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 took her coat, too, his eyes

lan with his elbow. "What's the deal here? Teo hitting a second wind in

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

when Teo's hearty laugh rang

rascals, always scrapping the minute you see each other. You're all grown up.

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

the group

nodded with a gentle smile. "Hello,

with a grin, "Teo, what's going on here? I haven't seen you this lively

playfully kicked him back. "You little troublemaker, always with the

are single;

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

their playful bickering, Katherine's smile

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

He was a sly one, this boy. We were just fooling around, and

erupted from the