How does she manage to undermine my resolve, anyway? Chase thought to himself as went back in his room.He discovered her passed out and snoring, but he thought it was charming, and to his surprise, he found her fascinating.
Chase sighed and went to the living room again; however, this time the room was filled with the echoes of laughter and the clinking of glasses, and amidst the merriment, one figure remained motionless beneath the balcony. "Tyler, wake up." Chase growned.
Tyler lay sprawled on the soft couch, his limbs splayed haphazardly, in a state of deep unconsciousness. The chaos of the party seemed to fade away as concerned whispers filled the air.
"Chase, is he okay?" one of his cousins asked.
"I hope so."Friends and acquaintances gathered around, their expressions a mix of worry and amusement. Some nudged Tyler gently, hoping to rouse him from his slumber, while others exchanged bewildered glances. It was clear that this unexpected turn of events had captured everyone's attention. "Wow, what the hell did he drink earlier?" the tattooed guy inquired.
As the revelry continued, speculation spread like wildfire. Some speculated that he had indulged in a bit too much celebration, succumbing to the effects of excessive alcohol. Others whispered about the possibility of a prank gone wrong, wondering if someone had played a trick on him. Regardless of the cause, the partygoers were united in their curiosity and concern for their fallen comrade.
"Will he be able to wake up tomorrow?"Chase frowned. "Of course, it's his wedding."Helena murmured, “Chase, should we call for medical assistance? Or maybe attempt to wake him?"
"No."
"Perhaps it would be best to let him sleep it off and regain his senses naturally,” Chase responded.As opinions clashed, a hush fell over the crowd, and a decision was reached.
Carefully, a few individuals knelt beside Tyler and took him to the living room, placing a cushion under his head and ensuring his body was in a more comfortable position. Concerned murmurs filled the air as they watched his chest rise and fall with each steady breath. While uncertainty lingered, there was a shared understanding that keeping him safe and comfortable was of the utmost importance.
As the night pressed on, the party resumed its lively rhythm, though a collective eye was still cast upon the motionless figure on the couch. Conversations resumed, laughter echoed, and the music played on.
Five hours later.
What a mess. Chase thought to himself as he sent the other three dancers home with generous tips and his heartfelt thanks.Most of the guests had either departed for the large house's bedrooms or, like Tyler, were passed out in the living room after being taken off the balcony.
"Damn it, Mary will kill me if something bad happens to her groom," he grumbled to himself.
Chase returned to his room to watch Daisy sleep. He fetched her a down-filled blanket and draped it over her so she could avoid getting cold. Then he observed her sleeping face in the dimly lit room, where a serene atmosphere engulfed the cosy surroundings. Nestled in a comfortable bed, the woman lies peacefully, the embodiment of elegance and grace. Her form was delicately outlined beneath the soft covers, adding to the allure of the scene.
Silken dark strands of hair scattered over the pillow as if in a cascade of midnight satin, framing her face like a halo.
Chase sighed as he looked at her. And thought how her features were sculpted with meticulous precision, each contour harmoniously blending to create a visage of timeless beauty. High cheekbones lend a subtle definition to her face, while her flawless complexion appears as if touched by the gentlest brushstrokes of moonlight.
“Beautiful,” he murmured.
Chase thought, she was an exquisite beauty. In slumber, her expression remains tranquil, as if caught in a moment of serendipity. Her long, dark lashes rest peacefully on her smooth, slightly flushed cheeks, casting shadows that dance with the faintest of movements. Lips, naturally plump and subtly tinted, exude an aura of quiet allure, promising whispers of secrets yet untold. Her form beneath the covers exudes grace, with curves that evoke admiration and appreciation.
“And sexy.” He sighed as he looked at how the contours of her body speak of both strength and softness. Chase wasn't the sort to go to strip joints. Tyler and Justin were more into that. But there was that moment, when he'd come storming through the audience and she'd pulled off her bra and flung it at him... He wouldn't be a man if he hadn't admired that extremely feminine form.
He'd felt so alive for a split second. Truly animated. Chase's realisation struck him deeply as he reflected on the past few years of his life. The drive to grow his business had consumed him, leaving little room for anything else. He had poured countless hours into his work, sacrificing personal relationships, hobbies, and even his own well-being.
As he thought about it further, he realised that he had neglected his own happiness and the simple joys of life. The pursuit of success had become an all-encompassing obsession, and he had lost sight of the things that truly mattered to him.
The feeling he experienced now, whatever it was—perhaps a sense of contentment or a fleeting moment of peace—reminded him of the importance of balance. It made him recognise that life wasn't solely about achieving professional goals. There was more to existence than just growing a business.
Chase pondered all of this while he watched her sleep and thought about the wedding the following morning.
There was something inside of him that despised being responsible for Tyler. Even though he was a good cousin, he had always questioned why Tyler was so terrified of marrying Mary and giving up his singlehood.It was both confusing and terrifying.
Chase's assumption that when you find the right woman, things will naturally fall into place and flow easily is a common belief held by many people. It's often portrayed in movies, books, and popular culture that when you meet your soulmate or the person you're meant to be with, everything will effortlessly align.
Bullocks! Of course, it was Tyler’s ideal.
While it's true that a strong connection and compatibility are important in a relationship, the notion that everything will magically fall into place may not always hold true in reality. He knew that from experience. He knew that relationships require effort, communication, and compromise from both partners to thrive and grow.
Chase let out a sigh. Life may be stressful. On the bright side, he no longer had to be responsible for his cousin. Chase was certain that, as best man, he'd bring his cousin to the church on time and witness his wedding tomorrow afternoon. He halted when Daisy sighed and stretched, forcing the duvet to tumble to the floor next to the couch. Her heavy lashes fluttered open as she looked across at him.
"Hey, what time is it?" she whispered quietly."Right, roughly three in the morning," Chase said with furrowed brow.She attempted to sit up, then reclined on the couch. "Fuck! I’m a little dizzy.”
"You need something to eat," he said, extending his hand and offering her a tempting piece of cake.
"Oh yes…"
Chase raised an eyebrow at her unconventional approach but couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. "Well, it seems like you really can't wait," he remarked playfully.She chuckled, her mouth still partially filled with cake.
"When I'm hungry, I don't have time for utensils. Besides, cake tastes better when you eat it with your hands."
He nodded, finding her reasoning amusing. "Fair enough. As long as you're enjoying it."
With a mischievous gleam in her eyes, Amaya teased, "Want a bite?"
He laughed, realising she was offering him a taste. "Sure, why not?" he replied, leaning closer to take a bite from the cake she held in her hand. The sweet flavour instantly pleased his taste buds.
They continued to share the cake, alternating between bites taken with their hands and bites taken with the provided fork. Their playful interaction created an atmosphere of lightheartedness and enjoyment.
As they savoured the cake together, he couldn't help but feel grateful for the spontaneous moment, realising that sometimes breaking the rules and embracing the simple pleasures in life could lead to the most delightful experiences.
“Delicious, yeah?” She mumbled between bites.
He nodded as they finished it in record time. He watched as she licked the icing off her fingers, then spread some of the thick frosting off the paper plate and onto her finger. Then he carefully licked that finger, apparently loving the taste.The unintentionally sensuous movement and the genuine pleasure she exuded turned him on completely.
Daisy was bursting with energy. And she is hot and sexy, he thought to himself. Yet, Chase couldn’t believe he was having such sexual ideas. How could he be so taken with someone he'd previously despised?
Watching her, Chase stated, "By the way, do you have a way home?" seeing how her eyes darted to the side and how she struggled to look him in the eye."Sure.""Lie," he muttered. "It's practically too early to have a taxi or anything on the road.""Whatever," she said, devouring the cake and licking the last bit of icing off the paper plate. "Gosh, this is so sweet and tasty," she smirked, placing it on the coffee table next to the leather couch. "I can go wherever I like, you know!"Chase remained silent, wondering why he felt the need to be so harsh to her in order to get her moving. He discovered that he enjoyed debating with her."How about some sort of game?" she asked with a smile. "Fancy some challenges?"He saw how her eyes sparkled. This woman exudes happiness. "What kind of game?" He asked, though his imagination was completely out of this world. Nothing but sex and steamy moments with this amazing woman..."Truth or Dare.""Really?" he smirked."Yes, and I get to go first."
Chase couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement and anticipation as he watched her confidently shed her inhibitions, revealing her alluring form. "I've never been with a woman with the same charisma as, you know," Chase murmured."Really?" Well, that was surprising, Amaya pondered."Yes.""Hmmm, oh well, I'm flattered." Her effortless ease and genuine sensuality were a stark contrast to the facade Chase had encountered so many times before. With each movement, she exuded a self-assuredness that captivated him, making his heart race and his desire intensify. "So, the kiss?" He asked with a longing gaze."Yes, the k-kiss." She smiled invitingly.The soft glow of candlelight bathed the room, casting a warm, intimate ambiance that seemed to mirror the connection growing between them. As Amaya reclined on the couch, her body delicately outlined by the flickering flames, Chase felt an irresistible magnetic pull towards her. "You are amazing."His eyes traced the contours of her curves, his
Hell, this is surely a mistake, she thought to herself, yet she wondered why she felt so excited about this.Only one minor difference. She caught her breath at the sight of his aroused body—his wonderful, utterly male, terribly aroused form.She had studied painting in college. They'd sketched naked figures, and she'd seen enough strong males—or so she thought. She'd spent a lot of time on naked beaches, but she'd never seen anything like... threatening.He had to have noticed the frown on her face."What's wrong?"She swallowed and thought she might respond to him truthfully. "It's just... I've never seen one... absolutely so big." At least, that was the truth.She received her first glimpse of pure masculine ego when he grinned."You aren't frightened, are you?" he inquired.What about that? Sure thing. "Me, oh, it's just—""I promise you, Daisy, I won't do anything whatsoever to you until you ask me to; you're the boss tonight.""Promise?" she asked quietly. Their gazes were riveted.
When Amaya awoke, she didn't know how much time had gone by, but she knew the quilt had slid off her shoulders and she was chilly. The fire had been reduced to embers. The room was nearly completely dark. “Shit…shit!”She yanked on the quilt, got a bit more out from beneath Chase's prone body, and then began when she heard his voice."Um—Daisy? Are you awake?"She was unsure. "Hmmm yes..."He rolled over and shifted his weight so they could cover themselves with the blanket while sleeping on the faux fur rug."Good. Are you okay?" Chase inquired. She could sense the trepidation in his voice."I'm fine; how about you?"In response, an arm wrapped around her waist and drew her close against him."What do you think?" he said quietly. He was aroused again, hard and eager, she realised.She kissed him after searching for his face in the darkness. He replied. She discovered that because they'd been so prepared previously, it took a lot less playtime to get both of them ready. Even though she
The rest of Amaya's clothes and her trench coat were easy to find, but she had to tear her short leather skirt away from a sleeping reveller who was using it as a pillow.Tyler, Mary's groom, slept in a comfortable lump on the carpeted floor, the side of his face smooshed against the rug. Amaya came to a halt and scrutinised the man while quickly fastening the belt on her trench coat.She then kicked his buttocks. "Take that!"Tyler grumbled before continuing to snore."This is all your fault," she said quietly, giving herself one little, pleasurable moment of pettiness. Complete immaturity.It was beneficial. Just a bit.Amaya walked out the front door into the early morning light. Amaya noticed the snow falling as she shut the door. Light, lacy flakes fell from the leaden sky. The white ice covered the barren branches of the trees in front of Chase's house.According to the appearance of the sky, it had to be around six o'clock in the morning. Amaya wished she had a car so she could
Six years later, "I'm sorry, sir," Chase's secretary remarked, his demeanour purposefully reserved, conveying the whole gamut of his emotions.Chase Johnson dispersed them.And until they suited him, he was not a man who normally accepted the presence of sentiments. Or helped him in some manner."I have taken the liberty of collecting yet another pool of candidates," Gabby continued in the same tone, for he was not the type of secretary who was hesitant to convey his ideas, sentiments, or thoughts, no matter how they were disguised. "As the previous several have met with disfavour," Chase knew that.He stood at the glass divider that divided him from the rest of his sleek, contemporary office, not at the window that looked out over one of Rome's richest areas. It was the ideal antidote to the fussiness and weight of Roman history that pervaded the rest of the city.Chase was all too familiar with the three-thousand-year-old city, from its hidden streets to its most famous piazzas. He
In a cosy little apartment on the bustling streets of 28th Street, Amaya and her mischievous five-year-old son, Tommy, began their morning routine. Amaya was busy preparing lunch for Tommy when her old iPhone rang, and she hurriedly stepped away to take the call."Hello, Mary?" She smiled and opened the fridge."Yes, yes, how can I forget? Of course. Send my regards to the twins, okay? I'll visit you guys soon." She spoke in hushed tones, trying not to disturb her little one. However, Tommy, with his curious and adventurous nature, couldn't resist exploring his surroundings. As his mother spoke on the phone, he spotted her gleaming smartphone lying on the coffee table.The aroma of lunch filled the air, and Tommy's tummy rumbled with hunger. "Mommy, I'm hungry." He couldn't wait for his meal, but he knew better than to interrupt his mom during an important call. So he devised a plan to entertain himself while he waited.Giggling mischievously, Tommy tiptoed towards his mother's phone.
Lunch time at the JC building cafeteria."So, how's the interview?" Eva asked before sipping her juice.Amaya rolled her eyes. "Allen told me to come back after lunch to see the Boss and that he would also prefer someone who speaks Chinese or Japanese.""Wow! I didn't know the big boss was that picky.""And it didn’t say that in the advertisement," Amaya pointed out. "And you didn’t mention it when we spoke on the telephone either.""Come on, how would I know? Mr. Johnson, the big boss—he doesn't like to put too many specifications in the advertisements for one reason, and I rather agree.” Eva gave a small sniff.Well, there wasn’t much Amaya could say to that—clearly, at first glance, it had been decided that she wasn’t the right person for the job.Even though it had been an impossible dream, now that she had glimpsed it, Amaya wanted it.The salary was to die for—Tommy’s needs and her small apartment rent were due.Allen had explained during their initial interview that Mr. Johnson's