Beautifully Awake

by Riley Mackenzie

  “Oh really, and who’s inviting you back?” He quietly taunted. “The wrinkly guy on the fifth floor might need some company, I can press five. What floor did you need, ma’am?” he said, raising his voice. I grabbed his hand and grinned. I was definitely falling hard for Dr. Playful.

  “Chase, can I tell you something?”

  “Sure, baby, anything.” He tucked me into the crook of his body, a place I was growing very fond of and kissed my temple.

  “I haven’t been this happy in a long time, thanks.”

  “Me either.”

  His eyes softened as he led me into his bedroom. “I want to show you something.”

  Hanging in his closet was my new wardrobe. My splash of color infiltrated his dark palate. “I thought maybe you could leave some of your new clothes here.” My butterflies awoke and fluttered. “I mean, if you want.” He was nervously rambling again. I smiled wide and nodded as tears pricked the back of my eyes. Speech was impossible. I turned in an attempt to compose myself, but he snaked his arms around my waist and kissed my neck. “It means a lot to me, baby.” I melted more. “I have another surprise for you in the top drawer over there.”

  I looked toward his built-in, eleven-drawer dresser and pushed my emotion aside. “Sierra would go ape shit for this closet.” It was the size of my studio. Literally.

  “And just when I thought you were going to say something sentimental.” He sighed. I shrugged. If he only knew what his statement had done to me. “You seem to always keep me guessing.” He directed me toward the dresser. “I had the top two cleaned out and filled just for you.”

  Wait, when did he do that and who was cleaning out his drawers? “Filled?”

  “I figured since I was playing a large role in ruining your panties, the least I could do was replace them.”

  “You didn’t have to do that, I was just teasing you before. Wait, when did you-?”

  “Blue, I could have finished two craniotomies in the time you spent fooling around in the dressing room this afternoon. And as far as saying I didn’t have to do it, you’ll learn soon enough that I only do things I want to do ... and spoiling you just became my new favorite pastime. Go look, see how I did.”

  I opened the first drawer to gorgeously arranged color-coordinated silk thongs. Whoever folded these must have had a part time job at Victoria’s Secret.

  “Chase, you’re crazy. What’d you buy, every color?”

  “I didn’t know, baby, it’s the first time I’ve bought women’s underwear.” I liked the sound of that. “Hold one up, make sure it’s what you like.” He cocked his head and raised his eyebrows.

  “Why are you looking at me like that?” I grabbed a tiny white lace thong and held it up. I gasped. “Chase. Oh. My. God. Are these ... oh my god.” The heat hit my cheeks then quickly found its home between my legs. “Crotchless?”

  “What, you sound surprised. I need access. Figured instead of ripping pair after pair, these would be perfect.” OMG.

  “Um...” I giggled, feeling like a naughty schoolgirl.

  “What, beautiful, cat got your tongue?” He rubbed his thumb across my cheek. “I fucking love when you blush.” He pulled me closer, dipping down to suck on my bottom lip. His erection strained against my stomach.

  “Um, I could help you out with something,” I teased.

  “This is what you do to me. You’re always so fucking sexy, and you don’t even know it.” My legs weakened and my sex flamed. “Now go, get your pretty little ass in the shower before I take you right here on the closet floor.”

  “Hmm, I could be persuaded.” I pressed my hips forward and ran my tongue up his neck sucking his bottom lip into my mouth. That was such a freaking sexy gesture.

  “Go, and if you’re lucky, I’ll join you.” He peeled my arms from his neck and swatted my ass. “You’ll find everything you need in the bathroom, drawers on the right are for you.”

  I knew exactly what he meant. I guess it’s true what they say about surgeons, no detail goes left unturned.

  10

  Beneath your beautiful

  I smiled in the bathroom mirror and put the finishing touches on my lip gloss. I almost didn’t recognize the woman staring back at me. And not because I was up to nine orgasms—well, that might be part of it. And not because of the new Roberto Cavalli dress Chase snuck in when I wasn’t looking. The dress was stunning, bold and vibrant and screamed alive. It fit perfectly and depicted exactly how I felt. Alive. The one shoulder silk chiffon loosely hugged my body, accentuating my subtle curves, while the blue and green exotic feather print made my fair skin glow bronze. Its loose skirt fell high on my thighs, and although it was much shorter than what I normally wore, it magically lengthened and toned my legs. It was beautiful and sexy. I felt beautiful and sexy. He made me feel beautiful and sexy.

  Everything was happening so fast. Two weeks ago this man was nothing but a stranger. An intimidating, intense stranger. Now he was someone I couldn’t imagine my life without. The old me would have run out the door, scared shitless. Actually, the old me wouldn’t have even made it this far. Yet here I was, decked out in couture, compliments of an insanely hot rich mystery man that melted my panties off with one look. A man that in less than twenty-four hours redefined intimate. A man who happened to be my boss. Monday morning was going to be awkward. I refused to let those thoughts invade my brain. The new me was living in the moment.

  I stepped out and met silence. I plucked up my shiny new Louboutins and went to find him.

  “Hey you. Ready?”

  He leaned against the tall kitchen window, lost in thought, twilight reflected off the sleek cherry wood and islands of white marble, making it feel hours earlier. My heart skipped a beat. He was beautiful. He made jeans and an un-tucked white button down look heavenly.

  He didn’t stifle his intense stare as he eyed me up and down. “You’re beautiful, Blue. You take my breath away.”

  I closed our distance.

  “Thank you for the dress, for everything, for all of this. You really didn’t have to...”

  He cupped my cheeks. “I’d spend every penny I have to see your eyes look that blue.”

  “Wait—that’s why?” It hit me. Blue.

  “Blue, when you walked in my OR in those scrubs, baby, I swear I almost lost my fucking mind.”

  So that was why he freaked.

  “But you made me change them.” I scrunched my nose and pretended to pout.

  He responded by kissing it. “Baby. Think about what I do for a living. That’s a seriously dangerous distraction.”

  “Well, if I’m such a distraction, Doctor, why have me in the room at all?” I bit my bottom lip.

  “Because wondering where you are, what you’re doing, imagining these soft lips sipping one of your girly coffee drinks, or picturing you twisting your hair up in that messy ponytail thing you do. Fuck, Blue. That distraction could be deadly.”

  The knot burned the back of my throat. I fought to swallow. “Are you real? If this is all a dream, god, I hope I stay asleep.” I covered his hand and pressed my cheek against his warm palm.

  “Sleep’s overrated, baby.” His smile melted my heart. He kissed me. A slow, tender kiss. He lifted me up and rested my very exposed bottom on the cold marble. Some areas colder than others. Chase grabbed the shoes from my hand, knelt down and slipped each shoe over my arch. Desire filled his eyes.

  “Probably not a work shoe then, huh?”

  “Ya think?” He growled and kissed my exposed thighs before standing up. “Let’s go. I promised my gorgeous distraction a night out.”

  I scooted off the counter.

  “Thought you didn’t like to share.”

  “Oh baby, trust me. Other than a quick drink with Asher, I have no intention of it.”

  “Good.” Really freaking good, actually.

  After the day Chase planned, I should not have been surprised to find a Lincoln town car waiting downstairs. Or when the driver pulled up in front of th
e coolest pair of towering skyscrapers I assumed was the Time Warner Center. Why wouldn’t we meet for drinks on the thirty-fifth floor of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel at some sick restaurant I couldn’t pronounce, a sophisticated glassed-in perch that overlooked Central park, Columbus Circle and the mesmerizing skyline? Princess-for-a day was an absolute understatement.

  “This place is nice. Couldn’t find somewhere a little fancier, maybe a better view?” I couldn’t resist.

  “Keep it up, baby. This seems to be becoming a habit. I’m gonna have to find something to do with that sassy mouth of yours.” He smirked.

  “Promise?”

  Chase shook his head and smiled as the waiter interrupted. “Good evening, Dr. Colton. Can I get you something to drink while you look over the menu?”

  “Thank you, but we’re not dining this evening. Just drinks. We’re also expecting one more.” His casual confidence was a serious turn on.

  “Of course, sir. Would you like to see the wine list?”

  “Actually, would you happen to have any vintage Sake? My lovely girl has a craving.” Chase winked at me. Very funny.

  “It’s not on the wine list, sir, but I’m sure we can have a bottle brought in immediately.”

  “No, no, thank you. That’s fine. I’m sure I can find a way to satisfy her craving later.” He turned and looked straight at me. “If that sounds pleasing to you, baby?”

  “Um, please don’t go to any trouble on my account. Actually I think my thoughtful date misunderstood my craving. I can wait until dinner.”

  “Very well then, can I interest you in a cocktail, bottle of wine or champagne?”

  “Champagne. We’ll take a bottle of the ‘89 Krug Collection.”

  “Excellent choice, sir, anything else?”

  “Maybe a cheese plate with an aged balsamic, please.” His eyes were adorably playful. “I wouldn’t want you to drink on an empty stomach, baby, I know how sensitive you can be.”

  “Of course, sir. I’ll bring it right out.” The waiter practically ran from our quaint table, leaving us alone with our sexual tension.

  “I think you made our waiter blush.” Me too, for that matter.

  “Baby, he turned that color as soon as I caught him watching you cross those very exposed, sexy legs. I’m sure he was hoping to sneak a peek of what’s mine. And for the record, that dress is probably not going to see the outside of our bedroom ever again.” He lifted his sparkling water and took a sip.

  The whole mine and our comment never had a chance to sink in because I was mortified, remembering the panties I wore. Reading the expression on my face, Chase added, “Unlucky for him, but very lucky for me, the tablecloth here had my back. Otherwise we wouldn’t still be sitting here.” Damn, that wink disarmed me. Luckily the sommelier returned quickly with our champagne while another server delivered our cheese plate.

  “Hmm. Champagne. Are we celebrating?” I held my glass of bubbly up. Chase nodded, as he smelled his glass.

  “In that case, to cravings!”

  “To double digits!”

  We clinked and took a sip. I clenched my legs tightly together, aware that my new panties left my gorgeous designer dress vulnerable to a wet spot. I blushed again.

  We were having so much fun talking and flirting, I almost forgot we were meeting Chase’s friend. His eyes lifted and brightened, making contact with a suited gentleman rounding the corner. His tawny short hair framed a very handsome face. His lips turned up slightly, seemingly to acknowledge my presence. Chase stood watching his brisk approach.

  “Ash, buddy, I’m so glad you could make it.” The two men shook hands and embraced in a man-hug, slapping each other’s backs. I smiled watching Chase’s affectionate sentiment.

  “C, it’s been too long, we’ve got to get back here more often.”

  Chase glanced over his shoulder. I placed my napkin on the table and stood.

  “I might have another reason to come more often, this one seems to like New York.” Chase nodded in my direction. “Ash, this is my girlfriend, Lili Porter. Lili, this is Asher Craig.”

  Girlfriend. Holy shit, he said girlfriend. We hadn’t talked about our relationship. My breath caught instantly.

  “It’s a true pleasure.” Asher gracefully kissed my cheek, and we sat. Chase scooted his chair next to mine so he could relax his arm around me, a total possessive-man gesture. And I loved it.

  “So bro, looks like I don’t have to ask. Philly seems to be treating you very well.” Asher smiled and nodded in my direction. “Guess I should stop trying to get you to reconsider Beantown, ha?”

  A server appeared to fill a flute for Asher.

  “Boston?” I questioned.

  “Technically, but work has me split, and I spend a good amount of time here. Now thanks to this clown, I have to add Philly to the mix.” Asher smiled.

  “Oh, what do you do?”

  Chase cut in and answered for him, “Ash is a finance lawyer, he also looks after some of my interests.”

  “Ha. I guess you could say that. More like, I make it possible for pretty boy here to spend his day playing doctor.” That was a strange thing to say. “Lili, you should have bossman bring you up, give you a tour of the facility. It’s pretty impressive. Ever been to Boston?” Now I was confused.

  Chase noticed, because he jokingly dismissed Asher. “Why? So we can sound as ridiculous as you? Doct-AH. BAW-ston.” His imitation was cute.

  “You’re an ass,” Asher said and we all chuckled.

  “Nice.” Asher recognized the champagne label. “You shouldn’t have on my account,” he said, teasing Chase.

  Chase reached down and squeezed my thigh. “Lili’s about to reach a benchmark. A little anticipatory celebration never hurt.” Oh no he didn’t.

  “Oh. Good stuff. Congrats. In that case, let’s get another bottle.” Asher turned to signal the sommelier for a second bottle of the champagne he seemed impressed by. I got the pause I needed to change the subject. Fast. My face was on fire.

  “Um, I’ve been to Boston, a few times. It’s great. My best friend’s family has a house in Cape Cod, and I spent many summers with them when I was younger. I actually almost moved there to finish my master’s.”

  “You did? I didn’t know that. Why didn’t you go?” Chase asked, looking sincerely interested and disappointed at the same time.

  “Oh, a funding issue. My grant fell through.” Sort of. It wasn’t really a lie. I fought the bile rising in my throat from the memories flooding my brain. Hell, I wasn’t going to let the past ruin this night, or any other night for that matter. “Wound up in Philly instead, but I do love Boston. How could ya not? After all, it’s home to the Baw-ston Bruins.” I smiled and Asher laughed.

  “Gorgeous and a hockey fan. How did this loser get so lucky?”

  “Jealous much? I’ve got to tell you, man, it’s not your best look.” It was great to see Chase in this atmosphere, relaxed and joking with his good friend.

  “Speaking of jealous—fuck, man. I can’t believe I got roped into going to this fucking birthday party tomorrow. My parents pulled the damn guilt card. We know how busy you are, son, but since you’re in town and if it’s not too much, cause you know our health hasn’t been what it was … how the hell do you say no to that? It’s gonna be fucking torture,” Asher said, rolling his eyes in disgust. Then he chuckled and smacked Chase in the chest. “Sure you don’t want to make an appearance and save my ass?”

  “No chance,” Chase deadpanned. Whoever’s party they were referring to sounded less than charming with no takers.

  Asher shot back the last of his flute. “No offense, C, but I have no clue how my parents are even friends with those people.”

  “None taken.” Chase followed suit and drained his glass.

  I missed something. “Whose birthday party is it?” I asked.

  Asher pointed his finger at Chase and raised his brow. “His mother’s.”

  “Your mother?” No time to filter, I blurted o
ut.

  Chase went cold and expressionless. His eyes lost their beautiful playful shine, glazed over with intensity. “Drop it,” he hissed at Asher.

  “Wait, your mother’s birthday party is tomorrow and you’re not going?” And you just let your best friend berate her at the table. Luckily, my filter kicked back on and I let that last part bounce around my head instead of off my tongue. Chase hadn’t mentioned his family at all.

  “Lili, I don’t know what your relationship with your mother’s like, but guessing not as dysfunctional as the Colton clan. Be glad you’re not going tomorrow.” He shifted focus back to Chase. “I’m just fucking around, man. I wouldn’t show up either if I were you.”

  I didn’t know why, but Asher’s words struck a tender chord. Chase never mentioned his family. I knew absolutely nothing about their dynamic, but I didn’t love how nonchalant Asher sounded when he referred to Chase’s obviously strained relationship. The man I’d just spent the past twenty-four hours with was not cold or callous, so far from it. He must have had his reasons, and I could only imagined how heavily they weighed on him.

  “Um, you’re right. I’m really not the best person to ask. My mother died when I was two. Ten minutes with her sounds heavenly, but every family is different. I’m sure Chase has his reasons.”

  I squeezed Chase’s thigh just like he had done to me, hoping he felt my support, letting him know the tablecloth wasn’t the only thing that had his back. I did. Even if I didn’t agree and couldn’t imagine not wanting to be around your mother.

  Asher’s face fell. “Ah Lil, I’m so sorry to hear that. I didn’t mean to sound like an insensitive ass.”

  “You never mentioned it, baby.” Chase pulled me closer and kissed my temple, proving me right. So far from cold and callous.

  I didn’t want this to be about me. “I was little when she died, I really don’t remember her at all. But my dad has been amazing. He remarried just a couple of years back. I don’t know anything different.” I smiled thinking about how I really needed to check in on my dad. “He constantly reminds me how much I look just like her,” I paused. “It’s good and bad.” I swallowed hard, three glasses of champagne caught up to me. Damn. I busied myself with cutting a small piece of cheese.