16. Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chase
I came home late last night and found her asleep on the sofa. This morning, she said she wanted to talk. I tried asking about it via text, but all she said was that she was better off talking phone to phone. It’s barely nine p.m. and I just walked in to find her curled up on the sofa, fast asleep. Peanut is softly barking in his crate.
“Hey, buddy,” I whisper, getting him out. I feed him and then take him outside to do his business. When we get back, I put him in his crate to sleep and head to the shower.
After cleaning up, I return to the living room. She’s still out cold. I carefully scoop her up in my arms, carrying her to bed. She only stirs once, but she doesn’t wake up. Gently, I change her into one of my T-shirts. She looks so peaceful, but there’s a worry line on her forehead that I can’t ignore.
“What’s bothering you?” I murmur, stroking her forehead.
I sit on the edge of the bed, watching her sleep. Peanut lets out a soft bark from his crate. “Shh, Peanut. It’s sleepy time.”
I lean down and kiss her forehead. “We’ll talk in the morning,” I whisper. “Maybe then you’ll tell me what’s going on.”
I crawl into bed beside her, careful not to wake her. The weight of her worries presses down on me. I want to fix whatever’s bothering her, but I can’t do that until she opens up.
The next morning, I wake up early. She’s still sleeping soundly and I don’t want to disturb her. I head to the kitchen to make some coffee. Peanut follows me, wagging his tail.
“Morning, buddy,” I say, scratching behind his ears. “Let’s get you some breakfast.”
After feeding Peanut, I pour myself a cup of coffee and sit at the kitchen table, scrolling through my phone. I can’t stop thinking about her. What could be bothering her so much that she wanted to talk but couldn’t do it over text?
Eventually, she wakes and walks into the kitchen, looking groggy but a bit more relaxed.
“Hey,” she says softly.
“Morning,” I reply, standing up to pour her a cup of coffee. “How’d you sleep?”
“Great,” she says, accepting the cup and taking a sip. “Thanks for taking care of Peanut.”
“Of course,” I say, sitting back down. “You said you wanted to talk?”
She nods, sitting across from me. “Yeah. There’s something I need to tell you.”
I wait, giving her the space to gather her thoughts.
“It’s about Ryan,” she starts, looking down at her coffee. “I ran into him yesterday.”
“What?” I say, my jaw clenching. “What did he want?”
“He was...aggressive,” she says, her voice shaking a bit. “He accused me of ignoring him because I’m with someone else.”
I feel a surge of anger. “Did he hurt you?”
“No,” she says quickly. “Declan was there. He stepped in and...Well, it didn’t escalate too far.”
“Thank God,” I mutter, rubbing my temples. “But why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
“I didn’t want to worry you,” she says, tears welling up in her eyes. “And I was scared.”
I reach across the table and take her hand. “You can always tell me anything. I’m here for you, okay?”
She nods, squeezing my hand. “I know. I just...it all happened so fast.”
“Next time, tell me right away,” I say firmly. “I don’t care what time it is.”
“Okay,” she whispers, looking relieved.
We sit in silence for a moment, just holding hands. I can see the weight lifting off her shoulders.
“So, what now?” she asks, looking up at me.
“Now, we take it one step at a time,” I say. “And we deal with Ryan if he tries to cause more trouble.”
“Thank you,” she says, her voice soft.
“Always,” I reply, leaning across the table to kiss her forehead.
She smiles, the worry lines on her forehead easing. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“You’ll never have to find out,” I say, smiling back at her.
We spend the rest of the morning talking about everything and nothing, just enjoying each other’s company. Peanut curls up at our feet, content and happy.
By the time the sun is fully up, I feel like we’ve turned a corner.
She tells me she’s going to work and that we can have dinner together. I nod, saying okay and we finish our breakfast. I can tell there’s something else she wants to tell me, but I’m not pushing her. I want her to open up when she’s ready.
It’s been three days since we last slept together and I miss her so damn much. I’m waiting for her to come to me, especially after what she told me about Ryan. She’s clearly upset by their conversation and I’m doing my best not to find him and beat him to a pulp.
I kiss her softly. “Have a good day.”
“Thanks,” she whispers, giving me a small smile before heading out.
I get ready for work, feeling a mix of frustration and worry. When I arrive at the clinic, Victoria greets me with her usual cheerful smile.
“Morning, Chase.”
“Morning, Victoria,” I reply, forcing a smile. “Who’s first on the schedule?”
“We’ve got Mrs. Thompson with her cat,” she says, handing me the file. “He’s due for his annual check-up.”
“Great,” I mutter, flipping through the file. “Let’s get started.”
I walk into the examination room where Mrs. Thompson is waiting with Whiskers. The cat is curled up in her lap, looking annoyed.
“Good morning, Mrs. Thompson,” I say, putting on my professional smile. “How’s Whiskers doing?”
“He’s been a bit grumpy lately,” she replies, stroking the cat’s head. “I think he’s just getting grouchy in his old age.”
“Let’s have a look,” I say, gently lifting Whiskers onto the examination table.
Whiskers hisses but settles down as I start the check-up. His fur is in good condition and his weight is stable. I listen to his heart and lungs, then check his temperature. I do a full exam to check his teeth, ears, legs, paws, abdomen, lymph nodes and thyroid gland making sure everything is as it should be.
I give him his annual vaccines, smiling as he growls a little each time I have to touch him.
“He’s looking good overall, but let’s check some bloodwork here in a few months when he is due for a dental cleaning. Just to make sure we aren’t missing anything.” I tell Mrs. Thompson.
“Thank you, Dr. Anderson.”
“No problem,” I reply, giving Whiskers a final pat before handing him back. “Victoria will help you schedule his next appointment.”
I step out of the examination room, feeling a bit more at ease. Work always has a way of distracting me, at least temporarily.
“Who’s next?” I ask Victoria.
“Mr. Green with his dog Max,” she says, handing me the next file.
I nod and head back into the examination room. Mr. Green is already there with Max, a lively golden retriever.
“Hey, Max,” I greet, ruffling his fur. “How’s my favorite patient?”
“He’s been great,” Mr. Green says. “But I think he’s got something stuck in his paw.”
“Let’s take a look,” I say, hunkering down by the dog.
Max wags his tail, looking up at me with trusting eyes. I gently examine his paw and find a small thorn lodged in it.
“Nothing too serious,” I say, removing the thorn carefully. “Just keep an eye on it and make sure it doesn’t get infected. That means: keep it clean and dry. He cannot lick at it, so if he starts to then he needs to wear a cone collar. Let me get you some prescription topical spray you can put on it twice a day until it heals.”
“Thanks, Dr. Anderson,” Mr. Green says, looking relieved. “I was worried.”
“Anytime,” I reply, giving Max a final pat. “Take care, Max.”
After they leave, I take a moment to breathe. My mind drifts back to Millie, wondering how her day is going and what else she might want to tell me.
“Victoria,” I call out as I walk back to the front desk. “Any more appointments this morning?”
“Just one more,” she says, handing me another file. “Mrs. Evans with her rabbit, Snowball.”
I nod, taking the file and heading to the examination room. Mrs. Evans is waiting for me with a fluffy white rabbit.
“Morning, Mrs. Evans,” I say, giving her a reassuring smile. “How’s Snowball today?”
“A bit under the weather,” she says, her voice tinged with worry. “He’s not eating much.”
“Let’s see what’s going on,” I say, gently picking up Snowball.
I examine the rabbit carefully, checking his vital signs, his teeth, ears, and overall condition. I notice his teeth are slightly overgrown, which could be causing discomfort.
“His teeth need a bit of trimming,” I explain. “That should help with his eating.”
“Thank you, Dr. Anderson,” Mrs. Evans says, looking relieved. “I was so worried.”
“No problem,” I reply, trimming Snowball’s teeth with care. “He should be back to normal soon.”
After Mrs. Evans leaves, I head back to my office, feeling the weight of the morning’s work and the unresolved tension at home.
Victoria pokes her head in. “That’s all for now, Dr. Chase. Need anything?”
“Just a moment to breathe,” I say, giving her a tired smile. “Thanks, Victoria.”
I sit at my desk, staring at the clock. There’s still a lot of time before dinner and I’m anxious to talk to Millie again. I want to know what’s really bothering her and I want to help her through it.
The rest of the day passes in a blur of appointments and paperwork. Finally, it’s time to head home.
I gather my things, say goodbye to Victoria and drive home, my mind racing with thoughts of her.
When I walk in, the house is quiet. Peanut barks softly from his crate and I let him out, feeding him before heading to the kitchen to start dinner.
She walks in a few minutes later, looking exhausted but smiling when she sees me.
“Hey,” she says, dropping her bag by the door. “How was your day?”
“Busy,” I reply, pulling her into a hug. “But it’s better now that you’re here.”
She leans into me, sighing. “I’m glad we can finally talk.”
“Me too,” I say, kissing the top of her head. “Let’s have dinner and then we can talk about everything.”
We sit down to eat, the tension between us easing with each passing moment. I can see she’s still holding back, but I know she’ll open up when she’s ready.
And when she does, I’ll be here, ready to listen and support her, no matter what.
After dinner, she tells me she wants to talk about something.
“Okay, but first Millie, I want to do something.” I lean in and kiss her, tasting the butter naan from dinner on her lips. The tension in my gut coils tighter. Her eyes are soft, searching mine for understanding.
“I want to hear you out,” I say, voice steady. “But first, follow me.”
She follows me to the kitchen, her white wrap dress swaying. I lift her onto the kitchen counter. She laughs softly, curiosity in her eyes.
“What are you doing?” she asks.
“You’re so short,” I tease, “I wanted you to be at my height when we talked.”
“Chase...” she whispers.
I swallow the lump forming in my throat. “Is it about Declan?”
Her eyes blink in confusion before she says, “No. This is about someone else.”
“Who?” I ask, trying to mask my worry.
“Declan’s best friend, Finn,” she replies, her voice soft.
“Finn?” I echo, taken aback.
She nods. “We had a fling a few years back. I didn’t expect to see him ever again.”
“Okay,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady. “Do you like him?”
She’s quiet for a moment. “I’m still kind of attracted to him.”
“Okay,” I repeat, my mind racing.
“Are you mad?” she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.
“No,” I say, shaking my head. “I’m listening.”
She frowns slightly. “Why did you think I wanted to talk about Declan?”
“I’ve seen how you are whenever you come home from spending time with him and Lily,” I admit.
“Chase,” she says softly, reaching for my hand.
“It’s okay,” I say, squeezing her hand. “I just want to understand.”
“I like you,” she says, her voice firm.
“I like you too,” I reply. “But are you into Declan and Finn too?”
She blinks hard, clearly conflicted. “I’m not sure. All I know is that I really care about you.”
I clear my throat, the tension easing slightly. “Will you tell me if that changes?”
She nods, her eyes earnest. Then she wraps her hands around my neck, pulling me closer. “Are we okay?”
I nod. “As long as we’re honest with each other, we’ll be fine.”
She nods, relief washing over her face.
“Can I tell you something?” I ask.
“Yes,” she whispers.
“The thought of other men desiring you and knowing you choose to end up in my bed...it’s hot.”
She blushes, looking down. “Yeah?”
“Yes,” I groan, my voice thick with desire. “I’m okay with sharing you, as long as you’re honest about it. What we have is special and nothing can change that.”
Her eyes soften and she leans in, her lips brushing against mine. “Thank you, Chase. For understanding…and for…everything.”
I kiss her gently, our connection deepening with every word and touch. “Always, Millie. As long as we’re honest with each other, we’ll be just fine.”
She pulls her dress higher, revealing more of her thighs. “You like the idea of other people wanting me?”
“Fuck yes,” I mutter, my eyes glued to her.
She parts her legs slightly, showing the black lace underneath. “So you still want me?”
“Madly,” I groan, reaching for my back pocket. I pull out my wallet and the condom I keep there. “So much, baby.”
“Show me, then,” she whispers.
I tear open the condom wrapper with shaky hands, my heart pounding in my chest. She wraps her legs around me, pulling me closer. Her skin is warm, soft and I can feel her breath on my neck.
“God, I missed you,” I murmur, pressing my lips to her collarbone.
“I missed you too,” she whispers back, her fingers tangling in my hair.
I slide the condom on, my hands trembling with anticipation. She pulls me closer, her breath hitching as I position myself between her legs.
“Ready?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.
“Yes,” she breathes, her eyes locked onto mine.
I push into her slowly, savoring the feeling of her warmth surrounding me. She moans softly, her fingers digging into my shoulders.
“Fuck, you feel so good,” I groan, thrusting deeper.
“Chase,” she gasps, her back arching against the counter.
I move faster, driven by the need to feel every inch of her. Her moans grow louder and I know I’m hitting the right spot. Her nails rake down my back, sending shivers of pleasure through me.
“Harder,” she begs, her voice breathless.
I comply, my thrusts becoming more urgent. The sound of our bodies moving together fills the kitchen like a symphony of desire and need. Her moans turn into cries of pleasure, and I know she’s close.
“Chase, I’m going to...” she gasps, her body trembling.
“Come for me,” I whisper, my voice thick with lust.
She shatters around me, her cries echoing in the room. The sight of her climax pushes me over the edge and I follow her into oblivion, my own release tearing through me.
We collapse against each other, panting and spent. I hold her close, my heart still racing.
“That was...” she starts, her voice trailing off.
“Incredible,” I finish, kissing her forehead.
“Yeah,” she agrees, a satisfied smile on her face.
We stay like that for a while, savoring the afterglow.
Eventually, I help her down from the counter and we head to the bedroom, our bodies still humming with the intensity of what we just shared.
I unwrap the dress slowly, savoring the sight of her soft skin underneath. She watches me with anticipation, her eyes darkening with desire. I undress myself quickly, feeling her gaze on me, hungry and wanting. Pulling her onto my lap, I hold her close, her warmth against me electric.
“You’re mine,” I mutter, my voice low and rough with need. “Mine.”
She nods eagerly, her fingers tracing patterns on my chest. I reach for another condom, tearing open the packet with urgency. Sliding it on, I take a moment to look into her eyes, finding reassurance and desire mirrored back at me.
With every thrust, I whisper, “Mine, mine, mine,” the words a mantra of possession and longing. She responds with soft moans and gasps, her nails digging into my back.
When we finally collapse in bed, breathless and spent, her hair spread out like a halo on my pillow, I realize something. The moment of clarity comes as I trace my fingers along her jawline, feeling her heartbeat against my palm.
She might not be mine alone.
It hits me unexpectedly, a pang of realization mixed with something akin to acceptance. If it makes her happy, if being with me in this moment is what she wants, then I’ll try to be okay with that.
“I really, really like you,” I whisper, pressing a kiss to her forehead.
She stirs slightly, a contented sigh escaping her lips. “I really, really like you too,” she murmurs, her fingers tangling with mine.
I hold her close, cherishing the warmth of her body against mine. The doubts and uncertainties fade into the background, replaced by the simple truth that right now, in this moment, we belong together.
“I’m glad you’re here,” she says softly, nuzzling closer to me.
“Me too,” I reply, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
We lay there in silence, the weight of our shared intimacy comforting and reassuring. There’s no need for words, no need to dissect or analyze. It’s enough to just be here, together, entangled in each other’s arms.
As I drift off to sleep, her steady breathing lulls me into a sense of peace. Whatever tomorrow brings, I know one thing for certain.
For now, she’s mine. And that’s enough.