“Yes, I’ll have the Platinum Passion for now.” The servernodded, jotting down Chase’s order. “Make that the whole bottle.”
She looked to Nicolas. “And anything for you, sir?”
“Just a whiskey for me.”
She nodded, writing it down and leaving.
“Really,cara? That’s like the weakest thing here.”
He always called him that which was basically ‘dude’ in English. His Portuguese was reserved for nicknames and insults as far as Nicolas was concerned.
“Yes, that’s all I’ll be having. I kind of have responsibilities. You know, like running a media empire? Not all of us have an aunt to keep our business afloat while we go MIA.”
“Ouch.” Chase held a hand to his heart. “You still mad that I left two years ago? I needed to?—”
“Find yourself. Yeah, I know.” Nicolas rolled his eyes. “I’m guessing you’ve succeeded in realizing how much of a lost cause you are and decided to return.”
“Always so hostile. Do you speak to your mother with that mouth?”
Nicolas shot him a murderous look.
Chase propped his hand on his jaw, leaning forward with his elbow resting on his knees. “I know you well enough to recognize this is just your roundabout way of saying you’ve missed me. So, just say it. Iama words of affirmation kind of guy, as much as you are.”
Nicolas stayed quiet, but his lips twitched.
“Ethan told me you two hardly go boxing anymore since I left,” Chase continued, eyeing him with a shit-eating grin.
“He should mention that he’s been holed up writing his next series, and that’s also a factor. Same reason why he’s not here tonight. But yes, I won’t deny it.”
“Now you’re really gonna make me cry,” Chase said, wiping at his eyes dramatically. “Seriously though, it’s goodto be back. I’ve traveled to twenty-five countries—twice as many cities—in the past two years, but none of them really compare to New York.”
“You didn’t deserve the fresh air in Maldives for sure. Plenty of city congestion is better suited for someone like you.”
“Asshole,” Chase mumbled as he took his drink from the server who had returned.
“Only for you.” Nicolas smiled sarcastically, then it sobered into a genuine one. “But yeah, I did miss you.”
Chase pointed at him. “I knew it! I fucking knew it!”
As Nicolas brought the glass up to take a sip of his drink, someone almost knocked over the partition of their area with a stumble. She’d also managed to spill her drink on him.
“I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean for that to happen. God, I’m such a klutz. How about I buy you another one as an apology?” Her longest finger twirled a strand of hair.
Chase watched him take a napkin and wipe at his suit without so much as replying.
“What’s your name, babe?” he interjected. “My friend doesn’t really entertain women like you, but I’m not a picky eater.”
She watched him take a sip of the strong drink and run his tongue over his lips, belatedly aware she’d cataloged the movement.
The smirk on the his face was enough to have her eyes sparkling. It was understandable. Chase was what women considered sinfully attractive; 6’5”, strong jawline and striking hazel-green eyes hardly found on anyone else.
She opened her mouth, but Nicolas cut her off with a rather intolerant tone. “We’re trying to have a conversation here. And he’s asking your name only to forget it themoment you two are alone, so I’d suggest you find someone else.”
She became red, but not the Emily kind which made his heart race.
Finally getting the message, she stomped her heels before leaving them alone. Chase watched her, his gaze drawn to her ass. “You’re such acockblock.”
“Mm-hmm,” Nicolas hummed noncommittally. “Tell me more about your two-year vacation.”
