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“What do you mean? Of course you can,” he insists.
“I want to, but I’ve taken too much time off already what with being in Key West, and then the trip to Turks and Caicos. I don’t want to ask for more time, it isn’t fair.” He runs his fingers through his hair, obviously irritated.
“I’m going to be gone at least two weeks—”
“And I will be here, waiting,” I say, cutting him off.
“Having you with me will make me feel better,” he complains.
“Chase, I can’t.” He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath.
“I’m tentatively leaving in three weeks.” Thinking for a minute, he continues. “I can reschedule for a more convenient time. My dad will understand.”
“No, it’s okay. I’ll be fine.”
“I won’t be able to concentrate with you here.”
“Chase, I’m a big girl. I can handle myself. Besides, think about all the great I’ve-missed-you sex we’ll have.” As much as he tries to fight it, his lips twitch into a smile.
“That is true,” he says, kissing the top of my head. “I have other news,” he adds. “I had someone go over to your apartment this morning. Whoever was there, left no trace of evidence. No fingerprints, no hair, nothing.”
“So, how are we going to find out who it was?”
“I’m working on it, but I have my theories.”
“Chase, I know I said it smelled like Evan’s cologne, but it’s a popular cologne, it could have been anyone.”
“Yeah, well, I don’t believe in coincidences.” Running his hand through his hair, he continues. “I went over to your building while you were sleeping and spoke with the building manager. He gave me the phone number for the company that owns the building. After speaking to their lawyers, the CEO decided to change the key cards for the entire building. They also agreed to install a few less conspicuous cameras by the elevators and back doors immediately.”
“Thank you for doing all of this.” I look up at him, trying to gauge his mood. He doesn’t look happy, but the stress around his eyes has lessened.
“With that being completed by the end of the week, I think it’s safe enough for you to go back to your apartment on Monday. Although, I would feel much better if you stayed here.”
“Chase, I need to go home.”
“I know.” He pulls me into an embrace and holds me close.
I go in to work late, explaining what happened to Jake. I’m blessed to have such an understanding boss, who sends me home after lunch. An hour drive later, I’m back in Chase’s apartment, and he’s sitting on the couch, right where I left him. Looking up at me, I catch a glimpse of his face before he places it in his hands. His eyes are a dull blue, his shoulders slumped.
“Why won’t you go with me?” he murmurs into his palms. Thinking this conversation was closed, I’m surprised he’s decided to bring it up again.
“Chase, I would love nothing more than to fly halfway around the world with you, but I have obligations here that I don’t take lightly.”
With a new resolve, he looks up. “You don’t have to work, you know.”
“Yes, I do.”
“I want to take care of you.” I run my hand through my hair, growing more annoyed with this conversation by the minute. He really doesn’t have a clue.
“What if, one day, you decide I’m not the right woman for you?”
“Oh, baby. That will never happen.”
“It could. I will not be a trophy girlfriend. I’m not one of those rich girls who can afford to sit at home all day lounging by the pool, or shopping till they drop. Don’t treat me like one.” My voice is raised, trying to get my point across.
“I would never treat you like that.”
“Then don’t ask me not to work. I love my job and won’t lose it because you want me to come with you while you do yours.”
