Ava kissed his cheek. “Take care of yourself, Taz.”
They were sitting in a diner outside Alliance, picking at a meal neither wanted.
“Chase?”
“Yeah.”
“What happens now?”
“I don’t know.” He glanced up from smashing a pile of peas with his fork. “Why? Did you have something on your mind?”
“Yes. And hear me out before you automatically say no.”
“I’m listening.”
“Come to New York City with me. Just for a couple of days. We both could use a break. A little bit of pampering. I’ve spent time in your world, Chase, I’d like for you to spend time in mine.”
“Why New York? Why not LA?”
“My assistant mentioned there’s still paparazzi lurking around my place. We’d be trapped. In New York…we’d probably be anonymous.” She reached for his hand. “Let’s park your truck in Omaha, get on a plane and we’ll be at LaGuardia in three hours. My family has a standing suite at the Cooper Square Hotel. We can stay there as long as we want.”
His eyes searched hers. “Why is this so important to you?”
“I’m not ready to say goodbye. Are you?”
“God no.”
His vehemence surprised her.
“Good. I’ll make the arrangements. We could use a distraction. It’ll be fun.”
Chase smiled for the first time in days. “Let’s go.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to New York City. The local time is three p.m.” Ava glanced out the airplane window as the flight attendant rattled off the usual spiel. She was anxious to get out of the plane and into the city.
Chase leaned across the armrest. “You all right?”
Ava faced him and frowned. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
“I dunno. I expect you’ll be different now that the city mouse is back in her element.”
“What about you?” she countered. “Will you become the country mouse? Afraid of taxis, sirens and the crush of people?”
“I ain’t skeered of nothin’.” Chase pressed his lips to hers. She’d expected a quick peck, but he cranked the kiss to hot and teasing as his thumb discreetly rubbed the stiff point of her nipple.
She pulled back. “Chase—”
“I missed touching you the last few days,” he murmured.
“I missed it too.” Ava rested her forehead to his. “Hold that thought, okay?”
“Okay.” He gave her a lingering smooch. “Bear in mind that just because we’re on your turf don’t mean you get to call the shots.”
That forceful statement delivered in his masculine growl sent a curl of heat through her. Yes, she’d missed this sexual part of Chase because it was such an important part of who he was. “I wouldn’t dream of horning in on your territory.”
They exited the plane and wended through the crowd at baggage claim. After Chase hefted their luggage, Ava led him to the area where private transportation companies waited. A man in a black sports coat stepped in front of another guy wearing a gray pinstriped suit. “Miss Cooper?”
“Yes.”
“I’m Gino. I hope your flight was enjoyable.”
The young man attempted to take the duffel bags from Chase, earning a dark scowl as Chase increased his grip on the luggage. “I’ve got it.”
“That’s fine, sir. The car is this way, please.”
The heat and stench assaulted her as they left the cool comfort of the terminal. God. The noise didn’t bother her, but somehow she’d forgotten how rank the city smelled in the summer months—garbage, urine, grease and exhaust fumes.
Gino popped the trunk on a black limo at the curb.
Chase stopped by the rear passenger door and looked at her as Gino snuck in and grabbed the bags. “A limo, Ava? Really?”
“It’s a compact size, not a stretch limo, and it was the same price as a car service. I thought you’d be happy I comparison shopped.”
“I am. But I’m surprised you used that name to book it. What happened to us laying low?”
She bristled. “That name happens to be my name, and it’s on the credit card I used. What’s the big deal?”
“Forget it.” He stepped aside to open the car door for her, only to scowl again when Gino beat him to the punch.
Ava crawled in first and slid across the bench seat. Naturally, Chase didn’t allow the distance and scooped her up, settling her on his lap. “Chase.”
“What? I changed my mind. I’m scared in the big city.”
She rolled her eyes, but she didn’t move.
Gino took the wheel and said, “Cooper Square Hotel?”
“Yep. And Gino, buddy, I’d appreciate it if you’d engage the privacy screen and take the long way,” Chase drawled.
He nodded and the black glass separated them.
“Not your first time in a limo, is it, McKay?”
“Nope. But it’ll be my first time f**king in one.” Chase placed a kiss on the center of her throat. “I’m dyin’ for you, my Ava Rose.”
The man could be so sweet.
“Undo your bra. I want them sugar tits in my mouth.”
And…not so sweet. Not that she was complaining. Chase had already untied the bow at the neckline of her sundress and slipped the loosened material down her biceps. She twisted the front closure of her bra and his rough-skinned hands were there, knocking hers away.
“Arch back.” As soon as she complied, Chase’s hot mouth surrounded her left nipple. He suckled strongly. Purposefully.
That familiar, delicious heat spread. Ava gave herself over to it. Over to him. Reveling in the act of surrender.
Chase knew exactly how to eek out each sigh and moan. He expertly toyed with her mouth, his kisses so maddeningly arousing, so ripe and sensual, so unbearably erotic, she wanted to beg him to stop. Or to never stop.
He whispered gruffly, “Hang tight,” below her ear and rolled her, dropping to his knees on the floor of the limo.
Breathing hard, dizzy, wet and achy, Ava rested her back against the plush center cushion. She watched as Chase shimmied her sundress up around her waist. Then he tugged her so far forward her butt cheeks were barely on the edge of the seat. “I’m falling.”
“I’ve got ya.” He stretched her left arm to the safety strap on the left side of the car roof, curling her fingers around the leather as he dragged kisses from the cup of her shoulder, across the sensitive bend in her elbow, to her fingertips. And back, to repeat the process on the right side.