“Whatever you want.” Though now that he mentioned it, I was starving too. Shiv and I had eaten a late lunch slash early dinner after apartment hunting, but that was hours ago.

“If it’s okay with you,” he said, “I’m going to veto pizza. I’m still annoyed with that fucking delivery guy.”

I laughed. “Sure. And maybe we can actually watch that movie while we eat.”

* * *

Chase unpacked the food on the kitchen counter and sorted through it. I surveyed the contents of the three paper bags, which were probably enough to feed ten people. Styrofoam containers of rice, silver trays of chow mein, stir-fry, beef with broccoli, cashew chicken with vegetables, spicy shrimp, more noodles, and a few other meat dishes. The common theme here? Meat.

“Do you think you ordered enough food?” I teased, tilting my head. “I’m afraid we might run out.”

Opening the cupboard, I took out the plates and set them on the counter. While I was turned away from him, he swatted my behind with a kitchen towel playfully.

“I told you. I’ve had a physically taxing night. A man needs to eat.”

“That’s true. You did work hard,” I said, turning back to face him.

Walking over to me, Chase gave me a crooked smile. He placed a hand on either side of me, fencing me in against the counter.

“You know what they say; hard work pays off.”

“Oh, it did,” I said. “It definitely did.”

His eyes gleamed mischievously. “Speaking of that—when are we going toy shopping?”

Oh. So he hadn’t forgotten.

“You were serious about that?”

“Of course,” he said. “I can’t think of anything hotter than seeing you using something like that.”

I uttered a little involuntary gasp because that scenario had never even crossed my mind. Really?

“Or by yourself,” he added.

I still wasn’t convinced I could get used to it—ever—but I’d told him I would keep an open mind.

“We’ll see…”

“Or I could go without you.” He shrugged. “Make it a surprise.”

Gulp. That would be worse than facing the sex boutique by myself.

“Maybe it’s better I come with you.”

“Great.” He winked at me. “Let’s make a date.”

* * *

I woke up to the bed sagging under Chase’s weight as he slid under the covers and draped a heavy arm around my waist. His body was warm and comforting wrapped against mine, the scent of his soap and cologne surrounding me.

I peeked through one eye to discover light seeping between the gaps in the curtains. It was morning, which meant he must have returned from dryland training.

Shifting, I moved closer, snuggling into him. This was the best imaginable way to wake up.

“Sorry. Didn’t mean to wake you,” he whispered, giving me a squeeze.

“It’s okay.”