Page 25 of Degrees of Innocence
“I think that should serve to get me out of this torturous punishment,” I say, watching his eyes light up.
“Torturous, huh?” he says, smiling widely. “I like that… but not even your beautiful little pout is going to get you out of this tonight. I want your body to ache with desire the same way I did, especially after you told me about your panties. Patience and anticipation, Katarina,” he says, kissing my lips gently.
I’m going to get dressed and have a beer on the balcony while you get ready,” he says, getting out of the shower and handing me a large towel.
I rifle through the closet settling on a long multicolored skirt with a matching strappy camisole top, slip into a pair of flat thong sandals and put on a pair of large hoop earrings. I choose not to straighten my hair, but instead let it hang in natural curly waves, and apply a little moisturizer, powder, and lip gloss before going in search of Chase.
He’s on the balcony talking on his cell phone with an Amstel Bright in his hand. “Just make sure it’s finalized by tomorrow and full-time around the clock,” he says before ending the call. “You look lovely this evening, Katarina,” he compliments.
“Thank you. I see you raided the minibar. Can I try a sip? The bartender recommended both the Balashi and the Amstel Bright, but gave me the Balashi when I asked him to choose.”
“Yes, take a sip but then let’s head downstairs before I want to punish you even more for talking so much with this bartender,” he says.
“Overbearing and possessive?” I ask, lifting my eyes.
“You have no idea, Katarina,” he says, before taking possession of my lips and parting them with his tongue. “Let’s go to dinner before I change my mind about teaching you the pleasures of anticipation and take you to bed for the night,” he says, guiding me toward the door.
I feel thrilled with the game and even surprisingly of his possessiveness. The beach is crowded, and tables have been set up with pathways lit by flaming Tiki torches. We find a somewhat secluded table and a waiter with a large wide smile arrives to take our order. “Did you like the Balashi or the Amstel?” Chase asks me before ordering.
“I liked both, but I’ll have the Amstel, please,” I say.
He orders two Amstel Brights, and we listen to the sound of the local band coming from a little farther down on the beach. The waiter returns to our table with two ice cold beers and Chase talks to him about an upcoming festival before he takes our order for dinner.
“I’m surprised we haven’t seen anyone from work,” I say.
“Are you concerned about that?”
“I’m trying not to be, but maybe just a little,” I say as the waiter returns with our meal.
He places an aluminum packet in front of each of us, cautioning us to open the steaming meal carefully. As we do, the aroma of unique spices escapes. The slow-cooked meat is covered with a sweet smelling red sauce paired with rice and vegetables.
“I’m glad we decided to come to the beach tonight instead of a restaurant. The meat is excellent. Maybe we should call it an early night, though,” I suggest when we finish our meal.
“Katarina are you anxious for bed?” he asks mischievously.
He’s obviously enjoying my torment.Two can play at this game, I think. “I guess we can stay out a little longer, but I might have to find a place to take off my panties,” I say, whispering to avoid being overheard.
“Indeed,” he says, smiling at my attempt to goad him.
“Let’s walk for a bit and enjoy some of the local bands,” he suggests, putting his arm around my shoulders as we venture toward the music where a large crowd has gathered. The dance floor is created with surrounding torches, and strings of white lights are hanging from a large gazebo. The beat is slow and sultry, and many couples are dancing. Chase takes my hand. “Dance with me?” he asks.
He holds me close to his chest, and I can feel the beat of his heart as he swirls me around and his powerful thighs guide me to the rhythm of the music. As we turn, I catch a glimpse of Mark staring at us from his spot at the bar. Chase hears my sharp intake of breath. “What’s the matter, Katarina?” he asks.
“Mark is here…he’s just staring at us.”
He looks down at me, and I’m sure he can see the uncertainty in my eyes as I try to avert my gaze. “Katarina, look at me. I want you to think about something. We are two adults, doing nothing wrong. It is only your fear of how people will judge us that can be used against you. Do not let him see it bothers you that he has seen us together,” he says, comforting me by rubbing his hand along the top of my shoulders.
“It just caught me off guard, that’s all,” I say, trying to convince myself to relax.
“When we get off the dance floor we’ll acknowledge we’ve seen him and ask how his evening is going. Try not to let him see that it bothers you,” he instructs. As the song ends, Chase leads me toward Mark as though spotting him for the first time.
“Mark, glad to see you’re out enjoying the local entertainment tonight. It’s a great night for an island barbecue. I haven’t been to one in a couple of years,” Chase says.
“Yes, it is. Are you enjoying the entertainment this evening, Kate?” he asks.
“The bands are impressive, and the weather has been perfect this evening. It’s easy to see why people love the island so much,” I reply, trying not to appear frazzled and attempting to get a handle on my nerves.
“Did you have dinner, yet?” Chase asks Mark.
