Candace Shaw - A Chase For Christmas

“I’m fine, Preston,” she stated once more since he seemed still to be somewhat anxious over the incident. “No need to be upset with her.”

“No. She’s also a trained service dog and accompanies me to the children’s hospital. Hope is usually pretty calm around strangers, so there’s something about you she really likes, or you have doggie treats on you,” he teased.

Upon hearing her name, the dog’s ears perked up, and she set her eyes on Preston while rapidly beating her tail against the mat.

“So, where’s everyone else?” Blythe questioned. She’d arrived twenty minutes early because she wasn’t familiar with the area, but she assumed people would show up soon. Unless he’d only invited her, and she really hoped that wasn’t the case. However, Preston had always treated her with the utmost respect since she was best friends with his sister. Plus, he didn’t seem the type to lure women to his house.

“They should be here soon. You’re early.” He paused and nodded to the picture above the fireplace. “Do you like the painting?”

Gazing up, she realized it was one of her favorite abstract pieces that she’d painted. Wrinkling her forehead, she turned toward him. “Where did you buy that? I gave it to Tiffani when she requested some pieces for a couple of charity auctions.”

“The scholarship fund-raiser that Tiffani’s sorority had at the beginning of the summer. I’d wanted both pictures, but my cousin-in-law Elle outbid me. But that’s fine. I love this one more. It’s peaceful. I relax here after a long day with a brain tired from developing new game concepts and strategies. Staring up at the serene mixture of blues and greens is quite tranquil. It’s calming, and sometimes I need that. It gives my eyes a break from staring at computers all day.”

“Mmm-hmm. You definitely understand the mood I was in. I painted it after a peaceful time of unwinding and meditating. The one Elle won was the opposite with bold, daring colors and somewhat of a wild streak. I was listening to one of my Miles Davis CDs. The songs during his jazz fusion period. Insane, up-tempo jazz that made sense only to him, but I understood the emotions behind it. I’m almost surprised you like this one better. The other one seems more your speed.”

“Yeah, I know you think I’m all play, but I work hard, so I play hard. Live in the moment. It’s been my motto for a long time.”

She nodded in agreement, thinking of the wild stories Tiffani had mentioned about him. “So I’ve heard, playboy.”

He chuckled. “You know, I don’t really consider myself a playboy or a player. I just date and have fun. Women usually approach me. But eventually, I do want to settle down with a wife and have children. I was raised by two parents who have a loving, wonderful marriage. I want the same. Sometimes I go on one or two dates and realize the woman simply isn’t the one for me and there’s no point of wasting my time or hers. And for the record, I don’t sleep with every single one of them, but I do like to have fun and live life like it’s my last day. That doesn’t always include being with a woman. At times, I travel alone, skydive, play video games or find something new to experience.”

Blythe was about to respond, but the opening of the elevator doors sent both of their attentions to it, and Preston excused himself to greet a group of men and women. Releasing the breath that had been lodged in her windpipe, she was relieved that the other committee members were beginning to arrive. She noticed Hope stayed seated and watched her instead. Blythe kneeled down and rubbed Hope’s head before the dog turned over on her back and placed her paws up.

“Oh, I know what you want,” Blythe said in a singsong voice, rubbing the dog’s stomach. “Who’s a good girl?” Blythe loved dogs and had been searching for one lately. It had been two years since her beloved Misty, a German shepherd, had died. Perhaps a sweet golden retriever puppy was what she needed for Christmas.

Preston returned as several of the guests made their way into the dining area.

“I see you two are becoming fast friends.” Preston stooped down and rubbed the dog’s head.

“I love dogs. I lost my dog of thirteen years a few years ago, but I’m contemplating owning another one. I think I’m ready, but I’ll always love and miss my Misty.”

“Sorry to hear that. Dogs are truly a man’s...and a woman’s best friend. What breed do you want?”

“Actually, a retriever like Hope or a Labrador would be ideal. Something sweet and lovable so people won’t be scared of my dog. Misty was a German shepherd, so sometimes she had to stay in my bedroom when certain family or friends stopped by to visit. I see Hope loves to be spoiled.”

Preston nodded his head with a smirk. “She loves tummy rubs and her hair being brushed. She’s a pampered pooch. Aren’t you, girl?”

“All women loved to be pampered.”

He raised a questioning eyebrow. “Really?” He stood and reached his hand down to her.

She grabbed it but let it go quickly once she was back on her feet. The warmth of his hand was cozy and comfortable. For a moment, it felt nice to hold a man’s hand, even if the man was Preston.

“Well, I know I do,” she admitted. “Facials, pedicures and of course, deep tissue massages. That should be at the top of every woman’s pampering list.”

He glanced at her over his shoulder. “I’ll keep that in mind,” he answered in a low, seductive voice.

Ignoring the heat that rose to the surface of her skin, Blythe stopped walking as her eyes perused the loft. “Where’s your powder room? I just need to wash my hands.” And have a moment to calm the hell down.

“Down that hallway. The last bedroom on the left has a bathroom. The others are still being renovated. Use whatever you like.”

“Thank you.”

Making her way down the hall, she realized that only the front part of the apartment was lofty. The rest was divided into rooms, and she peeked into each that was open as she passed. A home office, two bedrooms, a game room with a pool table along with vintage video game machines, and a workout room. Finally she landed in front of the one he’d mentioned. She stepped into a vast bedroom that was more than likely the master. An oversize cherry wood bed with gigantic swirled poles was the focal point of the room, draped in a plush gold comforter topped with at least a dozen decorative throw pillows.

That must be where the magic happens, she thought sarcastically.

Peering around, she spotted a door by the sitting area and made her way in its direction. Behind it was indeed the bathroom, and just like the rest of his home, it was immaculate. The window scarf that flanked the huge stained glass window over the garden tub matched the comforter and the drapes from the bedroom. A flat screen hung on the wall above the tub and there were two vanities on opposite brick walls. She trekked to the one that was empty except for a gold tray with hand napkins and a matching soap dispenser. The other one held colognes, a few pictures of the Chase family in gold frames and an electric toothbrush and toothpaste.

Glancing at herself in the mirror, she noticed her flushed face and sighed. She had no idea what had come over her. Preston Chase had always flirted with her and teased her. She had never taken him seriously and would easily brush him off with a laugh and not give it a second thought. But now her nerves were unraveling and she had to get herself together. He wasn’t someone she could ever in a million years date, not even one date. He was the kind of man she avoided.

Ever since her ex had repeatedly cheated on her three years ago, she’d distanced herself from players like him and Preston. She still dated but thanks to a string of dating disasters lately, she’d decided to take a break and reevaluate her life. While the occasional outing would arise, she wanted the next man she dated to be long-term and one day lead to marriage.