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“Speaking of, it’s past CJ’s bedtime, so let’s get him settled first thing.”
Chase leads the way up a wide, dark-stained wooden staircase. The hallway runner is the same as the Persian carpet in the living room. Besides two doors leading to what I assume to be the nursery and master bedroom, every dark wooden door we pass is closed. Chase must understand my curiosity as I slow down by each one.
“I’ll take you for a tour after we get CJ to bed,” he promises.
He leaves me in the nursery, which is furnished much the way it is at his apartment. A crib, changing table, armoire, rocking chair, and a toy box sit on a thick cream-colored carpet. Taking my time, I change CJ and slip him into his onesie. He’s practically asleep when I lay him in his crib. Two baby monitors sit on a shelf above the changing table, so I set one up and take the other with me.
I glance around for Chase, and seconds later, he passes me in the hall while carrying our suitcases down to the master bedroom. On his heels, I eagerly take in the room. The first thing I realize is that it’s massive. The ceiling has to be nearly fifteen feet tall and completed with a wide skylight. It’s decorated in rich masculine tones of blues and browns. Against the fall wall, there is a huge four-poster bed. Nearby it, Chase places the suitcases on a chair, then turns to me and beckons me into his arms.
“So, would you like a tour?”
“I better or I’ll get lost in this place. It’s huge!”
“Six thousand square feet. The cottage out back is half the size and needs a renovation. I had it locked up because when I was last here, it looked like someone was squatting. I was hoping you could help me with some decorating.”
“I’m not much of a designer, but I could give it a shot.”
He leads me by the hand and shows me the large walk-in closet and the master bath, which is almost all marble, including the tub, which must weigh a ton. Then he backtracks down the hall and opens each bedroom door. There are five in all besides the master, which faces the ocean and has a wall of glass to view it through. The nursery is decorated with light blue walls, a mobile over the white crib, and animal decals on the wall. All the rooms have been decorated as tastefully as the master.
Downstairs, between the large kitchen and living room, is an office with French doors open lead to a deck that overlooks the beach and ocean. I’d love to go out there, but at the moment, I don’t want to explore too far away from CJ, even with the monitor in my hand.
“We also have a large lawn, but it will be easier to see when it’s daylight. Would you like something to eat? I had some food brought in by the caretaker.”
I nod. “I’m starving.”
Chase has me sit while he opens the refrigerator and starts removing some block cheese, grapes, strawberries, olives, and salami. Before he can prepare everything, my mouth starts to water, and I nab some fruit while Chase slices the meat and cheeses.
I moan in satisfaction. “The grapes are so sweet.”
Holding one, I wait for him to bend closer so I can pop one into his mouth. He takes advantage and holds my wrist to suck at my fingers, causing my body to start heating up.
“They are good,” he says lowly. “You should feed me more often.”
I smirk. “That could lead to trouble.”
“I like trouble, and I know you do too.”
It’s only 9:30 PM, but I can’t stop yawning as I eat more.
“Sweetheart, are you ready for bed?” Chase asks.
“All of a sudden, I’m exhausted, but I wanted to spend some time with you.”
“Go upstairs. I’ll clean up and meet you in bed.”
I kiss his cheek in thanks. I’m amazed that after working all day, driving for hours, and preparing food for us, he’s not ready to fall into bed himself. Wiped out, I head upstairs and check on CJ before I change. Afterward, I dig out a short t-shirt and get undressed. By the time Chase shows up, I’m already under the sheets.
“You are tired, aren’t you?”
“Yes,” I say through a yawn.
He chuckles, and after brushing his teeth, snuggles with me. Content, I stare up at the skylight. The night is clear, and I can see many stars in the dark sky—more than I’m used to in the city. I close my eyes and fall asleep as soon as I do. Sometime during the night, I swear I hear soft singing from the baby monitor. I wonder why I didn’t hear CJ crying since Chase usually only does so after CJ throws a fit, but assured, I quickly fall back asleep knowing that CJ is being cared for by his father.
Chapter 20
When I wake up, the sun is shining in through the wall of glass that faces the ocean. You can see right out onto the water, and the view is stunning. There’s a sailboat in the distance. Chase is still sleeping by my side, and I reach out to stroke his face. His eyes flutter open.
“Hey baby, how are you this morning?”
