About Last Summer

“I suspect our business discussion is boring your girlfriend,” Drake’s voice interrupted Natalie’s thoughts. “Why don’t you two dance, while I make a few phone calls?” He was speaking to Chase, yet his disarming smile was pointed at Natalie.

Yep, just like Chase. Drake knew when to uncork the charm.

With a smile Chase stood and offered Natalie his hand. For the first time she noticed the subdued music enticing couples onto the dance floor. Most likely her mind had tuned out the romantic sound hoping to prevent further intimate thoughts of Chase, but given this was supposed to be a date, she could hardly refuse.

Oh, hell, here we go again. Her heart thudded as he led her onto the dance floor then drew her against him. The alignment of their bodies wasn’t quite full frontal contact, but it was close enough for her to worry about breathing. It truly wasn’t fair how he affected her, but then again she was the idiot who had agreed to this. And she was also the idiot who had decided to wear such a revealing dress. At the time, choosing this dress had seemed like a good idea. Her feminine ego had wanted to prove she still possessed the power to raise Chase’s blood pressure, and the desire she’d seen in his eyes before Patrick walked in suggested her choice of apparel had done the trick. But her problem now wasn’t Chase’s reaction to her dress. It was her reaction to having his hands on her. The halter style left the majority of her back bare, something his hands hadn’t taken long to discover. The tantalizing way he caressed her back implied he wasn’t touching her just for Drake’s benefit. And when his embrace invited her closer, she felt certain he just wanted to put his hands on her.

She probably should object. After all this was just supposed to be about dinner, and besides she’d already decided she wasn’t going to let her heart, or her hormones, get the better of her again. She lifted her head to voice an objection, but then their gazes collided and her heart stalled. Chase’s eyes were full of memories, erotic, seductive memories that she so did not need to be reminded of.

Oh, yeah. She definitely needed to object.

“You probably shouldn’t be looking at me like that,” she somehow managed despite the thudding in her chest. A middle-aged couple dressed in jeans nearly collided with them, but Natalie was too caught up in Chase’s gaze to pay much attention.

“Why? Does it bother you?” he asked, his expression not changing.

The difference in their height was noticeable now that he held her so close, despite Natalie’s three-inch heels, and looking up at him she felt at a bit of a disadvantage, but regardless she still intended to say what she needed to.

“No,” she answered honestly. “That’s why you shouldn’t be doing it.”

Needing space, she attempted to put some distance between them, but his arms remained around her.

“Drake’s watching.” A slight smile curved his mouth.

The roguish glint in his eyes should have made her mad. She wanted to get mad, but she couldn’t. He was just too damned sexy, and she’d always been a sucker for a guy who was slightly incorrigible. So she satisfied herself with, “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?” She even managed to add a touch of accusation to her tone.

“Maybe just a little.” His grin widened.

The problem was so was she. Seeing little point in offering further objection, she gave in and relaxed against him, her head resting against his shoulder.

What the hell, she thought, surrendering to his enticing embrace. She might as well enjoy his touch while she could. Besides, they were on a public dance floor, how carried away could they get?

*****

“Have you told Natalie why you’ve decided to come back home?” Drake asked, signaling to the bartender for another beer. He already had several but Chase knew Drake would take a cab home.

The indirect lighting helped disguise the fact that Drake was pushing sixty, and despite the lines around his eyes and a dusting of gray hair, he remained an attractive man. More than one woman tonight had given Drake the eye, not that Drake paid any attention. He’d been loyally married for nearly thirty years. Chase often wondered if he would ever share that kind of committed relationship with anyone.

Drake’s subtle question settled in Chase’s gut like a rock. “Uh, no. Not yet.”

“You mean she hasn’t questioned why you’ve taken so much time off?”

Chase glanced over his shoulder. Natalie had retreated to a quiet corner with her cell phone, but having no idea how long the call was going to take, he didn’t know when she’d be back. And this was not a conversation he wanted her to overhear.

“Natalie thinks I’m just spending time with my friend before he gets married.” Or at least that’s what Chase assumed she thought. He wasn’t exactly in the position to ask her.

“And what about you and her?”

Confused about the direction Drake was taking this conversation, Chase asked with a touch of caution, “What about us?”

“How long have you been dating?”

“I don’t know. A few months.” Knowing some men didn’t keep track of such things Chase didn’t feel his answer would tip Drake off. Besides Chase couldn’t remember what he’d told Drake before.

“Does she know about Denise?” Drake nodded in Natalie’s direction, her animated laughter evident from several yards away.

The rock in Chase’s gut turned to acid. The demise of his marriage was a sore subject, and he avoided discussing the topic as much as possible.

“Natalie knows I’m divorced,” he replied, knowing he hadn’t answered Drake’s question.

“But she doesn’t know why,” Drake guessed.

Seeing no way to sidestep that statement, Chase reluctantly admitted, “No, she doesn’t.”

He hadn’t told Natalie during his last visit because they didn’t have that kind of relationship. And now they didn’t even have a relationship, but even if they did, Chase doubted if he would tell her.

His feelings concerning his divorce were muddled up with his feelings for Natalie, and his feelings about where his life was going. Nothing in his life made sense any more, and given his confusion he doubted if he could explain these issues to anyone.

“Don’t you think you should tell her?”

Given the circumstances that question was beside the point, but realizing he couldn’t tell Drake that, Chase merely said, “I haven’t decided what I’m going to do.”

“You’re going to have to come to terms with it sooner or later, Chase.”

Chase had long ago reached that conclusion, but knowing Drake meant well, Chase lifted his beer. “Yeah, well, as soon as I figure out a way to do that, I’ll let you know.”

*****

During the ride home, neither of them said much, but the silence wasn’t awkward. Natalie gazed out the window while Chase pushed buttons on the radio. Unable to find a satisfactory music station he switched it off, but immediately wished he hadn’t.

Fiddling with the controls had given him something to focus on besides Natalie, and now he had nothing to occupy his mind but the tempting brunette seated next to him. He’d told himself a thousand times they couldn’t continue. Doing so would seem too much like a real relationship, and he just didn’t have room in his life for such things.

Besides he’d learned that most relationships just weren’t worth the aggravation they ultimately caused, so he often left before everything fell apart. Sure, he’d enjoyed being with Natalie during those few weeks, but if they started seeing each other on a regular basis their relationship wouldn’t be nearly as exciting.

Regular dating meant expectations. Expectations inevitably led to disappointment. Disappointment led to arguing. And then things often turned ugly.

No, they were better off this way. Much better. And as for his desire for her, well, he was only human. Besides, he’d rather think of her with a smile on his face than with an ache in his heart as he tried to figure out where everything had gone wrong.

Kind of like what happened with his ex-wife.

That gut-wrenching thought crept into his brain before he could stop it. His love for her had ended a long time ago, but the heartache had yet to wane. And one of the things that ripped at him the most was everyone assumed the demise of his marriage was inevitable because he was a Malone. Many of the rumors he’d heard about his father and brothers were true, but until his own divorce Chase had thought he was different. Clearly, he’d been wrong.

Finding Patrick’s house along winding River Shore Drive in the dark wasn’t easy, and Chase focused on locating the correct house for a few moments. But the process didn’t capture his attention for long. Now he had other concerns to face, such as how was he going to say good night to Natalie without them ending up in bed. The driveway stood empty which meant Patrick was still out with Erica. Chase had hoped Patrick would be home which would eliminate Chase’s need to test his self-restraint.

In his mind, he anticipated the evening ending like a typical date. First, they’d go inside all the while discussing the high points of the evening. Then there would be the inevitable offer of a drink as she kicked off her shoes. Then they’d chat as they sipped their drinks, and all the while he’d be wondering how much longer before he could kiss her. Or whose room they could go into so they could spend the rest of the night making love.

As much as he would enjoy letting that scenario play out, Chase knew better.

“How about a drink?” Natalie asked, kicking her heels off at the door.

Could he call them, or what?

“Sure,” he said, strolling into the living room, tugging at his tie.

Natalie headed into the kitchen, and he sank onto the couch, his tie dropping onto the coffee table.

Just one quick drink, then he’d go downstairs.

Simple, right?

She returned with two beers and handed him one. “I really liked your friend,” she said, tucking her dress under her as she dropped onto the opposite side of the couch.

And now she wanted to talk about the evening. Score two.

“Yeah, well, Drake is usually full of enough bull to be entertaining.” Keeping things light seemed like a good approach. It might even distract him from this whole man/woman being alone thing.

“Are you trying to tell me he made up that story about you and that Asian woman?”

Obviously she felt comfortable enough with the situation to tease him. Was that good or bad? Most likely it was bad considering her smile was wreaking havoc with his keeping things light theory.

“Of all the stories he told you tonight, you would have to remember that one.” Chase had forgotten Drake had repeated that tale. Although, thankfully Drake had kept the humiliating details to a minimum.

Her easy laughter washed over him, her blue-green eyes alight with humor. Growing more somber, her expression turned thoughtful.

“I’ve been wondering about something,” she said, inclining her head to one side.

“And what’s that?” He couldn’t tell by her tone if he should be worried or not, but it didn’t hurt to be prepared.

“Well, I realize this is probably none of my business – ” Oh, yeah, he should definitely worry. “– but I was wondering why you decided to stay until the wedding. Not that I mind,” she interjected, “I just thought it a bit odd you took a whole month off.”

Realizing this was what Drake had warned him about, Chase had a ready answer, and what was better it was almost the truth.

“I haven’t taken a vacation in a while, so why not?” He shrugged.

Natalie nodded as the subtle lighting from a nearby lamp highlighted the reddish tones in her hair.

“You can’t really call your last trip home a vacation, can you?” An understanding smile played across her mouth.

His last trip home had been anything but a vacation due to Chase’s concern over his father’s car crash. Although the erotic nights he spent with Natalie had been a much needed diversion during those stressful days, however his interest in her wasn’t purely sexual. After all, she was an intelligent, successful woman, but until he sorted out his life he needed to keep his distance. For both of their sakes.

Her bottle settled on the coffee table with a soft click. “Do you think Patrick suspects anything about us?” she asked, her elbow resting on the back cushions slightly squashing it with her weight.

“Well, considering he invited me to stay, I’d have to say the answer is no.” Chase hoped she’d let the conversation end there. He didn’t want to talk about the possibility of losing one of his best friends. Or the fact that he’d gone against said best friend’s wishes by taking Natalie to bed.

“That’s kind of what I thought, too.” She studied her pink painted fingernails. “Although to hear the way he talks to Mom and Dad – ”

The remainder of the sentence hung in the air unfinished as she shook her head.

Curious as to what Patrick might have said, Chase asked, “What does he say to your parents?”

“I probably shouldn’t say anything, but since I’ve already opened my mouth I might as well tell you.” With a touch of self-reproach, she said, “Mom and Dad weren’t exactly thrilled when Patrick invited you to stay after I’d already moved in.”

“In other words they don’t want me near you.” That was hardly news.

“Basically.” She picked up her beer. “But I wouldn’t worry. Patrick stuck up for you, and so did I.”

Natalie had discussed him with her parents? Interesting. “You did?”

“Of course. They don’t know you and I do. But don’t worry. I didn’t give away anything.”

Her simply worded statement struck an uneasy chord. Although he’d been the one to suggest they keep their relationship a secret, she never suggested otherwise.

Choosing to let her remark pass, he asked, “So what are the odds of Patrick giving me the third degree when he gets home?”

“He’d better not.” She rolled her eyes as she picked at the label on her bottle. Bits of the label flaked off, but Natalie appeared to not notice. “I told him I don’t need a chaperon.”

“That’s true, but when you say something like that it sounds like there’s something going on and you’re telling him it isn’t any of his business,” he felt obligated to point out.

“Well, it isn’t,” she said.

“And you have to admit he has good reason to worry.” That was something that was probably better left unsaid, but it was the truth. And they both knew it.

“Chase,” she said, leveling him with a look, her mouth quirking into a slight smile. “What are you trying to do? Warn me that you’re after my virtue, or whatever they call it?” She appeared amused. “Don’t you think I’ve already figured that out for myself?”

Appreciating the fact that she could see the humor in this situation, he matched her amused smile. “Is that what you think happened last year?”

“No. What I think happened last year was a whole lot more fun.”

Her tone was full of sass, and her eyes sparkled with a hint of invitation. However, he wasn’t the type of guy to get all bent out of shape over a bit of light-hearted flirting. He could keep the situation in perspective, although given their history if she continued they could have a problem.

But he’d play along. For now.

“Now I know why Patrick worries,” he said, matching her flippant tone.

Merriment shone in her eyes as she opened her mouth as if to further sass him, but evidently she changed her mind and instead took another sip of her beer.

Eyeing her suspiciously, he asked, “What are you thinking?”

“You don’t want to know.” She tried unsuccessfully to hide a grin, but Chase knew her game. And yes, he probably shouldn’t be encouraging her, or himself for that matter, but he couldn’t resist. Besides, he wasn’t one to back down from a challenge.

“You know there are ways to make you talk.” He set aside his beer and playfully lunged at her. Natalie shrieked with laughter as she tried to avoid his hands, but she wasn’t quick enough.

“You probably shouldn’t do that,” she said, after he trapped her against the cushions. “What are you going to do if Patrick comes home?”

“I thought you weren’t worried about Patrick,” he taunted. Leaning closer, his mouth inches from hers, he asked, “So you want to tell me more about how much fun you had last year?”

Chase knew for the most part she was just playing around, but he also knew he couldn’t take this game much further. It would take very little for him to close the remaining distance between them, and silence that sassy mouth with a heart-stopping kiss.

But Natalie clearly wasn’t willing to concede defeat as her eyes widened. “Why? Can’t you remember?”

Chase knew an invitation when he heard one, and Natalie’s words were special delivery. Did that mean she wanted him to kiss her? Well, considering the challenging look in her eyes that was exactly what she wanted, but he had a few tricks of his own. He dropped his hand to her waist then tickled her. Her laughter filled the room as they wrestled on the couch.

“OK, OK,” she said between giggles. “I give.”

“You sure?” He stopped tickling, but didn’t release her although he was going to have to soon. Her squirming beneath him had his hormones revved up; much more and he wouldn’t care what Patrick thought.

“I’m sure.”

He eyed her, not sure if he could trust her to not continue sassing him, but he did need to let her go. He was approaching the point of no return, and he couldn’t afford to forget where they were. Having Patrick walk in on them would not further Chase’s cause.

He released her and she sat up adjusting her dress, which had ridden up dangerously high. That was another reason he’d let her go. The last thing he needed was more temptation.

“Well,” she said, her voice less than steady. “It’s getting late, and I’d better get to bed.” Then slanting him a sly look, she added, “Unless you care to join me?”

Chapter Three

Chase’s beer suddenly lodged in his throat.

Natalie’s expression grew decidedly abashed. “Sorry,” she said, her hands moving in a confused gesture. “I wasn’t thinking.”

Chase forced fresh air into his lungs. “Natalie,” he began, although his rational thought process was in serious jeopardy. Thoughts of telling her what a bad idea that was spun through his mind, although thoughts of agreeing to her offer were just as prominent. Maybe even more so.

“I know, I know,” she interrupted, saving him from having to form some sort of intelligent reply. “Don’t worry. I didn’t mean it.” With a rueful smile, she added, “I guess I’ll just say goodnight.”

His heart pulsed as she walked up the stairs, and it wasn’t until she disappeared from view that he realized he hadn’t moved. Still stunned, he carried their beer bottles into the kitchen.

Of course she was joking, he assured himself pouring the remaining amber liquid down the drain. Even if she wanted to make love with him again, she wouldn’t be so foolish as to carry on right under Patrick’s nose. But he couldn’t deny he’d been tempted. He was still tempted.

Without conscious thought his gaze strayed into the now vacant living room, which led to Natalie’s room.

You can’t. You just can’t.

Forcing his thoughts away from the tempting woman upstairs, he focused on shutting off the lights and purposely heading downstairs.

*****

The following morning Natalie berated herself for the way she ended her ‘date’ with Chase. How stupid could she be sassing him like that? Last night she’d been overcome with the most insane urge to push his buttons, but today the quaking in her stomach reminded her of how easily she could get caught in the same trap.

It also didn’t help that her mom had chosen today of all days to come into the office. Usually it was only Natalie, and her mother’s other assistant who did the actual work. Doris typically only worked on a consultation basis and as the occasional personal favor for a friend.

Today, however, Doris hovered around offering advice, which usually went something like, “Did you check with the caterers about the changes in the Bryants’ wedding? No? Well, I would have thought you would have called already, but I’m sure you know best.” Or “Is that the color for Patricia Myers’ dress? I mean with her red hair don’t you think pink is a bit much?”

Needless to say by the time lunch rolled around, Natalie’s jaw hurt from clamping her mouth shut. Needing to expel some pent up energy she left Hill Tower Drive, and took her lunch to Beacon Park. Beacon Park was one of Baker Hill’s larger parks. It boasted a carillon, a park pavilion, and a gazebo, which was one of Baker Hill’s more popular places to host a wedding.

After finding a parking space near the playground and picnic area, Natalie found a bench under a shady tree where she could watch children enjoying the sunny day. The recently remodeled play area had a variety of playground equipment, and it even boasted a water feature. A few of the younger boys were dipping their feet into the small pool of water, although some of the older children were taking a more daring approach. Several bikes crisscrossed paths as the children pedaled through the trail of water, while onlookers enjoyed the effect of spraying liquid from the bikes’ wheels.

The older children’s antics reminded her of something Patrick and his friends might have done when they were younger. Amusing herself with that thought, she managed a smile. Who couldn’t help but feel joy sitting outside on a glorious summer afternoon watching the neighborhood children engage in the age-old childhood tradition of playing at the park?

Purposely keeping thoughts of Chase at bay, she continued to watch the children while she ate. But after clearing away the remains of her lunch, she had nothing left to distract her from why she lunched alone. She needed to figure out what to do about Chase.

The only clear solution was to stay as far away from him as possible, but she needed to be subtle about it so as to not tip off Patrick. Last night proved how easily she could be drawn into another affair and she couldn’t, wouldn’t, flat out refused to go through that again.

Walking away from him last year had been sheer hell, and when he didn’t try to stop her it further confirmed what she suspected all along. He didn’t want a relationship. He wanted a plaything.

Well, that description wasn’t exactly fair. Chase had been going through his own hell not knowing if his father would recover, and his squabbling family hadn’t helped. He had tried to continue working, but racing between Baker Hill and New York had proven to be too much. Eventually he took some time off, and moved into one of the properties he was remodeling. Which is where they spent time together, and she had provided him with the distraction he needed to keep going.

Although their time together hadn’t been just about sex. They often spent hours just talking and she knew Chase truly did care about her. She’d never have gone along with their affair otherwise, but she’d also known their relationship wasn’t going to last. Chase never told her his true feelings concerning relationships, but given he never instigated such conversations she felt it safe to assume he preferred to maintain a certain distance.

Knowing her mental review of ancient history wasn’t solving her problems she finished off her Diet Coke. The only solution that seemed even close to feasible was to remain as busy as possible, which would decrease her chances of being alone with him.

It wasn’t the most ingenious plan, but wasn’t there a saying that claimed simple solutions were often the best? Simple was good. Losing control of her heart was bad. Besides, she liked simple. Easy to remember, easy to execute. Yes, keeping things simple seemed like her best option; besides, what other choice did she have?

*****

Pausing, Chase eyed the ceiling of the almost completed living room. His crew had done well, but then they always did. He wouldn’t have them working for him otherwise.