He abruptly sat up, holding on to me as he did, while reaching for his smartwatch.
“Holy shit, how did I sleep this late?” he barked.
He gently moved me from the top of his legs, grabbed his clothes from the floor, and hustled to the bathroom.
“Mare,” he said from the other room, “I’m sorry, but I gotta go.”
He came out dressed and walked straight to my bedside.
“Can we do dinner tonight? Maybe talk more then?” he said.
This had already been an overwhelming week.
“I don’t think I can go out on another work night this week, I’m sorry.”
“OK, how about tomorrow then?”
I was about to say yes when I remembered I already had plans with Garrett. When I paused and didn’t answer right away, Chase slowed his manic movements.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
I didn’t know what I should do. Chase and I were not together. I wasn’t even sure if getting back together was an option I should be considering.
I could cancel the date and see Chase. But that wasn’t the safe choice. Going out with Garrett and seeing where that wentwas. Garrett was the safer bet in my life. Which highlighted how much of a mistake last night was. I should not have let him do what he did.
“I already have plans tomorrow,” I said. “Another night?”
Chase’s demeanor changed. He stopped moving altogether as he stood and stared at me blankly. His lips pressed together as if he forced himself to hold in words he shouldn’t say. He only gave me a small nod as he grabbed his puffer. He came to my side and leaned in.
“I’ll see you at the office.”
I stood, reached for my robe, and walked with him to the door.
“Chase,” I said as he grabbed the lock and started opening the door to leave. “Thank you for the flowers and thank you for coming over. I enjoyed it and I do want us to talk more.”
He still had his back to me, and I wasn’t sure he was even going to say goodbye. Then he turned and abruptly took my face in his hands. The kiss was soft yet passionate at the same time as his tongue swiped my lips. It was short but powerful, leaving me breathless when he pulled away.
“I’ll see you in a bit.” He gave me a megawatt smile and walked out the door.
The rest of the day was business as usual at the office. Chase gave no indication to me or anyone else that we had spent the night together. We had several meetings with Gage to prepare for the days he would be away with Harper. Another meeting to discuss Chase’s schedule for the coming week. An additional meeting with the construction crew regarding his office.
Not a single flirtatious comment.
At all.
I almost missed them.
But I would never tellhimthat.
“All set for your weekend?” I asked Gage. It was a big one for him.
“I think so. You said it’s all squared away down there, right?” He was busy packing his computer into his bag. Even though he was going away, he would never not bring work along with him. “The in-house people have it all set and ready for us when we get there?”
“Yep,” I told him. “You won’t have to worry about a thing. I even made sure the pictures were framed and put where you wanted them. And everything will be on the kitchen island like you requested. Spoke to Fiona yesterday, and no, Harper doesn’t know what the flowers are for, so don’t worry.”
His shoulders relaxed slightly. I knew he wanted everything to be perfect for this proposal.
“OK,” he said, a bit absentmindedly. “OK, I’m heading out. You should, too. It’s late.”
