The Chase, Volume 3 Read Free Page B

me with my Christmas shopping. I’m awful at it. My family will probably ask me who helped me with it.”
    “And what are you going to tell them?” I looked up at him.
    He leaned down and gently kissed my nose. “That I have a wonderful girlfriend.”
    I beamed up at him, amazed at how incredible those words had just made me feel. I felt myself sink deeper into his hard, warm chest as I inhaled his inviting scent. “I’m glad you met my dad today,” I whispered against his chest.
    “Me too. I can tell he means a lot to you.” He kissed me on the forehead and tightened his arms around me.
    “Yeah.” I paused and felt ashamed for even thinking it. “Am I a selfish person to wish that my dad never had the stroke so he could be dealing with the mess with Trent?”
    Dean’s face twisted in anguish. “No, of course not. That’s not an easy situation to be in. Have you told your dad yet?”
    I shook my head. “He’s already sick. I don’t want to trouble him with this too right now. I know that I need to confront Trent about this, and sooner than later. I need to make sure my father’s company and my family is protected.” I felt a pang of guilt as I thought of Trent as an outsider, a stranger who was trying to take advantage of my father and our family.
    “Do you know what you’re going to do?”
    “Yeah, I think I’m going to talk to Trent tomorrow.”
    Dean raised an eyebrow. “Do you want me there to help?”
    I smiled and shook my head. “No, I think I need to talk to him alone.”
    “Okay, if you change your mind, just let me know.”
    “Thanks, boyfriend.” I winked at him, causing him to let out a hardy chuckle.
    “And have you decided on what you want to do on the sister front?”
    “Yup, I have.” I grinned. “I’m going to do it. I’m going to find my long-lost half-sister.”
    “That’s great. I’m glad you decided to go for it.” A smirk appeared on Dean’s face.
    “What?” I smacked him playfully, knowing he was up to no good. “What are you thinking?”
    “It’s nothing.” He made no effort to hide his amusement.
    “Spill it, pal.” I crossed my arms and tapped my foot impatiently, pretending to be upset. “Or else all we’re having this week is regular coffee.”
    “No!” He laughed. “Fine. Jeez, you sure know how to threaten a guy.” He shook his head. “I was just thinking what it’d be like to have two of you around.” He licked his lips and arched an eyebrow. “That’d be pretty hot.”
    “You asshole.” I hit him again, but this time harder.
    “I was just teasing, baby,” he protested against his laughter. “You’re already a handful. I don’t need, or want two of you.”
    I raised a finger a t him. “My sister is off limits. Don’t get any funny ideas if I find her.”
    “Scout’s honor.” He raised his first three fingers. He pulled me back into his arms and whispered in a low, raspy voice. “Baby, I only have eyes for you, and you’re the only one I want. I’m just happy that you’re going to try to reunite with your long-lost sister.”
    I finally gave in to him and laughed. “I know you were just teasing.” I pulled him in for another kiss. “Do you really think I’ll be able to find her?”
    He squeezed me reassuringly. “I do.”
    ***
    I took a deep breath as I approached the door to Trent’s office. I reminded myself that he was not the big brother I once knew. He wasn’t looking out for me anymore. He was a complete stranger.
    I tightened my fist and gave his door two firm, confident knocks.
    “Who is it?”
    I looked inside to find him typing away at his desk without bothering to look up to see who was at the door.
    “Trent, we need to talk.”
    His fingers continued to rapidly move across the keyboard. “What is it?” His voice was cold and dismissive. “I ’m really busy right now. And aren’t you already behind on your work?”
    I drew in another deep breath. “Trent, I know everything.”
    The typing stopped