us.
Chase plays tour guide for us during our forty-five minute car ride, pointing out some famous sites of downtown Vancouver. Our route then leads us into Stanley Park and over the gorgeous Lions Gate Bridge as we head into West Vancouver. As if I wasn’t already in awe over how magnificent the city was, I wasn’t prepared for the beauty of the French Chateau that is going to be our home away from home for the next four days.
“Pinch me… pinch me so fucking hard because I think I’m dreaming,” Robert says, as we step through the doors of the mansion to see it is on the waterfront. Chase introduces us to Deborah, a kind looking, older woman who is the executive assistant at Wilson Enterprises. She secured the house for us and gives a tour, showing us the bedrooms, gym, movie room, and kitchen. She leads us back outside to the pool, where there is a large table with chairs and umbrella decked out with food and beverages for us to consume while we enjoy the waterfront view. We all sit down, completely famished from the plane ride, and start to eat.
“Deborah has made itineraries for everyone during your time here. While Cal and I tour the vineyard tomorrow, the rest of you will go sightseeing. Deborah has listed some of the top destinations to see in Vancouver. Just let Deborah know what time you’ll want to start tomorrow and the van will be here for you.” Chase hands Jenna and Robert her card for them to call. I stare dumbfounded at this new Chase I don’t recognize. I don’t know why I didn’t notice his attire on the plane, but he’s wearing a beautifully tailored suit with no tie, his hair worn down and styled. As much as I love seeing him in casual clothes, there’s something dangerously sexy about a man in a suit. Since we’re on his turf, he oozes an air of control, combined with power, but not in a conceited way. I blink a couple of times, never dreaming about seeing him in this light and I’m beyond turned on.
“Now, if you will excuse me everyone, Deborah and I will leave for you to settle in. We’ll be back tonight for dinner with more of the staff that we would like for you to meet. Enjoy the rest of your day and we will see you later.” He nods at Deborah, who gets up to leave with him. I hesitate on whether or not to go after him, but with the reminder that my time with him is limited, I decide to go after him.
“Chase!” I yell, running after him and Deborah. He turns around at the sound of my voice, surprise registering on his face at my wanting his attention.
“Hi…um, your city is beautiful,” I stammer, not knowing how to start off this conversation with him and feeling like a bumbling idiot.
“Thank you.” He smiles and looks back at Deborah. “Deborah, I’ll meet you in the car.” She nods her head and turns to leave. “Is there something you need, Layla?” Chase asks, concern on his face.
“Are you staying here with us?” I swallow, not understanding why I’m being so shy all of a sudden as I have always been the dominate personality when it came to men.
“No, I’m staying at my condo.” He gives me a questioning look as to why I wanted to know.
“Oh, okay. Well, if there’s some time tonight after dinner… I… um, would like to talk with you privately.” What in the hell is wrong with you, Layla? Be confident!
“Sure we can. Are you okay, Angel?” he asks as he studies my flushed cheeks.
“Yes!” I say enthusiastically at hearing him use my nickname again. “Yes, I’m great!”
“Okay, good.” He takes my hand and squeezes it. “I’ll see you later then.” And he departs without looking back.
Later that evening, Chase returned with his brother, Rhys, and some important key players of Wilson Enterprises. We all sit outside for dinner, where a chef and a staff of six serves us a five course meal. Dinner consisted mostly of casual talk, with Chase doing most of the talking to try to ease the two sides of his world together. Rhys quietly observed everyone from afar, his face showing no emotions as he assessed each one of us when we played an ice breaker game that their Director of Marketing suggest we play in order to get to know one another better.