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"Yes. My brothers and I take turns spending time with him. We take him to activities, and I drive him to school in the morning once or twice a week. But Mom and Dad spend the most time with him. They've actually gotten much closer since he was born. They used to minimize their interactions together before, but now they might each watch him half a day and sometimes even take care of him together. It’s been kind of interesting."
Chase mentioning his parents made me think about his real estate deal. "Do you have news on the store?"
"Yes. That's actually what my meeting after work is about."
"Why didn't you tell Duncan?"
"It's still a secret."
"Right." I felt honored to know something that others didn't.
"I'm meeting him for dinner."
"Hey, that's good, an informal setting. How did you get him to agree to it?"
He curled up one corner of his mouth. "I've got skills."
"Of course you do."
"I'm going to pitch him about why I'm the best man for this."
I bit my lip. "Chase?"
"Yeah."
"How about telling him about your parents and your history?"
He glanced down at his shirt, tugging at a cuff link. The movement jogged my memory. He’d done that at the wedding right after the music stopped. A bolt of heat coursed through me, and I could practically feel his hands on my waist.
Lord, I'm hopeless.
"Would you like to join us for dinner?" he asked unexpectedly. "You have a talent for smoothing things out andputting everything in perspective. I could use that help in the negotiation.”
"You need my sunshine to close the deal, don't you?" I teased, and Chase grunted.
"I’m not going to agree unless you say—"
I burst out laughing, throwing my head back. "Fine, I'll take it. What time does it start?"
"At six."
"Hmm, that’s a bit early, but I can finish up. Where is it?"
"We can go together in my car. It’s in the Gaslamp Quarter."
"I live in that area," I said.
"Meet me in the garage at five thirty?" he asked, watching me intently.
I drew in a deep breath. What was I doing agreeing to spend time alone with him?
You're not going to be alone, Hannah. You're meeting with the owner of the store. You'll only be alone in the car. Don't be ridiculous.
"I’ll be there."
***
At five thirty, all the elevators were occupied. I waited for five minutes before texting Chase.