Beautifully Awake(70)

He must have sensed I needed the stress outlet, assuming I was anxious about testifying in court, which of course was a little nerve-racking. But the true reason was staying deep beneath my beautiful. Fortunately for me, he was really good at keeping my mind from traveling down that inevitable road.

“Is this where we’re staying?” Chase pulled into the quaint, two-story motel just on the outskirts of town. When I booked the room, the thought of actually sleeping in the center of town accentuated my nausea. And since my dad knew I wouldn’t be staying at his house, he insisted we stay here. Thankfully, I had reached a level of alcohol intoxication where everything was blissfully fuzzy. I didn’t really care where I slept, as long as it was with Chase.

“What, not fancy enough for you?” I teased. “Scared of the bedbugs?”

“No, just making sure this was the right place, and until you brought it up, bedbugs hadn’t crossed my mind. Thanks for that.” He raised his chiseled brow and cocked his head to the side. Damn, he was cute.

“Don’t worry, my dad’s wife’s family owns the place, it’s super clean. Plus, Dad made sure to reserve us a non-bedbug room. It doesn’t get much fancier in Wrangel. We max out at three stars.” I smiled. “You okay with an early breakfast with him before I have to meet the attorney at 8:30?”

“Baby, I’m fine. I’m up at four every morning. It’s you I’m worried about.” Chase missing his beauty rest was not the issue; my very overprotective father was my concern. “I have some serious pipe to lay and I’m not promising you’re going to bed anytime soon.” He leaned over the console and kissed my cheek.

I glanced at the dashboard clock—11:02 PM—and giggled again. Five minutes from the center of Wrangel and I was giggling. Crazy how my life had changed in this last month!

Chase hopped out of the car, circling to my side to help me out. Always the gentleman. “Let’s get checked in. Leave the bags, I’ll run back and get them.”



We headed through the deserted parking lot toward the only light that illuminated the whole motel. I forgot how dark it was in the middle of nowhere.

“Is that you, darling?” Not even two steps through the door, my dad’s sister-in-law stepped around the counter and crushed me with a giant hug. Sharon’s family had adopted me as their own immediately after they were married.

“Sure is. So great to see you, Dana. Feels like forever since I’ve been here.”

She pushed me back at arms’ length to give me a good once over.

“It has been, sugar. You thinner? Your dad is always telling us what a runner you’ve become.” I glanced at Chase who was quietly leering, no doubt reminiscing about our NYC run where I practically keeled over from exhaustion. “He’s been missin’ your smiling face, Lili. All he talks about is how proud he is of you. What a life you have made for yourself in Philly.”

“I miss him too, can’t wait to see him. I wish it was under better circumstances.” Chase’s hand curled around mine, sending a familiar shiver down my spine; I loved how responsive he was to me. “We’re having an early breakfast at the diner tomorrow.” I snuggled him into my side. “Dana, this is my boyfriend, Chase Colton. Chase, this is my stepmom’s sister, Dana.”

“Well well well, what do we have here?”

Chase extended his hand.

“Oh no, sugar, I need a hug.” She tried to wrap her arms around his broad shoulders and I swear he blushed. Dana was petite, very pretty and a blonde who curved in all the right places. I grinned as he stiffened under her charm. “Lili, he’s a gem, you found yourself a good egg.”

Her kind sentiment reminded me of something my dad would say.

Dana handed me a key. “So we set you up in the suite at the end. More windows, better light, has a small couch and dining set. I know it’s not Philly quality, but I hope it will do.”

“Oh Dana, that sounds perfect.”

Chase stepped forward to place his Amex on the counter.

“Absolutely not, you are family. Put that card away.” She shooed the card back toward Chase. “Now you two must be exhausted, go. Besides I’m wiped and off to bed too, not expectin’ anyone else. Make sure to stop and say bye in the morning.”



“Thank you very much, Dana, pleasure meeting you.” He put the credit card back in his wallet. Dr. Money-Bags was uncomfortable about not paying.

Welcome to my world.

I gave Dana another quick hug. “We’ll see you in the morning. Thanks again, goodnight.”

She smiled and walked through a closed door that I only assumed was a bedroom. Chase and I headed toward the stairs leading to our room on the second and top floor.