Beautifully Awake

Sierra to recognize serious wealth and not be intimidated by it. Money was just that. Money. It bought things, not people. And definitely not happiness.

I was, however, a little surprised at the level of Chase’s wealth. We weren’t talking successful neurosurgeon wealth, but more like mega-millions winner wealth. And he was beyond generous. By the second store I gave up attempting to pay. There was zero chance I was winning that argument.

I’d be totally lying if I said I didn’t enjoy his over-the-top shopping spree. But Dr. Rich didn’t hold a candle to Dr. Sexy, Playful or Affectionate.

Four very large and very heavy shopping bags later, I was one very spoiled girl. Too spoiled. I told him half a dozen times that his generosity made me uncomfortable. The first time his response was a little odd. “I can’t spend it or give it away fast enough, baby.” As if “it” was a dirty word. The other five times he ignored me and grinned. Dr. Rich liked what he liked and didn’t take no for an answer. To hell with price tags. And it just so happened, Chase definitely liked heels. Oh-my-god killer heels, to be exact. Despite my best protest against the holy shit, this could be a down payment price tag, I was the proud owner of my first pair of slingback camel peep toe Louboutins. And because I was spoiled, a pair of classic black patent Jimmy Choo pumps.

The kid inside me couldn’t wait to call or text Sierra, but Chase rubbed off on me. This was our time. No interruptions. I wasn’t in the mood to share either.

“So which pair are you wearing tonight?” Hmm. I loved his voice.

We strolled through Central Park with our hands entwined, sipping iced coffee. Somehow not carrying any bags. Dr. Colton, would you like your purchases delivered to the Dakota? What did that even mean? They’ll be waiting for you when you get home, Miss.

“Why do you care?” I retorted.

“I don’t. But I might need to reserve the table by the bathroom in case we need to excuse ourselves.”

“You’re such a tease.” I batted my eyelashes and definitely blushed.

“I’m not teasing. If you don’t stop doing that, I’ll take you on that park bench.”

My breath caught and I giggled. I clasped my arms around his waist and kissed his chin. He matched my embrace.

He glanced at his watch.

“Am I boring you?” I loved how lighthearted our banter had become.

“Never, Blue, but we should head back if we’re going to be on time.” Add Dr. Punctual to the list. He tugged my earlobe into his mouth and sucked. “And I want to make sure I have enough time to up your tally before drinks.”

While biting my tongue and gripping my thighs together, Chase easily added one to my tally on the cab ride back. My thong count, on the other hand, decreased by another.

“Hmm, this is starting to become a habit.” He stuffed my ripped thong into his jeans pocket. I slunk from the cab, careful not to spread my legs too far apart, silently thanking Sierra again. She’d insisted I borrow her adorable cocoa halter dress for the summer season. At least I changed my dress from earlier and avoided replaying the light colored fiasco.

“Chase, I realize you like me pantiless,” I whispered, getting onto the elevator. “But I think you’ve ruined at least five pairs and it hasn’t even been twenty-four hours yet.” He laughed out loud and the tenant in the front of the car peeked over her shoulder. “Shhh. You’re disturbing the tenants and I would really like to be invited back.”

“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.

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