One Last Chase

Fantastic!

That was the last word Charleigh heard from her brother and boss, Tripp, after her presentation before him and Kayden Braxton, the COO, and co-founder.

She'd been working her ass off for the past three years at Braxton and Wrylee Associates as an associate architect, and she just spent four weeks on her desk to make a good impression. She deserved more than just the word fantastic.

No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't even get a good job from him. It was not that she was fishing for compliments. This time, she wasn't sure if he meant it because she didn't get a lot of it from Tripp. She didn't care about it anymore for as long as he would keep to his promise.

"Are you ready for your promotion?" Tripp Wrylee asked.

Charleigh said silently, "Been born ready."

"Great. Your flight will be tomorrow. Do your best, Charleigh. Don't come back until you impress the client."

She stopped placing her things back into her tote bag and finally lifted her gaze to her brother. "I think you've been hard on me for years, Tripp, to know if I can do this or not. I can handle this. This is not my first project, anyway. And the last time I checked, I haven't screwed things up." If she didn't count her last relationship. She inwardly grimaced.

"Okay. I'm just reminding you that the firm's credibility lies in your hands." Jeez, he had his own way of boosting her confidence.

"You haven't told me about the client. And where exactly I am going? You only told me to design a 26,000-square-foot modern commercial three-story building. That's it." She assessed her brother. As always, she couldn't see any emotions on his face.

"It's in Hopes Spring."

"Oh, I can do it." Wait. Where is it exactly? "I hope you can tell me more than 'fantastic' when I come back," she said confidently.

She was a hundred percent sure about her promotion, and already dreaming of her name on a nameplate on her new office door.

"You need to get the approval from the city mayor. He also owns the old building." Why did she feel like there was more than what Tripp was telling her?

"You mean, our client. Piece of cake." She hung her bag around her shoulder. "I'll check my email. Thanks."

Charleigh was ready to leave the conference room when Kayden called her name. "Yeah? Wanna add something? Like the great history of Hopes Spring, maybe I should be making a three-story floating building above the spring, on a lake, or at a mountain's peak. I just wanna make sure I won't miss every detail, you know. Do they ride a horse sleigh? What's the weather there? I should have done my homework."

Kayden chuckled. "Nope. The city is a little bit smaller, but they're not completely outdated when it comes to technology. And they definitely have Wifi and Netlfix."

"Good to know." Charleigh nodded because she couldn't live without the internet. It was part of her daily life.

"We made sure the building is going to be built on the land. Good luck."

Kayden Braxton was the definition of tall, dark, and handsome. His dark bronze skin made him more attractive in his dark blue tailored suit. When he smiled, he could be a toothpaste model.

"Thanks, Kayd." She stepped closer to wrap her arms around him. She could easily hug him like a brother.

She'd known Kayden since college. He was also Tripp's best friend. She felt that Kayden was the one who convinced her brother to let her join their firm. When it came to Tripp, she wouldn't exactly expect anything from him other than his cold shoulder and authoritarian. Maybe that was why the firm was successful.

"There's another thing you should know," Kayden said when he pulled from their embrace.

"Kayden," Tripp warned his best friend, and it didn't miss Charleigh's suspicious eyes.

Since she got this project, Charleigh knew something was off. For the starter, Tripp handed it to her on a silver platter. Then, the client should have been around during her presentation, and that never happened today.

She would be traveling to Hopes Spring to do another presentation and make a good impression, but she was more determined to get her promotion than to grill them with questions. If she had to climb the highest mountain, she might not think twice.

What was so special with the city mayor that he couldn't even join if this project was so important to him?

"Our client is-"

Tripp cut off Kayden. "Dax Easton."

Charleigh sucked in a breath. She could feel the color draining from her face. Well, she wasn't exactly expecting that kind of revelation, but she had no more escape from this, had she?

"You're making this up." She swallowed hard while staring at her brother in utter shock.

"No." Tripp almost looked hurt, but she knew it was bullshit. He wouldn't give this job to her if he even gave a damn because he was aware of how the breakup affected Charleigh.

Everything was still fresh when Dax freaking Easton broke her heart in front of a breathtaking landscape. She moved on, but it didn't mean that she'd forgotten her humiliation.

Her way of moving on was devoting to zero interest in relationships. It was as if written in stone. She had hook-ups and made sure no personal entanglements were involved. She pushed that thought to the other side of her brain.

"So he's also the mayor, huh?" she scoffed. Wow! She never saw that coming. Mayor Dax Easton. It actually had a ring to it.

Kayden sighed deeply and nodded to confirm. "Well, it was easier than we thought."

She arched a brow before she faced her brother. "Let's not get too sentimental. It was a long time ago. And you do plan on making me look like an idiot there, don't you, Tripp?"

"I just don't want you to turn this project down. It's a stepping stone for you, Charleigh." Gah, how she hated it when Tripp looked at her so damn little. She didn't look like so useless piece of an architect, only in her brother's eyes. Besides, for years, she'd proven useful, and she passed the exam, for God's sake, so she deserved a little respect from him.

She wanted to punch her brother. Stepping stone his ass! After three years? God, how did he become such an insensitive jerk?

"I'm not turning it down because I designed his castle. I can prove to him that I wasn't so broken when he left me. Just like you said, this is my stepping stone. He was my ex, and what happened between me and Dax was all in the past. Water under the bridge. I'm over it." She slightly stiffened when she sounded defensive and desperate at the same time.

Well, she was.

She couldn't take her mind off the project on her way to her apartment. She wanted to turn around to the nearest bar to drown her sadness with the strongest poison she could get. Then she laughed alone, thinking, perhaps it was Tripp's way of punishing her. She wouldn't let him win.

There was no sibling rivalry between them. Besides, what was Charleigh's match over her brother's achievements? He was the CEO, and well, she was just an associate in the firm full of greedy sharks.

She curled up on her couch, replaying the day Dax broke her heart. The truth was, she still blamed herself. It was her fault after all. She shouldn't have let Dax break the bro code by dating her.

Dax was the only guy who showed interest and attention and made her feel like she was special. For almost two years, she was even thinking of her future with him, and then, all of a sudden, it was nothing more but a dream.

Her phone pinged. It was an email from her brother's assistant about the details of her flight and her stay at the Inn.

There was no turning back. She wouldn't want the month of her hard work would go to waste because of these damn terrible men in her life.

***

The flight attendant announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Hopes Spring Airport. The local time is 5 p.m., and the temperature is thirty degrees."

She was picked up by the local car service arranged for her. The ride was less than fifteen minutes to the Inn. The entire city was not what she expected when Kayden informed her about the not-so-left-behind ideas. It looked like from the 90's movie scenes. When she climbed out of the cab, she was more surprised by the Inn signage in front of her.

It was more like an Airbnb.

"Lovely."

Charleigh took a deep breath before stepping out of the Inn where she'd be staying for a few days. This was her only chance to prove to herself and her brother that she belonged in this industry.

Tripp might have tricked her to be in this town, knowing that she wouldn't say no to the promotion and that her job was also at stake here if she screwed this up.

She thought it would be best for her to learn to stand on her own without her brother by her side or being labeled as Tripp Wrylee's sister.

Meeting her ex didn't even make her feel edgy. Why would it? The only thing that mattered to her right now was how to impress the mayor-not her ex.

She wished Kayden was just throwing his cosmic punchline joke that day. How could she forget how Dax Easton broke her heart in front of the most romantic landscape he designed? Instead of proposing to her, he did to another woman.

It was still fresh to her, and she only cried for days until she realized he didn't deserve her tears.

The air was not too heavy with the fresh aroma of baked goods and the scent of fall. Charleigh should have taken her yoga mat with her, but she thought familiarizing the place would be a good idea.

As she marched toward the sidewalk, she noticed a flower shop with a closed sign on the glass door, then a cake shop beside it, named Clarity in a chiffon pink color. That explained the smell that made her crave a good taste of freshly brewed coffee. She could even taste it better than Starbucks.

She felt something twisted at the pit of her stomach because that old building was going to be torn down, but in her mind, it was nothing personal. She was just doing her job and would get her promotion if the project would go smoothly as planned. She was sure they were going to have new places for the local businesses when the construction started.

Charleigh found a playground with colorful benches, swings, slides, a tube maze, and monkey bars. She stood there for a while, looking at a few people on the benches while the others were walking their pets.

She always wanted a simple life, a husband, and a small family, but her world and dreams all crumbled down before her when her ex broke her heart. Since then, she focused her life solely on finishing her degree and finally, landing the job she ever dreamed of.

She yelped in surprise when a soft and furry thing brushed her legs. Her heart leaped to her throat, and her hands flew to her chest.

When she looked down, it was the whitest dog she'd ever seen, rubbing against her leg. She knelt down, petting the dog. If she was not mistaken, it was an American Eskimo. She ran her fingers to the soft fur, and the dog wagged its tail, darted its tongue out, and lapped her arm.

Charleigh laughed. "You're so adorable, aren't you?"

She always wanted a dog, but she thought of might not be able to take care of it when she spent most of her time on her job. "Who are you, huh?" She couldn't help but giggle because the dog seemed to know her-as if she already gained its trust.

"Lotus!" A deep male voice called from a distance, which made Charleigh stop petting the sweetest dog she'd ever encountered.

The strong footsteps approached, and something in the air shifted, making her heartbeat go wild.

"Behave, boy," the guy commanded.

Charleigh was still kneeling, unable to move a muscle, when the guy spoke again. "I'm sorry if he bothers you. He's like that when he feels safe and comfortable around someone. He can sense if he meets a harmless person. Come here now, boy."

Lotus, the dog kept wagging his tail, tongue darted out as if asking Charleigh to take it up.

"I thought he was so sweet. And he didn't bother me." Finally, Charleigh stood up after petting Lotus one more time. When she lifted her gaze to look at the guy in front of him, her eyes widened a little bit.

Good Lord.

He wasn't just a guy-he was a man-a man that rendered her speechless. He had the most mesmerizing sky-blue eyes with at least six-foot and a few inches tall. He had the same height as Tripp, but there was no doubt he was more attractive than her brother. She almost snorted, thinking her brother was attractive-well, there were so many girls batting eyelashes at him, but he was also a jerk.

The man's eyes squinted at her as if trying to remember or figure something out.

She always felt confident with her body, either dressed or naked, but the longer they stared at each other, the more she wanted to squirm as if his stare was stripping her off, so damn slow.

Charleigh took a deep breath to push the thoughts forming in her head because she definitely had a lot of things to think about this man. She might be a workaholic, but she had a fair share of hook-ups and would definitely put this man on her list. She had zero interest in dating, though. But thinking beneath him, she would never say to fool around a little bit while doing her job in this town.

"You're not from around here, are you?" the hot dog walker said, catching back her attention.

"That obvious, huh? Just visiting Hopes Spring." She smiled at him.

"I see." He nodded, understanding brewing in his eyes. "I would have met you already if you were from around here. Small town, as they say, news travels fast."

And I would have known what was underneath that white shirt and sweatpants if I were also from around here. Charleigh held that thought. Instead, she said, "You have a lovely dog."

"A proud owner." His unbelievably red lips spread into a full grin. Was he flirting with her?

Oh, boy! Charleigh couldn't help but smile back. "I'm Charleigh, and that must be Lotus." She looked down at the dog that was now sitting between their feet.

"How rude of me? I'm Bryce. Welcome to Hopes Spring, Charleigh." He held his hand out, and Charleigh squeezed it for a handshake. It was strong and large, and there was something in that squeeze that promised her more. Her skin started to tingle, and her body seemed to be on fire in anticipation.

"Thanks."

"Have you checked around?"

"Not yet. Just arrived last night. And I am actually looking for a restaurant or a coffee shop."

"How about you check out Clarity? They have tables and serve coffee. You'd love their amazing variant of cupcakes."

"I could use coffee. Thanks."

Suddenly, Bryce checked his digital watch. "I'm sorry, Charleigh, but I should really go." He attached a leash to Lotus. "Hope to see you around. Enjoy your stay." He started to walk back, and then Charleigh watched him pause. Then Bryce turned around. "There's a bar a few blocks from Clarity. I'll be there at eight tonight. I would love to see you there. Drinks are on me."

***

Charleigh went to check Clarity and bought coffee and a half dozen cupcakes after Bryce left her in the playground this morning.

Now, she was wearing a dark blue dress, and white sandals and applied light makeup to complement her outfit.

She didn't want to overdo everything as she might look outcast from the town. She wanted to blend in and be a part of this community even for a short period of time.

She asked for the bar's address from the cashier at Clarity earlier, and now she was in front of Tushy.

She was welcomed with noises, the smell of alcohol and beer permeated the air. Most of the patrons turned to look at the door. There were pairs of eyes and scrutinizing looks pinned at her, wondering who the hell she was, and everyone seemed in shirts, plaids, and jeans.

She let out a sigh of relief when she saw women dressed just like hers.

"You show up. I really thought I was drinking alone tonight." She almost jumped from the voice behind her.

Without turning around, she smiled. "Can't say no to a few drinks."

"Good."

She stiffened to the hand on her back, ushering her to the table at the right corner.

"I don't think it would be hard for you to find someone to join you at the table."

"Not as beautiful as you. See that bartender?" Bryce tipped his head to the bartender. Charleigh's eyes found the man Bryce was telling her about. "He'd be my companion all night."

She couldn't help but laugh. "He's not so bad."

Once they settled, a lanky guy approached, asking for their orders. She ordered a dry martini and a local beer for Bryce.

Bryce's long leg brushed against hers which had her crossed her legs on the spot. She couldn't deny that she wanted it even more, but the night was still young, and she wanted to enjoy a few minutes without thinking of how it would feel to be under the blanket with the hot and sexy man beside him.

"You look beautiful, Charleigh." His compliment made her cheeks burn, making Bryce smile at her reaction. She used to receive a lot of compliments, but there was something different when it came from Bryce.

What's with this man?

She swallowed hard after sipping her martini. She had to do it. Otherwise, she would end up telling Bryce how gorgeous he was if the word gorgeous was even enough to describe him. Compared to the people around, Bryce was wearing a white shirt and dark pants while his dark brown hair looked messy, yet he still looked perfect.

"What brought you here?"

"Just for a short visit."

"Does your short stay include visiting a lot of places?" His voice was low and hoarse. There was something in his voice that made her skin tingle with need.

"Not entirely a short visit. I'm here for a job." Charleigh's throat went dry.

"Huh. I see."

Charleigh watched his throat bob up and down as he swallowed his drink, and she couldn't help but think it was sexy.

Mortified, Bryce caught her staring at him, rewarding her with a crooked smile.

The last time she had a one-night stand-it was a month ago before she worked on this project, and she couldn't say it was good. She ended up leaving the guy as soon as he fell asleep after a round of sex.

Now, she thought if he would invite her to a hotel and blow her brains out. She didn't usually mix work with pleasure, but she would consider fooling a little because. In a few days, she would go back to her regular life because what happened in Hopes Spring stayed in Hopes Spring.

One thing she was sure of, though, sex with Bryce would stay in her memory forever. That was guaranteed.

That was not a part of his plan.

Bryce questioned himself again. He was just caught off guard by the beautiful woman petting Lotus. He kept telling himself before he climbed up his truck.

Or more likely, he was so mesmerized that his pulse shot into the stratosphere until he realized it was too late to take it back-he was already inviting Charleigh for a drink and even hoping she would show up. He was preoccupied throughout his ride, thinking about what Charleigh was wearing that night.

His wife might have been gone years ago, but he still never wanted to get into a relationship pretty soon because he had priorities-to raise his child and to manage Clarity Cakeshop. Right now, his small business was at stake for building renovation. Then, suddenly, he was inviting and entertaining a stranger in the bar. Which was not totally like Bryce Chase.

Charleigh was sitting next to him, and Bryce couldn't even take his eyes off the brunette. He could feel his racing heartbeat every time she smiled and laughed with him.

It had been a while since he felt entertained by someone, let alone a stranger-a damn gorgeous stranger.

"So, you're here for a job." He looked deeply into her twinkling eyes.

Amused, she rolled her eyes. "So, what's the big deal?" Oh, it was a big deal for him because he was utterly captivated by Charleigh. "Can't I enjoy with a man who loves dogs at a bar?"

Damn. His jean-clad knee brushed hers again. He sipped his beer to ignore the throbbing sensation in his pants, but he kept his eyes on hers.

Bryce admired her-the city girl who was straightforward and never ashamed to show off her feelings. She was not the first woman who had shown interest, but he never let anything distract him-he had a kid to raise and couldn't lose Clary by sleeping with random women, yet here he was, ready to throw his self-control out of the window.

He was not nearly drunk, but he felt like he was floating at this moment, probably too much excitement in his veins. His adrenaline rush was out of his control, and his pulse pounded in his ears every time they stared at each other like lovesick teenagers.

She was fucking beautiful in a dark blue dress that hugged her curves well, and she had a great smile, and it all sounded ridiculous, but he wanted to see her smile more often.

Charleigh's eyes glittered as if telling Bryce she was up for it. He watched her lick her lips as she placed the martini glass down the table. He had to look away because it had been years since he felt this way-having a raging hard-on just by merely chatting and flirting in the bar.

He couldn't deny that he missed it, though, but Clary's dickhead uncle had been scrutinizing his actions and had been looking for something to get under his skin.

But right now, he was torn between his desire and risking the years of being a good father. But it was not like he was going to take her home, was he?

He'd been driven by his instinct. "Are you drunk?"

"No," she quickly answered with a wicked smile, licking her lips as if she was anticipating and had read his mind. She looked at her drink and seemed sober for her second shot.

"Let's get out of here." As if in a rush, Bryce stood up after placing a few bills on the table. He signaled the bartender and his friend that they were heading out.

Jake saluted him and smiled at Charleigh.

Once they were outside, Bryce took a deep breath because his heart was speeding up by a second as he placed his hand on Charleigh's small back. A wave of heat and violent hunger rushed through his veins. His body was burning.

"Do you have a car?"

"A rental, but I took a cab to the bar. I was confident to get drunk tonight." She laughed softly.

Miller's, the only rental in town. "My truck is parked at the back," Bryce said as he guided her to the back of the building.

"Yeah. Let me guess. There's only one rental around here."

"Yep." He chuckled.

The silence stretched out between them. All he could hear was the clicking of Charleigh's high heels against the pavement and the thundering of his heart.

He tried convincing his mind to use his willpower by keeping his hands to himself until Charleigh was out of sight, but he was miserably failing.

He stopped in front of his ride, nothing fancy but a Ford truck Clary loved. Before he could unlock the door, he faced Charleigh, and she was even more stunning against the pale moonlight tonight.

Damn it! He was losing it.

"I can sense your tension, Bryce."

He smiled sadly at her. "I don't usually invite women-"

"Because it's not hard for you to get their attention. I get it. You're hot and-"

Instinctively, Bryce pressed his finger on her soft red lips to stop her from talking. He felt the softness and the wetness against his skin, and he had to swallow hard to hold the temptation of replacing his finger with his lips to feel and taste if what he thought earlier was right.

"That's not what I mean." He was assuming a lot, but their attractions didn't take a rocket scientist to figure it out. It went both ways.

"It's alright, Bryce. I'll call a cab."

His heart sunk to see the disappointment in her eyes.

What she didn't know was how hard it was for Bryce to control the urge, and it took all his strength, his willpower, and self-control not to press her against the truck.

The thought of them sweating, panting, and screaming their names as they reached the high level of ecstasy in the hotel room had the fire simmered inside him with so much anticipation. And these desperate and mortifying needs he kept locked for a while were ready to explode within seconds like molten lava in a dormant volcano.

Before she could take another step, Bryce's brain short-circuited.

"Fuck it." Growling, he held her hips and cupped the back of her head.

The last thing he saw was the wide brown eyes in surprise before he slammed his lips against hers and took the gasp into his mouth.

Jesus Christ!

His pulse pounded wildly in his ears that he thought his head would burst-in a damn good way. His lust was consuming him.

Charleigh kissed him back, the same urge as his. She dove her fingers into his hair and grabbed a handful while gripping his bulging bicep to steady herself.

A slip of her moan urged him to press Charleigh against his truck. It was not definitely him-he never did like this before. For a fraction of a moment, he felt wild, but somehow it amused him how their chemistry was ruining his humanity-it was like a cosmic joke, but Bryce was certainly beginning to like it.

His impatient hand spread to her ass, gently squeezing the round globe down her bare thigh. As if on cue, Charleigh instantly lifted her legs and wrapped them around his waist.

"Oh God," Charleigh murmured against their mouths as he pressed his impressive bulge between her thighs.

She grounded her hips shamelessly, finding the right spot that made her lose her mind.

His world just spun wildly out of his control as he was afraid his cock would break against his zipper. He grabbed her hands and pinned them against the window of his truck. He was not this reckless, but he followed his gut and couldn't care less at this moment.

She felt so good he couldn't stop suckling her mouth and wouldn't dare stop.

He broke the kiss, ran his lips down her chin, and licked her earlobe, causing her to shiver. Then he sucked her neck. His desire for her was so overwhelming that he didn't care to mark her, brand he, and make her his.

He was definitely losing his mind.

Moaning, Charleigh threw her head carelessly against the window with a thud, giving her full access to Bryce. His mouth was merciless as he willingly sucked the swell of her breast that had been taunting him since she showed up earlier.

"God, woman." He growled as she shuddered.

Suppressing his outlandish sadistic tendency, he stopped, still breathing heavily. His lungs burned, and his hard cock throbbed in his pants. He wanted a release, but this was not the right place.

Charleigh might be a stranger, but she was a decent woman, and she didn't deserve to be fucked in the alley.

He helped her to her feet. Dissatisfaction plastered over her face, and he had to look away from the guilt and regret.

"I should go." He wanted to punch himself for putting the disappointment in the woman's face, but he had to put his big boy pants together.

"Yeah."

"Let me send you to the hotel."

"No need. I'm staying at the Inn. Thanks for inviting me for a drink."

"Charleigh."

"I understand, Bryce. These things between us happen so fast."

He faced her, cupped her head, and lifted her chin after planting a kiss on her forehead. "I wanna see you again, and I can't just take you right here, right now. I want-"

"I'll be gone before you even realize. And I don't do relationships."

Bryce swallowed the lump forming in his throat. "Me too, but I still wanna see you again. So, just please, let me send you to the Inn. That's every decent man should do."

She caught her lip between her teeth, not saying a word.

"You knew that we're both on the same page, Charleigh," he added.

"I have a job to do, and I need to focus on it."

"So do I."

"Great. Indeed, we're on the same page on this one."

"Certainly."