by Elyse Riggs
“No, thanks. I think I’ll join the guys,” I say as I focus on Chase’s face. I see his green eyes flash and his hair is slightly mussed, probably from running his hand through it. Which he does when he’s nervous or stressed. It makes him look less stuffy, more down to earth. It’s the side of him I like most.
Crossing the room, I take my place next to Chase where I fully intend to look supportive and feign interest in the details of the possible real estate transaction for as long as I can manage. I can only hope it doesn’t drag on too much longer.
Chase looks up and flashes me a smile and grabs my hand, giving it a squeeze without even taking a breath from the conversation he’s in. It’s clear that he’s having a good time.
I peer at the laptop screen and see the board of directors. Liam must have switched it from the smaller phone screen while I was in the bedroom with Ashley.
I see the board members sitting forward in their chairs, well most of them. I stare at the screen some more until I pick out Mark.
It’s obvious which one he is. Instead of sitting forward, he sits back in his chair, eyes glazed over, resting his chin on his hand. This has not gone the way he had hoped. Thank goodness for that. He looks seriously upset, like he’s a Pitbull and somebody has taken away his chew toy.
Chase finishes off the conversation with a clap of his hands and a huge grin. “So, lovely board of directors, what do you say? Are you ready to name me CEO?”
“Hey,” Mark objects.
The board members all turn their attention back to Mark, who holds up his hands. “Okay, I have to admit this evening is just one surprise after another. You two, despite the facts, certainly seem happy. And the property you’ve put an offer on is um, cute.” He stands up.
“Congratulations,” Mark continues like the slimy corporate shark that he is, “to both of you. Really. But I’m not quite finished with the report. It’ll be soon, though. Promise. Tomorrow afternoon the latest. I ask the board to give me these few hours more to finalize my report before we take a formal vote on the matter. And now, if you’ll excuse me, I have work to do.”
Chase glares at Mark through the screen. The animosity between the two is palpable, even online. In any case, the board all nod their heads, and everybody says their goodbyes. Then the laptop meeting screen goes blank and it’s just the four of us in the room again.
Liam stands. “Ready, sis?”
“Ready,” she says with her mouth full of the chocolate she stole from the box that I gave to Chase. I wonder if there’s anything left in the box at this point.
Five minutes later, the two of them leave the suite. Once we’re alone, Chase turns those sea-green eyes on me and holds my hands in his.
His expression is as soft and relaxed as I have seen since I met him, which admittedly was only a few days ago. His lips curl up into a joyous smile that extends all the way across his face to his eyes.
I turn to pick up my empty champagne glass and waggle it at him. “Should we have some more? We’re still celebrating, right?”
He breaks into a mischievous grin. “You’re right, we are supposed to be celebrating. And we’re doing it all wrong.” He grabs his cell and taps out a message while I wonder what the hell he’s up to now.
Doing it wrong? We have delicious food and champagne and we’re sitting in an ocean front penthouse suite. A ten thousand dollar a night Royal Suite. I looked it up. “What are you talking about? I think we’re doing a perfectly marvelous job of celebrating. Just for the sake of asking, though, how do you think we’re falling short?”
“Dessert,” he says.
I raise an eyebrow, intrigued. “I’m listening. I’m always up for dessert.”
His phone buzzes and he picks it up. “Ooh, have you heard of a place called Maui Island Treats?”
“I hear it’s amazing,” I gush, trying to keep from drooling on the nice couch. It’s supposed to be one of the best, swankiest desert places in the country.
As a pastry chef myself, I’ve studied their online menu repeatedly to try to get new ideas. I have never been, obviously. Not even when I still had my nest egg. Because who can afford to throw down sixty dollars a person for desserts? And that was before drinks. I look at my watch and shake my head sadly. “Shit, it’s like seven on a Saturday night. No way we get a table now.”
Chase holds up his phone for me. “It says our table for two is ready whenever we are.”
I squeal with excitement. I can’t help it.
We jump up and head out to the waiting limo which speeds down the main drag until it pulls up to the jam-packed, adorable restaurant that’s lined with carved totem poles. The building itself is set back up against the intercoastal waterway.
Chase jumps out and sprints around the car to open the door for me. It’s sweet.
“Thank you.”
“Of course,” he says, offering me his arm once we are out of the limo and into the warm night air. Happy Chase is somebody I could get used to. We make our way inside.
I have only seen pictures of this restaurant online, but the ambiance is fantastic, even more beautiful in person. It’s decorated with bamboo and colorful fountains. In the center of the restaurant is a giant volcano.
I’m still looking around at everything when a waiter makes eye contact with Chase. The next thing I know we are being shown to a cozy booth in the corner.
I order a Mai Tai, and Chase makes it two. Then the two of us excitedly look over the menu. The prices are insane, but the selection is amazing. Even though I’ve seen the menu online dozens of times, in person and with a guilt-free choice, I can’t make up my mind. “What do you think?” I ask him.
“I have no idea, I’m still going through the sundaes, mousses, and cupcakes. What about you?”
“Same. I have to say, the Dapper Haute Donut Deluxe looks pretty amazing.”
We are like two kids in a candy store. I decide to look around to see what the tables nearby are having and catch Chase staring at me instead of his menu. “What? You can’t possibly have already decided what to order.”
He grins at me. “Oh, no. I’m not even close to deciding. I just want to thank you again.”
“You’re welcome. Although I think your idea to throw the real estate deal into the fray offset Mark’s planned ambush nicely.”
He raises his glass. “Yes, but none of it would have been possible if it weren’t for your perfect plan earlier.”
I give a small bow of my head. “Why thank you.” Then I lean in. “Oh my gosh, did you see Mark’s face when he figured out he wasn’t going to get his way? It looked like you ran over his favorite golf clubs and then backed up again.”
Chase nods furiously. “Holy shit, Kaylee. That’s exactly what it looked like.”
I break eye contact to stare down at the menu again. My chest feels tight, and as much fun as I’m having now it feels like time is about to run out on the two of us. Because it is.
We clearly have a natural attraction. And even with all of our bickering, I feel like there might be something special between us. Something more, hiding somewhere in those sea-green eyes and that strong jawline. I’m going to miss him. I hate myself for admitting it, but I know it’s the truth. As much as I tried not to fall for him, I care about him now.
Chapter Forty-Three
Chase
I watch her excitedly look at the menu. Seeing the joy on her face and being able to make her happy does something to me. It makes me feel whole.
It also scares the crap out of me. I’m not good at actual relationships. If I were, I wouldn’t be in this position with the board in the first place.
Her brown eyes shimmer in the candlelight. Her curves drive me wild, there’s no denying it. But she is also kind, funny, and smart. And a match for me, which is really saying something. She’s unlike anyone I have ever been with before.
The situation with the board of directors is looking up now. Mark isn’t ready to let it go yet, but I think it’s clear now that h
e’s outnumbered. A positive decision is close. I can feel it.
Mark isn’t stupid enough to put something to a vote and lose. He’ll give in before that happens, and he’s almost out of time. I really am in the mood to celebrate.
We sit and order our drinks. I can’t help but stare at Kaylee as she wipes a stray band of thick black hair away from her face.
I’m a different man with her around. I know it, Liam knows it, hell even the board of directors can see it. Tonight is about impending victory, but somehow it leaves me feeling empty. I don’t want to think about tomorrow and getting back to my old life. My life without her.
“You okay?” she asks, her adorable eyebrows knitted in concern.
I almost forget to answer, I’m so mesmerized by her lips. “Yes. I’m okay.” You’re here with me, and now things are okay.
“I’ve decided,” she announces as she closes her menu.
“What’s the verdict?”
“Souffle. The one with the dark chocolate sauce and the vanilla crème.”
I rub my jaw with my hand, pretending to think, but I know I’m going to go along with whatever she chooses.
The waiter appears and she orders first, then the waiter looks at me. “I’ll have the same.” Then I reconsider. “Hold on,” I say to the waiter, “we’ll have two of everything on the menu that has chocolate on it or in it or drizzled on it.”
“Very good, sir,” the waiter says and then disappears.
I flash a smile at Kaylee and nearly get lost in those brown eyes. “Well, are we celebrating or what?”
“Well played, sir,” she says with a smile of her own. “Thank you, Chase.” She looks happy and relaxed. And now it’s just me, her, and the romantic candle in front of us. I look into her eyes and I know that I’d do anything for her.
“Tell me about your family.”
Anything except that. I clear my throat and look down.
“C’mon,” she prompts, “there must have been some good times in there somewhere.”
“Well, you’ve met my siblings,” I smirk. “You tell me.”
The waiter comes with our desserts and saves me. I drool over my luscious looking souffle before I dig in.
“Mmhhhhmmmmmmhhhhhhhmm.” Kaylee moans loudly when I take a bite, on purpose.
“You okay over there?” I ask.
“No,” she answers as she shovels in another bite, “this is amazing, Chase. It’s all so good I can barely breathe.”
I smile and take a bite. “Okay, you’re right. I’m not going to go full When Harry Met Sally fake orgasm like you did. But I have to hand it to you, it was a bold choice.”
“Thank you. And who said it was fake?”
Chapter Forty-Four
Kaylee
I savor every bite in relative silence for a few moments. I can’t concentrate again until my plate is empty.
I want to lick the plate, but I don’t want people to see me lick the plate. I wonder for a moment if I could get away with tipping the plate over my mouth to let the last of the souffle drippings fall onto my tongue, but then I sigh and think better of it. Okay, where was I? Oh yeah, Chase’s brother and sister.
“Well, I think your sister’s sweet,” I begin. “And your brother looked like he was making a real effort to sway the board of directors in your favor. He helped us that once on purpose and then again without knowing.”
“Fine, point taken,” he concedes. Then he takes a sip of his drink and smiles.
I smile back and take a deep breath. The next topic is harder. But there’s something I want to talk to him about. “Do you really even want the company?”
He spit a part of the sip he was taking back into the glass. Then he spent the next thirty seconds or so coughing and sputtering. “What?”
I shake my head. As much as I’m starting to have feelings for him, he’s leaving tomorrow whether I like it or not. And I have a truth bomb to drop on him. “It’s just that whenever you talk or think about work, you get those little frown lines above your forehead.” I point.
He wrinkles up his forehead not realizing he’s proving my point.
“See? You’re doing it right now and all I did was bring it up.”
“That company is my life. I’ve been working toward this for years, and I’m not going to give it up now. Look at everything I,” he catches himself, “I mean we just went through to make it happen.”
I hold my hand up in mock surrender. “I know, I know. I’m not saying I won’t continue to help you win, Chase. I just want you to think about what winning means. Is this company your passion? Is it really what you want to do with your life?”
“What are you saying?” he asks defensively.
I think about it. Then I make eye contact and smirk at him. “Soccer!” I spit out the word at him and then pause. “See? The minute I say the word, the frown lines disappear, and your face relaxes.”
“Technically, in most of the world, it’s called football,” he corrects.
“I don’t care,” I say sweetly. “Not the point. All I’m saying is that in one, two, five years from now where do you see yourself? I just want you to be happy. But hey, it’s really none of my business.” I smile and take a sip of my drink and do my best to let him know that I’m done with this particular conversation. He seems a little defensive.
“Are you happy?” he asks.
I don’t get angry when he turns the question back on me. I consider it. “I think I will be. According to a big shot Covington I know, my chocolate can go up against any other candy company in this town.”
Chapter Forty-Five
Kaylee
Tonight has been practically perfect. Everything is going great. Chase is on the verge of getting what he wants, and I got both champagne and the best dessert ever.
Before I know it, we’re back at Chase’s suite. He goes to stretch out on the couch overlooking the beach, and I head into the bedroom to find some work clothes for tomorrow.
I have to admit, this break has been kind of fun, but I’m ready to get back to work. Even if it’s just until I figure out how to get the chocolate business back on track.
I pull out some jeans and a comfortable, plain gray tee shirt and figure it’s good enough. Then my phone rings. I grab it and head into the bathroom to take off my makeup for the night. “Hi, Fi, what’s up?”
Fi’s upset. It seems that a former client who booked weeks’ worth of her services is threatening not to pay. “Why the hell not?”
Fi tells me that this jerk is loaded and he’s always throwing his weight around. But now that it’s time to pay, he’s making up excuses. She says he put off the invoices three times already. He doesn’t even have any actual complaints, just vague unhappy with service language that’s starting to make her nervous. She doesn’t have enough money to take him to small claims court and he knows it.
“I’m so sorry, Fi,” I say, setting the washcloth down on the countertop, “that sucks. Is there anything I can do?”
Chapter Forty-Six
Chase
There are a few moments in the limo where Kaylee stares out the window as we ride home. She looks tired. It’s been a long day. I want to do something for her. This time, it’s not to thank her, it’s to show her that I care. I have no idea where this thing with Kaylee could go, but I’m not ready for it to end.
That’s when I remember. Tulips. Her favorite flowers. I text the concierge at the resort and make sure that I can get the arrangement tonight. As soon as possible.
That done, I stare out the limo myself. I can’t stop thinking about what Kaylee said. I do love everything about football, but wouldn’t it be scandalous to quit as CEO of a fortune 500 company to own a sports team?
Before I know it, we’re at the resort again. I go around to Kaylee’s door and open it for her. I have to sprint to beat Raymond to it, and he gives me a quizzical look. Which I ignore.
Kaylee and I enter the resort lobby hand in hand, not caring who’s around. Wait, s
cratch that. She’s totally scanning for Vivian, the horrible and relentless, but the coast is clear.
Anyway, tonight everything feels right. We get up to my room and can finally relax. I sit on the couch while I wait for the text from the concierge about the flowers. In the meantime, I get mesmerized by the sight and sound of the tide through the open windows.
When I finally get the text, I look around the suite to make sure it’s clear. Luckily, Kaylee is still in the bedroom. I wander over to the kitchen. I asked the concierge not to knock, so the flowers would be a surprise.
While I wait, I spy the open box of chocolates and flip it open. I’m still full of dessert, but there’s always room for a Scrumptious chocolate.
When I open the box, I’m greeted by the sight of only a single triangle-shaped chocolate. What the hell? Ashley. Only one left, that’s a real shame. At least she had the decency to leave one. I down the chocolate before my sister has a chance to come in and finish off the whole box.
My phone flashes and I check it. He’s here. I quietly open the door and grab the vase full of flowers. Two dozen of them, multicolored tulips. They’re absolutely stunning. I give him a very generous tip and quietly close the door.
Then I tiptoe toward my bedroom. The door is cracked open and I can hear Kaylee’s voice.
“Well, you know what happens when you deal with these spoiled, rich men. They think they can always get exactly what they want. It’s unbelievable.”
I freeze and feel a flash of anger in my chest. Is Kaylee talking about me? Sure, we argue sometimes, but I really thought we were past that. I don’t want to believe what I’m hearing. I take another step toward the door without being seen. I peek in, but she’s in the bathroom, and the door is ajar.
I strain to hear. “You’re right about that,” she says. There’s an edge to her voice now. “There’s nothing okay about rich, spoiled, fake people.”