“I was afraid maybe now that the dust had settled—” This time it was Hudson’s raised eyebrow that kept Allie from finishing her thought. His gaze was dark and playful all at once, and if it was any other topic she would have pushed the envelope a bit to see how the scenario played out. But their future wasn’t a joking matter. So even though her body was already responding to the thought of whatever delicious torture he might punish her with, she let the naughty fantasy go. “Fine,” she said, blushing under the heat of his stare. “I won’t say it.”
Hudson grinned down at her. “Progress.” He reached for her hand and brought their entwined fingers to his lips, pressing a kiss to her wedding band. “You’re stuck with me. I would have thought the vows, not to mention these rings, would have proven that point.” A crease formed briefly between his brows, then a knowing smile curved his lips. “Don’t move,” he said, dropping a quick kiss to her mouth before climbing out of the daybed.
Allie rolled onto her stomach and watched him through the glass walls of their villa. He was on the far side of the room, partially obscured by the gauzy white fabric that hung in billowy curtains around the bed. She couldn’t quite make out what he was looking for, but whatever it was had something to do with his suitcase. She flipped over when he turned back toward the glass, but not fast enough. Busted.
“Do you ever do as you’re told?” he asked. His voice was meant to convey disappointment but amusement lit his eyes.
“What?” Allie asked in feigned innocence. “I didn’t move.” She grinned. “Much.”
Hudson smiled and shook his head. “I had these drawn up before we left.” In his hand he held a thick document, folded into thirds and tied with a white satin ribbon. Without opening it, she knew it was a legal document, but what she didn’t know was what kind. It wasn’t a prenup, that was for sure. They’d married not only once without one, but twice. Ben had urged her to allow him to draft something that would protect her family assets, but she’d assured him no such paperwork was necessary. She planned to be married to Hudson for the rest of her life. If their relationship ended, losing half of the assets she acquired during the course of their marriage would be the least of her concerns. Besides, with Hudson’s net worth topping into the billions, he was the party with more on the line. Which is why she’d asked him if he wanted her to sign a prenuptial agreement. That conversation had lasted approximately ten seconds. Just long enough for Hudson to say the words “No fucking way.”
“Consider this a belated wedding gift,” he said, passing her the document then stretching out alongside her on the chaise.
“What is it?”
“A stock transfer.”
“Hudson, I don’t want your shares of Ingram. How they were acquired is irrelevant now. And I rather like being Mr. and Mrs. CEO. I want us to remain partners.” She fixed him with a teasing grin. “Assuming of course you can handle it when I dominate the boardroom.”
Something dark flashed in his eyes. “Bring it on. Just be prepared for a rough night in the bedroom.”
Her breath caught. While Hudson loved to go toe-to-toe with her in the boardroom, he made no apologies for his caveman tendencies once he had her alone in their bed. Or bent over her desk. Or chained to the ceiling. And truth be told, she fucking loved it. “If that was supposed to be a deterrent—”
“It’s wasn’t.”
She cocked her head to one side. “Then what’s all this about?”
“Open it,” he mouthed.
Allie tugged the ribbon free and unfolded the pages. What she saw stopped her cold. As promised, it was indeed a document authorizing a transfer of stock to Allie’s name. But the company in question wasn’t Ingram Media. It was Chase Industries. Her eyes were wide when she met his steady gaze. “I can’t accept this.”
“You can and you will,” he said matter-of-factly. As if he was offering her a Mai Tai and not fifty percent of a multibillion dollar empire.
“You built Chase Industries from the ground up. I can’t let you sign half of it over to me.”
“The company wouldn’t exist if I hadn’t met you,” he said. “The first time I saw you, my world shifted on its axis. Quite simply, you made me want to be a better man. For you.” The breeze kicked up, rustling the thatch roof above their heads and blowing a loose curl across Allie’s face. Hudson tucked it behind her ear, letting his knuckles brush across her cheek after he did. “And besides, that’s your name on the building too, Mrs. Chase.” He leaned closer so his mouth hovered mere inches from hers. “You’re my wife, my lover, and my partner. Not just at Ingram or Chase. In everything,” he whispered just before their lips met.
The word partner echoed in Allie’s heart and mind as Hudson deepened their kiss. He was right: no matter what obstacles or hardships they faced, they had each other, and they always would.
Forever.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Our acknowledgments always begin with a nod to our agent, Pamela Harty, and this book is no exception. We thank our lucky stars to have an agent who not only offers continuous support and encouragement, but who loves our characters almost as much as we do. Pamela, the Chasing Fire series wouldn’t exist without you and the fact that you teared up when we told you how it ends made the journey seem all the more complete.
Huge thanks to our editor Leis Pederson and her assistant Bethany Blair. We could talk about Hudson Chase with you ladies until the restaurant closes around us . . . oh wait, we did! To Erin Galloway and Ryanne Probst, thank you for helping us spread the word about our sexy CEO. And to Lisa Filipe, you are the Queen of Blog Tours. You not only came through for us when we needed it the most, but you always go the extra mile. Not to mention coining the hashtag #HudsonChaser, which in case we haven’t told you is flipping amazing!
Each book in the series has been dedicated to David Gandy, our inspiration for Hudson Chase, but we would be remiss if we didn’t also thank his assistant, Laura Terhune, and the people who make up the Gandy Nation. Thank you for the chance to fan girl along with you on a daily basis. Laura, it was an honor and a privilege to have you as our guest at our first official signing. So glad to call you friend!
To the bloggers and readers who astound us with their support: whether Tweeting, posting on Facebook or just telling your friends and family, your endorsements and kind words mean so much to us. To those who maintain the Chasing Fire fan sites and to the role players who devote their time and talents to making the series interactive, thank you for your creativity and dedication. We will never forget the day we got an e-mail that said, “Hudson Chase is now following you on Twitter.”
Keep reading for an excerpt from the first book in the Chasing Fire series
REMIND ME
Available now from InterMix
There were few things in life Hudson Chase couldn’t control. He’d conquered Wall Street, dominated the business world, and had a net worth that made him a regular on the pages of Forbes. But rushing a woman when she was getting ready for a black tie affair was a power even he didn’t possess.