Page 18 of Degrees of Acceptance
Prestian Corporation
***
As good as his word Chase is in the doorway, just as I’m finishing the last of my emails. As I pack up my Mac, he answers his phone. “Chase, here. Is everything in place? Yes, we can do that. No, it’ll be very late. I’ll text you when we leave Naples,” he says.
He guides me through the administrative suites to the elevator and pushes the code for the rooftop. Matt takes the first elevator, and Jay and Dereck take the next one up with us to the helicopter pad. “Here, put these ear plugs in and don’t take them out until we land,” he says to me.
I put them in, and then don the headset he hands me, glad for the extra protection against the noise. The flight from Prestian to the airport is less than ten minutes and would have taken us forty-five minutes by car. I recognize the Prestian emblem on the Gulfstream waiting for us on the strip and abundance of guards who have secured the plane. Chase takes my hand; steadying me as we board the jet, shaking hands with the captain and crew, before leading me toward the plush leather loveseat that faces a brick covered fireplace.
Jay, Dereck, Matt, and Sheldon join us taking seats in the recliners by the windows, and I realize they are coming with us to meet my mom. Chase looks down at his phone and texts someone a message.
“Everything’s in place for tonight, Chase. Brian flew down ahead of us with his team, and they have the transportation and restaurant covered,” Jay says.
“Thanks, Jay,” Chase says. I’m sure the look of shock is on my face. An entirely different team is working to make sure we have security at the restaurant. The captain makes the announcement that we are ready for take-off, and we’re soon plummeting down the runway. Once we’re airborne Chase unfastens his seatbelt and undoes mine for me.
“Let’s rest while we have a chance,” he says, leading me towards the bedroom suite at the back of the plane. He locks the door, discarding his suit jacket and tie, laying them across the back of one of the chairs next to the bar area.
“I’m going to have a drink, would you like one?” he asks. I notice the bottle has already been opened; he’s apparently planned ahead.
“Yes, please.” I slip my sandals off and run my toes through the luxurious carpet. It feels heavenly, smooth as silk. I look up and catch him smiling. He sits next to me and takes my hand.
“Do you want to take the lead in telling your mom about the security issues and discussing the details of your father, Katarina?”
“I’m not sure if I’ve had enough time to absorb everything she told me about my dad, yet, and honestly don’t know how she’s going to react to the security situation,” I say.
“She needs to know about the current circumstances, and I need to know about your dad,” he says, watching my reaction warily.
“Why don’t you just handle it?” I ask, taking him by surprise. His expression, usually well controlled, registers the shock on his face.
“Katarina, that’s a big step. I know how nervous you are about this… are you positive? If left up to me I am going to be very honest and upfront with your mom,” he warns.
“Chase, you always think I don’t trust you. I do, I am just scared. Look at everything you are doing to protect my mom. I can’t believe how much logistically had to happen to make the trip possible. I trust you with my life,” I say, hoping to ease some of the worries from his tired face.
“You couldn’t have made me happier, Katarina,” he says, pulling me into his arms. “Now, I think someone promised me a little mile high action tonight,” he says, looking down at me with those intense eyes.
“Chase, I thought you were tired!”
“Baby, I’m never that tired. Now, let me help you out of this dress…”
I am thoroughly exhausted after another round of lovemaking, slow and unhurried this time. “Baby, get some rest, and I’ll wake you before we land,” he says, kissing me on the forehead.
“Why don’t you curl up with me and take a nap?” I ask, not wanting to lose the feel of his body next to mine.
“As good as that sounds, I have things to do before we land. Maybe on the way back,” he says, getting out of bed to dress.
“That reminds me, are we really flying home after we meet with mom?” I ask.
“Yes, It will be late, but I want us to be back home tonight. We’re going to stay there until the worst of this is over. Security is making preparations as we speak and Gaby is aware,” he says, leaning down to kiss me before he leaves the cabin.
I stir a little while later to a gentle nudging. “Katarina, wake up and get dressed, Baby. We’re going to land shortly. We need to take our seats before long, captain’s orders,” he teases.
I glance at the clock on my phone. What a difference an hour of rest can make. I wish Chase had been able to sleep. I slip back into my clothes and go to the bathroom to freshen up. All my brands… I brush my teeth and notice the long white terry cloth robe hanging from the hook.One at every place he owns.I freshen up my makeup and brush my hair, which for some reason doesn’t seem too unruly tonight. I grab my purse and decide to stay barefoot, carrying my sandals instead of wearing them. Chase is not far behind me and slides into his seat, just as I am fastening my seatbelt. He smiles widely when he notices my bare feet. “What?” I ask smiling.
He shakes his head bemused. “Later,” he says. The plane lands perfectly. Dereck and Matt lead us towards one of the largest stretch limos I have ever seen. Jay and Sheldon are right behind us. The magnitude of his wealth is incomprehensible to me. I am ushered into the back seat, and Chase slides in beside me before the crew enters. The limousine is equipped with two mini bars, overhead televisions, and iPads installed in front of each seat.
“Keith, it’s good to see you,” Chase says to the driver. “Thanks for making the trip out with your team.”
“Anytime Chase. We are in good position, and the restaurant has been checked by security. The hostess has instructions so when you arrive she’ll escort you to the table.”
