“Night. Remember, if you need anything, I am right beneath you,” Chase said with a smirk.
I watched the door of the elevator close and I stood there for too long. Damn, I was in deep.
CHAPTER 12
The next day seemed to last forever. After working in the morning and heading over to campus to schedule my classes, I spent an hour showering and getting myself ready for my date with Chase. I replayed the night over and over in my mind until I swear I had it memorized. Chase had made me come and it had been incredible. He was a wild card and I liked the game. While I was still a little embarrassed at how easily he was able to get into my panties, I secretly enjoyed it. I wasn’t ready to tell Avery what I had let him do. Part of me worried that she may judge me. Another part of me worried that I would allow my shame to take over and I wouldn’t see him again. Plus, I liked having my own secret. It made the moment with Chase that much hotter.
While I was still a mix of emotions, Avery seemed to be excited for me. We both knew I couldn’t allow myself to get wrapped up in Chase. I had to focus on my dream and then someday, when I was sure I would be safe, I could find love.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” Avery asked, while she curled a thick strand of my hair.
After selecting a black strapless dress that flowed down to my knees, Avery offered to fix my hair and makeup for me. Sighing, we both gazed at my reflection in the mirror. It was clear from the longing look in both of our eyes that we both wished I could pursue something with Chase. Well, if he was even interested in that. I mean, I could be dreaming up a relationship that may never even be able to exist anywhere but, in my head, and fantasies.
“Avery, I know this is dumb to let myself get caught up with Chase, but I have to live too. I have spent so much time hiding and running. I just want to enjoy the little time I will have with him,” I said as Avery set the curling iron down on the bathroom vanity.
“I know,” Avery said, as she forced a smile. “You deserve to be happy,” she finished.
Turning around, I faced Avery. “What’s wrong?” I asked. She had a strange look of concern on her face.
“I want to tell you something, but I don’t want you to get mad or hurt,” Avery said.
“Ok, just tell me,” I urged, glancing at the clock above the television. Chase would be calling me in twenty minutes when he was ready.
“I don’t want to ruin your night…” Avery stalled.
Frustrated, I yelled out. “Come on already. Just spill it.”
Standing, Avery began pacing the room. She bit her bottom lip once before beginning. “Lizzie, you know I love you. We have been best friends for years. I think now that you are twenty-one and moving on with your life, I think you should just stop hiding. Who cares if someone finds out you are still alive? Your parents can’t control you anymore.”
I stood up slowly, unsure of how to react. Part of me wanted to cry as I realized Avery was right. My parents shouldn't still have a hold on me. I’m an adult and can do whatever I please- including making my own decisions. On the other hand, I was angry that Avery didn’t approve of my fear of anyone finding out I was still alive. This was my choice and after all this time, I thought she agreed with me.
“Avery, I am hurt and angry. I thought you understood and agreed with me that I should hide out for as long as I could,” I said, with a pained expression.
Just as Avery opened her mouth to talk, our hotel room phone rang. Since I didn’t have a cell phone, I had given Chase our room number to call me. Turning to Avery, I waved as I left and rushed toward the elevators. I was not going to let her ruin my night with Chase.
When I arrived in the casino lobby, I spotted Chase standing by the exits. He looked handsome in a pair of dark, denim jeans and a black polo shirt. When he spotted me walking toward him, his eyes lit up and a small smile crept across his face. It wasn’t lost on me that every employee and practically every customer in the casino seemed to stop and stare at the foreign smile on Chase’s face.
Walking my way, Chase took a step closer to me. I could smell his sweet cologne and I wanted to lick him up. “Hey,” I said.
“Wow, you look great,” Chase said, as his eyes trailed down my body slowly.
“Thanks, so do you,” I said, as I felt my cheeks blush.
He pulled me in for a hug and my body nestled against his rock-hard abs. Damn, he was perfect.
“I thought about you all night,” he whispered into my ear.
Glancing up, I met his eyes. “Really?”
Nodding, I saw that naughty glint in his eyes. “Yes, I had several dreams about you and they all involved you and me in my bed.”
My cheeks blushed. He was beyond sexy as hell, but he was also very forward. I may be in way over my head.
“Chase, what you did last night was amazing, but I don’t want you to think that I will just give in and fuck you.” My eyes bore into his.
“I don’t think that. Look, I respect that you are a virgin. Would I like to fuck you right now? Hell yes, but I also find it incredibly sexy that no other man has had you. I want you and I will wait until you are ready, but that doesn’t mean we can’t explore other avenues of pleasure,” he explained.
I thought this over. He had a point, and now that I was with him, I knew that I couldn’t walk away. I was under a spell and wanted to explore where this went. I had come out here to escape and find a new identity. Maybe the new Lizzie would be adventurous and find her sexual awakening.