Beautifully Awake(45)

The whole mine and our comment never had a chance to sink in because I was mortified, remembering the panties I wore. Reading the expression on my face, Chase added, “Unlucky for him, but very lucky for me, the tablecloth here had my back. Otherwise we wouldn’t still be sitting here.” Damn, that wink disarmed me. Luckily the sommelier returned quickly with our champagne while another server delivered our cheese plate.

“Hmm. Champagne. Are we celebrating?” I held my glass of bubbly up. Chase nodded, as he smelled his glass.

“In that case, to cravings!”

“To double digits!”

We clinked and took a sip. I clenched my legs tightly together, aware that my new panties left my gorgeous designer dress vulnerable to a wet spot. I blushed again.

We were having so much fun talking and flirting, I almost forgot we were meeting Chase’s friend. His eyes lifted and brightened, making contact with a suited gentleman rounding the corner. His tawny short hair framed a very handsome face. His lips turned up slightly, seemingly to acknowledge my presence. Chase stood watching his brisk approach.

“Ash, buddy, I’m so glad you could make it.” The two men shook hands and embraced in a man-hug, slapping each other’s backs. I smiled watching Chase’s affectionate sentiment.



“C, it’s been too long, we’ve got to get back here more often.”

Chase glanced over his shoulder. I placed my napkin on the table and stood.

“I might have another reason to come more often, this one seems to like New York.” Chase nodded in my direction. “Ash, this is my girlfriend, Lili Porter. Lili, this is Asher Craig.”

Girlfriend. Holy shit, he said girlfriend. We hadn’t talked about our relationship. My breath caught instantly.

“It’s a true pleasure.” Asher gracefully kissed my cheek, and we sat. Chase scooted his chair next to mine so he could relax his arm around me, a total possessive-man gesture. And I loved it.

“So bro, looks like I don’t have to ask. Philly seems to be treating you very well.” Asher smiled and nodded in my direction. “Guess I should stop trying to get you to reconsider Beantown, ha?”

A server appeared to fill a flute for Asher.

“Boston?” I questioned.

“Technically, but work has me split, and I spend a good amount of time here. Now thanks to this clown, I have to add Philly to the mix.” Asher smiled.

“Oh, what do you do?”

Chase cut in and answered for him, “Ash is a finance lawyer, he also looks after some of my interests.”

“Ha. I guess you could say that. More like, I make it possible for pretty boy here to spend his day playing doctor.” That was a strange thing to say. “Lili, you should have bossman bring you up, give you a tour of the facility. It’s pretty impressive. Ever been to Boston?” Now I was confused.

Chase noticed, because he jokingly dismissed Asher. “Why? So we can sound as ridiculous as you? Doct-AH. BAW-ston.” His imitation was cute.

“You’re an ass,” Asher said and we all chuckled.

“Nice.” Asher recognized the champagne label. “You shouldn’t have on my account,” he said, teasing Chase.

Chase reached down and squeezed my thigh. “Lili’s about to reach a benchmark. A little anticipatory celebration never hurt.” Oh no he didn’t.

“Oh. Good stuff. Congrats. In that case, let’s get another bottle.” Asher turned to signal the sommelier for a second bottle of the champagne he seemed impressed by. I got the pause I needed to change the subject. Fast. My face was on fire.



“Um, I’ve been to Boston, a few times. It’s great. My best friend’s family has a house in Cape Cod, and I spent many summers with them when I was younger. I actually almost moved there to finish my master’s.”

“You did? I didn’t know that. Why didn’t you go?” Chase asked, looking sincerely interested and disappointed at the same time.

“Oh, a funding issue. My grant fell through.” Sort of. It wasn’t really a lie. I fought the bile rising in my throat from the memories flooding my brain. Hell, I wasn’t going to let the past ruin this night, or any other night for that matter. “Wound up in Philly instead, but I do love Boston. How could ya not? After all, it’s home to the Baw-ston Bruins.” I smiled and Asher laughed.

“Gorgeous and a hockey fan. How did this loser get so lucky?”

“Jealous much? I’ve got to tell you, man, it’s not your best look.” It was great to see Chase in this atmosphere, relaxed and joking with his good friend.

“Speaking of jealous—fuck, man. I can’t believe I got roped into going to this fucking birthday party tomorrow. My parents pulled the damn guilt card. We know how busy you are, son, but since you’re in town and if it’s not too much, cause you know our health hasn’t been what it was … how the hell do you say no to that? It’s gonna be fucking torture,” Asher said, rolling his eyes in disgust. Then he chuckled and smacked Chase in the chest. “Sure you don’t want to make an appearance and save my ass?”