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!"

that? You don't sound like a lady at all. Chase, if she ever speaks to you like that again, you tell me,

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

the pretend boyfriend? She kicked at Chase, her threat barely veiled. "Say one more word, and I swear I'll sew your

just opened to respond, snapped shut again. His lips were pressed tightly together as he gave

I'm here. She won't really hurt you. Speak

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

eye. "Let's not disturb 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 your wife here, and this is how you repay me? Just you

Clara was led away, she kept looking back. "Is it really okay to leave Sasha hanging? She only told that lie to

voice a seductive murmur. "My silly wife, trust me, a little mistake isn't that bad. Who knows, maybe those two

the time. How could they possibly