Chase had to wonder if this pressure to marry had anything to do with a bad investment Harry had made. Chase learned Harry had lost himself a considerable amount of money.
Chase arrived at the restaurant first and had asked for a private table. He was unsure if Astrid was aware of her father’s schemes. He suspected she was completely in the dark.
When Astrid was escorted to his table, he stood, and they hugged. She looked stunning as always. No one could deny that Astrid Newman was a charming, graceful woman.
He kissed her cheek and pulled out her chair for her to take a seat. “You look wonderful,” he commented, and it was true. The cruise had been good for her, and the radiant smile she wore said as much.
“I feel wonderful,” Astrid said.
“Welcome home. I’m happy you’re back,” he said, and not for the reasons Astrid may have assumed.
Before he could get to the matter weighing on his mind, Astrid regaled him with tales of her adventures. Once again, she told him how taken she was with her visit to New Zealand and the incredible wines she’d tasted. Not wanting to interrupt the flow, Chase politely listened.
When the server came to collect their order, Chase didn’t have much of an appetite. Thankfully, Astrid seemed to know exactly what she wanted, and Chase echoed her choice.
“I didn’t know you enjoy Niçoise,” she said with a raised eyebrow.
He didn’t. Tuna on a salad with green beans would normally have been his last option.
She watched him for a moment and, with the wineglass in her hand, gave him a chagrined smile. “I’m sorry, Chase, I didn’t mean to talk your head off. Tell me what’s been going on with you since I’ve been away.”
He shifted awkwardly and briefly looked away before he said, “Apparently you’re unaware that your father spread the word of our engagement all over town.”
A stunned expression came over her and the wineglass nearly tumbled out of her hand. “What are you talking about?” She shook her head as though to clear her thoughts. “Well, this is all starting to make sense.”
“What?”
She set the glass down and drew in a deep breath. “For the last three weeks Mom has been singing your praises nonstop. More than once, I explained we’d taken a break from each other. I repeatedly told her we’d parted as friends. It was crazy, because she kept insisting we’d both come to our senses once I was back.”
Deep down, Chase had always suspected Astrid had no part in this craziness. It was a relief to know he was right.
Astrid had gone pale. “I am so, so sorry. I…hardly know what to say other than to apologize for my father’s actions.”
“You were as much a victim as me,” he said. Chase planned to tell Harry exactly what he thought of him, and he wasn’t about to mince words. “I’ve known for a long time that we were at a crossroads. I deeply admire you and consider you a good friend.”
“As I do you,” she said, reaching for his hand.
“I’ll be forever grateful you had the courage to say what I couldn’t. It was time we both owned up to the fact that despiteall we have in common, it wasn’t meant to be. It was completely freeing when you suggested we part as friends.”
“It was for me, too,” she agreed.
From the way she lowered her eyes, Astrid already knew. “My father has a lot to answer for, doesn’t he? He tried to manipulate us for his own selfish reasons. I couldn’t be more embarrassed or upset.”
“Astrid, please, this isn’t on you. No doubt your father has his reasons.”
She gave a short nod. “I know, but I can’t help feeling guilty for the embarrassment he’s caused you. I’ll personally make sure the truth gets out.”
“No worries, Astrid. We’re both adults. All we need to say is that we’ve changed our minds and leave it at that. No need to go into details.”
She mulled this over and then released a shaky breath. “You’re right. The less said, the better. Just know how sorry I am about all of this.”
“It’s over. We’re both in agreement and that’s all that matters.” Although Chase would enjoy giving Harry a piece of his mind. The man didn’t deserve a daughter as generous as Astrid.
Their salads remained untouched, as neither Chase nor Astrid appeared to have an appetite.
Chase found Astrid studying him and seemed to be suppressing a smile. “You’ve met someone, haven’t you?”
He was surprised at how preceptive she was. Thinking about Maisy, a happy sensation spread through him. “I have. How did you know?”
