“Dallas and Shiv are going to Penner’s for drinks.” He locked his phone and slid it back into his pocket. “He’s a guy on our team. Ty and a few other people will be there too. Do you want to go?”

“Sure. What time?” I set my empty glass on the black granite countertop, glancing up at him.

“Whenever. They’re heading there now. But if you want to chill for a bit, we can leave in half an hour or something.”

“I wonder what we should do till then.” I tilted my head and smirked. “There’s a game on. Chicago versus Boston?”

“Fuck the game. Let’s circle back to my list.” Chase pivoted to face me and took a step forward, eyes darkening. Warmth radiated from his body as he fenced me in against the cupboard with his arms, gripping the edge of the counter behind my back.

“Sadly, all my skirts are packed. And I don’t think your truck will fit inside this apartment. Guess you’re out of luck.”

His smoldering expression cracked, his mouth tugging. “Watch it, or I’ll make a point to tease you even longer.”

“You already teased me once today.”

“Oh, I was just getting started.” He nudged my legs apart with his knee. I drew in a soft gasp as he pressed against me, igniting a flicker of desire within my core.

“Really?” I wasn’t sure how much of that my brain could take. Or other parts of me.

“I’ve got all kinds of plans for you.” He leisurely traced a finger along my collarbone, dipping over top of my dark green T-shirt between my breasts. A tingle ran down my spine. His tone softened, losing its edge. “But you can always tell me to stop if it’s too much.”

“I know.” Never needed to, but I knew he would in a heartbeat.

“How about this? Say red if you want me to stop…” Chase ducked his head, and his soft lips met mine. I gripped his upper arms as his tongue pushed inside my mouth. One hand nimbly unbuttoned my jeans, and he pulled back slightly, breaking the kiss. “Yellow for wait or slow down,” he murmured against my lips, tugging at my zipper. “And green for keep going.”

“Mmm…” I ran a hand through his silky hair. “Green.”

One rough palm skimmed down the side of my ribcage, then paused.

“You are so fucking gorgeous.” He ran the pad of his thumb along my cheek, tilting my chin up. His voice turned stern. “But you’re still in trouble.”

My breath caught. “For what?”

“Not calling me.”

I should have known he wouldn’t let it go so easily.

“I didn’t want you to worry.”

“I was worried anyway.”

“Er…red?”

He shook his head, jaw tight. “Doesn’t work for that, James.” His deep brown eyes scanned my face. “You downplay things. Why?”