Chasing Hearts (Robert Chase x Reader)

Chapter 19

You swallowed, focusing on the task in front of you. "It's not that simple."

"Is it ever?" she replied gently. "But it's not just him anymore, is it? You're meeting him halfway."

You sighed, slicing into the watermelon. "I don't know where this is going. I don't even know if it should be going anywhere."

"Why not?" Cameron pressed, her voice kind but insistent. "He clearly cares about you. And you—well, you're letting him in. Slowly, sure, but it's happening."

You hesitated, unsure of how to respond. The truth was, you didn't know where the line was between moving forward and standing still.

Before you could find the words, a loud thwack followed by a string of curses drew your attention. Chase had apparently managed to hit Foreman in the shoulder with a tent pole.

"This is why I don't do manual labor," Foreman grumbled, rubbing his arm.

"You're fine," Chase said, not bothering to hide his amusement.

"Would you two stop flirting?" House called from his lounge chair, where he was already sprawled out with a beer.

It took longer than expected, but eventually, the tents were up, the food was spread out, and everyone gathered under the tent. Wilson sat at the far end of the table, picking at a sandwich, still muttering about being dragged into House's latest escapade.

"I don't even like the beach," he grumbled, glaring half-heartedly at House.

House, unbothered, leaned back in his chair with a self-satisfied grin. "The beauty of today, Jimmy, is that it's your day. Fake birthday or not, you should feel honored."

"Honored," Wilson deadpanned, setting his sandwich down. "Right."

"Honored," House repeated, lifting his drink in a mock toast.

Before Wilson could fire back, his eyes landed on Chase, who was rummaging through the cooler. "Did no one bring sunscreen?" Wilson asked, his tone incredulous. "In a group full of doctors, not one of you thought about sun safety?"

A beat of silence passed, and then Foreman reluctantly reached into his bag, pulling out a small tube. "I've got some. But don't expect me to share with all of you."

"I don't need your pity sunscreen," House declared, pulling a floppy hat from seemingly nowhere and placing it on his head. You laughed at the irony, considering how his text specifically mentioned sunscreen as the number one thing to bring.

"Because that'll help with your pasty complexion," Wilson shot back.

Chase glanced at you, holding up his own sunscreen. "Need some help?"

You hesitated for a moment before shrugging. "Sure. You might as well make yourself useful."

Chase smirked, shaking the bottle. "Turn around."

As his hands worked the lotion across your shoulders, his touch was firm but careful, the faint scent of sunscreen filling the air. "Don't forget to reapply," he said quietly, his tone almost teasing.

"Duly noted," you replied, trying to ignore the warmth spreading through you that had nothing to do with the sun.

Wilson sighed loudly, gesturing toward the table. "Fine, before we all shrivel into raisins, can we at least eat something? This might be the only decent part of this day."

With that, everyone finally settled in, grabbing sandwiches, chips, and cold drinks. Conversation flowed easily, punctuated by House's biting commentary and the occasional groan from Wilson.