Page 12 of Chasing Sunrise

Amanda understood whyKasey suddenly became guarded at spotting Harper Hastings across the club. The woman had done the unthinkable.

As Harper marched across the dance floor, everyone atTiny’sstopped what they were doing. Some simply stared and others had their phones out taking pictures or recording. Not only did Harper’s family own one of the most profitable real estate companies in America, she’d also been a model since the age of twelve and was now rightfully considered one of the most beautiful people in the world. She left the runway four years ago when she founded Harper Productions and createdHunter Kase.

And the word beautiful didn’t begin to do her justice. She was exquisite, with porcelain skin, violet-blue eyes surrounded by thick lashes, bouncy blonde hair, and a tall, voluptuous body. She wore blue capri pants, sparkly heels, and a pink shirt under a Burberry jacket.

Amanda knew the guys behind her were Kasey’s brothers, having seen pictures of them.

“We need to talk,” Harper said once Amanda and Kasey were close, but they continued past her. Confusion marred Harper’s perfect face. “Where are you going?”

“Kasey promised me a dance.” Amanda smiled sweetly, and they went to the center of the dance floor. Luckily, a slow song came on. “You should lead,” she conceded.

“Might be best.” He smirked as he took her into his arms.

A few bar-goers joined them and danced while others gawked at Harper, and still others at Kasey and Amanda. As they danced, she felt a difference in Kasey’s body, a stiffness that wasn’t there earlier. “Anything I can do?”

“Some things can’t be undone.” His eyes met hers. “How long ago did you get a divorce?”

“Three years.”

“Are you over it?” he questioned, an ache in his voice.

“I wanted the divorce. I still love him. I’ll always love him. I’m simply not in love with him anymore.”

“Sounds like you have a healthy attitude about it.”

“I’ve had three years,” she reminded him. “Your wound is fresh and bleeding.Poco a poco, Kasey.”

“Little by little?”

“Yeah, that’s how I got over my divorce. Hell, that’s how I get through every day.”

He grimaced, looking dejectedly sad.

Hoping to cheer him up, she said, “You know, thanks to you I’m no longer a virgin.”

His brows shot up, a hint of humor in his expression.

Good, she’d distracted him.

“Oh, shit. What did I miss? How much have I had to drink? Were my drinks laced with drugs? Did I blackout?” He slowed their bodies and shook his head. “No. No way I’d forget taking your virginity. I have a feeling you’d be unforgettable. Even if I were comatose.”

The compliment caused heat, and a delighted smile, to radiate from her heart to her lips. “Wrong virginity. What I meant by no longer being a virgin is that this is only my second country dance. Earlier was my first. I probably should have told you, except you’d informed me about your vow of celibacy, so I didn’t dare.”

He full-belly laughed as he gently guided her through the other dancers. “You’re a quick learner if this is truly your second time.”

“High achiever,” she boasted.

“I have no doubt.”

“You want to try to duck out?”

“Nah. This has to happen. Here’s as good as anywhere.” The music faded, and he let her go.

She immediately felt the loss of his body heat.

The overhead lights brightened. Kasey gestured with a nod. “Looks like happy birthday time.”

“Oh.” The table she’d been sitting at when Kasey came in had been transformed. The drinks were gone, and a plastic tablecloth with balloons printed on it covered the table and held enough cupcakes for everyone in the bar. One in the center had a lit candle.

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