Page 26 of Lost Without You (Chasing Olivia 2)

“Well,” he reaches over to touch my hand, “I am enjoying your New York accent.” This is uncomfortable. I pull my hand back and reach for the bottle of champagne, but he beats me to it and tops off my glass.

“How did you know we were from New York?” Miranda asks, astonished he hit the nail on the head.

“New York has a very unique accent. How did you know I was an Aussie?”

“Point made,” Amanda acknowledges, nodding her head.

“How long are you ladies here?” Noah asks, looking at me.

“We’re leaving Sunday afternoon,” Miranda answers for us.

“So, you’re here all weekend?”

“Yes, we are,” Chase answers behind me, putting his arms around my waist.

“Chase!” Amanda jumps off her stool and moves toward him.

“Hello, beautiful,” he whispers in my ear before releasing me to hug Amanda.

“How was your spa retreat?” he asks Amanda.

“Perfect, thank you.”

“Hello, Miranda.”

“Chase,” Miranda nods. “Where’s Justin?”

“Yes, where are the other two?” Amanda asks.

“They’ll be here in a few minutes. I was just slightly faster.”

“Would you like a glass of champagne?” Noah asks Chase.

“No. Single malt scotch, neat.” As Noah scurries off to pour Chase’s drink, Chase pulls me into an embrace once again.

“I missed you,” he mouths.

“I missed you, too. Did you have a good time?”

“Yes, how was it?” Amanda asks.

“Great. I hooked a yellow-fin tuna, so did Nate. Justin, on the other hand, almost fell overboard,” Chase says, laughing.

“Are you sure you didn’t try to push him?” Amanda asks, laughing.

“No, not this time. Dumbass wasn’t strapped in when he hooked a big one. Almost dragged him head first into the water. He was dangling over the edge of the boat. Nate and I had to grab a leg and pull him back in.” Noah hands Chase his scotch and he takes a welcoming sip.

“Oh no,” Miranda moans.

“Almost lost the pole,” Chase chuckles.

“Don’t let him exaggerate. It wasn’t that bad,” Justin says as he and Nathan walk up to the bar. Miranda jumps up to hug Justin.

“Yes it was,” Nathan says, laughing. “I wish I had it on video.”

“It seems you guys enjoyed yourself,” Amanda says as Nathan pulls her into an embrace.

“Can we eat now? I’m starving,” Justin whines, trying to redirect the conversation.

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