Blind with Love (3 page)

“Look, I know my sister put you up to this. I
have
actually met her before.”

Kristen glanced over at Margo to find her deep in a conversation with Ryan, who looked thoroughly entranced by her. Not surprising. Margo was stunning and had always managed to quickly lure any man she wanted into her cocoon. Kristen had always admired that about her. She would miss their camaraderie.

“She didn’t have to twist my arm too hard.” Not entirely true, but he didn’t need to know it. “She really wanted to double date with your friend Ryan. Adamantly I would say. They are so enamored with each other already, they don’t even know we’re here.” She chuckled as she glanced over toward Margo and Ryan.

He leaned in to conspiratorially whisper, “She’s been after me to set her up with Ryan for several years. The truth is, I’ve told her several times I’d be glad to set her up with him…as soon as she was willing to set me up with you.”

“Huh? What? But… We’ve never even met. How did you know you wanted to go out with me?” This information literally stunned Kristen. What was he talking about?

Grinning—it seemed to be a habit of his—Chase responded quietly into her ear, “Oh, I’ve heard enough about you to write a book. I’m not sure whether Margo’s goal for the evening has more to do with her and Ryan, or you and me.”

What?
Kristen was so going to kill Margo when this evening was over.
Maybe
. And what timing.
Shit
.

“Really? That’s interesting. I didn’t realize… But you didn’t even know where I worked or what I did for a living? What has she told you about me?” The confusion mounted the more she thought about this situation.

“Oh, I already knew all that stuff about you. I was just being polite.” A giant smile took over his face.

The waiter showed up while Kristen turned to glare daggers at her friend. “Can I tell you about this evening’s specials?” He continued speaking, but Kristen surmised not a one of them was listening to him, but all were attentively pretending to until he once again walked away, saying something about returning for their orders in a moment.

When the waiter finished, Chase interjected, “May I suggest the chicken parmesan? They have a delicious marinara sauce here you should try…if you like that sort of thing.”

“Sounds delicious. I love a good marinara.”

The ease with which Kristen found herself in Chase’s presence was unprecedented. She couldn’t remember having had such a good time in years, or perhaps ever.

*

Sweet Jesus
. Chase may have just hit the lottery. This woman was an angel. Her voice was like silk to his ears. The few times he’d managed to brush against her hand or knock into her knee, the flying sparks electrified him. Her skin was so smooth and soft. She was warm and kind, and unpretentious. And aside from the understandable nervousness on her part, she didn’t exude any indication she felt sorry for him, or thought she should take pity on him. A breath of fresh air.

He was usually so confident and poised, rarely caring what other people thought. But tonight was different. He
did
care what
this
woman thought. His nerves were taking a beating.

By the time their meals arrived, Kristen seemed so in tune with him she automatically helped Chase get a lay of the land, or plate in this case, like a seasoned pro. No one would know she’d not been dining with him for years. He hoped his perception of her interest in him was on target.

As soon as the waiter set the plate down in front of Chase, Kristen reached for his hands, laid them directly on the edges, then placed the fork in his right hand.
How did she know I was right handed? How considerate. How observant
.

He never wanted her to let go of him and missed her touch immediately when she did to begin describing the meal. He was so busy thinking about her soft, warm, delicate hands, he hardly heard a word she said. She muttered in a low tone something about the chicken being already cut up, the pasta on the left and vegetables on the right.

Chase ate this same meal here often and the waiter already knew to deliver his food cut up. This was one of his favorite, most accommodating spots to dine. But, of course, she didn’t know that. And he was enjoying her voice so much he hated to interrupt her.

“Would you like me to cut you a slice of bread?” she asked.

“That would be great, thanks.”
Please keep talking
. He loved listening to her.

Jolting him into reality, Margo spoke from across the table. “Would you two like some parmesan?”

Kristen responded before he could pull his mind away from his preoccupation with her. “Sure. How’s your food?”

Chase could tell by the projection of her voice she directed the question at either Ryan or Margo.

“Fantastic. They have the best lasagna in town.” His sister was always so positive. She would have said something wonderful about the meal, even if it was cold and had eyeballs. “Ryan? How is your pasta?” And she was, of course, polite.

Chase felt a smile spread across his face as he listened to his sister interact with her date. Skittering around him, the way most people do when they first meet and want to impress the other person with their best manners.

“I love this place. I don’t think I have ever had a
bad
meal here,” his friend replied, also joining the “blind date” dance.

Hmm, why aren’t Kristen and I having first date jitters?
He noticed the distinct difference between this date and all others he’d previously had. A certain comfort level.

She was so thoughtful and understanding. In the past, Chase had often found himself rather embarrassed to eat in front of people. They weren’t always quite as forthcoming with the details of the items on his plate as Kristen was.

The restaurant quieted down some as the meal progressed, making Chase privy to many more noises. Dishes clanking as the bus boys cleared tables. Patrons laughing at other tables. The soft whir of the ceiling fans.

The four of them settled into a conversation about their work, the economy, the cost of living…all while Chase noticed the ease of the evening. Like they were old friends. Especially Kristen and him. He desperately wished he could look at her and see her soul, but as it was, at least he could hear nearly every nuance in her voice, the rustling of her clothing as she shifted in her seat or crossed her legs. He hoped she was as sexy as she sounded. The only way to be sure, however, was to touch her, not a graze, but a full sensual exploration with his hands.
And mouth.
Of course, unfortunately, it was not possible for such a perusal at the moment. He crossed his fingers that later…

When Chase finished eating, he sat back in his chair with a last swipe of his napkin and hoped to God tonight wouldn’t be one of those times when he had food on his face, or in his lap, he was unaware of. Hopefully, his pal Ryan was not so incredibly engrossed in Margo he would forget his duty as a gentleman to make sure Chase was in order. For all the confidence he knew he could outwardly emit in a multitude of situations, this was the first time in a long time he actually felt awkward, nervous, prepubescent. What was she thinking? Where was she looking right this minute? Was she as sexy as her voice sounded? He’d known basically what she looked like, from Ryan and Margo, but Margo had described more about what they had in common.
God, make it work out somehow, someway, I get her alone before this night is over.

Chase leaned forward and began to speak. “How was your chicken?” Anything to take his mind off the fact this segment of the evening was about to end, and the transition into what would hopefully ensue was about to begin.

Thank God he had incredible hearing, or he’d have been seriously concerned when she didn’t readily answer the question. As it was, he could perceive the soft tinkling of ice in her water glass as she took a drink.

She cleared her throat. “Sorry…delicious. A great choice. Thanks for making the suggestion. How was yours?”

Why couldn’t a date just keep moving forward without this stammering lull in conversation always occurring? The uncomfortable point when neither party knew exactly how to proceed. Mostly because they didn’t want to make a fool out of themselves by assuming too much.

“Wonderful, as usual. I order this a lot.” Was she staring at him? Probably, of course. “Do you need another glass of wine?” They had ordered a second glass with their meal, but he wasn’t sure how much she had drunk.

“No, no. I’m fine. If I drink any more I’ll be too tipsy to drive.” Chase liked her answer. He wasn’t a big drinker himself and enjoyed being with a woman who was not falling all over herself, or him for that matter, by the end of the evening. And he, for one, was repeating a silent prayer she would be willing to get to know him better.
This might just be the woman of your dreams, Chase.

*

The dinner was delicious. The company even better. Kristen found herself staring repeatedly at Chase. How much had Margo told him about her? Here she’d spent the last two hours staring glassy eyed at the most handsome man in the restaurant, practically salivating over him, and he didn’t even know it.

God, she realized she was depraved. How long had it been since she last slept with a man? Months? Lordy. Was that why Chase’s presence affected her so much? Deprivation? Or was it more?

As they stood to leave the restaurant, Margo announced, “Ryan and I were thinking of going dancing. Do you two want to come?”

Color flared up Chase’s neck. “No,” he said sharply, but then lowered his voice before continuing. “Thanks, but I have to work tomorrow. Even though it’s a Saturday, unfortunately I have a deadline to meet. God forbid anyone should spend one more day without being able to read the classics in Braille. But you guys go ahead.”

Oh, my, God.
Is he ditching me?
Am I included in the “you guys go ahead”?
Kristen studied Chase’s face before deciding how to proceed. Was he making an excuse? Perhaps he just didn’t like dancing.
Perhaps he
can’t
dance
. Chase took one step closer to Kristen, and that decided it for her. Praying she read him correctly, Kristen sucked in all the courage she could muster and proceeded with, “No. No. You guys go on. In fact, I drove. I can take Chase home.” She was having such a good time. What could it hurt to finish out the evening with this fantastic “blind” date? After tonight, she knew she’d never see him again, but she couldn’t resist relaxing and enjoying herself one last time. Maybe she’d get the opportunity to at least make out with him.

Margo looked awfully pleased. “Great! I mean… Is that okay with you, Chase? Do you mind?”

A round of “no’s” and “fines” jumped through the circle as they all proceeded to leave the restaurant. Kristen hoped to God Chase was as interested in her as she was in him.

Ryan and Margo made a hasty departure, leaving Kristen and Chase alone on the sidewalk just outside the restaurant. The May night air was pleasant and cooled Kristen’s skin after the intensity of the evening. It was early enough in the season to still be chilly at night, before the sweltering heat of summer descended upon Dallas.

“So, where do you live from here?” she asked.

“Actually, we don’t have to drive. I just live a few blocks away. I usually spend most of my time in this general area. It’s easier when I get familiar with a place to stick with it. My repertoire is not really large. I eat at this restaurant about once a week. They know me here.” He produced a rather coy smile.
Well, that explains why your food came with the meat cut up
. She hadn’t heard anyone request it.

“Shall we walk then?” Kristen stared at Chase to judge his reaction.
Is he interested? Does he even want me to go with him?

“Absolutely. It’s such a nice night.”

“Okay, how do we do this? I mean…I’ve never actually…” She knew her face was beet red and was relieved he couldn’t see it.

His chuckle was going to kill her. But, nevertheless, it was once again a relief to find Chase comfortable in his own skin, enough to not be particularly worried about getting down the sidewalk safely with a novice “guide dog” for a date. And it was beginning to seem more and more like a date, not just Margo’s brother. Kristen wished she could actually see him again after tonight. Wouldn’t it be nice to just live a normal life? Get a boyfriend. Laugh every day. But, the events of the last two weeks had ended all that for Kristen. What she was about to deal with she wouldn’t even consider dragging another person through, especially one she had just met. Where was Chase last year? Or the year before that?

“It’s no big deal.” He pulled a folded walking stick out of his pocket and opened it up. “I’ll just hold your arm like this…” As soon as he made contact with Kristen’s arm, warmth the like of which she’d never before felt, spread through her entire body, heating her skin, and she wanted him to wrap his arms around her and… She realized he had stopped speaking and seemed to be just as affected by this mere touch as she was.

What would it be like to make love to this beautiful man, to be tangled with him in the sheets of his bed, where sight no longer played a role and everything natural happened by feel?

Chase broke the silence. “Are you cold? You seem to be sort of shivering. I’m making you nervous, aren’t I? Don’t worry. We’re just going to walk down the sidewalk…and you’re not going to let me trip and fall.” Chase placed the most shit-eating grin on his face she’d ever seen. And the awkward moment disappeared.

“I think I can handle that.”
I hope I can, anyway
. What if he stumbled?
You’d feel like shit, that’s what.

“I was just kidding. I walk this way all the time. I haven’t fallen yet.” He gave a little tug and they began to meander down the sidewalk. Kristen quickly realized it wasn’t as hard as it seemed. One foot in front of the other.
Left. Right. Don’t get too close to the wall. Watch out for that broken bottle…

“Stop!” She jerked his arm, a little harder than necessary. “I mean… We’re at the intersection.” She bit her bottom lip. Damn. She was so jumpy.

“Relax. We’re only walking down the street. You aren’t leading me on a tight rope between two skyscrapers.”

Relax, right
. He was awfully fond of that word. Did he use it to sooth her?

Within minutes they arrived at Chase’s apartment, he quickly and efficiently produced a key and stood aside with a flourish to usher her inside. He must have been used to having at least occasional guests, because he didn’t even pause before thoughtfully flipping the light switch next to the door, casting the room in a perfect glow of low lights.

Being an incorrigible neat freak herself, Kristen hadn’t actually met anyone who was as organized and disciplined. That was before she met Chase. Of course, he would have to keep everything in its place, it just hadn’t occurred to her previously he would be forced to be even more “anal” than she was when it came to “object displacement”, as she liked to refer to it.

“Wow. Your place is so…” Kristen couldn’t think how to describe it. The place was perfect.

“Tidy? Uncluttered? Boring?” His laugh was addictive and she turned to him with a smile he couldn’t see.

“I was going to say refreshing, actually. Anyone who has ever been to my house can tell you I would find your place nothing short of, well, unadulterated. I love it.”

“Hmm, you must be even more organized than my sister alleged.” He grinned. “Do you want something to drink? A glass of wine, maybe?” Safely ensconced in Chase’s own environment, his self-confidence was even more noticeable. He deposited the items in his pocket on a table by the door without even reaching for it first and strolled into the living room without bumping into a single piece of furniture. It was obvious to Kristen he was sure of himself and not worried about appearances.

“Um, okay. Are you sure you don’t want me to leave so you can get to bed?”
Why did that sound so suggestive?
“I-I mean you said you have to get up early.”
That’s it, Kristen. Provide him with an “out”.

“No, that was a lie. I hope you don’t mind? I didn’t really want to go dancing. I mean, I
can
dance. And sometimes do, but…I really just wanted to dump those two and get to know you better, without all the noise of a club.”

Her cheeks heated. What a relief. At least he was interested. Or thought he was. But, Kristen realized, he had no idea what she looked like. Did this not bother him?

Chase turned and proceeded straight into the kitchen as if he could see everything. A stranger would never know he couldn’t see the couch he stepped gracefully around, or the doorframe at the entrance to the kitchen. He must have memorized every single detail and the number of steps between pieces of furniture.
Of course he would have
.

Kristen followed behind him and watched as he began the task of opening a bottle of wine.

“Set your purse on the table,” he said over his shoulder. “That way I’ll know where it is, or, more importantly, isn’t.” He chuckled.

His kitchen was at least as organized as the living room and he reached for each item he needed without hesitation—wine, glasses, corkscrew. Kristen pondered the fact he appeared so fluid, like being blind was of no consequence to him. With a renewed sense of confidence, she swaggered over to the table, and as an afterthought, slipped off her low heels and set them quietly on her purse. Her feet were weary from wearing heels all day. As she watched him pour the wine, she ached to run her hands over his beautifully sculpted muscles. She could see how fit he was through the contours of his shirt, and his butt… She wanted to grasp his fine ass in both hands and pull him into her.

“Kristen?” She hadn’t realized he’d turned to her. She reached for the glass of merlot and she once again felt the sparks that seemed to skitter around them when their fingers touched.

“Thanks.” Feelings of excitement to have met someone she really liked, and hesitation about getting too involved with him, tore into Kristen. Was it really fair of her that she hadn’t mentioned this could only be a one-time date?

She was staring again. At the front of him this time. He was so incredibly sexy. His abs begged her to trace her hands over them. And then down…
Screw it
. She just wanted to enjoy herself, and clearly he did, too. What man wouldn’t be happy with the idea of a one-night stand? When did she decide she could actually sleep with him?

“You are awfully quiet. Are you okay?” He paused. “What are you thinking? Be honest. I’m having a one-sided conversation here and I don’t even have the ability to see your expressions. You’ll have to fill me in.”

“Hmmm. Sorry. Actually,
that
is one of the things I was thinking about. I just spent several hours in the company of one of the most gorgeous hunks I have ever dated and you…”
Did I just say that out loud?
“…you have no idea what I even look like or if I’m your type. That doesn’t seem fair… I’m rambling now.” Kristen stood stiff as a board and felt drained by the admission. She gulped a swallow of wine for courage and set the glass on the counter, afraid if she didn’t she would surely drop it.

“You think I’m gorgeous?” A slow smile spread across Chase’s face. “Well then.” He set down his wine and moved toward her. “So, I’m ‘the most gorgeous hunk’ you’ve ever been out with?” His steps were smooth, calculated. “Do you mind leveling the playing field a bit then?”

“What? How?” Breathless, Kristen swore her body temperature was growing hotter the closer he drew. Lord, help her. She wanted this man. Her breasts were heavy with need. The moisture between her thighs set off tingles. It seemed she would have an orgasm just standing here. And he hadn’t even touched her.

“You are not altogether accurate in your assessment. I do know rather precisely what you look like.” The low timber of his voice was driving her even more wild. His words were hypnotic.

“What? How?” Kristen felt like a parrot. Didn’t she already say that? How much closer could he get before she exploded? And man, did she want to explode, literally, in his arms.

“You don’t think I didn’t get some rather specific details about you along the way, do you?”

“Oh, of course. Margo told you all about me. I forgot.” He was close enough now she could smell his aftershave… No, it wasn’t aftershave. It was his own personal musky scent. The fragrance yelled “all man”.

“Nooo… I mean, of course Margo has described you, but she’s my sister. She couldn’t possibly have done you justice in her ‘sisterly’ terms. I do have other senses, you know. There are lots of things I know about you, all on my own. I know you like nice things from the expensive perfume you’re wearing. I know from just touching your arm,” he reached out and circled her wrist with his fingers, “you are slender, toned.” He smoothed his fingers delicately up her arm.

Kristen could hardly breathe as he spoke these sensuous words to her and grazed his hand over her skin. Any other thoughts running through her head scrambled and disappeared.

“Plus, there were a few minutes between when you arrived at the restaurant, located us at the table, and then ambled over. In those moments, Ryan gave a wonderful soliloquy, painting a much better picture of your beauty than what my sister could ever have articulated.”

Kristen sucked in a breath and held it as he stopped inches away from her, so close she couldn’t think as his warm breath fanned across her face.

He continued in that same low sexy tone. “Long straight brown hair that reaches halfway down your back and shimmers in the light. You like to tuck the left side behind your ear. Large, wide green eyes that exude confidence and caring. Full pink lips. They turn up when you smile and open wide when you laugh. Your teeth are straight and sparkling white. You’re about five foot four and weigh just the right amount for your size, not too skinny. Your breasts are small and firm and high. Perfectly suited for the palm of my hands.”

At this point he leaned in and breathed deeply of her essence. Kristen exhaled the breath she forgot she was holding while he spoke the most wonderfully sexy words she’d ever heard. She would surely self-combust from wanting him to touch her all over, to kiss her.

“He said all that? In the time it took us to walk to the table?” Kristen muttered these words breathlessly, barely above a whisper.
I’m going to die right here, right now.

“No. There was more. But the rest is not really appropriate to repeat.” He smiled again and she noticed for the first time his dimples. She wanted to kiss them, nuzzle them actually. She held still with her hands at her sides, afraid she would shatter the spell if she moved.

He broke the silence. “May I?”

“What?”

“‘See’ you? With my hands. Remember, I said we were going to level the playing field. It’s only fair. After all, it will ease your mind, right?” He was joking. She realized he was teasing her, but she was too tongue tied to do anything but nod her approval.

Chase must have perceived the subtle movement, because he slowly reached up to cup her face in his hands. He meticulously began to run his fingertips over her eyes, her nose, her lips and chin, then up into her hair. “Close your eyes. Just feel.”

The flame flickering in Kristen all evening began to increase into a full bonfire. She’d never wanted a man as much as she wanted Chase right this minute. Her pussy clenched at his words, wetness seeping out to soak her panties. Perhaps she would have an orgasm right here, standing in the kitchen with him running his hands gently through her hair. How embarrassing would that be?

Chase gradually pulled his fingers through her hair and moved on to her shoulders. He kneaded them lightly through the thin layer of her blouse, obviously aware she was extremely tense, and drifted along her arms to her hands. He gathered her fingers and pulled them up to his mouth. Kristen seemed to have no muscular control over them as he kissed them, one at a time. The world came to a halt. Kristen thought she would collapse or faint. And then…God…he sucked the middle finger of her left hand into his mouth and drew it out with a slow “pop”.

Her cream must be running down her legs by now. Why had she thought it was a good idea to wear a skirt tonight? A short skirt.

As if sensing what she was thinking, Chase placed her hands on his shoulders and advanced to wrap
his
hands around her waist. And then to the small of her back to pull her near. Heat radiated from him. She gripped his shoulders, her fingers digging into his muscular frame. His rock hard erection was now firmly stabbing her stomach and she wanted to touch him. The urge to slide her hands down and grasp him was overwhelming. She tried to retrain herself, warmth making her cheeks burn with need.