Ch 18: Beauty And The Beast

                                    

                                          
Two days, two days! I have avoided Chase, which is hard since we are staying in the same house. Why in the Jesus' name did I walk into the basement?

                          
TWO DAYS PRIOR 
                          
It's Saturday, and it's raining cats, dogs, frogs, and hedgehogs outside. Too wet to go out an enjoy a leisurely Winter stroll in the Hamptons. Although I love rain, it's a stay indoors kind of day. I'm currently in one of the master bedrooms in Chase's mansion, reading on the window bench, and sipping Chai tea.  
                          
I'm not sure what makes me get up and look for Chase,but it's like I'm being drawn to him for some reason. I spend about 10 minutes looking for him. I make my way down a far hall on the first floor when I see an open door. If this was a movie I know all "my people" would be yelling at the screen telling me not to go there, but I'm curious. 
                          
What's the worst that can happen?  
                          
If only I listened to my inner voice telling me to go back upstairs. Unfortunately, I did not. So, I start walking down the stairs, careful not to make any noise. Halfway down I hear a series of muffled smacks and a grunts. 
                          
That should have been my first warning.
                          
But, I continue on. I make it all the way down the stairs and meet a dark hallway. On one end it is pitch black, on the other a faint dusting of light. I follow the light to another door. I have no idea why I am pressed up against the wall like a cat burglar right now, but I feel like it need to. By now I know that the noises are coming from this room. I slowly edge my way to the door opening. I angle my head slightly to look into the room. I only see light, a few leather straps handing from the ceiling, and hardwood floors. I angle a little more and I get sight of a black mat. I finally just decide to go all in and stand in the doorway.
                          
Again, what's the worst that could happen?
                          
Me and my stupid thinking. Do you know what I saw? A sweaty, half naked, ripped in all the right places Chase putting a hurting' on a poor defenseless punching bag. I can't take my eyes off of him. 
                          
My Lord, and My God!! Is that what is under all those designer clothes? Sweet Jesus!!
                          
He is a fine specimen. What am I saying? His is delicious! He his cut from head to toe, and I don't mean like Freddy Kruger. I mean like Brad Pitt in Fight Club, cut. And to top it all off, his entire right side, from knee to shoulder is tattooed. Snaking up his arm is a snake...a python, I think. The rest is all tribal tattoos. His body is insane, in the words of my favorite hispanic gay man, "Firma de hecho." And here I thought only Gianni could be that fine, I stand corrected. 
                          
I'd like to be wrapped around him...OOOH Jesus? Did I just think that? 
                          
I stand there mesmerized. So mesmerized that I didn't notice him stop, turn toward me, walk up to me, pull me into the room, and sit me on the bench closest to him, before going back to pounding the punching bag. Talk about embarrassing. Especially when I come to and notice I have been staring at him biting my lip with my legs crossed, while he just stands there smirking. 
                          
"Are you back love? I could take these off so you can get a better view of the package." He says with a grin as he wipes his face and neck with the towel. 
                          
"I-I I wasn't, I mean, I was, but-" Way to go Michele! Not only did you get caught staring at him like some sexually starved hormonal teenager, but now your babbling like an idiot. Lord, why must these things always happen to me?
                          
He drops the hand towel and crouches in front of me. He's so close our noses are almost touching. "Michele...I'm not offended. In fact, I am honored that I can turn you into a babbling puddle without much effort. And for the record, what you are experiencing right now, is how I feel every time you and I are alone together. Granted I am a guy, so your thoughts are probably a little cleaner than mine." He says with a sly smirk.