Her cheeks heated with a blush. “My friend, Katy, goes to a Dr. Cole. I’ll give his office a call in the morning.”
“Speaking of calls, promise me you’ll keep your cell phone charged and leave it on so I can reach you.”
“I promise.”
“Night, buttercup.”
“Night, cowboy.”
* * *
When Jade wokethe next morning, it was to a nibble on her neck. She grinned, lying spoon-fashion in Chase’s arms. He cupped her breast, and she covered his large hand with hers. Then, turning in his embrace, she slid an arm around him and hugged him to her naked body.
“It’s seven,” Chase said. “What time do you leave for your office?”
“I don’t care about that office.”
“You care about your clients. What time?”
“Nine-ish.”
Chase kissed her, and she was lost to his muscular body as it did the most magical things to hers. In return, her tongue teased his as her fingers wrapped around his male hardness for the first time. He groaned his approval, and as he rolled on top of her, her legs spread for him. The next half hour flew, and in contrast to her pushing Chase into her bed, he had to pull her out of it.
“This morning is the first time there’s been enough light to see this,” Chase said as they paused naked next to her bed. He ran his thumb over the small, pink birthmark resembling an emerald shape.
“It’s the second reason my middle name is Emerald.”
“It’s like it fell off this cotton-candy-pink tip,” he brushed her nipple with his thumb, “and landed here.” Trailing his thumb straight down her body, he stroked the skin over her right hipbone. “Few men can say a jewel fell out of the sky and into his life.”
“No man can say he’s ever seen what you have, Chase.”
“Good.”
Jade hugged her nude body to his. She’d rather stay in bed with this man all day than go to work. When he glanced at the clock on her nightstand, she shrugged. He kissed her forehead and gave her bare fanny a pat before sauntering naked down the hall.
“Where are you going?” she asked, staring after him.
“If you’ve got coffee and eggs,” he said, “I’ll rustle us up some breakfast.”
“I do,” she called, smiling as she headed into the bathroom.
* * *
When Jade enteredthe kitchen forty-five minutes later, it was to the smells of coffee, eggs, and toast. She’d chosen a royal blue dress the color of Chase’s eyes and his Corvette. Her red stilettos matched her red purse. Chase was back in his tee shirt, jeans, and boots. He set plates beside the coffee cups on the table for two at the end of her kitchen. Though smaller, the window above the table also gave them a view of Pikes Peak. Leaning against a countertop, he looked her up and down and complimented her with a catcall whistle.
“Only a woman as hot as you are could accomplish so much in so little time.”
“Only a man as hot you are could roll out of bed and look like a movie star.”
The coffee, eggs, and toast was the best breakfast she’d ever had because Chase had made it. While at the table, they exchanged their phone numbers, putting them into their cell phones. When she got up to get them more coffee, he took a picture of her with his phone. After she’d poured the coffee, he pulled her onto his lap, and she took a selfie of them. When Chase walked toward her after stacking their dishes in the sink, Jade took a full-length shot of him. She sighed and held the phone to her heart. He chuckled. Nine-ish had become nine-thirty, and she reluctantly led the way out of the house. She locked the door, and Chase grabbed her hand.
“Are you going to be completely safe today?” he asked. “I mean, there are lots of other people—clients, patients, and staff around you all day, right?”
“Yes, right.” Jade’s eyes stung, and her throat closed as goodbye neared. “I’ll be safe.”
Chase frowned as if not convinced. “Triple C Ranch has attorneys. Let’s work on getting you out of those contracts, Jade,” he said and pulled her into his arms. She wrapped her arms around his waist and felt the gun at the back of his belt. “Okay?”
“Okay.” She smiled up at him as a tear ran down her cheek. “I miss you already.”
