“I don’t know.” It was an instinct. I didn’t know how not to. If I dug deep enough, I could probably come up with a few theories—but none that I particularly wanted to discuss.

“Turns out,” he said, “I was right to worry.”

“Guess so.”

“I don’t want anything to happen to you.” Strong, broad hands spanned my hips, thumbs stroking the bare skin above my waistband.

“It won’t.”

He raised his dark eyebrows. “Sounds like it almost did.”

It was hard to say. Did Luke actually pose a threat? He would never have bothered to show up and behave like he did when we were dating, so it made even less sense now that we weren’t.

Chase watched me, waiting for a response. My tongue darted out, licking my lip, and his gaze fell to my mouth, his pupils dilating.

“Lucky for you,” he said, eyes snapping back up to meet mine, “I’m way too worked up to get into this right now. But we’re not done.”

“Okay.”

He pressed his body against me again and murmured in my ear. “You’re wet for me already, aren’t you, baby?”

“Maybe.”

“Let’s see.” He slipped his hand beneath the waistband of my underwear and stroked me, setting off an explosion of pleasure. “Knew it. You’re soaked.”

I drew in a shuddering breath as he continued to touch me, pushing every button in exactly the right way.

“Do you like it when I touch you like this?”

“Mm-hmm.” My eyelids drifted shut, and I whimpered again, hips tilting against his hand. I could barely stay upright, let alone dirty talk back to him.

Pressure built between my legs as he continued to tease me in the most exquisite form of torture. I leaned back against the counter, letting out another moan.

“Fuck. I love when you make sounds for me.”

I grabbed his hand, hips arching against his touch. I was so close to an orgasm I could practically see it. Could almost reach out and touch it. Chase slowed down, keeping me on the verge, and a growl of frustration escaped the back of my throat in response.

“Not yet.” His warm breath fanned across my neck.

I peeked up at him. “But I’m right there.”

“I know.” Chase grinned. “You have a tell.”

I do?

“What is it?”

He shook his head, deep brown eyes gleaming. “Can’t give away all my secrets. I just know.”

I sucked in a sharp breath as his fingers slid against me again, holding me on the edge without release. Another growl of frustration followed.

“You’re cute when you’re frustrated.”

“Oh my god.” I whimpered. “You’re mean.” I wasn’t used to being bothered in this way, either. Before Chase, it had been the frustration of trying to capture the ever-elusive orgasm. Now he was purposely keeping it away?