Lost Without You: Book 2 in the Chasing Olivia Series

by Jillian Anselmi

  Walking into the bedroom, I stare at the drawer that caused this mess. I walk over and gently slide it open, hoping I won’t relive that night. To my surprise, it’s full. Chase had all of my undergarments replaced. My sweet boy. His thoughtfulness makes me smile. I send him a quick text.

  Liv: Thank you

  I get an immediate response.

  Chase: For what?

  Liv: For being you

  Chase is leaving for Italy soon and he wants to spend every waking moment with me. I’ve been at his place every night since the break-in; he only leaves my side for work. I’m not sure if it’s because he’s going away or protecting me.

  Early Saturday morning, exactly one week before Chase is scheduled to leave, he wakes me.

  “Olivia,” he whispers in my ear.

  “Hmm.”

  “Baby, wake up. I have a surprise for you.”

  “Hmm.” Chase is lying with his front to my back, his arms tight around me, and I don’t want to move.

  “C’mon, before the day gets away from us.”

  “What time is it?” I groan.

  “Five-thirty in the morning.”

  “What could you possibly have planned at this god forsaken hour? This is way too early to be getting up,” I complain. He starts nibbling on my ear. A low moan escapes my throat, and he chuckles.“Five more minutes,” I mumble, half asleep.

  “No, baby. We need to get out of bed. There are no surprises here today.” He rolls me over so I am on my back, but I keep my eyes closed.

  “Don’t make me do it,” he warns. The bed dips as he moves off it and I stay right where I am.

  I must have fallen back asleep because the next thing I know, I’m in his arms being carried across the room. Before I can open my eyes, he walks me fully clothed into a very cold shower. My eyes shoot open, and I shout, “Are you fucking kidding me! Again! Chase, what are you doing? Ahhh!”

  “I warned you,” he says, holding me against his chest under the ice cold water.

  “Let me go!” I screech. Chase puts me down and turns off the water.

  “Are you awake now?” His lips tip up in a sly smile, his eyes full of mischief.

  “Yes,” I pout.

  “Good. Now, finish your shower. We have places to be.”

  “Are you going to join me?”

  “Oh, no you don’t,” he scolds, smiling. “I am on a tight schedule, and this,” he says, motioning to his hard cock, “is no longer an option.” I give him my sad puppy-dog eyes, but it isn’t working. “You have fifteen minutes. Use your time wisely.”

  “Fifteen minutes, are you kidding?”

  “You should have gotten up when I asked you the first time. Then you would have had thirty.”

  “You suck!” I call out as he stalks out of the room, leaving me to take the quickest shower in the history of all showers.

  Walking out of the bathroom, I find clothes laying across the bed along with a small bag. Not even looking at what’s there, I shove them in the bag. Chase walks in just as I finish getting dressed. “Good morning, beautiful.”

  “Hi.” I’m still pouting. He takes my hand and pulls me to his chest.

  “You smell amazing,” he purrs, his nose in my hair.

  “Where are we going?”

  “I told you, it’s a surprise.” He kisses my forehead. Releasing me, he picks up my bag. “Let’s go, or we’ll be late.” He swats my ass, causing me to yelp.

  Chase leads me out of my building to an awaiting car. I lift a brow at him, but he only shrugs. Before the driver could come around, Chase opens my door. “After you,” he croons.

  Once we are both situated, the driver makes his way through lower Manhattan. I’m snuggled up against Chase, my head in the crook of his arm. As we grow closer to our destination, it becomes abundantly clear where we are headed: the airport. I spin to face Chase. “Chase!” I say more forcefully than I intend.

  “What?” he asks, a giant grin plastered across his face.

  “You know I hate surprises.”

  “But this is a good surprise.”

  “Where are we going?”

  “You really want to know?” I nod. I need to know. ”Boston,” he sighs.

  “Boston? Really?” He nods.

  “Since I’m leaving soon, I thought we could spend a romantic weekend together. Besides New York, what other city in the continental US would do?”

  Boston. I’ve only been there once when I attended a marine science symposium. I didn’t have time to see much, but what I did see was beautiful. My body relaxes and I blow out a gentle breath. Chase chuckles.

  “What?”

  “Nothing.” He pulls me close and kisses me on the temple. I look up into his gorgeous blue eyes. I’ve grown to recognize certain expressions, and his eyes are telling me he’s up to no good.

  “What?”

  He smiles. “Let’s just say what you had planned for us in the shower this morning is nothing compared to what I’m going to do to you tonight.”

  “Whatever do you mean?” I ask coyly, but the pitch of my voice gives me away.

  “I hope you don’t expect to sleep this weekend.” His voice is low and raspy.

  The flight to Boston was quick. I have to admit, going back to commercial flying is going to be difficult. I can certainly get used to this.

  There’s a car waiting for us when we land. Chase and I exit the plane and get into the town car. Once our bags are loaded into the trunk, we head toward the hotel.

  The driver takes us over the Boston Channel. The view is spectacular. I can’t help but smile the entire ride. It must be infectious, because Chase hasn’t stopped smiling either. After a few quick turns, we arrive at our destination. Above a large brick archway is the Boston Harbor Hotel, and it is nothing short of exquisite. I stand in front of the hotel, entranced, taking in the panoramic water and city views. Chase puts his arm around me. “What do you think?”

  “It’s beautiful,” I breathe.

  “Let’s go check out the room.” He guides me toward the doors entering the hotel.

  The lobby is grand. Dark marble floors contrast against the light colored walls and a huge chandelier hangs over a large center table. Wide arched doorways lead through the lobby to a check-in area. “Sit and relax for a minute. I’ll go check us in.” I nod and take a seat on one of the plush chairs. If the lobby is this extravagant, I can’t wait to see the room. Within minutes, Chase is back with our key cards. He leads me to an elevator.

  After a long ride, the doors open. Following Chase to our room, he opens the door. Signaling me to go in, he murmurs, “Ladies first.”

  Walking through the doorway, my feet are immediately glued to the floor. I’ve never seen a more beautiful room. Chase chuckles behind me and I manage to make my feet move, going further into the suite.

  The main room is bright and warm, comforting. It’s fancy, but not ostentatious. The views are amazing and there’s a terrace with a table and chairs overlooking the harbor. Chase comes up from behind me, placing his arms around my stomach. “Chase, this is amazing.”

  “It’s the admiral suite. Has some of the best views in the city.”

  “It’s perfect.”

  “The sun sets just over there,” he says, pointing toward a spot in the distance. “I want to come out here later with a glass of wine and watch.”

  “That sounds amazing.”

  “But first,” Chase spins me around, “let’s continue what you wanted to start before we left. Shower?” Chase nips the sweet spot where my shoulder meets my neck and I shiver. “Hmm?” he hums, the sound reverberating through my body.

  Before I can argue, he grabs my face and kisses me. Walking me backwards, he brings us into the bathroom. Breaking away from our heated kiss, he begins to undress me.

  I try to undress myself, but Chase grabs my wrists. “No, I need this to be slow, or I’ll come undone.”

  He leaves me in my bra and panties. “God, you’re so fucking beautiful.�
�� He leans over to turn on the shower. Once the water is to his satisfaction, he strips and stands before me, gloriously naked. What did I do to deserve this amazing man?

  “I could stare at you all day,” he confesses, “but I promised you a shower. Take off the rest of your clothes. Slow.”

  I unbuckle my bra, ease the straps down my arms, one at a time, and bite my lip, causing Chase to swear under his breath. Grabbing his cock, he begins stroking it. I strum my fingers across my stomach and slip my fingers under my panties.

  Shimmying my hips, I lower my panties a little at a time as I go. I turn, giving Chase my backside. My panties skim my ass and slide down my thighs. Chase inhales a deep breath, hissing through his teeth. One more shimmy and my panties are at my feet.

  As I step out of the fabric, Chase comes up behind me, gripping my hair and pulling it taught. His mouth finds my shoulder, his free hand roughly cups my breast, and his erection presses against my backside. “I can’t wait any longer, I need to be inside you right now. This is going to be quick.” Still gripping my hair, he bends me over at the waist. His free arm curls around my stomach, pulling me close. I moan, knowing what’s coming. With his foot, he spreads my legs wide, causing me to grip the edge of the tub for leverage.

  Chase runs his fingers along my opening. “You’re so fucking wet,” he growls. “Hold on, and don’t let go.” Positioning himself, he thrusts inside me, jolting me forward. He grips my hair harder, pulling me back, and groans deep and low in the back of his throat. The sensation is indescribable, and I release a muffled whimper. He thrusts again, hard. “Fuck, Olivia, you feel so good.” Each thrust forward, he pulls my hair back for leverage, his other hand gripping my hip, his need for me raw and carnal.

  “Chase,” I cry out, wimpering and shaking with each thrust.

  “That’s right, baby. Feel me,” he demands, his voice raspy.

  I expel a low, throaty moan, taking everything he’s willing to give me.

  His pace quickens, shifting so he hits me in the right spot, causing me to twitch. Within no time at all, my orgasm overtakes me, and I call out a garbled version of Chase’s name. As I clench around him, he thrusts two more times and releases inside me.

  Slowly catching his breath, Chase leans his forehead in between my shoulder blades. “Jesus, Olivia. I can’t control myself when I’m near you.” With his hands around my waist, he straightens me and waves toward the running water. “After you.”

  Both of us freshly showered, Chase hands me a glass of wine and escorts me onto the terrace. The sun glistens off the water as it sinks below, creating a breathtaking view. The evening couldn’t be more perfect. Chase wraps his arms around my waist, hugging me affectionately. Resting his chin on my shoulder, he whispers, “As beautiful as this view is, the one I get to see every day is even more spectacular.” Between the amazing view and Chase’s words, my heart melts. I don’t know what I would do without this man.

  We walk out of the hotel into a waiting car. Chase made dinner reservations way before I knew he was taking me to Boston and refuses to tell me where we’re going. Instead, he torments me, knowing how much I hate surprises. “You’re going to love this place,” he teases.

  “Just tell me already,” I whine.

  “Nope.”

  After a few turns, we pull up in front of Union Oyster House. I’ve seen this restaurant featured on some cooking shows; it’s one of the oldest in Boston.

  Being the gentleman he is, Chase comes around and opens the door for me. Helping me out of the car, he takes my hand and we enter the restaurant together.

  Once seated, he orders a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc and two Pellegrinos. “Have you been here before?” I ask.

  “A few times. They have the best clam chowder I’ve ever had.”

  “Ever bring a woman here?”

  “No, I was here on business or grabbed something quick in between classes. Why?” He’s trying to remain impassive, but a trace of a smile crosses his lips.

  “Just asking.”

  “Are you jealous?”

  “No.”

  “Yes, you are. You’re jealous!” he exclaims, laughing.

  “Maybe a little,” I admit. Chase takes one look at me and immediately stops laughing.

  “Baby,” he takes my hand, “there’s nothing to be jealous of. I love you.”

  “I know, it’s just . . .” I trail off, not wanting to finish.

  “Just what?” he asks, pushing the conversation.

  “I wonder what I ever did to deserve you.”

  “Oh, no, baby,” he says, shaking his head, “it’s me who wonders every day how I’m lucky enough to have you in my life.” Bringing my hand to his lips, he kisses it tenderly. “Is there any way I can convince you to come to Italy with me?”

  “No. We’ve been over this, I’ll miss too much work.”

  The waitress brings over our wine and Chase orders. “We’re each having the Oyster House clam chowder. The lady will have broiled sea scallops and I’ll have grilled swordfish.” She writes down our order and scurries away.

  “I’ll try to make the trip as short as possible. I don’t know how long I can be without you.”

  “I’m sure you’ll be fine.”

  “No, you don’t understand. I’ll be lost without you. I don’t know how I’ve survived this long. Being away from you will be pure torture.” The look in his eyes tells me he’s serious. His sentiments are sweet, yet I still feel like he’s not really mine. I know I love him, but I haven’t had the balls to tell him. Deep down, I feel if I tell him, he’ll leave. I want to say the words, but something is holding me back.

  “I’ll be here when you get back.” Now I’m reassuring him . . . I think.

  After an amazing dinner, we finish our wine, take care of the bill, and walk toward the exit.

  “Do we need to take the car back?” I ask, wanting to see more of this area. “The hotel’s not that far. I really would like to work dinner off.”

  “I thought we’d do that back at the hotel.”

  “We can, but I’d still like to walk.”

  “I don’t see why not.” Chase informs the driver and he pulls away.

  “Which way?”

  “We’ll walk along the Harbor. This way.”

  We stroll through Boston, hand in hand. Cutting through Faneuil Hall Marketplace, we walk down State Street toward the water. Even though it’s late, the streets are very well lit. We wind up on North Wharf and continue our way back to the hotel via Harbor Walk.

  “How do you like Boston so far?” Chase asks as we walk along the harbor.

  “It’s beautiful.”

  “Wait till you see what I have in store for tomorrow,” he teases.

  “When will you get it through your thick skull that I don’t like surprises?” I ask.

  “My skull isn’t thick. Is it?” He checks his head, touching all around to make his point.

  “Yes,” I sigh, “like a brick wall.”

  “I love surprising you. It’s that look of amazement you get, your eyes sparkle. I love that look.”

  “Yeah, well…” The giant smile on his face stops me from speaking. If it makes him that happy to surprise me with things, I guess I can suck it up. “It was a great surprise. Thank you.”

  “Anything for you, you should know that by now.” Placing his arm across my shoulders, he pulls me close as we continue to walk toward the hotel.

  “Good morning, beautiful,” Chase purrs in my ear.

  I open my eyes to find him staring at me. He moves a tendril of hair from my face. “How long have you been watching me?”

  “Not too long,” he says, his eyes dancing. “I love watching you sleep, you look so peaceful.” He pauses, weighing something in his mind. “You know, you talk in your sleep.

  “What did I say?” I ask, even though my nerves are twitching.

  “You were reciting the recipe for a drink. It sounded good, something tropical.”

  “Oh, yeah. I do t
hat a lot.”

  “I know. I’ve heard you make lots of drinks, among other things.”

  “What time is it?”

  “Time to get up,” he quips. “Are you going to be a good little girl?” He cocks his head to the side, his lips twitching.

  “Geez, I’m getting up. Give me some space.”

  Chase rolls off the bed and saunters over to the window. “It’s going to be another beautiful day. Can’t wait to show you Boston.” Turning, he walks back toward the bed. “I’ll shower first, don’t fall back asleep, or else,” he warns, his lips twitching.

  “I won’t. Promise.”

  I haven’t spoken to Brenda in weeks and she’s due for a phone call. Glancing at the clock on the nightstand, I see it’s just after eight. Given the time, it’s better that I text her. If she’s awake, she’ll call back.

  Liv: Hey! You’ll never guess where I am.

  While waiting to see if I get a text back, I walk into the kitchenette to brew a pot of coffee. By the time I get the water in the machine, my phone chirps on the counter.

  BFF: Paris? Italy? The Galapagos? The moon?

  Wise ass. I deserve that, since most of them could be true. My ultimate dream destination is the Galapagos. I probably shouldn’t mention that to Chase, we’d be on the next plane. I text one-handed as I pour the coffee with the other.

  Liv: Ha-ha, funny. No. Boston for the weekend.

  BFF: Seriously? Geez, you really need to hook me up with his brother. He’s hot too, right?

  Good Lord. I can’t go on like this. Now that I know she’s awake, I call her.

  “Sup,” she answers.

  “I’m not hooking you up with his brother. You’d break him.”

  “What’s wrong with that?” Brenda should have been a man. She loves them and leaves them without one bit of guilt. The last relationship she had that lasted more than a month was with Reese throughout high school, and he’s the reason she never dates.

  “Not happening,” I reiterate.

  “Fine. Whatever. When are you coming home?”

  “Tomorrow. I have to work on Monday. This is just an I’m-going-to-miss-you trip.”