Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 90448 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90448 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
The door opened before I could touch the knob. A surprised Chase stood in the doorway dressed in a designer suit. His waves were smoothed back. A different cologne drifted from him. It smelled woodsy and of the earth, but still it captured me and I swayed like a bumbling idiot.
He seized my arm before I could stumble back. “Are you okay?”
“Of course.” I got a hold of myself, balanced on my toes, and embraced him. His body stiffened, but when I pressed my lips to his, he groaned into my mouth and stabbed me with his tongue. Shivers of need spasmed within me. I wanted him inside of me right there, in the doorway, or even in the rain. His hands tightened around my arms as he pressed me into him.
“Are you fucking serious?” Wendy said, racing down the stairwell.
I quickly pulled away from him. A turquoise satin gown draped her slim body. Her brunette curls were swept up into a delicate bun.
Oh my god. Of course. It’s her date night.
I climbed out of Chase’s grip. His eyes remained on me. Lust pooled within them. He cleared his throat. “I’m sorry, Wendy. That was. . .a mistake on my part.”
I cringed. “Plus, I didn’t see you there.”
“It shouldn’t matter if you see me or not.” Wendy stomped our way. “It’s my day. Nothing should be happening on my day. We discussed this in the counseling session today that you chose not to attend.”
I held my hands in front of me. “Look, I’m slowly understanding this whole situation so give me a break.”
“The Chanel Suite was your break.” She pouted and hooked her arm around Chase.
She leaned her body into him and it took everything inside of me to not scream out, “Get off my man!”
“Dear God, Wendy. I told you that you can go to Paris whenever you want.” Chase guided me inside with his free hand.
“Oh sure.” Wendy clapped her hands with a hurt look. “You told me I could go anytime by myself, not with you. I want to go with you.”
“I’ve been away from the office too long. I can’t take a vacation for a while.” He sighed and turned to me. “How was work, by the way?”
I forced my attention away from Wendy’s arm as it decorated him. “Fine. I got you caught up for a few days.”
“Really?” His eyes widened with shock. “As I always say, you’re more than what I expected.”
“Now the suit I bought you is wet from that hug.” She touched the front of his jacket.
“It’s fine.” He continued to gaze at me.
For some reason I felt as if I was being examined under a microscope. I had a dire need to leave Wendy and Chase alone.
“Well, you two have a good night.” I edged away and bumped into the wall.
God. I must look like an idiot.
The front door opened wider.
Chase’s chauffer entered with a huge umbrella.
“Are we going, or are you just going to stare longingly at her all night?” Wendy glared at Chase.
“That’s quite enough, Wendy,” Chase said. “Goodnight, Jasmine.”
I leaned against the wall and waved. They got under the umbrella. It was a tight fit considering how big Chase’s shoulders were. He placed his hand at the center of Wendy’s back and I flinched as if he’d slapped me.
Relax, Jasmine. Surely it’s normal for men to touch that spot. Right?
They walked off, and my mind yelled to just go up the staircase, but my heart said, “Follow Chase and Wendy and watch them get into the limo.”
It was like a rope was attached to my hips and led me along on their journey. I tiptoed their way. They exchanged murmurs, and in my mind I imagined he was whispering poetic I-love-yous into her ear. Their bodies closed the little distance between them and they melded their sides together as they strolled to the car.
Just like intimate lovers would.
I stood in the doorway, and right as the chauffer opened the limo door Wendy turned to Chase and kissed his lips.
No.
He kissed her back, drinking her in and sucking on her bottom lip, just like he’d done to me many times.
I gasped.
And something deep inside of me broke and shattered into tiny sharp pieces. I sank low. The sensation of falling apart poured over me.
He kissed her right after he just kissed me!
Tears stung my eyes, but didn’t spill over.
What did I think? That I was special? That I was his girl?
I wanted to collapse right there on the doorstep and give up, just let the rain slam down on me. I dug my nails into my palms, unable to look away or escape.
They stopped kissing. Giggling like a school girl, Wendy climbed inside. Chase got ready to get in after her, paused, and slowly turned around. His mouth dropped open.