“Yes, this is what I want, Chase,” she said without doubt.
He smiled, satisfied with her answer, signed each copy and slipped his pen into the inner pocket of his jacket.
Deanna’s phone rang; she looked at the screen and smiled. “Sorry, I have to take this, please excuse me.” She moved swiftly to the balcony to take her call, leaving the pair to themselves.
“You look beautiful today,” Chase said, breaking the silence.
“Thank you.” A heat rose over her face as she fiddled with the contracts to stop it, without success.
“You know how much I love it when you blush.” Chase couldn’t help himself. His heart ached as he forced himself to remain in his seat, not nuzzling his face into her neck or licking his tongue across her earlobe.
“I know you had a hand in all this…thank you,” Eden said, intrigued, watching his eyes for verification of her suspicions.
“Ok, you got me.” He put his hands up in surrender. “Since it was my doing that got you fired from McLean and we have been playing with the idea of creating a design department anyway, you were the perfect person for the job, and you were available,” he admitted his part.
“You didn’t have to do all this…and I’m not blaming anyone but myself for my being fired…but I’m grateful.” She placed her hand on his forearm, and his eyes moved from his arm and her touch, to her eyes.
Deanna came back in to join them. She saw Eden’s quick release from Chase’s arm and grinned at her son. She took her jacket from the back of her chair, folding it over her arm, picked up a copy of the contract and slipped it into her briefcase. “I have to get back to the office, but you two enjoy. I took care of the bill. See you later, Chase, and Eden, you can get started immediately. I’m so glad you agreed to join our team.” She kissed Chase’s cheek and air-kissed Eden’s, then darted off in a scurry.
The waitress refilled Eden’s coffee without asking, and offered a cup to Chase who was happy to share a little time with Eden.
“I’m having the guest room redecorated,” Chase said, breaking the awkward silence.
“Really?” she asked, remembering his reaction when she surprised him with her design. “I thought you weren’t going to bother.”
“I wasn’t until I found your drawing on my office floor when I returned to the apartment. I decided it had to be done. It’s going to look really nice; it’ll remind me of you. Some of the fabrics are a little brighter than your plans…you’ll have to see it when it’s done.”
“Maybe, someday, I will.” She swallowed hard, wishing she could go that very minute. She could see, in her mind, the path to the room and the door opening, revealing the bright colors.
“I hope that someday can be soon.” Chase took a mouthful of coffee while he burned his eyes into hers. He knew she was fighting him, fighting her feelings. It was obvious. It was just a matter of time before he broke her, as he did in his first pursuit, but he would slowly seduce her properly. He needed her. His need to care for her was as strong as it had ever been and she needed to be taken care of.
“I better get going. I have to work at the club tonight.” She gathered up her copy of the contract and shrugged on her jacket.
“I’ll walk out with you,” he offered and placed his hand at the small of her back, directing her to the elevator. Her mind whirled. She missed his dominant touch, the way he took charge of her.
When they came out to the sidewalk, the street was busy with life, loud and congested. Neither one knew what to say or how to handle their goodbye. Chase moved to her with a long, gentle kiss to her cheek, reminding her of their goodbye at the hospital.
“Goodbye for now. I’ll see you around the office,” Chase said, putting his hands into his pockets to resist taking her in his arms and smothering kisses all over her. His control was becoming harder to deal with since their sexual history replayed in his head often.
Eden nodded her head in agreement. “Yes. I guess I will.”
A slight smile curling in the corners of her mouth gave Chase new hope. He left her happier than he had been in days. And unknown to him, she was also happier than she’d been in days.
***
The design department had far surpassed Eden’s expectations. She had decided on an open concept. Not one cubical in the place; she detested them. She opted for designated design areas separated by the unique patterns in the hardwood, strategically placed furniture, and design desks. Quaint social areas boasted four sofas tightly spaced together for think sessions. The copy room, two meeting rooms, and a lunch area took up the entire back length of the floor, complete with frosted, geometric-patterned, floor-to-ceiling glass panels.
Her office, she located near the elevators, just back from the reception desk off to the left. This would give quick access for clients and keep her at the forefront where she would be needed most. The only colors in the room were the opaque, glass panel walls of her office in shades of red in a horizontal, wave pattern. The retractable door panel boasted her name in bold sand-blasted lettering.
She had only seen Chase in passing, a quick wave or a head nod, in the two weeks that it had taken to build her dream. She was seriously missing him but came to the conclusion that he had gotten over her and moved on. Even though the idea broke her heart, it was probably for the best.
Along with the existing architects and building designers already staffed at Dean who would be part of the design department, she had hired four very talented interior designers fresh from apprenticeships and college. She wanted new talent with new concepts and ideas free of the clutter from previous companies, designers that could be molded and sculpted to her liking, with enough freedom to grow within them. It was their first day, the day to settle in, and make their areas their own.
Eden left her team to basically play and get to know each other. She had set up her office earlier in the week and now sat drinking a coffee, admiring what she had created.
“Miss Fox, there is a gentleman here to see you.” The voice on the intercom made her smile.
“Show him in, Amanda.”
Yes, she had hired Amanda after running into her at the local deli and discovered that Hawthorn had given her notice. She was a good secretary and knew Eden’s likes and dislikes when it came to work ethics. It only made perfect sense to hire her.
A beautiful bouquet of lily of the valley tied with a red ribbon came around the doorway before her visitor, followed with a melt-her-into-a-puddle smile. Her heart came up to her throat, and she swallowed hard. He still had such an effect on her.
“Mr. Dean, you shouldn’t have. They’re beautiful, thanks.” Eden came around her desk and took the flowers and sniffed them.
“My favorite color.” Chase pointed to her office walls and glass panels.
“I’m obviously partial to it myself.” She laughed.
“Yes, but does it have the same effect on you?” The expression on his face was playful and naughty, it made her sad with want for the past they’d had. She would have given just about anything to have him pull her forcefully into him and demand her to touch him, telling her to do naughty things to him.
“Are you ok?” Chase asked.
His voice drew her back from her reflections. “Fine, sorry. Did you want a tour?” Eden asked, walking toward the door, and stood beside him looking for a distraction.
“I’ll have to pass right now. I have a meeting in a few minutes. I just wanted to see you. Can I have a rain check?” he asked, running his fingers across her cheek to her lips. Shivers ran like a shock of electricity through her body, and she gave a tiny gasp that did not go unnoticed.
“Of course you can have a rain check,” she said, unsettled by his touch. “Whenever you’re free, come for a tour.”
Chase tilted his head to the side and said in a sexy tone, “I can always find a minute. I’ll be back.” He grinned with emerald, staring eyes. She chewed at the inside of her bottom lip, and he pulled it free from her teeth with his thumb and index f
inger. “You better stop doing that, or I’ll have to miss that meeting.”
Eden gaped, her jaw hanging open. She hadn’t expected him to be so spirited and teasing. She expected all business and an aperture between them.
“Goodbye…for now,” he told her, then was gone, leaving her hot and oh so bothered.
Eden could feel him doing it to her again. She was falling apart, and he was the force. I love that man, she said to herself. Chase wanted her, there was no mistaking it, and it was time she surrendered. Wholly. This time, she wouldn’t resist him. This time would be like no other. She wanted him to pursue her and flirt with her, making her hot and taking her breath away. No crazy lessons or games; she would submit to his desires. She sat down at her desk, sniffing her bouquet, deep in thought.
She missed him, she loved him, and she wanted him back.
***
It was late when Eden finally left the office. It had been a very long, productive day, and she was very happy with the outcome. Her new team was settling in and seemed to be getting along well. It was certainly going to be different. She had a lot to occupy her time and energy, but her heart still ached for the past. For every hour of happiness, there seemed to be a moment of regret tugging at her very soul.
The elevator ride seemed to last an agonizingly long time. Once at her car in the parking garage, she set her briefcase and purse on top and fiddled with her keys. She heard slow, steady footsteps coming behind her and held her breath, scared to turn around. A hand smoothed around her waist to her belly, holding her tight, and a whisper from warm lips touched to her ear, breathing quiet instructions.
“Don’t say a word, baby!” Her knees felt weak, and she relaxed in his hold as Chase nibbled at the nape of her neck and earlobe.
Eden reached her arm back around his neck and pushed her rear end to his arousal. His hands came up to cup her breasts, and she moaned her delight, arching back. His touch, as he ran one hand over her stomach and down to her pubic bone, was familiar and welcome. He cupped her mound, rubbing over its warmth a few times too many.
In a swift move, he turned her to face him and crushed her against his body, sandwiching her against the side of the car. Eden could feel his hard cock pressing into her, and his tongue glided across her lips, until she opened to him and their tongues twisted together in a passionate fever.
“I’ve given you all the fucking space I’m willing to allow. I miss you, baby…say you miss me too,” he begged, breathlessly quiet.
Eden didn’t say a word, too spellbound by the pulse between her thighs begging for stimulation, the kind of stimulation that only Chase could deliver.
Chase licked the rim of her ear and whispered his demand. “Say it. Stop fucking me around, and say it. Tell me you miss me, tell me you yearn for my touch. Tell me you want to be with me, only me. Tell me, baby.”
“I do, I miss you,” she admitted, feeling completely drained from his ecstasy.
“Baby, I knew you missed me. Never had a fucking doubt,” he whispered and then hastily released her.
She was stunned at first, when she no longer felt the warmth of his hands and the taste of his breath. A chill touched her body where he once pressed against her, and she shivered.
“What the fuck was that all about?” she asked, brushing her hand across her jacket and straightening her skirt. She licked her lips to relieve the dryness and looked at him for answers.
“I want you back, baby. I want what we had, and you do too. I’m just not fucking taking no for an answer.” He placed his hands on her hips and held her at a distance while he spoke, softly, but seriously, holding their gaze.
“My wants and needs have changed…I’m not the same person you met all those months ago,” she professed, hoping that he would disclose that he wanted something real with her, but not really caring, fully ready to submit to him without question.
“I, too, have new desires and needs. I expect we have grown, for the better. Surely, this is a good thing,” Chase interrogated her for any doubt, but she made no effort to argue.
His brow knit together. Perhaps she has changed, he thought. His hands came up to cradle her face. He slowly licked his lips, watching her eyes follow his tongue. She sighed ever so quietly, parting her lips as she sucked in a deep breath. He closed his mouth over hers, kissing her tenderly for many long minutes, until finally surrendering her from his possession.
“Have dinner with me!” It was more a command than a question, choosing to assert his dominance to control the outcome.
“Ok.” She loved it when he acted all forceful and alpha-male. All he lacked was a growl from deep in his loins and a primal beating of his chest to make it complete. “Dinner would be nice.” She held back a smirk at her thoughts.
“I’ll text you the time and place. Friday night?” he asked, still anticipating an argument.
“I’m free.” She was intentionally keeping her answers short but sweet, letting his supremacy win. She had no desire whatsoever to turn him down. But she enjoyed letting him think that he was ever the victor, but this round clearly belonged to her.
He reached her door handle, unlocked it with her keys, and handed them to her, pulling the door open and waiting while she got in behind the wheel. He handed her the briefcase and purse from the top of the car, and leaned in for a kiss. It was a quick peck on the lips. Eden started the engine after he closed the door and waved her to go with a sweep of his hand past his hips.
Eden watched him in her rearview mirror and smiled as she chewed her lip. He had new desires and needs? She was playing scenarios in her mind as he disappeared from her sight. But would he, could he, want what she wanted?
***
Eden picked up her cell phone for what must have been the twentieth time in the last hour alone. It was Thursday already, and she hadn’t received a text from Chase regarding their dinner date for Friday. She was frustrated beyond words. She couldn’t believe how she was acting like a silly school girl with a crush. Just weeks ago, she was convinced that they shouldn’t be together, and now she was looking forward to flirting and playing with his desires; submission was no longer a four letter word.
“Miss Fox?” Lucy, one of her designers, stood in the doorway, surprising her.
“Yes, Lucy? And call me Eden, please. What can I do for you?” she asked, grateful for the interruption.
“I finished the concept drawings for the Montgomery project. Should I leave them with you for approval?” Lucy asked, placing them on her desk while Eden looked at them with great interest.
“These are great, Lucy. All the elements are there. This is exactly what they were looking for. The fabrics may need to be changed. There is a supplier problem, but that’s pretty minor. Thanks, Lucy.”
“Thank you, Eden.” Lucy beamed as she left the office.
Eden picked up the new drawings with a few others she had and decided to take them to Deanna for approval. She told Amanda she would return shortly and headed to the elevator. She stood there, waiting far too long, and decided that the stairs would be much faster. It was only a few floors to Deanna’s office.
As she made her way down the stairs, she caught the sound of whispered, angry voices coming from several floors below. She was not trying to eavesdrop, but as she got closer to the couple, she could tell that the conversation was turning to a heated argument. She was just one level above when her curiosity got the best of her, especially when a familiar whispering voice captured her attention.
Eden moved to the rail, leaning slightly forward to try and see the couple, still whispering words unclear to her. She saw part of Chase’s back, no doubt that it was him, and his right arm was up to the wall, leaning on his elbow, an authoritative stance over the female. The woman made a dart, trying to slip under his arm to escape, but he grabbed her and held her to the wall with his hands on her shoulders.
Eden could see her face clearly now and stepped back, just out of sight, so as not to be seen.
She was pretty wi
th dark auburn hair. She was tall, very slim, and her features were dark and European. Her face was streaked with mascara from tears, and she looked angry. She struggled to release herself, and then raised her hand in an attempt to slap his face. He took hold of her wrist before she made contact with his cheek, and Eden could hear his forbidding laughter.
He held her face with his one large hand, pressing her head against the wall, and whispered something to the side of her face. She looked at him with alarmed eyes, holding his wrist with both hands and squirming violently before he finally released her. She ran off down the steps. He turned, and as he brushed his hand through his hair, he glanced up to see the shock on Eden’s face, watching him. She took off in a sprint up the stairs, and he followed.
“Eden, wait! Eden!” He took the steps two at a time, hot on her heels.
Eden was thankful for her years of running at the gym, but the stilettos were a bit of a bitch. Still, she got to her office and dashed inside, sliding the door behind her. It quickly opened before she even had an opportunity to put her drawings down, and Chase moved into the office, sliding the door closed.
“Eden, let me explain.” Chase took the drawings from her and threw them across her desk, trying to take her hands into his. She tugged away. Her expression was troubled, not one of fear. His eyes changes from cold and dark to the emerald that was so calm and recognizable.
“It’s none of my business. You don’t owe me an explanation. You should go. I’m not your girlfriend or anything. You owe me nothing. I’m no one to you.” Even she could hear how ridiculous her comments were and immediately regretted them.
“Oh, Eden, you really have no idea, do you?” He lifted her hand to kiss it, but she plucked it away just before he made contact, a contact that would have had her falling to pieces. He feared she had seen him as some kind of a vicious beast, abusing a woman; he needed to make her understand what had happened in that stairwell.
Eden's Pleasure (Pulse Book 1) Page 28
