The Ivy House

chapter 28

Dark was falling as they motored into the Queensbay Marina. The weather had broken, treating Chase and Phoebe to a magnificent sunset, the sun streaking the sky above the water a rainbow of purples and reds. They had fallen into a comfortable silence after they had finally decided it was time to return, Chase giving her directions as she guided the boat, while he took care of the sails and coiled lines.

Phoebe loved the feel of the wind ruffling her hair, the way her body felt relaxed, sated. The sex had been some of the best she’d ever had—nope, make that the best she’d ever had—and when Chase came down to stand next to her, one of his strong hands settling on her to help her steer the boat, she sunk into him, loving the feel of him, the presence of him comforting her.

They docked the boat together, with help from a friendly deckhand, and as Chase checked the lines, they heard a voice calling them.

“There you are,” Lynn said as she came up to them. “Nice boat.”

Something in her smile had Phoebe guessing that Lynn had a pretty fair idea of what they had been up to. Luckily, dusk was settling and it hid the flush that was spreading across her cheeks.

“My mom sent me down,” Lynn said, apologetically. “She wanted me to invite you both to dinner. I texted, but with the storm and everything, you know, she got a little concerned. Typical mom.”

Phoebe wouldn’t know, but she wasn’t upset. It was strangely nice to be worried about, even if she had been in capable hands. She sent a look to Chase and he answered with one of his own.

“So, dinner?” Lynn turned to Chase. “The Randalls are coming.”

Chase looked at her, then laughed. “Noah’s coming?”

“Yes. Noah and his wife are big donors to the hospital and the clinic, so my parents wanted to thank them. When Noah heard Phoebe was staying with us, he wanted to make sure you were back in time for dinner.”

“I’m sure he did,” Chase said drily.

“I don’t know,” Phoebe said, hesitating, feeling nervous. She wasn’t sure she was ready.

“My mom promised to be good,” Lynn whispered.

Chase jumped down lightly on the dock. “A home-cooked meal. Sounds great.” He held out a hand for Phoebe and she looked at him. He was standing there in his khakis and a fresh polo shirt, looking perfectly relaxed, like he hadn’t just spent the afternoon doing that with her.

With Lynn grinning at her and Chase offering her his hand, Phoebe had no choice but to take it.