No Strings Attached

The moment the words left his lips, all eyes turned in his direction.

lan clicked his tongue. "When have we ever shied away from a juicy steak, mate? Look at you, panting like you've run a marathon. You should knock back some oysters later and get some strength back."

Chase, fuming, gave him a swift kick. "For your information, I just went for a run. And don't you worry, I could go all night long, three days straight even, and my back wouldn't give an inch." Edwin, overhearing, delivered a playful knee to Chase's lower back, eliciting a yelp as he leaped up.

"Edwin, you're just jealous I'm off the market," Chase accused.

Edwin scoffed, "One hearty meal, and you're all puffed up. Remember, it's not about one feast. It's about keeping the table full every night-that's the real deal."

Chase pointed at them indignantly. "Are you lot doubting me? Just you wait. I'll be feasting every single night just to show you."

The men hadn't had a full gathering in a while, so naturally, when they did meet up, there was no shortage of friendly jabs. S~ᴇaʀᴄh the Findɴovel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Their banter was interrupted by the smooth roll of a black Rolls-Royce entering the yard.

Teo stepped out with Katherine at his side.

her. He

his elbow. "What's the deal here?

She looks all sweet and nurturing, a real step up from your

whispering among themselves when Teo's hearty laugh

other. You're all grown up. How

introduced her with a smile, "Gentlemen, this is Brodie's

group greeted, "Hi,

with a gentle smile.

a grin, "Teo, what's going on here? I haven't seen you this lively in years. Are

"You little troublemaker, always

and Katherine are single; why not give a late-in-life love a

countered, "Speak for yourself. I've got a girlfriend now. Eddie's the only bachelor

playful bickering, Katherine's smile

as when you were kids and always picking on the quiet Eddie? Be careful, or he'll get

boy. We were just fooling around, and he got so mad that he tore up

erupted from the