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“Steven,” I lie effortlessly. “He was away and just got back.”
“White roses? Why not red?”
“Because white roses are my favorite.”
“I wish someone would send me roses.” She sighs. “All Ian gives me is dandelions he picks from the park.”
“What a romantic,” I joke with a giggle.
“He used to be, but we’ve been dating for three years, and I wonder if I’m ever going to get a ring.”
“It’ll happen, Cindy. Just give it a chance.”
She weakly smiles and puts on her lab coat as she leaves.
I decide to text Chase to thank him for the roses.
M: Thank you for the lovely roses. I’m glad you’re home. Dinner is yes.
C: You’re welcome. I remembered your favorite. I missed you.
M: Where would you like to go for dinner?
C: My place, I’ll cook. Bring some clothes for tomorrow.
I feel that familiar heat pulling down in my core. Fuck, why does he have to do this to me at work? Just thinking about tonight is enough to make me wet. We haven’t had sex during the week before. It’s always been on a Friday or Saturday.
M: I have to go home to get then. I might not be at your place until after six.
C: That’s fine. Dinner should be almost ready by then. I’m sorry we can’t talk in person. I have a ton of paperwork to get to since I’ve been out.
M: I’ll see you tonight.
Now I have a dilemma. I can’t concentrate on my work, and I still have about four hours to go. Luckily, Chase is busy because it means that he won’t ask me for the samples data I’ve messed up for another day or two.
By the end of the day, I’ve managed to pull myself together enough to take care of most of the information I need Chase to sign off on. Tomorrow I should be able to complete the rest and hand it off to him. I’m buzzing with anticipation, and the minute the clock strikes 4:59, I’m heading for the elevator.
I want to get home, pack a bag, and get to Chase’s apartment before six. That might be a feat in itself since my trip home is twenty minutes. Even if I take a cab, which I do, I’m past schedule as I run upstairs, find my gym bag, and stuff it with clothing. Since a dress would be wrinkled by tomorrow, I fold some slacks and a blouse. That should be fine.
Chase’s loft is fifteen blocks from mine, and I debate whether I should walk it or call an Uber. I decide to walk it even though I will probably be sweaty by the time I arrive. With that in mind, I put on jeans and a t-shirt. But I second guess my choice the second I step outside. I would have been better off with a pair of shorts because the weather has become quite warm for May.
By the time I reach his place, I’m a bit sweaty, and it’s just a little after six. I can barely contain myself because I want to see him, but I realize that we need to talk before we do anything. I also consider the possibility that our conversation might not be what I want to hear. Even though he asked me to bring extra clothes and stay over, I might not.
I give my name at the front desk, and they tell me to go up. I guess Chase told them I would be arriving. When I knock on his door, I hear pots banging, followed by cursing from within. He opens the door, sucking on his finger.
“What happened?” I ask teasingly.
“I burned my finger a little. It’s alright.”
I nearly tell him I’d like to suck on his fingers, but the aroma coming from his kitchen is enticing, and my mind switches gears, wondering what we’re having for dinner.
“What are you cooking?”
“Chicken in a light cream sherry sauce. I hope that’s okay.”
“I’ve never had that, but if it tastes as good as it smells, I’m sure it’ll be more than okay.”
“Come, sit while I finish. We should be eating soon.”
