Page 10 of Degrees of Acceptance
“You called me Honey twice,” he says, almost thoughtfully.
“You don’t like it?” I ask pensively.
“No, I quite like it,” he says, smiling widely.
“I hope it makes you feel like I do when you call me, Baby,” I whisper.
“If we keep talking with you half naked on me, we are not going to make dinner, I can promise you that,” he threatens, still stroking my back.
“Seriously, do we have time to run home quick? I’d like to rinse off and put on fresh panties,” I say, trying to hide my embarrassment.
“We have time to run home if you don’t want to use your shower,” he says.
“I don’t have any spare panties, and I am not going to meet your dad like this,” I say.
“You’ll have to keep an extra pair in your drawer,” he says, grinning. “Are you done working for the night?” he asks.
“Yes, I am going to create a simulation for the presentation of the exam room data, but I won’t be able to extract what I need until morning.”
“I’d like to see what you’re proposing to share with them. A simulation sounds interesting,” he states.
“You take me home so I can wash up and put some panties on, and I will show you the simulation software and what I’m proposing.”
“You are a tough negotiator,” he says laughing.
Chase is still smiling as we enter the condo. “Baby, you can negotiate whatever you want as long as you let me do that to you. I’ll pour some wine while you’re getting ready.”
I find a hair tie and put my hair up so it doesn’t get wet, plug in the curling iron and hop into the shower. I quickly redress and spritz on some perfume, rummaging through the dresser for a pair of panties and find what I’m looking for. A lacy white thong… I can’t help wonder how he will like them. I begin putting large hanging curls into my hair, patiently heating each part with the curling iron, add a little powder, blush, lip gloss and apply a light coat of mascara giving myself one last critical look in the mirror before finding Chase.
He sets his drink down as I walk into the room, crossing the distance in seconds. He traces his fingers over the swell of my breasts where my hair rests. “You look absolutely stunning, Katarina” he murmurs appreciatively. “I love the way your hair is hanging over your breasts. I am going to enjoy it, even more, seeing it hang over your bare skin later tonight. In fact, I’m going to have a very hard time thinking of anything else this evening,” he says, huskily.
“I wanted to look nice to meet your dad.”
“Baby, you always look beautiful. I’ll have Jay bring the car around while we finish our wine before I decide to keep you home and all to myself.”
Jay navigates the heavy evening traffic. “Chase, what did you tell your dad about us?”
“I told him I met someone in Aruba that I care about, and that you’ve been living with me for the last few weeks. Is there something else you’d like me to share with pops?” he asks, grinning. I blush, knowing full well what he means.
The restaurant is small, with an old world feel. Chase gives the hostess his name and we are escorted to a dining area in the back of the restaurant. A gentleman with a strong resemblance to Chase stands as we approach. His smile is broad and genuine as he shakes my hand. “You must be Katarina. I’ve been anxious to meet the young lady that charmed the pants off of my son. You know I don’t mean that literally,” he teases.
“I’m very pleased to meet you Mr. Prestian,” I say, trying unsuccessfully to control my blush.
“Please, away with the formalities. Call me Don,” he says with a smile.
His dad has already ordered a bottle of wine, and the waiter is quick to check in with Chase on our needs, pouring us both a glass of wine and waiting to see if it meets with his approval.
“Katarina, Chase tells me you are in charge of the design for the Prestian Medical Center project. You know that center is something I’ve wanted to see created for years, and I’m excited we’re actually going to do it. Chase tells me you pulled together a team of healthcare workers to develop it around the patient experience,” he says.
“Yes, they did an excellent job. It’s one of the most worthwhile projects I’ve been part of. When you look back at the things you’ve done in life, it always feels good to know that you’ve made a difference in some small way. We held patient focus group sessions before we went into the event and some of their stories were heart wrenching.”
“I love your enthusiasm, and I can’t think of a better way to design space than to build it around the needs of the patients. A toast. My sincerest best wishes to both of you on this project,” he says, and we all raise our glass. I glance at Chase, who has an amused look on his face. I look down and can’t help but smile.
Message:Dad approves.
I look up, and he is smiling at me.
Message:And you’re blushing.
