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I would love to spend some quality time alone with Chase. Italy would be an added bonus. I have never been out of the country and have always wanted to go to Europe. I’m just not so sure of the timing.
Chase Senior turns his attention to me. “So Olivia, Chase tells me you’re working for the government to help save the planet or something?”
“Not exactly,” I reply. “My job is to research coastal environments to promote healthy ecosystems.” Tiffani rolls her eyes and looks over at Gabby, who is trying to stifle her snide laughter. I flush scarlet. Chase has his hand on my lap, giving me a gentle squeeze. I can’t get past how arrogant Tiffani and Gabby are. Must be nice to have more money than Donald Trump.
“That is a very commendable occupation,” he says. I can tell he really means it by the way his smile touches his eyes. He doesn’t seem to be as obsessed with money as the women are.
“I love my job. Not many people can say that.”
“No, that’s true.”
“Where did you grow up, dear?” Tiffani’s contemptuous voice startles me.
“Um . . . Bohemia.”
“Where exactly is that?”
“On the south shore of Suffolk, just past the end of the Southern State.”
“Oh, that’s why I’ve never heard of it,” she says with that condescending tone I’ve come to know. Really! She is starting to get on my nerves. I’m about to snap when Chase interrupts me.
“Tiffani, you pass it on your way to the Hamptons. It’s very lovely there.” Chase shoots her a nasty look.
“Oh, of course it is.” She gives me the biggest fakest smile I have ever seen.
I look over at Chase and mouth “Thank you.” He gives me a supportive wink.
Our salads finished, the plates are cleared. Chase and I sit in awkward silence waiting for our entrees to arrive. Everyone else at the table is immersed in conversation. I’m listening to Tiffani now discuss the fashion trends for the fall. Chase still has his hand on my leg, his thumb stroking it with rhythmic precision. His touch resonates up my leg, leaving a tingling sensation. I look over at him trying to hide my surprise. He’s looking away, listening to his father’s conversation with Preston. His hand begins to make its way under my dress and up my leg to rest on my thigh. I squirm from his touch, but not enough for anyone to notice. I can feel my face getting flushed.
Looking over at Chase, I think I catch a hint of a sly smile. His expression remains impassive, though, as he listens intently t
o his father’s conversation. But I know better. I squeeze his hand to halt his upward movement.
As if in answer to my problem, dinner is served. It’s filet mignon, served with a lobster tail, a baked potato, and asparagus. Needing both hands to eat, Chase looks over at me as he lifts his hand off my leg. His eyes are glowing, and a slow sexy smile spreads across his face. “Just in time,” he whispers so only I can hear him. I close my eyes and let out the long breath that I have been holding.
With dinner finished, Chase Senior ushers us all into the living room for aperitifs and brandy. Chase and I are sitting on the leather loveseat, his arm draped over the back of the couch above my shoulders. He leans in close to my ear. “Have you had time to think about our trip to Italy?” Our trip?
“Um . . . not really,” I stutter. “I thought we were talking about this later? Alone.” I stress the word ‘alone’.
“Just say you’ll go,” he implores. “I don’t want to spend that much time away from you.” He is gazing at me with those big beautiful eyes. How can I resist that smoldering look?
I sigh. I’ll need to check with NOAA and see if there’s any fieldwork I can do abroad. “I’ll check with work tomorrow and see what I can do,” I murmur resigned. Joy and happiness radiate from his face.
“You won’t regret this. It will be fantastic,” he beams.
“It’s not a yes yet, I still need permission.”
“I know, I’m not worried,” he chuckles. Oh, no. What does he know that I don’t? I hope he won’t pull any strings again. He knows how mad I got last time he went behind my back.
The men continue with their business conversation, talking stocks and profits. I just sit there and smile, pretending to look interested. Chase glances over at me. “Are you ready to go?”
“Whenever you are.” I smile at him. He nods then stands up. I stand with him. We walk over to his dad and say our goodnights. His father turns to me and kisses me on the cheek.
“Thank you for coming,” he says with a smile.
“Thank you for having me,” I smile back.
“Yes, we must do this again soon,” Tiffani murmurs as she comes up from behind Chase Senior to stand by his side. Yeah, not if I can help it.
