Page 41 of Bachelor CEO

“So?” He threaded his hands into her hair anddrew her face close to his. “I’m on sabbatical as of tomorrow. Let us haveuntil then. Afterward we’ll talk. See how we can make this work.”

“I can’t.”

“Shh. You can,” Chase insisted. “Let go foronce.”

“I let go enough last night,” she said. Thepractical Miranda had returned. “I overslept and…”

“No regrets,” he told her, releasing her.“What we had was wonderful. I’ll never forget it.”

“Me neither,” she admitted in a voice so lowhe had to strain to hear. “But I’d like to get back to Chenille. I have toprepare for tomorrow, when I take over.”

Disappointment consumed Chase. Then again,what had he expected? Last night had been a one-off. Two people coming togetherwith an urgency driven by fate, passion and lust. The night was over.

She didn’t want him, just his job. The oneshe’d have for a year. Although that was it. He didn’t plan to give her one daymore. Despite what had happened between them, he would never lose sight of thefact that McDaniel Manufacturing belonged to him.

“I have to put the boat away. Give me about anhour and we’ll leave,” Chase told her.

He began to walk away but she called to him.“Chase?”

He turned. “What?”

“Thank you for respecting my wishes.”

“Yeah. No problem.” He gave a curt nod andstrode to the dock.

MIRANDA WATCHED CHASE from the window. She’dwoken up this morning torn in half. Oh, her body thanked her. She was sore inall the right places. For one night she’d let herself loose to enjoy everythingChase offered. She loved the shower interlude, and the final lovemaking thatmorning before Chase headed to his room.

But the moonlight haddisappeared. Tomorrow she would take over Chase’s job and he would leave forparts unknown. Better to break it off now, and quickly.

That’s what plain old sensible Miranda plannedto do.

Besides, if she made love to Chase again she’dbe doomed. Last night he’d branded her as his. If she didn’t get a grip she’dpine for him the entire year.

The truth was she had work to do. One year toprove herself and make herself indispensable to the company and to Leroy. Beingwith Chase muddled her thoughts, made her want to throw caution to the wind.Made her think that maybe there was a way to have it all, after all.

As Chase finished with the boat and walkedback toward the house, Miranda hurriedly packed. When she finished, she gavethe room one final glance. This weekend would have to last her a lifetime. Shewouldn’t have time to date, and if she did, she already knew the results.

Chase would be impossible to top.

Chapter Ten

“So, Chase, we’ll see you in a year, hey?”Nick Cissna gave him a firm handshake and a slap on the back. “You have fun.Darn, I would’ve loved to have the opportunity you’re taking.”

“Thanks,” Chase said. He shook hands with afew more people as board members filed out of the conference room. It was nowofficial. Miranda was in and Chase was on vacation, one that he’d “requested,”according to the way his grandfather had presented it.

Chase watched Miranda as she spoke with LoganBennett. He was the third most influential member of the board aside fromKathleen, the president. Logan shook Miranda’s hand and the baton was passed.

Chase’s tie suddenly felt tight, and heloosened the knot. No need to look perfect now. He allowed himself a wry smile.After all, he wouldn’t work here for another 365 days.

“So what will you do?” Kathleen asked as shepassed by.

“I’m headed to Colorado.” After his stilteddrive back to Chenille with Miranda, Chase had called Brice, who had beenthrilled to have him come crash at his place. All Chase hadto do was go by his house, put his bike on the back of his SUV and lock thedoors. The vehicle was already loaded with clothes, camping gear and athleticequipment.

“Have a great time,” Kathleen said.

The boardroom continued to empty and finallyMiranda passed by. He touched her arm. “I’m leaving.”

She bit her lip. “Okay. I’ll take care ofeverything for you.”

---