But then, at the store, something shifted. There’s a gentleness in him under that tough exterior. I haven’t seen another wide smile like the one he flashed at the gym, but I can see where it came from now. And although I didn’t like some of the things he had to say to me earlier, I appreciate a person who speaks their mind.
I get the sense with Chase that you always know where you stand. That’s not the case with most of the people I interact with on a daily basis. In the music industry, you’re surrounded by so much greed it’s hard to know who’s being straight with you. Who you can trust.
So it’s refreshing.
It’s more than refreshing. It’s—attractive.
When we reach the house, Chase asks me to wait in the car while he checks the perimeter. I have no shame, so I let my eyes slide all over those broad shoulders as he walks the property, carefully inspecting every window and door on the ground floor.
Grump or not, the man isfine.
He finally leads me inside, then sets the alarm, and I wait in the main room while he checks the others. Everything seems well appointed. Plush and fancy. It’s clear the owners have an excellent eye for design. It makes me wonder about the people who live here and what they’re doing right now.
Chase calls down that everything’s secure, and I climb the stairs to the master bedroom. The bed is enormous—an Alaskan king—and I test the mattress with my hands. It’s cushy but firm. Just the way I like it.
I walk to the next bedroom to grab some extra blankets, then I step into the bathroom and remove everything—including my makeup—before putting on the new nightgown and heading downstairs to make tea.
Something smells yummy as I round the corner into the kitchen to see Chase standing over two mugs of tea.
I’m pretty sure making tea for clients is not in his job description.
“Wow. That’s very thoughtful. Thank you.”
He turns toward me, and his eyebrows bounce as though he’s shocked by my appearance, which makes sense: My hair’s a complete mess—pressed flat against my head.
“Sorry. I know I look terrible.”
“No. You, uhh—” He stops mid-sentence, like he’s flustered for some reason, then his eyes rake down over my nightgown.
Wait. Is he checking me out?
He clears his throat like he’s uncomfortable, then he turns away. “You look fine.”
But my nipples are tingling, and when I glance down I’m horrified to realize they’re forming stiff little points under the satin fabric. It’s frankly obscene—I’m not sure why I thought this thing was appropriate to wear downstairs, and now it’s dramatically less appropriate.
I cross one arm over my body to cover them, trying to make it look natural.
“I made you something quick to eat,” he says over his shoulder. “In case you’re hungry.”
“Wow. You did?” I’m touched. For a big, burly guy, he’s awfully considerate.
He holds out a small plate with a thick slice of avocado toast, and it looks mouthwatering. It’s decorated with tiny sprouts and bits of salt and pepper on top. I didn’t realize how hungry I was until now.
“My gosh, this is amazing. Thank you.”
When I reach to take it, my fingers brush against his, and there’s a spark where we touch. His hand is strong and sure, and that calm, quiet energy of him spreads into my chest again. Like when he held my arm outside the department store. It’s making me feel fuzzy inside all over again.
I let my hand linger longer than I should before taking the plate from him, and when I look up to meet his eyes, they’re fixed on mine. He’s tall, towering over me now that I’m out of my heels, and heat swirls low in my belly in response to his gaze. I watch as his upper lip curls just a touch, like he’s aroused. But then he turns away, breaking the spell and leaving my body flooded with a sudden rush of hormones.
He steps to the sink and starts washing the dishes as if nothing happened, but I know what I saw.
He is attracted to me.
Very much so. Even if he’s too professional—or, whatever he is—to admit it. And that feeling is mutual.
My heart pounds at the realization, but I move to take a seat at the kitchen island, sinking my teeth into a big bite to try to calm myself.
It’s delicious. The toast is crisp, and the avocado is creamy and tart, with extra lemony goodness. The sprouts on top add a little crunch and a zing.
