Six
1070 Words
Chapter Six
“Mr Belmond, it’s a pleasure. I must commend your impeccable palate. After a wonderful rest, I find myself returning to your restaurant for my meals.”
“I appreciate your kind words Graham. Have a lovely stay. If you’ll excuse me.”
“Of course, have a lovely night” the white haired man chuckled as he went into the restaurant, a lady half his age perched elegantly on his arm.
Chase placed his hand lightly at the small of my back, guiding me out. His expression was serious, his tone clipped as he spoke with the elderly man.
I watched his face closely, wondering what he wanted to show me. My heart raced. A voice of reason whispered I shouldn’t spend more time in his presence, but I couldn’t help my curiosity.
“You seem to be thinking hard about something. Is it Graham? Is he to your fancy?”
“What? No!” I gave an exaggerated eye roll, trying to free myself from his grasp.
“Loosen up, I was only kidding. Graham’s a business associate.”
“I didn’t ask,” I mumbled with a pout.
He chuckled softly, the sound low and warm.
“I was just wrapping my head around the fact that you own the restaurant. It’s really lovely.”
“Why, thank you. The building technically. It’s owned by Belmond Corp.”
My lips formed an O while my brain tried to assess just how wealthy he was.
Chase urged me forward. “You know, this is one of my favorite escape places whenever I’m in the city. The view from my room here is peaceful.”
He turned to me with a grin that made my stomach flutter. “Want to stargaze for a bit?”
I opened my mouth to respond, but he cut me off, “Let’s hurry,” he continued with enthusiasm.
His suite was stunning. The door opened to a wide living area bathed in white light. The walls were a crisp white, highlighted with subtle art pieces that seemed carefully chosen rather than casually hung. Plush cream carpets muffled our steps, and the faint scent of sandalwood lingered in the air.
The furniture was modern yet inviting, a velvet sofa in cream, a glass coffee table with silver trim, and a bar tucked neatly into the corner, stocked with gleaming bottles.
Floor—to—ceiling windows stretched across one side of the suite, draped with sheer curtains that swayed gently with the night breeze. Beyond them, the city glittered like a thousand diamonds.
My eyes caught a large frame faced backwards, lying on the floor near the wall. It looked out of place in such a carefully arranged room.
Chase adjusted the telescope by the balcony doors, his movements precise, practiced. “Lisa, come take a look. Isn’t it beautiful?”
The night air felt cool and crisp against my skin. I stepped forward, the telescope gleamed under the moonlight.
I bent to peer through it, and the stars leapt into view, impossibly close, scattered across the sky like glowing gingerbread men. My lips parted in awe.
“It’s so beautiful,” I whispered, smiling so wide it almost hurt.
I turned to Chase. He wore a satisfied expression, pride etched across his face as though the stars themselves were his achievement.
His phone chimed. He pulled it out, glanced at the screen, and frowned slightly. I stood awkwardly, unsure whether to speak or stay silent. Realizing myself, I turned back to the telescope, bending slightly to stargaze again, letting the night sky distract me.
“I have to drop you home now,” he said after a pause. “I enjoyed your company so much I lost track of time.”
“Right. I should be in bed to rest up for work tomorrow.”
I turned to walk toward the door, but the portrait caught my eye again. Its presence was impossible to ignore.
“Was this previously hung?” I asked, pointing to the frame.
“At some point. It’s a painting I wanted to change,” he responded casually.
My feet carried me toward it before I could stop myself. I flipped it over, and my breath caught. Chase stood a reasonable distance away, his hands tucked into his pockets, watching me.
My lashes grew moist as I whispered, “This is me.”
He gave a casual shrug. “A lazy hobby of mine.”
“Why?”
“What do you mean?”
“Why’s there a painting of me in your room?”
“I was bored sometime and decided to pick a brush. Drew you how I recalled you.”
A mix of emotions rushed through me; shock, confusion, a strange warmth. I wasn’t sure how to feel.
Chase’s gaze was hawk‑like, and unflinching.
“I care about you, Lisa. Ever since you disappeared, I’ve been chasing shadows.”
I stared at him, words lodged in my chest, heavy and impossible to release. I wanted to look away, but the magnetism of his eyes pulled me in.
His smile was faint, but his eyes burned with intensity.
“You don’t have to respond now,” he said softly. “I’ll wait.”
His tone was knowing, as though he could read the indecisiveness in my head.
“I have a flight to catch, but I’ll text you within the week.”
“I would like to see you again, Lisa, if you would allow that.”
He laughed softly, running his hand through his hair in that careless way that made him look even more attractive. “I’ll see that you arrive safely home, then head to the airport. If you need anything, my assistant can handle that.”
A beep lit up my phone. Message notification from an unsaved number: Chase.
“That’s the contact information I sent you. I’ll be away for a week, but I’ll be in touch.”
The ride to my place was silent, the hum of the car filling the space between us. My thoughts were chaotic, not knowing what to make of Chase’s proposition.
When the car slowed to a stop outside my door, he turned to me with a faint smile. “Have a wonderful rest, Lisa.”
“Thanks,” I mumbled. My legs feeling shaky as I walked slowly to my door.
- Writer
