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.

opening the car door for her. He

nudged lan with his elbow. "What's the deal here? Teo

be your new step-mom? She looks all sweet and nurturing, a real step up from your

among themselves when Teo's hearty

see each other. You're all grown up. How come you're still acting

her with a smile, "Gentlemen,

group greeted, "Hi,

nodded with a gentle

what's going on here? I haven't seen you this lively in years. Are you expecting us to chip in for a wedding gift or

back. "You little troublemaker, always

are single; why not give a late-in-life love a chance? Show us bachelors how it's

countered, "Speak for yourself. I've got

bickering, Katherine's smile remained

when you were kids and always picking on the quiet Eddie? Be careful, or he'll get even like he once did when he secretly tore

story, Roger glanced at Edwin. "Him, quiet? He was a sly one, this boy. We were just fooling around, and he got so mad that he tore up all our summer assignments. We ended up standing in

erupted from