Page 27 of The Ex-Girlfriend Agreement

"Always the modest one." Chase shifts closer, his knee brushing mine. "That's what I always liked about you, Brooks. No ego, despite being the smartest, prettiest girl in school."

"Chase," I sigh, not bothering to hide my exasperation, "what are you doing?"

He blinks, feigning innocence. "Just catching up with an old friend."

"No, you're flirting with me, and it needs to stop. I'm with Dean."

"Right, the cowboy." His smile doesn't falter, but something flickers in his eyes. "How's that working with you in New York and him in…where was it? Wyoming?"

"Colorado," I correct automatically. "And we make it work."

"Long distance is tough." He shakes his head sympathetically. "Must be lonely in the big city."

Before I can respond, the catamaran's captain announces we're approaching a good snorkeling spot. People begin moving around the boat, gathering equipment, applying sunscreen. I stand, grateful for the interruption.

"I should find Dean," I say, edging away.

Chase catches my arm gently. "Hey, I didn't mean to offend you. I just…I always wondered what might have happened if I'd asked you out instead of Melissa back then."

"Nothing would have happened," I say firmly, removing his hand from my arm. "I'm happy with Dean. I have been for four years."

His eyes narrow slightly, assessing. "If you say so."

Something in his tone—the implication that he knows better than I do about my own relationship—sparks irritation deep in my chest. I move away without another word, scanning the boat for Dean.

I find him helping my father into snorkeling gear near the stern, his easy competence evident in his movements. He looks up as I approach, and something in my expression must telegraph my mood because his smile fades, replaced by concern.

"Everything okay?" he asks as I reach him.

"Fine," I say tightly, then, aware of my father watching, add, "Can I borrow you for a minute, babe?"

Dean raises an eyebrow at the endearment but nods. "Sure. Robert, you good with this for now?"

My father waves us off. "Go on. Young love and all that."

I lead Dean to the opposite side of the boat, where a small alcove offers some privacy from the rest of the group. Once we're out of sight, I release his hand and lean against the railing, letting the sea spray cool my heated face.

"Want to tell me what that was about?" Dean asks, his voice carefully neutral.

"Chase won't take a hint." I glance over my shoulder to make sure we're truly alone. "He keeps flirting, implying long distance must be hard, asking what might have happened if he'd asked me out in high school."

Dean's jaw tightens imperceptibly. "And you need me to do what, exactly? Tell him to back off?"

"No!" I shake my head quickly. "God, no. That would just make things awkward for everyone."

"Then what?"

I hesitate, suddenly unsure of my impulse to seek Dean out. What did I expect him to do? What do I want him to do?

The answer comes as Chase appears at the edge of our secluded spot, clearly looking for me. Our eyes meet, and he starts to approach, his confident smile firmly in place.

"Kiss me," I hiss to Dean.

"What?" His eyebrows shoot up.

"Kiss me, now." I grab the front of his t-shirt. "Make it look good."

Understanding dawns in his eyes, followed by something darker, more predatory. "Trying to make him jealous?"

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