I felt unsettled as his competent arm came around my back to support me. I was almost high with anticipation, for I no longer knew or regarded my surroundings. He became my universe, and only his touch penetrated my comprehension. When his lips left mine, his eyes stared into my soul and the word “beautiful…” escaped his lips. I felt levitated as Declan carried me through the house to his bed.
He began his quest with diligence to persuade me into believing that I was the most coveted woman in the world. His time was devoted to cherishing every inch of me with love, and he gave sensual, erotic care and attention to prove that fact. He titillated, seduced and convinced me that there was no other in existence who could arouse my body to the responses he incited. He relentlessly drove us both higher and higher, until our senses threatened to liquidate coherent thought. When, at last, he took me over the intoxicating edge, he proved to me that only he would be the one who would ever command my body to respond in such sweet surrender. Then, and only then, did he allow me to see how vulnerable he was to the power that loving me had over him, and the pleasure he derived from taking my body so intimately. As Declan’s body violently shuddered with release, he cupped my head with both of his hands, forcing me to look deeply into his eyes, to sear this moment into our minds, when he claimed me, raggedly uttering, “Aria…”
My heart had found its home… in him…in love.
Aria lay in my arms, and it felt as if she was always meant to be there. Whatever discrepancies we had regarding business, we’d sort them out; I was confident of that. Our argument was over, but there was much left to discuss. For now, a transformation beyond my comprehension had taken place. TTTT
I looked down at her to watch her sleep. My angel. My beautiful girl. My Aria. My chest hurt with the degree to which I now was certain that I loved her. How did I exist before I knew her?
She moved and stretched as her eyes fluttered open.
“Hi, bear,” she said sleepily.
I pulled her a little closer as she looked up at me.
“Hi, beautiful,” I replied because she was. “I want to take you away for a few days,” I said as I ran my hand down her arm. “Do you think that you could manage that with your schedule?”
She looked up at me surprised.
“Where would we go? I want you to see the building before we decide to take a vacation.”
“No, not a vacation,” I said. “Just a long weekend. I think it’s time you finally meet Carter and Lacey in person, and a weekend at the lake would be nice.”
I could see the apprehension in her face.
“…and the building?” she quizzed.
“We can go to the building tomorrow. I passed by it when I came into town today. You were right; it’s the perfect location.”
With my admission, I wanted to assure her that her efforts were appreciated, and that they were a priority to me.
Her look was one mixed with pure delight and an “I told you so” expression.
“Looks like that can get you in trouble,” I teased.
“Confessions like that will get you into trouble.” She laughed. “Have I ever told you that I love the look on your face when you tell me that I was right about something?”
I had to laugh with her. She wasn’t going to let this confession die; then I thought of the perfect solution to this dilemma, and I sprang into action.
“Declan, stop! Stop tickling me!” she cried, but I refused to relent.
“Only if you promise to be professional about this, and stop the games,” I warned.
“I…wasn’t…the one…who wasn’t…playing…fair. Stop!” She giggled until she had no more breath.
I pulled her across my lap where she sat cradled in my arms.
“Aria Cole, I promise to act like a grown-up if you will,” I said, raising my fingers in the air to give her the Boy Scout’s promise sign.
“Okay. As long as you promise to behave like a boy scout.” She grinned deviously at me.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa. Who said anything about behaving with you?” I patronizingly said. “That’s only with business, beautiful. With you, I’ll never behave.” I went about tickling and teasing her until well into the next morning.
…and the morning came for Declan and Aria, and he proved to her how “good” he could be when he misbehaved…
T Lay Low – Blake Shelton
TT Gotta Keep Dreamin’ – Michael Bolton (Rose’s Song)
Patiently, Paige and I stood waiting as we exchanged apprehensive glances. Declan was viewing the inside of the building I had purchased. As he examined the structure, his demeanor remained professional, and the playful lover of last night was gone. This was the persona of the business Declan. I straightened my posture as he approached me.
“May I see your concept for the layout, Aria?” Declan asked.
I unrolled the papers that I had filled with rough sketches. Looking down at the depictions, he began to review them quite intensely, and as he did, my stomach became quite unsettled in anticipation of his response.
“Aria, are you proposing that this side of the building be used for a two level studio or a one level studio that’s divided?”
He was most definitely the ultimate professional, and this was a side of him with which I was unfamiliar. His intensity in business gave him an air of respect.
“I’m suggesting a one level studio divided into two parts with a partition. In this manner, you could pull the partition back should you desire, or have need for, a large photo session. Pull the partition closed and you have two smaller studios. One large window would be shared by both spaces with motorized coverage, allowing the amount of natural light desired. To accommodate the proposed partition, this could be attained by two separate motorized pieces.”
I further explained by pulling vendor information on partitions and motorized window coverings. He paused for a moment, taking in all of the information I’d laid out before him. He then addressed me with regard to the office space.
“I see that you’ve added a second floor. The dimensions of the rooms that you’ve configured are marked, but could you please go into further detail for me?”
“Yes, certainly,” I replied. “The second floor would be used for offices and needed rooms. At the front of the building, where the view of the bay can best be seen, would be your office as well as a conference room for meeting with potential clients. The remainder of the offices would be along the walls of the building. This would create perimeter office space. Each of these offices would have windows to the outside, and there would also be space interiorly. This could be used for wardrobe rooms, make-up and hair studios, and restrooms. There would also be more than enough space for a nicely-sized room on the first floor where food could be placed for lunch and dinner needs or employee lunches.”
Declan examined my layout with a stern eye. He was beginning to unnerve me with his unnerving scrutiny, so I continued to explain the remainder of the vision I had for his space.
“Of course, at the opposite end of the building, as you can see here at the space which I have designated to face the highway, will be the client lobby. I have marked these dimensions to accommodate a substantial reception desk, a large marquee wall for your business name, as well as ample seating for prospective visitors and clients. The double doors would access the entrance from your parking lot, which will be directly off of the highway.”
I had then concluded my presentation and placed my hand on the drawings. It was beyond my control, but I refused to allow my trembling to be seen. I tipped my chin in Declan’s direction, awaiting his comments. I had never before felt such angst with a client, but I had assured myself that, should my proposal not meet with his vision, I had alternate plans for this building. I also realized that his approval meant a great deal to me.
Determined to leave our personal relationship at the door this morning, and conduct business only, I wanted to maintain the professional demeanor with which we both came into this meeting. Paige h
ad been a silent spectator throughout its entirety, and I believed she could feel the emotion in the air.
We locked stares as Paige attempted to break the tension in the atmosphere.
“Well, Declan. What do you think of Aria’s plan for your space?” she said in a most proper and business-like manner.
He placed his hand over mine while looking at me, and his features softened. He broke into the most simultaneously satisfied and ruthless grin that I’d ever seen. He was a shark!
“I think my beautiful girl is both a visionary and genius, and I’m the most fortunate man in the world to have her as my partner.”
I melted. So much for only conducting business. “Do you really like it?” I asked as I breathed a huge sigh of relief.
“Liking it is an understatement, Aria,” he praised. “It’s far beyond what I had ever envisioned for myself. Your parents were right; you do have vision, and I’m ashamed that I underestimated your abilities. You’re much more talented than I expected.”
Declan took the hand he had covered, pulled me into him, and kissed me.
“Please forgive me?” he said in his deep, sexy voice.
“That depends. Does this mean I get the job?” I laughed at him.
“Not only do you get the job”—he said, turning serious—“I’m serious about wanting you to be my partner. You may choose to be a silent partner in the business end of the modeling, but I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have as a partner in a new venture.”
He had me flabbergasted. “I’m flattered, Declan. Truly, I am. I’m happy to get the renovation contract; then we can work out the details of that end of the agreement. Once it’s complete and exactly the way you want it, I think I’ll want you to buy me out so that you can have your own business. I like having my renovation business, so I’m not looking to go into another.” I placed my hands on the lapels of his suit and looked up into his eyes. “I do, however, have a few ideas of how you can apologize for doubting my abilities…” I said suggestively while teasing his palm with my fingers.
Paige rolled her eyes at us both and loudly sighed.
“I can do that, but only if you go to the lake with me for the weekend. I want to visit Carter and Lacey, and we need to get away. We can start the renovation when we get back. Agree?” T
“Agreed,” I said without one argument.
“I can’t tell you how good it is to finally meet the woman who’s taming my brother,” Carter said as he gave Aria a big hug.
“Get your bear claws off of her!” I joked before he came around to give me a huge hug as well.
Cody, the dog, was running around all of us, barking, and Aria knelt to the floor.
“Who are you, precious?” she said, and she sank her face into Cody’s generous amount of fur.
Into the room walked Lacey. “That’s our Cody girl. She’s the biggest bundle of fur and love ever created.” Lacey approached Aria with open arms. “Aria, I’m so happy to see you in person. It feels like I’ve known you forever with our FaceTime chats, but nothing beats up close and personal.”
“I agree. I’m so happy to be here. Thank you for having me,” Aria said as she and Lacey embraced.
“Hey, what about me?” I directed at Lacey with my arms open and my hands gesturing for her to come toward me.
“I could never forget my favorite brother-in-law,” she said as she gave me a huge hug and kiss on the cheek.
She made me laugh as I said, “I’m your only brother-in-law, Lace. I have to be your favorite.”
“Caught me,” she said with a twinkle in her eye.
“Don’t worry about your bags; Carter will take them to your room. Are you hungry? I know it was quite a drive.” She moved toward us and looped her arms through ours. “I made a pot roast, mashed potatoes, asparagus, salad, and some homemade rolls. Carter has a selection of some red and white wines if you like, and of course he knows what Declan likes.”
“Lace, you’re killing me! How do you expect me to keep my job if you feed us like that?!” I laughed at her.
Aria broke away from Lacey and playfully punched me in the arm. I fell back feigning injury.
“We’d love to have dinner. Pay no attention to the Neanderthal beside me. Everything smells delicious,” Aria said.
Of course, that put a huge smile on Lacey’s face. Carter had just come down the stairs and looked at all of us quizzically.
“Please tell me that both of you are hungry. If not, she’ll make me eat leftovers for a week!” he pleaded with us.
“Stop being so dramatic, Carter, and grab the drinks for Aria and Decs.”
“Yes, my love,” Carter responded. He shrugged his shoulders to both of us. “Happy wife, happy life,” he said with a huge smile, and off to the dining room we went.
Lacey and I went to the family room as Declan and Carter cleaned up. They said they wanted to allow us some girl time.
“Lacey, I’m stuffed. That was an incredible meal. Thank you so much.”
“I love to cook. It’s one of the things that I don’t get to do much of in the winter with school in session. I cook mostly crockpot meals with just Carter and me. When I’m fortunate enough to entertain, I enjoy making a more elaborate meal,” she said moving to the couch. “Come over here, on the big sofa. Kick off your shoes and get comfy. You’re family.”
With that comment, Cody girl jumped up and cuddled beside me.
“Cody! You’re not supposed to be up here!” Lacey scolded the big, fluffy girl.
“I don’t mind, really,” I said. “I just love her. She’s so big and fluffy that she looks like a bear.”
“She’s a Bernese Mountain Dog, and they do look like bears. She’s the biggest, friendliest cuddle bug you could ever love. Are you sure you’re okay with her being up on the sofa with us?”
“Absolutely!” I said as I sank my hands into her luscious fur. She felt like the most scrumptious and heavenly stuffed animal come to life, and I instantly fell in love with her.
She watched me petting Cody for a few moments while she sipped her coffee.
“You remind me a lot of Declan and Carter’s mom, Aria. She was very tender-hearted like you,” she said in a reflective tone.
“I do? Declan doesn’t talk much about his mom, but when he does, it’s always with love, respect, and admiration in his voice.”
“Rose was one of the most wonderful people in the world, and the world would have been a better place if more people had her personality. She adored both of those boys, and there was nothing she wouldn’t do for them. She would have endured the most hurtful heartache so that they wouldn’t have to receive pain. She loved Carter and Declan far beyond her own discomfort. She shared some of the stories with me of her life over the years. I had no reason not to believe her as she had nothing to lose by telling them to me,” Lacey said as she softly smiled.
“What would make you think that I’m like her? You and Carter haven’t truly seen Declan and I together.” TT
“I can see it in your eyes, Aria. When Rose loved someone, she loved them with her whole heart. You’re in love with Declan beyond what you’re comfortable with. It’s a scary feeling, isn’t it?”
“Am I that transparent?” I asked.
“No, not to the boys, but you are to me,” she said. “Rose and I became close through my marriage to Carter, and I learned to respect her as one of the strongest women I’ve ever had the privilege to know in this lifetime. Our relationship went far beyond my admiration of her cooking and her love of making every holiday and birthday special for each person she loved. The woman I grew to love and call my friend shaped the young woman I was. She was one of the influential women in my life, and she helped me to mature into the older woman I’ve become. Rose said that no matter what you do in this life you’ll never please everyone, so it’s useless to try. She taught me that, through loving her son, I’d be picking up where she left off. She loved Carter with every ounce of fiber a mother can have for her son, and she allow
ed me the freedom to love him in the way that a woman loves a man. She taught me to be unafraid to love with my whole heart, no matter the cost, no matter the pain—love was always worth it. That’s what I am telling you, Aria. If Rose gifted me with that lesson, I’d like to pass it to you. Don’t be afraid to love Declan with your whole heart. The costs of loving him, no matter what they are or what they become, will truly be worth it.”
I felt compelled to reach over and hug her. We embraced for several minutes, and my eyes misted over as I rested my head on her shoulder.
She placed her hand on the back of my head and whispered in a broken voice, “Rose loved Declan, and she would have loved you. Wherever she is, I believe she does.”
Just then, Declan and Carter came into the room. As they approached, they were loud and boisterous. When they saw Lacey and I, they immediately became quiet.
“Is everything okay?” Carter asked.
We looked at each other knowingly, as women sometimes do, and we separated while we dabbed at our eyes.
“Everything’s perfect, Carter. No worries. I was just telling Aria about how similar she is to Rose.”
“Oh yeah,” Declan said. “I forgot to tell her that she and Mom share a love for the color red.”
Lacey and I just looked at each other again, stared for a moment and then burst into laughter.
“Yes, bear. That’s exactly what she was telling me.”
Lacey and I exchanged a smiling glance.
…and as the Sinclair family festivities continued, the observant private investigator made his notes, estimating that Ms. Franzi would think her money well spent…this week…
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