“Truth or dare,” Chase suggested.

“You’re crazy, you know that.” Penny rested back into the bed and crossed her legs. Chase sat on a chair, next to the rolling dining table. An enormous silver tray of crudité and caviar sat chilling on its surface.

“We could move directly to spin the bottle?” He raised a devious eyebrow at her, and picked up the champagne bottle.

“Truth or dare it is,” she laughed. “You do have a persuasive way about you. Maybe you should have been a lawyer.”

“Perhaps. Maybe a second career? Open,” he instructed, holding food to her lips.

She did as he said, smiling as she accepted the cream cheese and caviar. She accepted a flute and took a sip of the bubbly treat.

“Rules are…no talking about work. Anything else is fair game. Also, let’s change this game up, I don’t remember exactly how this is played, but let’s ask the questions first this time. Then you can decide whether or not to answer….go for the dare.”

“Fair enough,” she agreed. “As much as I like games, I want to get to know you.”

“Exactly.” He winked. “You go first. Go ahead. Ask me anything.”

“You sure?”

“Yep.”

“Do you have a girlfriend? And have you ever been in love?” Penny shouldn’t have asked, she knew. But something drove her to find out more about the man who was causing her to rethink her entire life.

Chase coughed on his champagne, nearly spitting it out, and held up his hand.

“Dr. Abbott doesn’t like being questioned? Remember you said I could ask anything, and I am a professional.” She smiled.

“Well, first of all, that’s two questions but yeah, I should have known better than to play this game with someone who questions people for a living.”

“I’m not sure we’re even playing right. We can quit,” she suggested.

“Oh no, darlin’. You’re not getting out of this so easily.”

“Me? I asked the question.”

“But my turn is next. So before you give me an out, I’ll answer you.” Chase picked up a carrot and held it in the air. “Have I been in love? Yes. With Megan Price in seventh grade. I had a huge crush. She broke my heart. It was devastating.”

“Be serious.”

“I assure you I am. She had the most gorgeous thick red hair. But for some reason she liked my friend, Matt, more than me.”

“Do I need to redirect?”

“Okay, okay,” he chuckled. “Have I been in love with an adult? I suppose. I do have an ex. We lived together. Never been married, though.”

“Are you still in love?”

“Would I be here with you? Of course not.”

“But you were in love?”

“Honestly, looking back on things? I’m not sure it was love. Did I tell her I loved her? Yeah, but it didn’t seem that way. I’m not sure if I believe in soulmates, but if that’s real, I know I haven’t ever had that. You know…someone who you wake up thinking, ‘I can’t live without this person in my life.’ When Raine and I broke up, I just think I should have felt more than I did.”

“How did you feel?”

“Part of the reason we broke up is because I travel a lot and she likes staying in one place. It was more than just traveling, though. It was a philosophical difference. I enjoy traveling, immersing myself in different cultures, learning new things. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I don’t plant roots. I’ve lived in California most of my adult life. I’ve got a condo on the beach, and when I’m there, I wake up and look at that beautiful ocean, and it’s amazing. But I don’t necessarily feel the need to be there all the time in order to maintain my friendships. When I have kids…”

“Kids?” Penny hadn’t meant to sound so surprised. She hadn’t asked his age, but guessed he was in his mid-thirties. At twenty-eight, it wasn’t as if she hadn’t heard her own biological clock tick every now and then. But whenever the sucker sounded, without a husband, she’d smacked it down and thrown it across the room.

“Sure. Not now, but someday I want kids. We’ll travel places on vacation together. I want to teach them to appreciate other parts of the world, not just our tiny slice.” Chase averted his gaze and rimmed his glass as if he’d said too much. “How about you? Have you been in love?”

“Someone cheated on me.” She sighed, debating how much to tell him. “I guess I was like you in that I don’t think I loved him, but when it happened, I was shocked, angry. He basically called me out on how I’m not available. So I guess even though I wasn’t that sorry to see him go, I was still hurt. And it just made me realize that maybe I have to choose.”

“Choose?”

“Yeah, I chose work over him. My ex is a jerk, but he was right that I just wasn’t around. I’ve always felt like what happened was my fault.”

“No way, Penny. There’s no excuse for cheating. He sounds like an asshole to me.”

“Can’t argue with that.” She gave a small laugh.

“I’m very sorry you were hurt, but his loss is my gain.” Chase took a sip of his drink and eyed Penny thoughtfully. “My turn. You ready?”

“I’m ready.”

“Tonight on the beach…you seemed intent on letting me know that you don’t do this. Almost as if you were embarrassed.” He held up a piece of cantaloupe to his mouth and sucked off the dripping juice. She smiled and opened her mouth, accepting it. “Tell, me, Penny…do you enjoy indulging outside of vanilla? Because even though I could see you might not have ever been to a nude beach or made love in public, you seemed to enjoy it every bit as much as I did. So that leads me to think you might want to take things a little further.”

“Truth?”

“Unless you want a dare?” He smiled.

“No, okay. Truth? I don’t know. Tonight, I felt like a teenager or something.”

“Except we aren’t.”

“It was exciting.” Penny looked at her fingers, uncomfortable with her thoughts. “I’ve never been super-adventurous in bed with anyone. I’m the kind of person who’s always in control. In my defense, I have to be. It’s not like I have room to screw up with what I do. Being down here…with you…it’s like a switch has gone off. Somehow it was okay to just let go…but only with…”

“What?” He grinned.

“It’s stupid. We’ve only known each other for a day.”

“Tell me.”

“I’ve never met anyone like you. It seems like even though you have this important job, which reminds me, you still haven’t told me where you work…”

“I haven’t, but that’s only because I’m doing work that requires clearances.”

“Okay, well, it’s the reason you’re here though. The fact that you risk your life, diving down to the depths you do…it’s not like everyone does that. You’re not just adventurous, you seen like an adventurer. My idea of adventure is riding the subway at night.”

“Perhaps I need to be a little more specific with my question.”

“How’s that?”

“Sex, Penny. You seemed to get turned on, knowing someone could watch us.”

“Maybe.”

“Would you like to watch another couple? Or do you just like being watched?”

“Why do you ask such hard questions?”

“Just want to get to know what you like, is all.” Chase held a strawberry to her lips.

“Not sure if I want to watch, but the idea of being watched was exciting.” She accepted the fruit into her mouth, licking his fingertip. “But it may have just been the idea of it. If it actually happened, I’m not sure. I can’t believe I’m telling you this.”

“Do you like to play with toys?”

“Do I own a vibrator? Why yes I do, Dr. Abbott. It’s not like I haven’t been to an adult store with my girlfriends. But never with a boyfriend. And it’s not like I’ve tried anything crazy.” Penny’s cheeks heated as she confessed.

“Would you like me to use a toy on you?” He winked.

“Chase…oh my God.” She sighed and laughed. “Well, let me say that I’d be open to it. Not sure what you have in mind. But you make me want to try new things…I want to do them with you.”

Chase gave a broad smile as if he’d been given a gift, and she wondered if she’d opened Pandora’s Box. But it hadn’t been a lie.

“I’m looking forward to exploring with you. Let’s see what you enjoy.” Chase trailed his fingers over her calf.

“My turn.” She quickly changed the subject. His hands on her skin was all it took to arouse her, and she was afraid she wouldn’t make it through another round.

“Besides sex, what do you do for fun?”

“I love being at the beach, but I think we established that.” He laughed. “When I’m not there? I’m in a club of sorts, Altura. There’s a group of us. We do all kinds of things. Skydiving, climbing. Love skiing too. I like being outdoors.”

“And doing dangerous things, apparently.”

“It’s not like I’m intentionally trying to put myself in danger. But there’s a rush you get. Like going on a roller coaster.”

“An amusement park is slightly different than skydiving or scuba diving. I could never do it,” she replied.

“Have you ever tried it? Skydiving? Scuba diving?” he challenged.

“Well, no, but I don’t think…”

“Did you think you’d be having sex on a beach? A nude beach?”

“Well, no, but it hardly compares.”

“It’s the same kind of thing. Maybe not exactly but when I dive…yeah, there’s a risk, but take scuba diving, for example. I’m seeing part of this world that not many people get to see. It’s not taboo, like what we did, but that adrenaline you felt on the beach? That’s what I feel when I dive or skydive. It’s pretty awesome. Never say never.” He winked

“Have you ever been to New York?” Penny changed the subject but as the question slipped from her lips, she wished she could retract it. Penny wanted more of Chase, and not just for a few days.

“I have,” he answered with an amused lilt in his voice.

“And?”

He laughed. “I’ve been mostly on business. But if you’re asking me what I think of the city? I love visiting.”

Penny grabbed a cracker and shoved it in her mouth before she asked him anything else. Of course he’d never move there. Embarrassed, she waited on him to go next.

“Would you ever considering living somewhere else besides New York?” he asked.

Penny grabbed a napkin and wiped her mouth. Her eyes met his and she considered what she should tell him. Was he asking her if she’d move to California? There is no way he’s asking me to move there. Penny tried to rein in her infatuation. She knew she’d say yes, probably scaring the man to the hills. Don’t answer. Don’t answer. Don’t answer.

“Dare,” she responded, her lips tight.

“Dare, huh? All right.” He laughed and stood from his chair.

Penny’s heart raced as he moved to the end of the bed and wrapped his hands around her ankles. A small smile formed as he spread her legs, climbing onto the mattress. His hands fell to the ties of her robe.

“Tomorrow.”

“Don’t I have to do the dare now?”

“I’m changing the rules. I have immediate plans for you that can no longer wait.” He gave her a devious grin.

“Hmm…you’re making me a little nervous.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll always take good care of you.”

“You seem to be doing well so far.” She took a deep breath as he untied the wrap. Never taking his eyes off of her, he exposed her bare form.

“Scuba diving. You. Me. First, I’ll teach you in the pool, and then the next day, we’ll go for a short dive.”

“No,” Penny replied without thinking. She went to shove up onto her arms but he gently placed his hand on her stomach, holding her in place.

“Yes.”

“Are you crazy?” she asked, wavering between terror and arousal. The ache between her legs decided the latter. “Did you forget I almost drowned?”

“No, I did not. I told you snorkeling could be dangerous for beginners.”

“And scuba diving isn’t?”

“Not when you’re with your own personal divemaster. I promise to keep you safe.” Chase reached for a piece of mango and held it up in the air.

“A master?”

“The very best. I have a feeling you’ll be a very good student.” Chase gave a wicked smile, dragging the small piece of fruit down over her belly.

“I….ah,” Penny gasped as he brought the slippery fruit through her mound. She watched with fascination as his head dipped between her legs. “Yes.”

“See, I knew you’d say yes.”

As his tongue hit her clit, Penny gripped the sheets. The warmth of his mouth paired with the cool fruit on her hot flesh sent her wild with desire.

“Fuck, yes,” she responded. She could drown tomorrow and she decided she’d have already gone to heaven.

“That’s the spirit, darlin’.”

“Chase…”

Penny sucked a breath as two thick fingers filled her channel, curling up into her sensitive ridge. As he lapped at her hooded pearl, her body trembled. She wrapped her legs around his shoulders, tilting her hips to his mouth. His lips sucked at her clit, hurling her over the edge. She cried out, her climax rushing over her. She’d never come so hard and fast in her life.

Within seconds Chase had sheathed himself in a condom. As he swiped his cock through her slick pussy, the remaining spasms of her orgasm rippled through her. The intensity in his eyes told her he, indeed, was a master and she’d willingly submit to his lessons.

Slowly he rocked in and out of her, his thick shaft expanding her core. She lost herself in the moment, her eyes focused on his. This man will wreck me, she thought. As his thumb brushed over her clitoris, she moaned and clutched the sheets. With each stroke to her delicate bud, her climax crested. Drenched in arousal, her pussy clenched around his cock, quivering in release. She reveled in the pleasure, but as he pulled out, she protested, unsure of his intent.

“Hands and knees, darlin’,” he ordered.

Her eyes widened. At his commanding tone, a fresh jolt of excitement tingled down her spine. She complied as his strong hands turned her onto her belly. Before she had a chance to push up, he’d pulled her hips to him.

“Chase,” she breathed. Penny clutched at the pillow, bracing herself.

“Ah…wow, look at this.” He caressed the globes of her ass. “Tell me, darlin’. Would you like to be spanked?”

Penny bit her lip, unwilling to admit her desire. As his fingers penetrated her core, she mewled.

“I think that might be a yes. We’ve got plenty of time for that this week, but right now…” Chase removed his hand, guiding his cock to her entrance. “I need to be in you.”

“Yes,” Penny moaned as he thrust inside of her. “That’s it.”

“This,” he grunted, continuing to pump in and out of her. His wet fingers circled her puckered flesh.

“I haven’t…” she began, startled by his touch. As he circled her tight hole, she grew hot, wishing he’d penetrate her.

“It feels good?”

“Oh God.” She dropped her forehead into the covers, embarrassed. As he continued to touch her, she relented. “Yes…oh God, oh God….I, uh…”

“Relax, darlin’.” Chase slowly worked his thumb into her anus, rocking gently back and forth into her. “So beautiful.”

“It feels…I know it’s wrong but oh, yes. Chase…deeper. Please don’t stop.”

“That’s it…just let go. Enjoy the feel of me in you…in all of you.” He wrapped his other hand into her hair, fisting it, lifting her head back to him.

Penny submitted to his dark intrusion, the fullness overwhelming her senses. She arched her back, moving to accept him.

“Harder,” she cried. “Fuck me harder. Now!”

Chase did as she said, slamming into her. She accepted him into her, the force jarring her forward. Flesh meeting flesh resounded in her ears. She gave a ragged gasp with each thrust, her channel fisting his rigid shaft.

“Shit, I can’t hold much longer.”

He released her hair and reached around her torso.

“Oh my God, yes, yes, yes…” she repeated, unable to keep her climax at bay.

“That’s it, baby, fucking come with me now. Oh yeah.”

He pounded into her, and she splintered out of control. Screaming his name over and over, she shook, ecstasy claiming her. Penny clawed at the pillow and fell forward into the sheets. She heard him grunt as he came. Like a comforting blanket, his powerful frame covered hers.

Floating in the afterglow, she was barely aware of him removing himself. She rolled onto her side, bunching the covers up to her chin. He returned, spooning her, his warmth enveloping her. As he pressed his lips to her temple, her heart pounded, her thoughts swirling with emotion. Wishing for something she couldn’t have, she shoved the errant thoughts into the depths of her mind. As she drifted into sleep, she dreamed of her lover, one who belonged to her, not only for a vacation, but a lifetime.