.

The sun is setting, casting a warm glow over everything, just as I arrive at the open-air theater in Regent's Park. The place is bustling with people of all ages who have come to experience whatever play is on tap for tonight. I find a spot on the grass, surrounded by couples cuddling on blankets and families unpacking picnic baskets. I blend into the crowd, my eyes darting around for any sign of Declan. My heart races, partly from the thrill of the chase and partly from the lingering memory of my steamy time with Declan in his luxury apartment earlier.

As I settle in on the grass, I can't help but wonder if Declan will figure out where I've gone.

How could he? I didn't leave any clues for him.

As the actors take the stage, I feel a smile curving my lips. They're performing A Midsummer Night's Dream, one of my favorite Shakespeare plays. The fairy lights strung above the audience twinkle to life, creating a magical atmosphere that even the bard himself would approve of, I'm sure. I try to focus on the actors strutting across the stage, their voices carrying Shakespeare's words through the warm summer air. But my mind keeps drifting back to Declan. His deep blue eyes, that devilish smirk, the way his accent makes even the most mundane phrases feel like verbal foreplay.

As I let myself get lost in the magical world of star-crossed lovers and fairies, my smile broadens into a grin. My own midsummer night's adventure is about to unfold. But even as I laugh at Bottom's antics and sigh at the romantic entanglements, I wonder where Declan is. Has he given up? Or is he hot on my trail? Maybe I gave him the slip too well, and he has no idea where I've gone.

I'm so engrossed in the play that I almost miss the tall, muscular figure slipping into the crowd. My heart races as I spy a glimpse of a familiar head of dark hair. Though I can't see his mesmerizing blue eyes, I'd recognize that man anywhere. It's Declan. How did he find me so quickly?

I duck my head, using the woman in front of me as cover. My heart pounds as I watch Declan scan the crowd, his eyes searching. I hold my breath, torn between wanting him to spot me and hoping to remain hidden. The thrill of the chase courses through my veins, making my skin tingle with anticipation.

Declan moves closer, weaving through the sea of blankets and picnic baskets. My body sizzles just from the way he moves, all fluid grace and barely contained power. He's like a panther on the prowl, and I'm his willing prey.

Just as I think I've escaped his notice, our eyes lock. A slow, wicked grin spreads across his face. He's found me, and judging by the heat in his gaze, he's more than ready to claim his prize.

Declan makes his way toward me, never breaking eye contact. My heart races as he approaches, his tall frame cutting through the crowd with ease. He settles down beside me on the grass, close enough that I can feel the heat radiating off his body.

"Fancy meeting you here, darling," he murmurs. "Didn't peg you for a Shakespeare fan."

I try to keep my voice steady as I reply, "There's a lot you don't know about me, Mr. Wilde."

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