Beautifully Awake

by Riley Mackenzie

  “Eyes on me, Blue.” His command might as well have fallen on deaf ears. There was no way I could move.

  “Blue. Eyes.”

  I tried to scream I can’t, but I lost all ability to speak. For some reason I trusted this man, knew he would put an end to this exquisite torture for me. I mustered every ounce of control and met his gaze.

  My eyes were all he needed to launch his attack. His warm mouth was on me. His pace was excruciating. This was better than any fantasy. The intense pressure built deep in my core, mirroring the crescendo of my throaty cries. He lapped at me as if I was his personal oasis, while his talented tongue found my opening, seeking entrance. A throbbing pleasure shot to my sex. I was so close. Orgasm inevitable. He locked his lips around my bundle of nerves until I shattered, screaming the only syllable I could find. “Chase.” My hips bucked in wild abandon. He tightened his hold and his mouth swallowed every pulse of pleasure.

  I saw heaven.

  Concentrating on catching my breath, Chase kissed my thighs. I found my voice. “That was incredible.”

  “No, that was three.”

  Oh. He was keeping count. Holy shit. One night with this man and I could safely say he just completed my hat trick. He crawled back up my body leaving trails of kisses along his way. He smiled and pressed his lips to mine. A deep possessive kiss. As if he knew exactly what I needed and exactly what he had just done. Completely rocked my world. I tasted myself on his tongue and it only added to this amazingly raw and erotic moment.

  My hand snaked between our bodies in pursuit of my craving. Chase stopped me. I was confused and suddenly self-conscious.

  “One more truth.”

  “What?”

  “How long has it been? And please don’t lie to me.”

  My cheeks flamed.

  “Um, about thirty minutes, give or take a minute,” I retorted with my feeble attempt at dodging the question.

  “You know that’s not what I mean.”

  Yeah, I knew. But why did it matter now?

  “Why does it matter now? I think we’ve established I’m a sure thing at this point.” Please don’t push this.

  “Because I don’t want to hurt you. Baby, you are so incredibly tight and you’re already swollen. Tell me.” His concern rocked me.

  “Um. Three years.”

  “Fuck, Blue, you should have said something. I could have hurt you.” He oozed sincerity.

  “You didn’t hurt me. I’m fine.” Better than fine. My groin throbbed for more than one reason. A dose of Motrin would deal with that later. I tensed my thighs around his hard length, hoping to urge him on and end this conversation.

  “Baby, I want nothing more than to drive into you again, but I don’t trust myself ... you have no idea what you just did to me, watching you come in my mouth, screaming my name. I’d tear you in half. Not an option.” Damn. “Besides, I need this,” he cupped between my legs, “in good health to reach my goal.” This man was going to be the death of me.

  “Goal … care to share?”

  “How high can you count?”

  My eyes widened. “So tell me, in your professional opinion, what’s my, um, projected recovery time?”

  “Hard to tell. Don’t worry. I’ll be keeping a very, very close personal eye on the situation.” He flashed a mischievous grin and gave me a quick, gentle kiss. I could definitely get used to this.

  He rolled on his back and pulled me tight against his chest, planting the sweetest kiss on my head. “Time to sleep, Blue. Speeds the healing process. Doctor’s orders.”

  Mmm. Sleep. Physically spent and beyond sated, sleep sounded blissful. Especially wrapped in the warmth of this man’s strong arms. Two weeks of five AM wake ups, extra long runs and sleepless nights—I was exhausted. Tonight I did something I’d never done, I lived in the moment, succumbing to desire and giving in to my anger. I was still not okay with the cold shoulder he gave me all week with no explanation, but I realized I hoped in time he would trust me enough to explain why he walked away. I felt something tonight and realized I missed feeling. I greedily wanted more. I suddenly wanted to take a chance on anything and everything this man had to offer. Yes, he was confusing as all hell, but now I’d seen a side of him that I never expected. He was intense and dominant, but he was also playful and gentle. He physically took me to places I had begun to doubt existed outside a hot romance novel. More than anything, he made me feel sexy and desired. Part of me wanted to fight to stay awake and never let this night end. What if I woke up tomorrow and this was just a dream? What if either one of us woke up second guessing what we had done, tainting the memory?

  As if he read my mind and wanted to put my doubts to sleep as well, he said in a low whisper, “I hope you didn’t have any plans this weekend. After tonight, I have no intention on sharing you. If ever.”

  “Mmm. Sounds good and you’re in luck. It just so happens, I’m free until Sunday night.”

  “Really. And what’s Sunday?”

  If I wasn’t mistaken, I thought I heard a hint of jealousy.

  “Oh, I go to bed early. My boss can be a bit of a hard ass. I have to be at work at an ungodly hour.” I chuckled, snuggling in tighter, taking in all of his scent. Crisp soap mixed with musk, mixed with sex. Delicious.

  “Sounds like a real prick. Should I have a word with him?” He smiled against my temple.

  “Nah ... turns out he’s not that bad ... just doesn’t enjoy sleeping in like the rest of the world.”

  “Maybe his bed has been too empty.”

  Yeah. He definitely knew the right things to say.

  He held me closer. “Sleep, beautiful.”

  I closed my eyes and contentment washed over me. A quick vision popped in my head. Tired and now a little giddy, I couldn’t resist. “You really fell off the stage?”

  “Flat on my ass.”

  “You have to tell me what song you were doing, so I don’t accidentally play it in the OR. I wouldn’t want you to have an embarrassing flashback while operating,” I teased.

  “Baby, you can play any music you want. I usually like it silent, but I let you pick because I love the way you look when you’re singing along in your head, nodding along, thinking no one’s looking.” He lifted my chin and kissed my lips one last time. “Now sleep, gorgeous. Sleep.”

  I took a deep breath and followed doctor’s orders. Good night, Dr. Sweet.

  The aroma of freshly brewed coffee permeated through my apartment. I opened my eyes. It was early. I slipped my tiny tortoise-shelled glasses on and jostled the edge of my sheer pewter drape to see a perfectly clear blue sky. The sunlight filtered through my room, creating tiny prism rainbows on my ceiling. Discovering the source, my heart skipped, a beautiful stainless steel watch sat so casually on my night table. A perfectly indented pillow nestled close to mine. Both subtle reminders that I wasn’t dreaming. The perma-grin etched across my cheeks and my sated, sore body was more evidence of my reality. Like a child on Christmas morning, I was giddy with excitement. I quietly slipped out of bed to look for my present, naked. Mmm. I put on the first thing I saw and peeked my head out of my tiny bedroom alcove. Thank goodness last night was definitely not a dream. Chase leaned against the tiny kitchen island, coffee in hand, thumbing through the morning paper. Shirtless and barefoot with last night’s slacks loosely hanging right below his hips, accentuating those insanely sexy V-cuts and his tattoo. His hard chest and biceps flexed each time he brought the mug to his lips. This was a sight I would never tire of.

  His eyes lifted. “Did I wake you?” he asked in a deep and velvety morning voice.

  I shook my head no. “Do you ever sleep in?” The clock on the wall read ten to seven.

  “This is sleeping in.” He shrugged and opened his arms like an invitation. “Come here. I have an idea I think you’re going to love.”

  I walked toward him in my tiny white tank and loose cotton shorts. Typical early morning weekend attire. He pulled me against his hard chest and buried hi
s head in my neck, breathing me in.

  “Baby, you smell so good, I just can’t get enough of you.”

  “You got in my pants, Chase, you can stop with the flattery.” I grinned wryly and looked in his eyes. I just can’t get enough of you.

  “Never, you’re stuck with it ... in and out of your pants.”

  I smacked his arm and he playfully tickled me, throwing me over his shoulder.

  “Put me down,” I squealed, looking at a perfectly defined ass.

  “I’ll put you down right where I want you.” He placed me on the cold bathroom tile and stripped me bare. Dazed by clothes being tossed about and still giggling from his tickling escapade, I was surprised at how quickly his jovial eyes turned purposeful. “Spread your legs a little, let me see.”

  Oh no, he isn’t. “See what?”

  “I need to check on my piece.” He dropped to a crouch and lifted my leg over his shoulder. “Oh baby, you’re still a little red.” He gently opened me, peeking inside.

  Good lord, is he freaking kidding me? “All I need is for you to shine your pen light.” He arched his brow and grinned, like he was considering it. “Don’t you dare.” His grin got bigger, but his eyes softened.

  “I know you’re sore, let me take care of you.” He placed a wet kiss on each of my inner thighs and stood, dropping his pants. Holy Commando. He turned on the shower, adjusted the water temperature and pulled me in. My back softened into his warm wet chest. His arms banded around my middle, snaking up to knead my breasts. My head fell back to rest on his shoulder. I moaned into the steamy stream of water. His hardening erection pushed into my butt, increasing my already heightened arousal. He licked drops of water from my neck, spending extra time to suck and nip his way up to my ear. Mmm, Dr. Affectionate.

  “Do you know how sexy you are, Blue?”

  “Um. Do you know how sexy you are?”

  His growl sent a shiver up my spine. He slid a slippery hand down my stomach and ended between my legs, circling the rim of my opening with exquisite gentleness.

  “I want this so bad, but easy first, baby ... no way I’ll ever tire of hearing you moan my name.” He created a rhythm of constant pleasure. My hips pulsed to the beat until I arched my back into his miracle fingers.

  I checked all my inhibitions at the door last night, breathlessly moaning, “Yes, oh Chase, don’t stop.” Then without warning, I exploded repeatedly, pivoting my hips. Panting, I pressed my palm against the shower wall for support while I returned from pure bliss again. He languidly dragged his hands up along my sides, stopping to push my damp hair over my shoulder. His soft wet lips kissed along the top of my collarbone before nuzzling into my neck.

  “That’s four. I’ll surprise you for five, but number six, I’m back inside.” He groaned, spinning me around to devour my mouth. I leaned into his chest and hung on. I could spend my life kissing this man and never be satisfied. He swatted my ass and broke our kiss.

  “Chase.” I bit my lower lip and ran my hands over his slippery chest. Hmm … sexy and wet and the promise of later ... mmm.

  “You’re addicting, baby. If I don’t stop kissing you we’ll never get anywhere. Come on, turn around and let me wash you.” He grabbed my poof and soaped my body. Touching, caressing, massaging every inch.

  “Mmm, I’ve never been so clean.” I seductively batted my eyelashes and licked my lips.

  “You’re teasing me and my self control is running out,” he joked.

  Feeling possessed and more wanton, I whispered, “Um. Last time I checked, only my vagina was on the injured reserved list. My mouth-” He cut me off before I could finish what would have been the boldest sentence of my life. He tangled his hands in my wet hair, and his lust-filled eyes locked only inches from mine.

  “Don’t even, that pretty little mouth is going to be my reward.”

  “Reward?” I blushed.

  “Double digits, baby.” He mischievously raised his brow and kissed the tip of my nose. “Damn. The thought of those lips around my cock. I was determined before ... now I’m a man on a mission.”

  OMG.

  “Are you really not going to let me, you know, until-” My flush deepened.

  “Double digits. Then you get whatever you want. Trust me. Pretty sure this is a win-win.” His devilish grin was sexier than sin. How could I argue with a man on a mission?

  “Now, I have a surprise and I really want to get us there ... so stop eying my junk, sweetness. Not gonna happen.”

  It was hard to explain exactly what I felt when he looked at me like that. The only thing that came to mind was lucky. Like drawing the last get out of jail free card after passing go and collecting two hundred, only to find out I inherited boardwalk and park place with hotels. Insanely over-the-top lucky. I hoped to enjoy whatever this was between us, at least as long as one of those damn games lasted.

  “Get us there? Ooo, tell me?”

  “Nope, a surprise is a surprise.” He grabbed the shampoo and lathered my hair. All business. My scalp got the same heavenly pampering as my body. I wasn’t complaining, more like melting.

  “Rinse, Lil.” He cupped my cheeks and kissed me affectionately.

  “I want to wash you.”

  “Next time, baby, time to pack.” He pushed me out of the door.

  “Pack?” I questioned, while stepping out of the shower to grab a towel. Where was he taking me?

  9

  Surgeon and details

  Packed for something, I plopped down in the front seat of his sleek convertible. I sunk back and ogled his car. It was immaculate and almost as beautiful as him. Clean crisp lines, bronze infused leather, hard wood and stainless steel accents screamed all things Chase. I had a gut feeling this car was expensive. Like, really expensive. Maybe the change in medical reimbursement didn’t hit neurosurgeons yet. A hard-working man like Chase deserved his toy.

  Smiling, I removed my sunglasses from my hair and covered my eyes. I admired the exquisite man next to me in his captivating car. This beautiful, cloudless summer day lent perfectly to a road trip with the top down. I must have been dreaming. I pinched my arm. Thank god it hurt.

  “Ready?” He smiled.

  “Ready, what about you? Don’t we need to go to your place and pack?” He had a clean shirt in his car, since last night’s found its way into my trash, but he was still wearing his dress pants. Commando, yet again.

  “I’m good. I plan on being naked as much as possible.” He cockily grinned and rubbed his hand up my bare thigh, sending a jolt directly to my sex. He had a one-track mind. One that I was easily getting used to. “If we have to, we’ll shop a little.”

  “Oh shit, I knew I forgot something. I’m supposed to meet Sierra later to go over baby shower stuff. It’s okay, I’m sure we can do it one night this week.” I fished through my bag looking for my phone.

  “You sure, Blue? As much as I’m not in the mood to share, I’d rather your best friend not hate me. We didn’t exactly start out on the right foot last night.” He started the engine and hit the button for the top to come down. I silently jumped up and down in my seat.

  “That’s sweet, Chase, but she’ll be fine.” After a play by play. I shot Sierra a quick text and folded my leg under my bottom. Chase rested his hand back on my bare thigh. “So I really have to wait, huh? Not even a little hint?”

  “Sorry, baby.”

  I slumped back into the leather and fake pouted. I had nothing to pout about. I gazed out the window thinking how quickly twelve hours could alter your life. My emotions were on a rollercoaster now, cruising somewhere along could-my-life get-any-freaking-better track. A course I was never privy to. I mentally beamed. Heck, it was my time to enjoy the ride. I weaved my fingers through his. He glanced in my direction and gave me a soft smile.

  I playfully tickled his arm. “What do you want to listen to, Dr. Rock-n-Roll?”

  “I’m good with whatever,” he deadpanned. Why’d he do that?

  “You sure?” I flipped thro
ugh the channels and landed on the Swedish House Mafia hit, “Don’t You Worry, Child.” I hummed for a moment. I loved that song. His hand abruptly left my thigh and gripped the steering wheel. His jaw tightened and his knuckles whitened as the volume of the lead singer’s voice escalated. The lump in my throat kept me from swallowing, and a swarm of bees took over my stomach. Dr. Intensity was back. “I liked the peaceful silence.” I turned it off. The trigger of his tension was obvious. I attempted to diffuse the looming intensity by lightly massaging his neck. Chase and music just didn’t mix. It didn’t make sense; he was in a band growing up. “You okay?”

  He slightly relaxed with my touch as I watched the pulse in his neck bound continuously.

  “You want to talk about it?” I headbanded my glasses and studied him closer. His eyes never wavered from the road. “Was it the music?” I continued to stroke down his rigid arms.

  “I’m fine, Lil, I’m fine.”

  “Truth, Chase.”

  “Not now.” He released his grip on the wheel, making himself comfortable between my legs. Losing focus almost immediately to his miracle fingers, my body fell to command. His rhythmic touch had my mind spinning and my body ablaze. This man was going to kill me.

  Two windblown hours later, the city skyline stole my breath.

  “Oh Chase, I’m so excited! I’ve always wanted to come to New York.”

  He leaned over the center console and ran his fingers through my hair.

  “Come here, Blue.” He coaxed me closer, awarding my lips with a sweet, soft kiss. I smiled under his touch as the butterflies quietly fluttered. That kiss made something deep within me warm all over.

  “Mmm.” I brushed my fingertips along his stubble. His morning shadow covered his cheeks and chin. His hair was windblown and he wore dark rimmed aviator glasses, making him look sexily disheveled. My sex tightened and my heart quickened. Two responses I was beginning to crave.

  “Sooo, what’s on the agenda in the city that never sleeps?”

  “Definitely not sleep.” He winked at me under his shades and restarted his assault on my inner thigh. After losing my thong an hour and thirty minutes back and increasing my tally by one (my surprise number five), it seemed as rapidly as Dr. Intensity flashed his ugly head Dr. Sexy reawakened. Our playful banter and lots of touching was distraction enough for now.