“Wake up, beautiful. It’s game day!” Chase slides his hand along my back tickling my spine. “Your phone has been beeping like crazy for the past hour. I think you should check it.”

I open my eyes and stretch tired limbs. Game day. Oh! This is going to be so much fun.

I’m bringing my significant other to hang out with all of my best friends. Significant other. Hmm, it’s going to take some getting used to. Chase is standing in a towel, using another towel on his wet hair. I look my fill and watch him walk across the room. The man is a hunk. Carson’s drunken words come back to me. “Hunk of the Year.” I laugh to myself.

Chase stops, turns that gorgeous bottom, and hangs the towel around his neck. His golden chest is like a beacon calling me home as I crawl over to him. He’s just too delicious to avoid.

“What’s so funny?”

“I was just thinking about how right Carson was last night.” I sit on my knees and place my hands on his big chest, fingers spread out in the shape of a star. His pecs are so square my entire hand fanned out still fits within the cut.

He draws his brows together.

“You are the Hunk of the Year.” I kiss his right pec.

He laughs and then moans as I kiss his nipple and swirl my tongue around the small rubbery flesh. His nipples are as sensitive as mine, and I take great pleasure in knowing that I can make him crazy by licking and kissing them.

“No,” he warns.

But I don’t stop.

“You have to get ready.”

He cradles my head as I lap at the little piece of skin, flicking it with my tongue lightly.

Chase groans and the towel at his hips starts to shift as his cock hardens. “I took the liberty of checking your texts. Maria said we have to be at the park at eleven a.m. and pick up our tickets at will call. It’s close to ten now.” He pushes me away by the shoulders.

I pout. “You checked my texts?”

“Yeah, the damn thing was ringing off the hook and beeping nonstop. I knew your friends were trying to get in touch with you, but I wanted to let you sleep.” He walks to the closet.

The untrusting tinge of my subconscious flares at the blatant disregard for my privacy. Still, I don’t really feel angry, but he did access my private information without asking. “I’d prefer if you wake me before checking my phone,” I say toward the closet.

He reenters, wearing a pair of distressed dark blue jeans and a tight black T-shirt. The shirt pulls enticingly against his taut chest. Yum!

With a grace I’ve not known with other men, he approaches me and cups my cheek. “I’ll try not to invade your personal space, but I’d rather you not hide anything from me.”

I roll my eyes and remove myself from his grasp. He’s already laid out clothing for me on the chair opposite the bed. Of course he picked the crazy expensive skinny jeans from Gucci and a three-quarter-sleeve flowing blouse from Chanel. Prada knee-high flat boots are sitting on the floor next to the outfit. They are a buttery tan and truly one of the most beautiful pair of boots I’ve ever laid eyes on. I find the clean bra and panty set he laid on the dresser and quickly get dressed.

It irks me that he’s taken control yet again. If I allow him too much control of these small things, will he start controlling every area of my life the same way Justin did? By the time I finally escaped him, I had nothing. Few friends, no family, and nothing to call my own. I need time to think about how to best handle these concerns with Chase without sounding bitchy or ungrateful.

But not today! It is game day, and there’s matchmaking to be done. With so little time left to get ready, a ponytail will have to do. I add a touch of makeup and am ready to hit the road in thirty minutes.

Chase has coffee in a to-go thermos and hands me something foil wrapped.

“Bentley takes Sundays off. I made us some bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches for the road.”

He cooked for me? A sexy, philanthropic, green Humanitarian of the Year cooked me breakfast? I’m so screwed. There is no way I’m not going to fall, spill my heart all over this man, and lose it all again.

When did he even have time to do this? Did he not sleep? After last night, I was gone to the world and could still use a couple more hours. “You made these?”

“Did you think I couldn’t cook?” He brings his hand to his chest, pretending to be wounded.

“I would have bet good money that you couldn’t cook and never spent any time in a kitchen.” I smile and shake my head. He’s pulled one over on me and added to the huge list of amazing reasons why I’m infatuated with him.

He pulls me in for a hug and leans his forehead against mine. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me. But we have plenty of time.” He pecks my lips in a small kiss.

He’s right, so I just nod as he continues, “I love to cook, and I reserve it for Sunday because I don’t have the time to do it as much as I’d like.”

“I love to cook too. Maybe we should make a meal together this evening?” I suggest.

His smile turns into a frown. “Can’t. After the game, I have to head down to Los Angeles to finalize a deal first thing in the morning. I’m taking the nine p.m. flight out.” He kisses me softly. “But we have today and next weekend to plan a cooking date. How does that sound?”

Amazing. Fantastic. Wonderful. I say none of those things, still stuck on the fact that this man wants to see me next weekend. That’s a whole five days away, and he’s planning to see me. Something inside me bursts with a giddiness I haven’t felt in a long while.

“Heavenly,” I agree. That will give me time to consider the control Chase has had over me this weekend and how easily I relinquished it. Maybe I can come up with a plan for safeguarding myself.

Arriving at eleven a.m. on the dot, we make our way to the will call booth. Chase is irritated that we aren’t early. He believes you should never keep someone waiting. That mentality will give him a heart attack by forty, but at least he’s considerate. It’s going to be my job to teach him to slow down and enjoy the things around him. If he doesn’t, he’s going to miss out on something wonderful.

Our seats are dead center of the stands and the second section up from the field, directly behind the batter.

“If we were in my box, we’d have a full view of everything,” Chase whispers in my ear.

I elbow him. All of my friends are already sitting, talking. Tom and Maria are farthest from us, and then Bree and Phillip, and then Kat and Carson. Tom stands and makes his way over.

He’s tall and very broad. Much larger than Chase, which would normally intimidate me, but since he’s a cop and he saved Maria all those years ago, I have the opposite feeling in his presence. Tom’s head is completely void of hair. He must shave it regularly to get the cut so close to his skull. He has a Giants jersey on and tight jeans. He is the epitome of a San Francisco detective. The man exudes authority but has the kindest green eyes, though they’re currently hidden behind sunglasses.

He stretches his hand out to Chase. “Good to meet you. Chase, is it?”

Chase grips his hand. “Yes. Tom, right?”

Tom nods. “That’s me.”

“Hey, these are great seats, thank you for the invite.”

Chase is playing nice, and I love him for it. Love? No…well, maybe? Too soon!

“It’s no problem, man. Have a seat next to your bro.” Tom gestures to the two open seats next to Carson.

Bree jumps up and makes her way through our friends. Chase takes in all that is Bree. She’s stunning every day, but today she’s a knockout. Her long blond hair flows freely in the wind. Her tan body shimmers in the sunlight against a baby blue tank that matches her eyes. A few inches of her belly is visible, showing a pretty flower dangling from her belly button. Her extremely low-rise jeans fit her toned curves to perfection. Gorgeous.

“I told you my friends were beautiful,” I whisper to Chase.

“You weren’t kidding.” He grins.

I punch his shoulder. Bree pulls me into a big hug. Then she does the same to Chase. He’s taken aback.

“I’m Bree, Gigi’s best friend.”

“All three of you are her best friends, right?” he questions.

“Yeah, but she likes me best!” Bree laughs.

It starts raining popcorn over the blond beauty, and she giggles prettily and makes it back to her seat.

“Shut up, Bree! You know she loves me more,” Ria yells.

Kat is laughing but not commenting. She’s obviously busy with Carson. He has his hand high on her thigh and his other arm around her shoulders.

“You two look cozy,” I tell them.

Kat turns bright red, and Carson grins like the cat who ate the canary.

“Cara bonita! You look hot!” Maria announces as I shimmy into my seat.

Both Phillip and Chase say, “Yeah, she does.”

Chase whips his head to glare at Phillip. I push Chase toward his seat. I can feel the tension in him after hearing Phillip’s comment. I decide I have to assuage his fury and deflect the attention away from me.

“Hey, Phil, doesn’t Bree look hot?” I ask.

Bree flicks her hair and looks irritated at me, but then smiles and leans back against her chair next to Phil.

“She always does!” he says immediately and then blatantly checks her out. “You really do,” Phil adds quietly to Bree.

Her gaze jerks to his and she smiles. Chase relaxes. Now for the next step.

“Hey, Gigi,” Phil calls.

Before I respond, I pull Chase’s face towards mine and plant a kiss on his lips. He deepens the kiss, putting his hand in my hair at the nape of my neck and pressing into me. When I pull away, he’s smiling that deadly sexy smile.

“Oh come on,” Phillip scolds.

Without moving my face from Chase’s, I answer Phillip. “Yeah, what’s up?” I snuggle my forehead against Chase, making a scene with my public display of affection.

The girls are smart enough to know what I’m doing. When I pull away, Maria is shaking her head in disapproval, but a hint of a smile tips at the corners of her mouth. Bree is smiling like a kid on Christmas morning, her hands clasped and close to her heart. Kat must have not gotten the memo because she isn’t paying attention at all, preferring to nibble on Carson’s neck. Phillip is positively fuming.

“Hey, Phil, let’s get some beers for everyone,” I suggest. I need to set my best friend straight and now.

Chase stands. “I’m coming with you,” he says firmly.

I put my hand on his chest. “No, you’re not. Trust me.” I search his eyes, telling him that I need this time. “But I could use some money?” I hold out my hand.

“Of course, yes.” He pulls out his wallet lightning fast.

I wink at Bree as she watches the display. He places a handful of twenties in my hand, well beyond what I need for beers, but I’m not going to complain. I know asking him for money in front of my friends was the exact thing to do. It gives him back that sense of ownership, that he can provide for my needs.

“Get anything you want, and buy a beer for everyone.” He kisses me quickly and then sits back down. The smile on his face is priceless.

I look at Maria, and she rolls her eyes. Kat makes the “perfect” symbol with her fingers as Phillip pushes his way through the group.

“Ready then?” he asks in a huff.

We make our way over to the concession stand, and I twirl and put my finger to his chest. “What the hell is wrong with you?” I am done allowing his macho bullshit to go any further.

He backs up a step. “Me! What about you, sucking face in public with a man you’ve only known for what, half a second?”

“I’ve known him for almost two weeks now, and we’re seeing each other, okay? I’m really happy with Chase. What’s your deal?” I point at his chest harder than I need to.

“Stop that! It hurts.” He pulls my hand away from his chest. “I don’t know. Maybe I’m just tired of you getting with men who aren’t worthy of you, that’s all.” He looks down at his shoes.

“And do you think you’re worthy of me?”

His eyes shoot up to mine. A stricken look mars his handsome face. “No, Gigi, it’s not that. I love you, but…”

I groan and take a deep breath. “Phil, I know. I love you too, but it’s more like a brother.”

He nods and releases a breath he must have been holding. He brings his hand to the back of his neck and rubs it, clearly uncomfortable with this conversation. “Yes, exactly.”

“So stop this weirdness with Chase. If it’s not jealousy, what is it? I really like him, and I don’t want you messing this up for me.” I grip his hand and squeeze it.

He searches my eyes and squeezes my hand tightly. “You’re falling for him, aren’t you?”

Instead of answering, I look into the distance, needing those extra precious seconds. I can’t lie to Phil, and I haven’t really had the time to give my feelings enough thought.

“Gigi, I haven’t seen you like this since Justin,” he continues.

Just hearing his name gives me the chills.

Phil pulls me into a tight hug. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to bring him up. It’s just I can see it in your eyes when you look at him, Gigi. I just want you to be careful with that beautiful heart of yours.”

I nod into his chest and hug him tighter.

“I’ll never forget what that asshole did to you and after losing Angie, it’s just, I can’t see someone I love get hurt again.”

A part of me wants to do a fist pump. I knew it wasn’t jealousy! Chase had my mind twisted with his possessive brooding behavior. I hug Phil tight and rest my chin on his sternum to look up at him. His eyes have lost the irritation, and I’m certain mine have too. All is right with the world again.

“Let’s get that beer. Wouldn’t want Mr. Macho to wonder where you are.”

“Oh, shut up.” I punch him in the arm. “Seriously though, you’re going to make an effort with him, right?” I give him my best pout, complete with lip puffed out and sad puppy dog eyes.

He takes a breath and pulls me to his side while walking to the line. “If you’re into him, I’ll make an effort. Okay?”

“Promise?” I smile wide and shift from foot to foot practically bouncing in place.

“Yes! Such a pain in my ass,” he finishes with a nudge to my shoulder.

We wait to place our order, and I have a moment to broach the subject of Bree. Since Angela died two years ago, I haven’t seen Phil so much as ask a girl out on a date. He had that one-night stand last year when we were out and completely drunk on our asses. A little miss hot pants at the bar had her eyes on him all night and took advantage. I let it happen, knowing he needed a night of freedom. I even picked up Anabelle from the babysitter and took her home with me. The guilt he felt the next day broke my heart. He felt like he betrayed his dead wife and spent the following months in therapy. That was the last time I tried to fix him up. Until now. I want him to get over his guilt and appreciate life again. I know Angela would want that too.

“So what do you think of Bree?” I ask nonchalantly.

“She’s pretty and fun. I like her. She’s a great gal.”

“Great, so would you consider dating her?” I ask.

“She wouldn’t go for a guy like me,” he says solemnly.

I was afraid he’d say that. I hum and shrug my shoulders. “She thinks you’re hot.”

He physically turns me toward him and stares into my eyes. “Really? She said that?”

Nodding, I smile. “You should ask her out sometime. Alone. Not with the group.” I leave it at that and walk away, carrying the four bottles of beer, two in each hand.

He laughs and follows behind me, his wheels probably turning already. We’ve all been out before over the years, but the two of them were never in a position to consider the other in that way. Bree usually was dating some fruit loop, and Phil was usually avoiding anything remotely related to intimacy and women. Now I can see he’s thinking about it. I can only hope he’ll man up but knowing Phillip, he won’t. I may have to force it a little. When I maneuver down the stairs back to our section, Chase stands and grabs two of the beers. He passes them to Maria and Tom.

“Hey, thanks, man,” Tom says and takes a pull from the bottle.

“Thanks for the tickets!” Chase tips the beer bottle in a man-type move only men understand.

Now that everyone has a beer, we settle in to watch the game. Every so often Maria, Tom, Carson, and Chase yell at a call they don’t agree with. Chase is really getting into this. When the Giants score, everyone celebrates with a round of high fives.

Chase puts his hand on my thigh. I put my arm around his broad shoulders and lean against him as I watch my friends. Tom is holding Maria’s hand. They are chatting about the game. I can tell that he appreciates her. He tilts his head to listen to her, and they laugh at the same things. It’s hysterical when they both act as if they are dying when a play doesn’t go the way they want. It’s amazing how quickly she went from knowing nothing about baseball to being intent on every play.

Kat and Carson are completely in their own world. She’s crossed her legs towards his and has half turned toward him. They whisper back and forth. Every so often he looks out at the game, but Kat is holding most of his attention. He sneaks little pecks of her lips and shoulder. They’ve been holding hands since we arrived and really haven’t paid much attention to anyone other than one another. It’s lovely to finally see her so happy.

I peek at Bree and Phillip. Since our conversation, he’s making a concerted effort to talk to her. Go, Phil! I can see her playing with her hair, making a point to touch him every chance she gets throughout their conversation. A smack of the arm here, a grip of his thigh there. Bree’s in full flirt mode. She’s got her eyes set on Phillip, and she’s pulling out all the stops. They could make a great couple, and I know Bree would be an amazing stepmother to Anabelle. He really needs a woman in his life other than me. It seems as though Phillip is enjoying the conversation too. He’s pulling the shy guy move with her. When she says something funny he looks down, shakes his head, and then looks up at her through his lashes. Nice!

Chase tips his head to mine. “Enjoying the game, baby?” he asks and cocks his head to the side.

Damn, he’s good-looking. His hair is windblown a bit, and he’s smiling in a way that would bring any woman to her knees.

“Very much.” I smile.

He turns back to the game. I nuzzle his neck, taking in his scent. That woodsy scent mixed with citrus is my undoing. Warmth spreads through my body making every subtle touch of his seem like more.

“Will you take me back to my place after the game?” I massage his shoulders with one hand.

“You’re welcome to stay at my place,” he offers.

“I have work tomorrow, and you have a flight to LA,” I remind him.

A scowl appears on his face. “I’ll take you home.”

I lean toward his ear. “All I can think about is getting you home and into my bed.” Chase is making me bold sexually, not as afraid to ask for what I want. It’s a foreign feeling, but exhilarating and freeing at the same time.

Chase’s hand slides farther up my thigh. He strokes my center. I can barely feel it through my jeans, but it’s there and I push toward it.

“I’m ready when you are,” he says seriously.

I kiss his neck. “Later.” I grab his hand and squeeze.

“That’s a promise.” He finishes his beer in one shot.

We spend the rest of the day laughing and cheering. All eight of us mostly paying attention to the game. At the last inning, the bases are loaded. The pitcher throws, and the batter hits a grand slam. The crowd goes completely ballistic! I had no idea what was happening when all four men on the field made their victory lap around the bases, each one hitting home base.

Everyone around us, including my group, jumps up, screaming and cheering for the Giants. The game announcer announces the Giants won the game! The crowd is at a constant roar, going completely wild! One by one, every man grabs his lady. Tom pulls Maria into a frenzied kiss. He lifts her off her feet and spins her in a tight circle. Carson grips Kat’s hand and pulls her into his lap and lays one on her. I even see Bree hop up and down, cheering before she turns, grabs Phillip, and exclaims, “What the hell!” and lays her lips over his. He yanks her trim body against him, and they are gone, lost in a moment.

“Come here, baby.” Chase pulls my face to his with both hands, cupping my cheeks.

I sigh into his kiss as he plunges his tongue into my mouth. I give as good as he’s giving, swirling my tongue around his and nipping at his bottom lip. He tugs at my top one before tilting my head to the side while sliding a hand down my body to cup my ass, plastering me against the hard ridges of his sculpted body and growing need.

We’re lost in the kiss, forgetting where we are, who’s with us, the fact that we’re in the middle of a stadium with my best friends in the world around us.

“Get a room!” Maria yells from behind us.

I pull away from Chase, breathless. God I want him, right now. “Shut up, Ria!” I holler over my shoulder.

Chase smiles and pulls me against him, hugging me. “You ready, baby?” he asks.

“Are we getting some dinner?” Bree asks. She bounces from foot to foot, obviously excited. Probably from her impromptu mega-kiss with Phil.

“Chase has to fly to LA tonight. He’s going to take me home first.” I wiggle my eyebrows so she gets the hint.

She looks disappointed but moves to her next victim. “What about you?” she asks Kat.

“Busy.” Kat grins up at Carson.

He nods.

“We’re very busy.” She doesn’t take her gaze away from the blond hunk holding her.

Bree pouts prettily. “What about you, Ria?”

I’m starting to feel bad for the girl. “Don’t even ask, Hermosa! I’ll be taking advantage of this man,” she says honestly pointing her thumb at Tom.

His ears tinge bright red, but he laughs and brings his huge arms around her in an embrace. She snuggles against him, happy as a clam.

“Can’t take advantage of the willing,” he says.

We all laugh.

Bree’s bottom lip sticks out even farther. She’s clearly disappointed.

“I’ll have dinner with you,” Phillip says.

Her eyes widen. “Really? That would be fantastic!” I look knowingly at Kat and Maria. Phillip actually made the first move. I’m impressed and will make a point to tell him so privately.

Phillip clears his throat, his confidence seeming to have come back. “I know this really great little sushi place downtown if you’re interested.”

“I love sushi!” she exclaims.

“Sick! Can’t you take her somewhere nice, Phil? You want to feed my friend bottom dwellers?” I shake my head in disgust.

Chase laughs and pulls me against him.

“You’re a freak, Gigi!” Bree laughs. “Seafood is amazing and so good for you.”

I crinkle my nose. “If you want to eat the cockroaches of the sea, far be it from me to stand in your way.” I slide my arms up and down Chase’s tan forearms. I love being encased in his arms. Makes me feel so at ease. Safe.

Bree sighs and puts her hand to her forehead.

Chase whispers close to my ear, “Time’s wasting.”

“Time to go!” I tell my friends immediately.

I hug each one and thank Tom for his generosity, telling him we had a great time. Chase shakes hands with each male and accepts a hug from every one of my girlfriends. His face is impassive as he accepts each hug but doesn’t exactly return it, mostly doing the perfunctory tap on their backs. Interesting.

The group makes its way to the entrance. I happily swing Chase’s hand. “This has been the best weekend ever,” I tell him.

“Ever?” His face twists into one of surprise.

I think about it a couple minutes. “Yeah, ever. I’ve never been quite this happy.”

“Oh, baby, I’m about to make you a whole lot happier,” he growls and paws at my curves, sending ribbons of lust to swell and ache between my thighs.

The limo pulls up, and my friends gawk and stare as Chase ushers me in.

“You suck!” Maria bellows as she sees the plush ride. They’re going to be stuck in parking hell trying to weave their way out of this mess. This particular stadium is known for the hellacious exiting process.

“You’re just jealous! Besos!” I yell through the window and wave.

I hear a round of “Besos” from each of my soul sisters. I love my friends. I love my life. And in thirty minutes, I’ll be making love to an incredibly hot, sexy Superman. I’m starting to believe fairytales do exist.

“Why do you say ‘kisses’ to your girlfriends?” Chase asks as he kisses each one of my knuckles, ramping up my desire for him.

“We always have. Ria started it years ago. It’s our way to say that we love one another without being commercial. If you spell it out, B-E-S-O-S, to us, stands for Bound Eternally Sisters of Souls.”

Chase pulls on my ponytail holder, and my hair falls around my shoulders. He massages the nape of my neck, scratching his fingers up along my scalp. I lean back and moan, never wanting it to stop.

“What about the tattoo?” Chase asks while kissing along my neck.

On my left wrist is a vibrant Celtic trinity symbol. It’s the only tattoo I have and the only one I could ever imagine having. When you’ve had a past like mine, marking the body in any way permanently has to mean something. For the three women I adore more than life itself, it means so much.

“The Celtic trinity.” I trace a finger along the blue-and-black design. It’s about the size of a quarter. It’s a rich indigo blue with deep sweeping black outlines around the three petal-like shapes. They all come together and are surrounded by the circle of protection. “It means a lot of things to people. Body, mind, soul, Father, Son, Holy Spirit…”

“And what does it mean to you and your friends? I noticed all four of you have the design, at least I suspect as much. I saw it on Maria’s shoulder blade the other day and on Bree’s foot today.”

“Kat’s is on her hip, and no, you’re never seeing that one!” I warn and narrow my eyes in mock anger.

“Don’t care to. I mean, your friends are all stunning beauties, but I prefer a hot, curvy redhead any day of the week.” He bites down on the spot where my shoulder and neck meet.

I gasp and lean my neck over to the side.

“So what does the tattoo mean to you?”

“Oh, um…”

Chase continues kissing and licking the side of my neck, distracting me.

“Body, mind, and soul are important to all four of us, but for me personally, it represents the past, the present, and the future. They will always be a part of my past, my present, and my future.”

Chase hums along my neck and twirls my hair. “You have gorgeous red hair, Gillian,” he whispers against my ear.

She’s a redhead. The phrase jars my memory. “Speaking of my hair, why does your family seem taken by my hair color? Carson said something about it. Cooper did, too, at dinner last night.”

Chase tenses and halts his kisses. “It’s nothing.” He kisses me again.

Oh, it’s definitely something. A something he doesn’t want to talk about. I want to press for information, but his tongue is running down my neck. His hand comes to my breast and squeezes it through the thin fabric. I groan and cup his cheek to bring his lips to mine. I pull myself onto his lap and grind into his erection as we kiss languidly, losing ourselves in our passion for one another.

Chase slides his hands under my top to cup each breast. I tilt my head and delve deep into his mouth, staking my own claim on him. His fingers find their way under the cups of my bra to pluck and pull at each throbbing peak. I slide my tongue along his jaw and nibble and bite my way over his five o’clock shadow. I lick the scruffy surface until I make my way up to his earlobe and swirl around the taut skin, nibbling lightly. He lifts his hips against mine, and I take advantage, grinding into his erection harder.

“God, I want you,” he says through gritted teeth, nostrils flaring.

If I didn’t know he was insane with lust, I’d think he was angry, ready to go into battle.

“Then take me,” I challenge.

As the words leave my mouth, the limo stops. We’ve arrived at my building. I refrain from doing a fist pump into the air.

Chase doesn’t wait for Jack to open the door. He’s out of the car, pulling me behind him towards my apartment. “Jack, bring her clothing to her apartment. Come back in an hour and a half.” Chase practically pushes me through the doors of my building.

“That will be cutting it close, sir,” Jack warns.

“We’ll make it. An hour and a half.”

“Chase, if you have to go, we can wait—”

“Not an option.” He cuts me off and forges ahead. “I’m going to be gone two days. I’m taking you to bed.”

He is a man on a mission and I love it. A giddiness fills my chest as I skip alongside him.

“Yes, sir!” I salute and he rolls his eyes.

“Just open the damn door, Gillian, or I’ll fuck you in the hallway.”

I’m trying to pull my keys out of my purse, but his hands all over me make me clumsy. He cups my breasts and bites my neck as I lose connection with the lock.

“You’re taking too long,” he warns, pressing his dick against the seam of my ass through my jeans. He digs his erection against me wickedly setting off a firebomb of heat.

“Shit!” I drop the keys without unlocking the door.

He grabs them, pulls me against the door, and kisses me ravenously. He presses me into the doorframe while he fiddles with the door. He pushes against me, and the door opens. We tumble in and catch our footing before falling to the floor in a heap. Chase is already pulling his T-shirt over his head. He drops it to the floor, and I lick my lips when I see his golden bare chest. I walk backwards toward my room, watching him as his eyes fire and turn dark.

I pull the designer blouse over my head and drop it to the floor as well. His shoes go, one foot and then the other, as we slowly walk. I mimic him, raising the stakes by unbuttoning my jeans and sliding down the zipper. His eyebrow goes up, and he pulls on his buttons and stops advancing to pull his jeans completely off. His black boxer briefs mold to his form like a second skin. I follow his lead and do the same until I’m standing before him in a pale pink bra and matching panties he purchased. He scans my body and bites his lip.

“Money well spent. I’m going to get you a store full of satin and lace so I can go through my days knowing my woman is wearing those sexy things for me.” He points to his chest. His gaze traces over my curves almost like a caress. “Baby, I can’t wait to be buried deep inside you,” he says just before lunging like a cougar capturing its prey.

He grips my waist and presses his body against mine. Warm male skin. My mouth waters, and I groan, sliding my hands down his rib cage and up his abdomen, feeling his muscles bunch and tighten under my touch.

“Where’s your room?” He trails his fingers over the top of my lace panties.

“Just behind me, straight back at the end of the hall.”

He grips my ass and pulls me up. My legs immediately go around his waist. For a moment, I remember him taking me up against the wall in his dining room the other night. I tighten my legs around his waist. He walks us to my room and sets me on the queen-sized bed. My bright white comforter is cool against my heated skin. His lips find mine, and we kiss for what feels like hours but is probably only minutes.

He slides his fingers into the sides of my panties and slowly drags them down my legs. I lean up and unclasp my bra and throw it towards the bench at the end of the bed. He stands and pulls down his underwear. His cock juts straight out, thick and proud. I wrap a hand around it, relishing how hard it is. Knowing I did that to Chase, making the master of his universe lose a bit of his control, makes me weak and needy. I lean forward and lick the moisture on the tip. I swirl my tongue around the large crown and draw him deep into my mouth. He thrusts his hips forward, and I willingly take him in deeper. It’s actually easier to take him down my throat when he’s standing. I take a huge breath and pull his hips, sliding his cock deep into the walls of my throat.

“Fuck!” he cries and pulls out, his body shaking with the effort not to come so quickly.

I grin and wipe my lips with my thumb before he kisses me.

“Oh, you saucy little vixen. You are going to get it.”

“In a good way, I hope.” My voice is gravelly and rough from taking him so deep. It’s a perfect sex voice.

“You have no idea.” He presses me down and drags his tongue down to each breast. He takes one pink tip into his wet heat, and I press it farther into his face, twining my fingers into his hair gripping the scalp. He smiles against my breast and draws the bud with his teeth, biting down on the tender flesh.

Spikes of pleasure tear from each peak through my chest and down to my center where my sex moistens and softens, readying to mate. “Oh, yes, Chase!” I thrash about as he continues pulling, biting, and pinching each tip until I’m trembling under him in ecstasy. “Please.”

The begging does it. Chase can’t deny me when I beg for his cock. “You want me to fuck you?” He presses two fingers deep into my core. He hooks them up and rubs his thumb around my clit.

I arch into his hand and gyrate my hips with his movements. The pleasure consumes every facet of my being. With each drag of his fingers along that bundle within me, I jerk and shake. He brings me close to tears, lost in his control over me.

“Yes, Chase, fuck me…please!” I scream.

He removes his fingers, and I almost cry from the loss. He presses my thighs wide and centers himself. He pushes the tip in and teases me with it.

“Again,” he demands.

I try to use my legs to pull him into me, but he’s holding them fast against the bed, splitting me open physically and emotionally. “Please, Chase…baby,” I beg again, my head thrashing from side to side as he twirls a finger around my clit. It’s not enough. I need him. All of him.

“God, Gillian, you’re so beautiful, spread open like this, begging for me to take you.” He grips my knees and presses them up and back, opening me farther.

I’m completely vulnerable to him, and he has total control. He pulls the tip of his cock out, and before I can protest, slams into me to the hilt.

“Chase!” I scream until my throat is raw.

He pulls out and pounds back into me again. He starts a hammering, forceful rhythm that picks me up and tosses me head first into my release. I’m lost in the sensation. Every press and pull of his thick cock drags against that magical spot within me, and I start to spiral and throb with the pressure of my second build up. Chase picks up the pace, bringing his face down to mine for a hot, deep kiss. The new angle presses him another inch deeper, knocking against my womb. He groans into my mouth and bites my bottom lip. His cock bottoms out as he pushes against my knees, forcing every last millimeter of his length to wedge farther into my sex. I feel full, stretched to capacity.

“Want you sore when I’m gone, baby.” He continues the fierce strokes and adds a twist of his hips, grinding against my aching clit with each thrust of his pelvic bone.

I cry out as he brings his hands under my ass to cup each cheek, using his full strength to pull me against his cock at the same time jackknifing into me. I explode. My orgasm sweeps over me in a tidal wave of heat and light.

As the waves of my orgasm crash over me, he pulls out and flips me over. He tilts my hips up, and he enters me hard, without apology, as if he owns me. Right now, he so does.

“Yes,” I scream as my sex squeezes and milks his dick.

Chase pounds in to me quickly, building the ecstasy again.

“Fuck, you’re so tight! And your ass. Goddamn, I love fucking you, watching my cock spear into your cunt. Baby…I’ll never get enough of you.”

More than anything, I hope he means it. He pounds into me, and I push against his thrusts, allowing him to fuck me harder. It hurts in the best possible way, like a deep tissue massage only on the inside. You know it’s going to hurt the next day, but the release is worth it. Chase digs his fingers into my hips so tightly, I’m almost in pain, and I don’t care. He pummels me over and over, and I can feel him tightening, his thrusts becoming more erratic.

“Want you with me,” he says through clenched teeth.

He leans and reaches around. He finds my clit and he pinches and presses hard on the sensitive moist skin there, sending me into another blinding orgasm. He thrusts deep, holding me roughly against his pelvis as his release shoots hotly within my core, our bodies melting into one another. After a few last jerks of his hips, he collapses on top of me, pressing me into the mattress. His weight is wonderful and welcome, like being covered in my very own Chase blanket. All too soon, he rolls to the side, pulling me against his sweat-dampened chest. We both pant and try to calm our overheated bodies.

“It’s never been like that with another woman, Gillian,” Chase says softly, staring at the ceiling.

“For me either.” I turn over and face him. “I just I want you so much.” I stretch each tingling muscle, pointing and flexing my toes and fingers. The space between my legs is definitely sore and well used. I’ve got no complaints. I’ll endure that discomfort gladly.

We lie for quite some time with Chase caressing my arms, swirling his fingers around a breast but avoiding the overly sensitive tips. I grin, thinking how much his mouth lovingly abused each tip in turn only an hour or ago.

Chase sighs and kisses each breast and then lays his chin on my chest. “I have to go, baby.”

I frown and puff out my lips. He grins and kisses away my pout.

“I know. I don’t want you to.” With a sigh, I sit up and find my bra and panties. I pull them on and grab a pair of yoga pants and a tank top from my drawer.

Chase finds his trail of clothing and dresses quickly. Someone knocks on the front door. “That would be Jack.”

I nod and walk him to the door. He opens it and gestures for Jack to wait in the car. He pulls me into a hug and a long kiss. It’s not a goodbye kiss. It’s a “wait for me” kiss. I give it my all, trying to express without words everything that’s soaring through my mind and heart.

“Gillian, today was…great. The weekend.” He shakes his head and tugs me to him. He leans his head into the crook of my neck and inhales deeply. “I haven’t had that much fun in a long time.”

I believe him. The man I met a couple weeks ago seemed a lot more reserved and conservative. This Chase, my Chase, is those things and so much more.

I smile my best hundred-watt smile and hug him tightly. “I’m so glad you like my family!”

“I do. Very much, but not as much as I like you.” He lifts my chin and kisses me softly. “I’ll be back Tuesday evening. Can I take you out for dinner Wednesday?”

“I’d like that.”

He turns to leave, and my chest hurts.

“Chase?”

He turns and cocks his head to the side, waiting.

“Um, I’ll miss you,” I admit.

The smile that adorns his face is hypnotizing. “I’ll miss you too, baby.” His tone is laced with sex and possibly something more. He winks.

I shut the door and lean against it, closing my eyes. “I’m falling for you, Chase,” I whisper.