Beautifully Awake

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 the 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.