No Strings Attached

Chase turned just in time to catch sight of Sasha, a mischievous smirk playing on his mouth. "You settling down with me?"

Sasha glared at him, her annoyance palpable. "Settle down with you? In your dreams!"

Wheeling over to her mother's side, she stated with solemn gravity, "Mom, there's nothing between me and him, and the baby story was a lie. Please stop involving yourself."

Carolina took her daughter's hand, offering words of comfort. "Sweetie, I know you lost the baby, and you're upset, but that's no reason to take it out on Chase. It's not his fault. You're both young. There's plenty of time for children, right Chase?" Her lips curved in a smile toward Chase, her fondness for him barely concealed.

Chase nodded, playing along with a grin. "You are right."

"Right my foot! Chase, stop making a mess and get out. You're not needed here!"

stern look. "What kind of language is that? You don't sound like a lady at all. Chase, if she ever speaks to you like that

expression a picture of feigned hurt. "It's okay, Carolina. I'm

he just born to enjoy playing the pretend boyfriend? She kicked at

to respond, snapped shut again. His lips were

shoulder. "Don't worry, dear. I'm here. She won't really hurt you.

to Clara for rescue. "Clara, my mom's lost it. Help me out

them. Carolina's finally meeting her 'son-in-law.' We'll come back later." After a casual greeting to Carolina, he whisked Clara away. Sasha fumed behind them. "Ian, I took the fall for

"Is it really okay to leave

on her forehead, his voice a seductive murmur. "My silly wife, trust

they fight all the time. How could they