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.

wasn't just opening the car door for her. He took her coat,

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

step-mom? She looks all sweet and

among themselves when

see each other. You're all grown up. How

took Katherine's hand and introduced her with a smile, "Gentlemen, this is Brodie's mother, Katherine.

group

with a gentle

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

just speaking the truth. Both you and Katherine are single; why not give a late-in-life love a chance? Show

"Speak for yourself. I've got a girlfriend now.

the fellas continued their playful bickering, Katherine's

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

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

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