Page 5 of Chasing Me (Beyond Me #2)

And just like that, my worries drifted away under the sting of his gorgeous blue eyes.

I took in his bulk, dressed in jeans and a dark wool sweater that only emphasized all those mouth-drooling muscles.

His burnished hair fell sexily into his eyes.

From his carved cheekbones, arched brows, and lush, soft lips, he was the type of man women followed with their eyes and crushed on.

He had this wicked mischief in his gaze that promised a woman the moon and stars and back again.

And boy, did he deliver that promise.

My father cleared his throat, which meant I’d been staring at James again, so I focused back on my plate.

“What do your parents think of art school, James?” my dad asked.

James stiffened, averting his gaze. “I don’t talk much with them, sir. I called my father to let him know, of course, but we don’t have much contact.”

Dad frowned. “That’s concerning. They’re your parents. I’m sure they want the best for you. I know if Quinn moved and made a huge career change, I’d like to be kept abreast.”

“It’s different with James,” I interrupted. “He’s been on his own for years. His father said it’s either college or join him in the family business.”

Dad raised his brow. “Sounds fair to me. Responsible.”

I squirmed in my seat with annoyance. “Dad, you don’t understand the history. James has a right to make his own decisions.”

“Not if his parents are paying.”

James shoved the plate away and gave a tight smile. “You’re right. Listen, I’m sorry, but I have to run. Mr. Harmon, it was good to see you again. I completely forgot I told some of my classmates I’d join them for a painting session.”

“James—”

“I’ll be back later, and we’ll spend some time together.”

“But”

He leaned over and pressed a kiss on the top of my head. Threw down a few bills on the table, then walked out of the diner.

Unease slithered through me. “What are you doing?” I hated the almost satisfied look on my father’s face. “Talking about his parents upsets him.”

“Quinn, I didn’t mean to upset the boy. But as a parent, I thought I’d stick up for them. As far as I can see, they’ve paid for his education, he’s dropped out of three colleges, refused to work in the business, and gave them a big screw-you. Does this sound right to you?”

I closed my eyes and fought my temper. “You don’t understand the history. What about us? We had our own patches of trouble. How would you feel if some other parent was chiding me for not giving you the proper respect when you didn’t deserve it?”

Dad jerked back. Hurt flickered over his face.

Ugh, I hated being bitchy. “I’m sorry, Dad. Forget it. Just don’t mention his parents when you see him again. Okay?”

“Fine. Whatever you want. I just want what’s best for you. You know that, right?”

I sighed. “Yes, I know. But James is best for me. He makes me happy.”

He nodded then grabbed the bills off the table and gave them to me. “Here, breakfast is on me. Give this back to him and tell him I’m sorry.”

I smiled, softening. The thing about my father was even when he screwed up, he manned up and admitted it. “Thanks, Dad.”

He smiled back and shook his head. “Welcome. Listen, I’ll be speaking at a special anniversary meeting on Friday night at AA. Can you come?”

“I think so. Yes.”

“Good, it will be nice to have you in the audience for support.”

“I’ll be there.”

We paid the check, hugged, and I started off back to my apartment.

The Chicago wind froze my cheeks and stole my breath, but it felt good.

Cleansing. I shoved my hands in the pockets of my green pea coat and hoped James was okay.

My black boots ate up the pavement, and my mind spun.

When we’d first met in Key West, he’d been plain about the truth of his past, calling himself a poor little rich boy.

But the pain beneath his words was real and raw.

Money didn’t buy love or caring, and James’s parents barely checked in with him, only wanting him to lead a proper life that didn’t embarrass them or put them out.

They rarely reached out, and even when James had called them about art school, they’d been cold, telling him he was on his own if he wanted to pursue a ragtag career.

I climbed the stairs, making my way into the brick building located close to the University.

My best friend Cassie and I were going to room together at one time, since we weren’t rich like MacKenzie, but we both ended up preferring our own space.

My studio held all the basics, which I’d made homey with bright afghans, plants, and plenty of books.

The futon did double duty as my bed and couch, and the kitchen had a microwave, stove, and refrigerator, with a small countertop.

My television was old, not even a flat-screen, but it worked fine, and I was able to afford cable, so that was good enough for me.

I shivered, turned up the space heater, and grabbed my books to do some studying before James came over. We’d spend some quality time together, and maybe I’d wear those sexy red panties I’d been saving for a special occasion.

I pushed away thoughts of sex and James and concentrated on my studies.