Page 161 of Dream Chaser

I twirled the glass of whiskey in my hand as I sat at the hotel bar.

“What a day, man,” Asher said, perching on a stool beside mine.

“Want a drink?” I asked. “To celebrate the win.”

He shook his head, covering his yawn with the back of his hand. “Just water.”

I smiled. “The race wiped you out.”

“It did. Where’d you go? I saw you when I was signing stuff, then you disappeared.”

I took a sip, relishing the burn of alcohol sliding down my throat. “Confronted my ex-boss. The one who wanted to represent you.”

Asher flagged the bartender and asked for water, then drummed his fingers on the bar. “Did it make you feel better?”

“Not really.” Ice clinked against the glass as I set the drink down. “I thought it’d be more satisfying.”

He frowned, curling his fingers around the four-leaf clover pendant hanging from his neck. “Saying stuff helps sometimes, but it almost feels pointless if you know the person isn’t going to change. How are things with Nova? She and Kaia just got back.”

My chest warmed in the familiar way at the mention of her name. “Things are great. We’re going to my parents’ tomorrow. They chewed my ear off about finally meeting her.”

The only problem was the divorce. Preston Marshall still refused to give it to her, and the deadline I’d given him was today. The stubborn asshole seemed determined to go to court, even though it would be detrimental to him too. According to Rowan’s latest findings, he was in deep shit. The developers wanted some of their money back, which explained why he wanted Nova’s house.

The waiter set Asher’s water in front of him. Asher drank it in a few gulps. “You owe me, bro.” He nudged me with his fist. “I still want to know what you emailed her.”

I picked up my glass, stifling a laugh. “None of your business, mi niño. I kindly advise you to drop the matter.”

Asher nodded toward my whiskey. “How many of those will it take? I can afford to buy you a bottle. Maybe even two.”

“Don’t waste your money on me. Better use it to take Kaia out.”

“After I get some sleep.” He winked. “Which I should go do because your date is here.”

His eyes darted to the doorway. Nova stood there, breathtaking in a long red dress that draped over her curves. Images of me taking it off, feeling her skin, tasting her filled my mind, sending a rush of blood to my cock. No matter how many times I had her, it was never enough. It never would be.

Her gaze held mine as she sauntered over, smiling, then looped her arms around my neck.

Asher cleared his throat. “Guess that’s my cue to leave.”

“Sorry.” She beamed. “I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“You’re not.” Asher rubbed his chin. “Ale was just telling me about that thing he sent you.”

“Don’t listen to him.” I wrapped my arms around Nova’s waist. “He’s just nosy.”

Nova chuckled. “He sends me lots of things every day, Asher. You’d need to be more specific.”

Asher slid off the stool. “Nah, it’s all good. I’ll go check on Kaia. Have fun, kids.”

I snorted. “Thanks, mi niño. Your water’s on me.”

Once Asher had left, I kissed Nova’s lips. “Well, this is a nice surprise. I didn’t think you’d join me. Want a drink?”

“Yes, please.” Nova’s fingertips feathered over my stubble. “I’ll have what you’re drinking.”

I asked the bartender for another whiskey, then studied Nova’s face. There was something in her expression I hadn’t seen before. Something peaceful. Unguarded. Maybe it was the trip to Spain, far from all her problems.

She raised her tumbler, lips splitting into a wide grin. “To Nova Lockhart.”