Attempting to wipe the sleep out of her eyes, she noted it was an hour before noon. It took her several minutes to remember she had a lunch date with Amanda. Her week was definitely proving to be interesting, for a change. Showering quickly, she felt a little more alive, but still, she would have enjoyed another three hours of rest.
Drying her hair quickly, she applied a pink gloss to her lips and a little mascara. Downtown Atlanta was always busy during lunch hour, so she knew she didn't have a lot of time to waste if she was going to be on time. After sliding on a casual dress, and her sandals, she grabbed her purse off the nightstand, and hurried out the door.
Parking was insane but finally she found a spot that had her walking only two blocks to the new restaurant. Amanda was waiting outside and she waved to catch her attention. Catching up to her, Jessie quickly apologized. "I didn't get much sleep last night," she offered weakly.
"You've been having a lot of trouble this week with sleep, Jessie. Are you getting sick?"
"Just preoccupied." Jessie wanted to wait until they were sitting down to talk about Chase. She knew if anyone knew her, it was Amanda. Maybe she could help her make sense of the strange feelings she was experiencing.
"You'll have to tell me about it," Amanda said. "I made a reservation, so let's order our lunch and chat."
They entered the quaint, but stylish restaurant and Jessie was impressed. From the outside the place didn't look like much, but in here the Italianate decor was lovely. They both ordered and waited for the waitress to walk away before trying to talk.
"So talk to me, Jessie. What's got your mind tied up?"
"Chase asked me to consider dating him." That was probably the only term to describe what they would be doing if she accepted, but she wasn’t entirely sure it was fitting.
"As in none of the kinky stuff and just two people going out?"
Jessie paused. "More like him teaching me some of his kinky stuff and going out,” she said finally.
"Wow. J, just… wow," Amanda sat back in stunned silence. "That's not much help Amanda," she grinned, thinking it was usually Amanda that shocked her, not vice versa.
She wanted Amanda's approval. They were more like family than friends. What she thought mattered. "That's not much help Amanda," Jessie grinned, thinking it was usually Amanda who shocked her, not vice versa.
"What can I say, Jessie. I'm floored here. Steamy romance novels are one thing, but to experience a real life BDSM relationship?" Amanda lowered her voice to a whisper, “I think maybe you should talk to Carolyn before you make any kind of decision."
"I like Carolyn, Amanda, but we don't really talk outside of book club. It would be more awkward talking about this with her." Her introverted nature made it hard to get close to people, and the only one of that group she felt truly comfortable with was Amanda.
"You should really give her a chance. I know she really likes you and thinks you don't like her much. You really need to work on giving people a chance."
"I had no clue she felt that way. You know me, Amanda. I just don't do well with most people since Greg." All the other women at the book club seemed to have their act together, and she envied them for their ability to be so comfortable in their own skins.
"I know, and I told her it was nothing personal. Maybe this whole thing might open you up a little more?"
"Talking with Carolyn, or going out with Chase?" Jessie was losing track of the conversation. Even though she was here with Amanda, her mind was on Chase.
"The thing with Chase. Carolyn said that many dominants help their submissive's gain confidence."
"The truth is I don't really know what I'd be getting into with him. The whole sex thing is a lot on its own, but adding in those other things we saw? I'm not even sure I could do the sex." Laughing, embarrassed, she shrugged.
"Have you told him you're still a virgin?" Amanda whispered the last word.
"Not in so many words, I guess. I did explain my relationship with Greg." She just assumed he had figured that out during their conversation.
"At least he knows where you're coming from."
Their meal arrived, and they ate in companionable silence. Both of them refused dessert, but did order some red wine. "I just want you to be happy. I guess you've got to go with your own intuition here. If it doesn't work out at least you can say you went out with a hot, sexy dungeon master." Amanda chuckled.
Jessie shook her head and laughed as well. "There’s always that to consider." She'd lived the last few years of her life in a bubble. Maybe it was time she stepped out and explored a little. But was stepping out in this capacity the right way to go?
"And of course you'll have some incredible stories to share with the ladies. You can't forget that one, either."
"Who knows? Maybe someday I’ll even write a book about my experiences." Jessie giggled. The thought of writing a romance novel with her as the heroine was crazy.
"You never know. I've got to get back to work. Daddy is having a board meeting this afternoon and demands my presence." Rolling her eyes, she stood up.
"Well, tell your dad I said hello, and I look forward to seeing him at the staff meeting next week." Standing, she grabbed her purse and left the tip before Amanda could. Crawford, Amanda's father, was a brilliant man, and she didn't understand why her friend didn't worship him as she did.
"I'll tell him you'll take over running the company when he retires, and then he'll still let me have my inheritance." Shaking her head, she smirked.
They parted ways and Jessie drove back to her apartment, thinking about the decision she needed to make. She decided to do what she normally did when she needed to make a choice. Sitting at the kitchen table, she made a pros and cons list. On the pro list she had quite a few items, not the least being she got to date an extraordinarily handsome man. The only real con was the fact that she didn't really understand what happened in a relationship like this.
Sitting back in the chair, tapping her pen against her chin, she concluded she’d have to talk with him about what he wanted from her. With that decision made, she picked up the phone and called. She got his answering service, and left a quick message before walking back to her bedroom to work.
Several hours later, her project was back on schedule, even if her eyes were starting to water from staring at the computer screen. She really did love her job, and being able to focus again was a huge relief. Since making the decision to at least hear Chase out, her thoughts were much more settled.
5 family affairs
Meeting with his father today had him on edge. The last conversation they'd had, he'd sensed there was something he was holding back. The two of them were complete opposites. George was very conservative, and Chase considered himself a liberal. Even with their differences, Chase couldn't fault the home he'd been raised in. His father had done very well raising a young boy on his own after his mother lost her life in childbirth. Mutual respect, a lesson his father had ingrained in him from an early age.
It took some time for his father to accept his lifestyle. They never discussed what went on inside his club, but George helped him develop his first business plan. Pulling up to the five-star restaurant, he handed his keys over to the valet and with a sinking feeling in his gut, he took a deep breath.
Walking inside, he was met by the host and gave his name for the reservation he was sure his father had made. Told his father was already waiting inside, he followed a waiter to his table. Forcing away the ominous feeling, he sat down, and then smiled warmly. "Nice to see you, sir." Taking his napkin off the table, he placed it in his lap.
"Good to see you, you're looking well, Chase."
"As are you, dad." Chase ordered a sweet tea, knowing his father didn't approve of alcohol. He tried to appease him in that department. "How have you been?" George looked like he'd aged years in the last few months.
"That's why I wanted to meet with you today." Sitting back in his chair, he frowned. "My physician diagnosed me with malignant Mesothel
ioma, and unfortunately, the prognosis doesn't look great."
Leave it to his dad to just lay the truth on the table, he thought. Chase felt like the world had just slipped out of the realm of reality. It took him several minutes to control his emotions enough to speak. He wasn't a weak man, but the thought of losing his father almost made him faint. "How bad is it, dad?" This was the man who had raised him and taught him how to be a decent person.
"I didn't want to say anything until I knew for sure, but its end stage so I'm refusing chemotherapy." Shrugging he continued, "Maybe three months."
"What if you decide to do the therapy?" Chase knew his father well enough to know he wouldn't even consider that. He’d been a healthy man most of his life, with a contempt for hospitals. George was also prideful, this would seem like a weakness to him.
"You are well aware how I feel about poisoning my body like that, son. If the good lord is ready for me, then I'll just live out what time he's left for me without all those drugs." Smiling bravely, he took a sip of his water.
Chase wanted to order him not to be so stubborn, but an argument with him wasn't going to happen, or change his stance. "You know I'm here for you,” he said. “Just let me know what I can do to help you through this." He had to choke out the words. The thought of losing him was devastating, but he had an immense respect for his father, and knew he expected him to be strong.
"Well there is something. I know you're fond of that club you own," he glanced down at his glass, "but I don't want my company being handed over to some stranger when I make my way home to be with your mother. It would give me a great sense of peace if you'd take over when my time comes."
He knew what it cost his father to ask. How could he refuse? The club was important to him, but he was growing tired of the scene. "If that's really what you want, you know I won't refuse." He knew his father's company better than anyone, having worked for him years after college and until the time he'd bought Sensation's. It wasn't that he didn't like the company. He'd just wanted to do something that was his dream and not his old man’s. But his needs were inconsequential at the moment.
"Thank you, son. I appreciate you agreeing to keep my legacy going." Smiling, he raised his cup.
Did he really think he'd refuse him? "No, dad, thank you for showing me what honor and respect means." He forced a smile, raising his own cup. He was numb as he thought about losing this man who had taught him so much. He wouldn't show his emotions. In what little time they had left together, he planned on making sure his father knew just how much his son loved him.
"I didn't do anything any self-respecting father wouldn't have done for their son. I'm not sure how long I'll be able to keep working, so if you're sure about this, I would like to get the ball rolling as soon as possible."
His head started to pound. He needed to find someone to take over the club quickly, but he had a candidate in mind. His main concern now was helping ease his father's worries. "I want you to be able to relax and take things easy right now,” he said, “so you just let me know what needs to be done, and I'll see to it that it happens." George nodded and his mouth rose in an attempted smile. Chase knew that was for his benefit.
"We need to set up a meeting with the lawyers and get all the details tied down, and son, I want you to know how much I appreciate this."
They enjoyed the rest of their lunch and restricted themselves to topics that had nothing to do with George's illness. Hoping to take his mind off the terrible situation, Chase turned the topic to football. It was one topic they could both agree on. They both were fans of the same college program.
Chase left the lunch feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders. He managed to keep his emotions in check until he made it back to his home, and then for the first time since he’d become a man, he sat down in his study and cried. The knowledge that his father was leaving this world, sat heavy on his heart.
He remembered fondly the first time his father had taken him to the plant, and the pride that shone in his eyes. As a single father, George had brought him there on school vacations and during the summer. Everything he knew about business was because of that great man.
Turning the club over wasn't as disheartening as he'd thought. He loved the lifestyle, but he no longer craved a public dungeon. Maybe he was just getting older, but the thought of settling down with one woman to enjoy this, appealed to him. Thoughts of one particularly enchanting woman suddenly filled his mind.
His thoughts strayed to Jessie a lot these days. There was something special about her, and he wanted to discover her secrets. Knowing the news his father gave him wasn't conducive to rational thinking, he brushed aside all thoughts about her. He had much more important things to worry about at the moment. With that thought, he kicked off his shoes and climbed into bed. The stress of the day had made his head pound, and rest proved impossible.
6 Waiting
Jessie waited for the phone call that never came, and wondered if Chase had decided to just not bother with her. It hurt a little more than she would have thought to know he wasn't really interested in her. After taking a run, grabbing a shower, and checking again for messages, she sat down with her new best friend of the moment, rocky road ice cream.
Finishing half the cartoon, she felt on the verge of vomiting, and it did little to help with her depression. "Some friend you are," she spoke to the box as if it were responsible for her bad mood, before placing it back in the freezer.
Sebastian rubbed against her ankle, his silver and white fur, soft against the bare flesh. Picking him up in her arms, she nuzzled her face against his back. "I guess that's what I get for thinking about a man." Sebastian's answering purr seemed to say he agreed with her.
Two sappy romances later, she turned off the television. Watching movies was something she didn't do often, and it was just more proof of her depressing mood. Finally she made a decision.
Sitting around moping about him, definitely wasn't going to help, so she called Amanda. They agreed to meet at her house later for drinks, and she forced herself to keep up a cheerful disposition that she really wasn't feeling. As the evening arrived, she couldn't help but wonder how she'd so misread the signs Chase was giving off last night. It never entered her mind that something might have come up.
She dressed casually for her visit to Amanda's and on the drive over she hoped her company would help cheer her up a bit. Several glasses of wine later, they sat on her oversized couch, and her friend seemed just as puzzled as she was about him never returning the call.
"It just doesn't make sense; the man was practically eating you up with his eyes at the book club." Curling her legs under her on the couch, Amanda scrunched up her face.
"I guess maybe he realized I wasn't worth his time." She gave a small laugh to show that she was joking, but internally that was how she felt.
"That's not funny Jessie, you know what? I'm going to call Carolyn and let her know how poor her judgment in men is!" Sliding down to the arm of the couch she picked up the phone and dialed her number.
"That's not very nice Amanda," but gave up trying to convince her to not call since she was apparently ignoring her at the moment. Sipping on her wine, she decided that it was time she started making herself available again. It was apparent her heart had healed enough to want to date again, and even though the thought of meeting strange men wasn't comfortable, she knew she didn't want to be alone forever.
Amanda tapped her manicured nail against the phone receiver, waiting for Carolyn to pick up. "I want you to know that your friend is not everything you say he is."
"Which friend are we talking about?" Carolyn slid on her heels, and checked her reflection in the mirror before walking across her bedroom.
"Chase, who else, Jessie is just heartbroken that he didn't call her back."
"You've lost me Amanda, what has Chase done and why should Jessie care?" Sighing into the phone Carolyn waited.
"He asked her out last night and then didn't call her back toda
y; you know how hard Jessie takes things."
"Hello, sitting right here, he just isn't interested, it's not the end of the world." Amanda was her best friend, but even she could admit that she enjoyed stretching the truth when it suited her.
"I'd love to talk about this Amanda, but I'm heading to Chase's now, there's been a family emergency. I'll have to explain the details after I talk with him about it."
"Oh," Amanda's attitude changed immediately. "Well I hope everything's okay."
"I'll let you know later, and tell Jessie I'm sure with everything going on he just didn't think to call her. I really need to run, we'll talk soon." Carolyn hung up the phone.
"Apparently something's going on with Chase's family and Carolyn is headed over to discuss it with him. She said to let you know that it wasn't you, he just had a lot on his mind."
She was more than a little relieved knowing he hadn't just blown her off, but now she was worried about him. They didn't know each other well enough for her to call Carolyn back and ask for answers, but she hoped everything was alright. She didn't know him well enough. That really struck home.
With the missing phone call issue solved, she and Amanda finished off a bottle of wine and Amanda insisted she stay over since she was obviously too inebriated to drive. Jessie wasn't about to argue with her since two cups of wine were usually her limit.
The wine made her feel a little more open. "So what do you think about Chase?" She considered Amanda an expert on the subject of men, so she trusted her opinions.
Drinking another sip of wine, she tapped her finger to her chin. "I can't put my finger on that one honestly. Knowing about his desires, I would like to label him as a womanizer, but after seeing how respectful he acted, both at the dungeon and the book club meeting, it doesn't fit."
5 Nights (Sinful Delights Romance - Boxed Set) Page 16
