Beautifully Awake(47)

“You’re such a fucking pussy, just pissed I kicked your ass last time.” Chase sneered.

“Whatever, I don’t give a shit if you break a hand, then you could run your own goddamn company.”

What company? I was missing the whole conversation.

“Um. I really don’t know much about fighting, are we talking something really aggressive?”

Chase and Asher answered at the same time. Chase: “No.” Asher: “Yes.”

I took a deep breath and tried not to think about all the reasons boxing was a really bad idea. “Hmm.” I raised my eyebrows at their contradicting answers. “Just tell me you don’t really hurt each other.”

“Well, I wouldn’t really say that.” Asher shrugged and took a sip of his champagne.



“That’s enough, Ash,” Chase sputtered, glaring in his direction.

“Where do you guys do all this fighting?” I questioned.

“A place down on West Fourteenth.” So much for Asher keeping quiet.

“I want to check it out, maybe I can hit a bag for a bit.”

Chase puffed his chest and grounded his teeth together in fury.

“First of all, baby, there is no way in hell I would let you prance around in that gym wearing those tiny ass workout clothes. You nearly gave me a heart attack when I saw you running that day. Every asshole in the place would drool all over himself, wanting what’s mine. Shit.” He banged his hand on the table. “I would definitely have a fucking broken hand.”

I tilted my head and smiled, cringing at his sudden outburst.

“Don’t you smile at me, baby, I’m dead serious. You want to try boxing? You get a private lesson from me.” Oh boy, Dr. Possessive.

“Damn, Chase, settle down. You’re getting all possessive and shit,” Asher chimed in.

Chase sighed. “You find something you want, Ash, you come talk to me.”

My heart skipped another beat, too many more and an arrhythmia was in my future.

“Fine. I get it, C. You’re head over heels.”

Chase pushed his chair out and stood, completely dismissing Asher’s comments. “Be back in a minute.” And he walked away.

“Wow, Lili, I’ve never seen him like this.”

This was the only Chase I knew. “Like what?” I anticipated Asher’s response.

He leaned back in his chair and wrapped his arms across his chest. “He’s determined.”

“Determined to what?” I questioned, shifting uncomfortably in my chair.

“Win you over.”

“Listen, Asher, this is new to us, it hasn’t been that long and we’re just starting to figure stuff out.”

“Well, want some inside scoop? Chase is anything but an open book. If you think he shares easily, you’re sadly mistaken. You wanna know something, you’re gonna have to pry it out.”



I tried to shake the feeling of discomfort constricting my temples.

“He had a pretty shitty life after…” Asher’s eyes snapped up and he stopped mid-thought. “Anyway, he’s a great guy and he’ll treat you like gold.”

I shoved a loose strand of hair behind my ear, feeling oddly anxious at Asher’s unfinished thought.

“Hope you’re talking nice, prick.” Chase slapped Asher on the back and reclaimed his position next to me.

“Just telling her what a great catch you are.” Asher shot me a sly smile, his green eyes brightened.

“Don’t you have somewhere to be?” Chase interjected. “I’m done sharing and we have a dinner reservation.”

“Okay, ass, I’ll take that as my not-so-subtle cue to get the hell out of here.” Asher laughed. “Let’s split the tab.” He tossed his credit card across the table.

“It’s paid.”

“Damn moneybags, let’s meet for drinks more often.” Asher smiled and stood up.

I glanced at the champagne label, making a mental note to check it out online. I smoothed my dress and joined Chase, standing to say our goodbyes.

“Lili, you’re gorgeous.” I blushed. “Such a pleasure to meet you, hope to see you tomorrow.” He winked and looked toward Chase. “Buddy, as always.” They shook hands. Asher gripped his shoulder.

“See you tomorrow ... now go, asshole, before I change my mind. Oh, and set up a time I can kick your ass. I’ll send you my call schedule next week.”

“Bye, Lili.”

“Bye, Asher.”

He left our table grinning from ear to ear. Chase’s hand found its home on my inner thigh.

“Well, that was fun,” I said.

“Oh, was it? Glad you enjoyed yourself,” he sarcastically clipped.