Page 21 of Degrees of Acceptance
“Karissa, it’s not what you think. While the family may have a history, they are also involved in many very legitimate and lucrative business ventures. Some of which happen to be with members of my family and myself,” he adds, pausing to gauge her reaction.
“I see,” is all she says. It is hard for me to know what she’s thinking or how she is feeling. I have never seen her at such a loss for words before.
“Mom, it will be okay,” I assure, taking her hand in mine.
Chase looks down at his phone. “Ladies we’ve got the all clear. Shall we go?” he asks, seemingly more relaxed than before we arrived. I realize it’s because he knows everyone will be safe. One less thing to worry about, I’m sure. As we stand, I notice Matt and Dereck at the table in front of us do likewise and take the lead. We follow them, and I’m positive without looking that Jay and Sheldon are bringing up the rear. Matt and Dereck lead us to the limo and open the doors for us. Chase helps my mother and me into the back seat and then slides in next to me. It’s a half-hour ride to the airport, and everyone is relatively quiet. Chase has his arm protectively around me. Jay gives us an update that they retrieved Mom’s computer, and it’s on its way to the plane.
Chase’s phone rings, and he answers it immediately. “No, we’re on our way to the airport. We have Katarina’s mom with us. She’ll stay at our home until things clear over. Emily’s family all moved in? Good, I’ll give you a quick call when we’re home. Love you, too.” he says before disconnecting.
I suddenly realize the enormity of all that Chase has been dealing with since last night. He has been moving everyone his family cares about into protection. My heart swells with the love I feel for this man. Why can’t I tell him I love him?Is it true I don’t trust him with my emotions?
CHAPTER FIVE
We reach the airport, and the limo pulls up as close as it can to the jet. Chase escorts us through the plane door and talks to the crew for a few moments while everyone gets settled in. He drops into the seat next to mine just as we finish buckling and glances at his phone. He frowns slightly and texts a message.
“Anything wrong?” I ask.
“Nothing for you to worry about, Baby,” he says, taking my hand in his as we settle in for takeoff.
“This is a beautiful airplane. It’s a little different than the one you flew me to Chicago in a few weeks ago, isn’t it?” my mom asks Chase.
“Yes, this is a few years newer, but we had the interior done very similarly. We have several since it saves the executive team a lot of time sitting in airports and hotels,” he says. Chase and my mom seem to be getting along splendidly, spending the majority of the flight getting to know each other. It is a clear night, and the flight home is smooth right down to the landing. Chase reaches into his pockets and pulls out two sets of earplugs. “Here… we’re going to take the helicopter over to the house. Put these in until we land,” he instructs, handing my mom and me the plugs and then a set of headphones. My mom gives me another one of her what the hell looks, and I can only shrug. A ten-minute ride in the air is much nicer than driving through traffic. Even at this late hour, traffic in downtown Chicago can be a pain. I’m surprised how lit up the estate is as we hover and then put down precisely on the helipad. A group of men I have not met before greets us as we get out of the helicopter. Chase begins shaking hands, thanking them for their assistance and seems to be on a first name basis with everyone. Gaby swings the door open wide to greet us as we reach the house.
Chase introduces my mother to Gaby. “I’m very pleased to meet you, Karissa. I have one of the guest suites prepared for you, and your clothes are in the closet. If you need anything else, please let me know,” Gaby says warmly.
“Thank you very much,” my mom says.
Would you ladies care for a glass of wine?” Chase asks. It’s late, but I realize now he probably wasn’t comfortable drinking until he knew we were safely home.
“Sure, I’ll have a glass with you. It’ll probably put me to sleep, though,” I admit, trying to suppress a yawn.
“Mom, would you like a glass of red wine?” I ask.
“Yes, please,” she says. Gaby brings out a tray of freshly baked bread, Brie, sliced pears, apples, and nuts.
Chase’s phone swooshes and he reaches for it, smiles, and texts a message. I cut a couple small pieces of bread and generously spread them with brie for my mom and Chase. I look up, and Chase is smiling broadly at me. “It is excellent, Gaby,” he exclaims, cutting himself another piece.
“I think I’ll go to bed now that I know everyone is safely home. I made some pies for tomorrow. We’ll see if they make it that long with these two around,” she says to my mom, giving us a playful scowl.
“Why don’t I show you to your room, Karissa and we can do the full blown tour tomorrow,” Chase suggests.
“That sounds good, all the excitement and wine have gone straight to my head. I’m sure I’ll be asleep the minute my head hits a pillow,” she says. Chase leads the way to the other side of the house, down corridors and past rooms that I have not yet even seen. He opens a door, and we enter what appears to be a large living suite. I take note of the small kitchenette, and a sizeable living room with windows from floor to ceiling on one side and a massive fireplace on the other.
“You can work from here,” he says, opening the door into an adjoining room with a large desk, Mom’s computer, a large monitor and not surprisingly a big screen on the wall in the corner. As Mom and I leave the room, he is on his phone texting again.
“The guys hooked up a larger monitor for your laptop since you had it set up that way at home. The computer is authenticated with rights to our server so you can sign in with the password by your laptop. I hope you’ll find everything that you need, but if not, just let me know,” he says to my mom.
“I don’t know what to say, Chase. I really appreciate your hospitality,” she replies.
“It’s a pleasure. Gaby has left coffee in your kitchen along with a few of your other favorites in the refrigerator. Please feel free to join us downstairs for breakfast. I just wanted you to have a few things in the event you wake early. I’ll show you to your room and then I am going to retire myself. It’s been a rather long day,” he says, leading us towards the master suite which proudly displays an ornate king-size bed, another fireplace and master bathroom fully equipped with a whirlpool.
“I’ll give you both a tour of the full house tomorrow. There is a gym upstairs and pool room on the lower level that you are welcome to use,” he says to my mom.
“Thank you, both. I am exhausted, and the bed looks heavenly. I’ll see you kids in the morning,” she says.
“Good night, Mom. I’m so glad you came. It’ll be fun spending a little time together,” I say, giving her a hug.
Chase guides me through the suite, his hand at the small of my back until we get to the main hall, and I know where I’m going. “It’s like a maze,” I say.
