Beautifully Awake(39)

“Good Afternoon, Dr. Colton. How was your ride?” Distracted by the stop and go of the city traffic, I hadn’t realized we reached our destination. An older white-gloved man, dressed in dark grey and a matching hat opened his car door.

“I’m good, Charles, how’ve you been?”

“Well. Thank you.”

Chase’s large frame smoothly exited his low riding car to tower over the older gentleman. I unclicked my seatbelt and began to stir, taming my wild hair and righting my pale yellow sundress. Shit. My torn thong was in his pocket. Even I knew pale yellow and bright summer sun was not a combination that worked with no underwear.

“How long are you staying, Sir?”

“Just until tomorrow, Charles, probably late afternoon. Can you have the car waiting?”



“Of course, Sir, and I’ll have your bags brought right up.”

Chase handed him the car keys.

“Oh Miss, let me.” Charles flew around the hood to open my door.

I was not all that anxious to get out. My eyes widened as they locked on Chase’s hungry stare. He smirked and slightly shook his head, making his way around the car.

“I got her, Charles, thank you though.” Several neatly folded bills exchanged hands and he proceeded to open my door.

“Have a good evening, Sir, Miss.” Charles nodded in our direction and slipped away.

“Chase, I can’t get out,” I hissed.

“Come here, baby, no one will notice.” He smirked again and pulled me from the car.

“Where are we, anyway?” I swung my bag over my shoulder, bouncing it from front to back trying to decide which area was less offensive. Even more desperately trying not to wonder why this Charles character knew Chase so well. How many other pantiless women had he brought here before? Ugh.

“My apartment building.” The enormous square structure looked like something out of the Victorian Renaissance era. The brick and sandstone walls decorated with ornate steel balconies and elaborate moldings were stunning. It was a little on the darker side. But the sight of its classic tall beauty took my breath away. Much like the man beside me. “Let’s go inside.” He pinned me close to his side, wrapping his arm low on my waist.

“You covering me up?” I looked up into his eyes peering down at me from under his shades.

“I told you. I don’t share.”

My smile widened and the flush hit my cheeks.

“Good Afternoon, Dr. Colton, Miss.” We were greeted by a second white-gloved gentleman. First a doorman, second a concierge. A couple episodes of the Housewives were worth keeping in the loop to be refreshed on these unfamiliar high society ways. I put my giant bag in front of me and silently prayed my ass was covered enough by Chase’s arm. I cursed the designer who thought pale yellow, short dress and sun should ever be in the same sentence.

The elevator ride to the tenth floor was quiet. We nodded politely as other tenants entered and exited, Chase’s eyes only leaving mine for brief cordial sentiments. His stare was heated. The elevator opened to a wide gothic passage leading directly to a massive arched mahogany door. He gently led me forward. My jaw, not so subtly, dropped. Not even two steps through the door and the expansive view of Central Park was spectacular. The unobstructed light shining through the eight enormous windows lining the living room was awe-inspiring.



“Oh Chase, your view, your apartment, it’s ... beautiful.” I smiled coyly.

“Glad you like it.” He draped his arm over my shoulders and kissed my cheek. “Go take a look around, gotta make a quick call to check in at the hospital.”

The towering ceilings and intricate dark wood moldings carried through every room. One as beautiful as the next. The dining room and kitchen looked out on the gabled roofs of the interior courtyard. A gorgeous fountain was surrounded by symmetric circular gardens spanning across intricately placed stone walkways. The detail was fascinating.

I wandered into his bedroom. The steel grey walls framed a massive antiqued black four-poster bed, blanketed with stark white linens. Overall the room was dark and simply decorated. No personal effects, no frames or photos or family mementos. Nothing revealed the mystery behind the man. But his appreciation for light and color was conspicuous, bringing warmth and coziness. The floor-to-ceiling French doors, defined by deep turquoise silk draperies, led to a terrace full of clean-edged planters overflowing with unique tropical flowers. Aired on two sides, almost every room brought in the outdoor landscape.

“I promise you we will spend quality time in here.” His voice startled me. “I wanna see how you look on my bed.” He sat on the edge of the massive bed and pulled me between his legs. “Did I mention I really like you pantiless?” He gripped my ass and brought me closer, burying his head between my breasts. “And braless,” he mumbled into my cleavage.