by Addison Cole
“Thirty minutes. Why?”
“Because we’re in Boston, and if I don’t bring Serena back Kane’s Donuts, she’ll give me grief for weeks. Do you think the cabdriver can find out where it is?”
He scoffed. “Babe, everyone here knows where Kane’s Donuts is.”
“I don’t,” she said as they settled into the cab.
On the way, she told him about Abby, the owner of the doughnut shop, and how she’d named the Perpetual Bliss doughnut after Serena and Drake.
They got a dozen Perpetual Bliss doughnuts and headed back to the ferry, making it onboard seconds before they closed the ramp.
Out of breath and pink cheeked from the chilly evening air, Violet leaned against the railing and said, “I can’t believe you tried to bribe Abby into naming a doughnut after us!”
“We’re worth a heck of a lot more than a doughnut.” He looked down at the doughnut box and said, “I’m not sure the doughnuts made it through our run.”
She opened the box and peered inside. “Uh-oh. I think this doughnut has seen better days.” She lifted it from the box. Half the chocolate frosting was smeared off, and all of the dark and white chocolate pearls were shoved to one side.
He suggested they eat the evidence.
Violet grinned and held the doughnut up for him to take a bite. Delicious Belgian cream filled his mouth. She went up on her toes, pressing several kisses to his lips. When she drew back and slicked her tongue along his lips, he shifted the box to his side and hauled her in for a deeper kiss. They kissed so long and passionately, he was sure they’d spark fire.
When their lips finally parted he said, “The doughnut was delicious, but those kisses make me want to toss the box in the water and find a dark corner where we can hunker down for the next hour and a half. Naked.”
Her eyes flamed, sending heat straight to his groin. She made a seductive show of licking the cream slowly from the doughnut and closed her eyes, emitting a raw, sexual sound.
He crashed his mouth to hers, taking her in another fierce kiss. He wedged his knee between her legs, and she ran her fingers along the edge of his waistband. She was so hot. He didn’t think, didn’t seek approval, or even hesitate for a second, as he dragged her inside in search of someplace private.
Rows of seats blurred together as they passed, following the signs down a hallway and around the corner. He pinned her against the wall with his body, balancing the doughnut box against his side, unable to wait another second before devouring her again. She tasted deliciously sweet. He threw the bathroom door open and hauled her inside. He dropped the box and locked the door without breaking their kiss.
Afterward, he rested his forehead on her shoulder, his body shuddering with aftershocks. “I love you, baby.” He kissed her shoulder. “I’m sorry we missed the sunset.”
She leaned her back against his chest, and with a sated smile she said, “A double rainbow with you is better than ten thousand sunsets.”
“You mesmerize me, the way you go from being vixenish Violet one minute to sweet-as-sugar Daisy the next.” He turned her in his arms and said, “I couldn’t love you more than I do right this second.” He kissed her softly. “I was wrong. I love you even more now.” He brushed his smiling lips over hers and said, “Just made a liar out of myself again. Another second, another level of love…”
Chapter Fourteen
VIOLET REACHED INTO the vat of slip and fished out the fabric she was going to use to create the dress on the sculpture of the little girl. She couldn’t stop admiring the adorable face and the intricate detail on the cat she and Andre had created. Adding the clay-soaked fabric dress was the last element before they started the long drying process. It had been twelve sometimes-sappy, sometimes-erotic, always-sensational days since she’d met Andre’s parents, during which time her life had also gone on as normal…only better. They went to work, hung out with their friends at the inn, and had even joined them for a bonfire on the beach. They ate ridiculously good breakfasts—thanks to Andre—and they’d gone to the coffeehouse to hang out. They’d also dropped off several pieces of pottery for the suicide-awareness rally and auction, which was taking place tonight.
“It looks pretty good, doesn’t it?” Andre put his arm around her waist and kissed her cheek. “We make a great team, Dais—in the studio, on the beach, in the bedroom…everywhere.”
Her pulse quickened, and she wondered if she would ever get so used to being with Andre that she’d lose that nervous edge. She sure hoped not.
“We always did,” she said honestly. “Our timing just sucked.”
“It doesn’t suck now,” he said as she gently squeezed the clay-soaked fabric. “And it doesn’t have to suck ever again. Desiree comes back tomorrow. Are you still planning on talking with her?”
“Yes.” Her stomach dipped. It was Thursday. She still had one more day to prepare for that conversation. But she’d been avoiding any talk about the future, and she had a feeling that’s where he was heading. “I’m going to tell her about volunteering and sculpting.”
If Andre had his way, she’d tell Desiree about her friends at the coffeehouse, too. She didn’t know why she was more nervous about revealing that part of her life, though she had a feeling it was because Andre was leaving in a week and a half and they hadn’t discussed how they were going to handle it. If they decided to try a long-distance relationship, she might need the safety of that hideout and the comfort of those friends to make it through.
“Let’s get this done,” she said, trying to redirect the conversation. “I don’t want to be late for the rally.” She held the clay-soaked fabric in front of the sculpture and said, “I want it to look like she’s in motion, lifting her hand as the butterfly lands, so we need to create the feel of the skirt of her dress shifting.”
They’d made a beautiful clay butterfly in the girl’s palm. Andre had helped her make Erin’s hands look as soft and delicate as they had been in real life.
“Why don’t I do one side and then you can do the other,” she suggested. Andre had taught her how to sculpt, but she’d learned to use slip and add fabric to her sculptures on her own through trial and error.
“First we’ll drape the thin area over one shoulder and bring it across the body,” she said as she did it. “And then what I thought we’d do is create ripples like pleats, only softer like this.” She manipulated the wet fabric, carefully lifting and shifting one-inch sections so they fell like soft pleats over the little girl’s thighs. “Once we’ve done both sides, we’ll put another strip of fabric around her waist and tie it in a bow in the back. I’ve been thinking about this piece for so long, I feel like I’ve already done this a hundred times.”
As she placed the fabric in position she said, “I just realized—you can do the back while I do the front.”
“Babe, I’ll do you any way you’d like.” He stepped behind her, pressing his hips against her.
When he began kissing her neck, her hands stilled and she closed her eyes. There was no better feeling than being loved by this man, and it didn’t matter if they were taking a walk and holding hands or making out like they’d never get enough of each other. Every minute with him was magical. But if he kept this up, they’d never finish.
“Andre…”
He nipped at her earlobe and said, “Violet…”
“I really don’t want to be late tonight,” she said. “But I also really want to put my slimy hands all over you.”
He chuckled, walked around the table, and began pleating the fabric.
“That’s it?” she snapped. “You’re not even going to try to get your way?”
“For now.” He leaned in for a kiss, and she scowled at him.
“You’re a tease.”
“You ain’t seen nothin’ yet, babe. Teasing you is half the fun. I never know if I’ll get Daisy or Violet when we get in bed. Tonight I plan on having both. First I’ll make love to you slow and sweet until you can barely breathe.”
Her insides heated up. “Stop it.”
“Then I’m going to take you hard and a little rough, just the way you like it,” he said as he worked, his eyes flicking up to gauge her reaction every few seconds, which made his words even hotter. “I’ll take you right up to the edge of ecstasy and hold you there—”
“How’s it coming?” Justin asked as he came through the door, looking especially broody. His face was pinched and his brows were drawn tight.
Violet’s hands were shaking, and she was sure her cheeks were flushed. She dipped her head so Justin couldn’t see her and focused on the material as she tried to regain control.
Andre cocked a grin and said, “Slow and steady.”
Violet glared at him.
Justin admired their work but didn’t crack a smile. “Looks like you’ve got her nice and wet.”
“That’s the goal,” Andre said, his gaze flicking up to hers. They both stifled a laugh.
“It has to be wet to shape the fabric,” Violet said, trying to force her mind to think of the project rather than Andre’s sexy promises. She peered over the sculpture, watching his hands move deftly as he created pleats in the fabric. There was something about watching her big, strong man creating something so delicate and beautiful that sucked her right in.
“Are you going to be done in time to go to the coffeehouse?” Justin asked. He would be there with the rest of the Dark Knights to honor his cousin’s memory.
“We wouldn’t miss it. Are you okay?” She fished out another piece of fabric and placed it across the other shoulder, draping it diagonally down the body.
“Yeah, fine,” Justin said. “Just dealing with something.”
“Anything we can help with?” she asked.
He almost smiled and said, “No. It’s cool. Thanks.”
“I’m sorry about your cousin,” Andre said.
“Yeah, we all are. She was a great girl.” His eyes swept over the fabric again, and he said, “Looks like you’ve met your match, Vi. He’s got talented hands.”
You have no idea…
“I’m taking off,” Justin said, heading for the door. “I want to spend time with Dwayne and his family before the rally.”
The second he walked out the door, lust simmered in Andre’s eyes and he said, “As I was saying—”
She leaned across the table and pressed her lips to his in a slow, sensual kiss.
“If you want to have any chance at mattress dancing with Daisy and getting down and dirty with Violet, then focus on the work at hand,” she said. “If we don’t finish in time for the rally, the only action you’ll be getting is the vibration of the bike between your legs.”
He smirked, and that confidence made him even sexier.
“I’m a talented multitasker,” he said huskily. “I can manipulate materials and turn you on without missing a beat.”
She breathed deeply, preparing for his titillating assault.
THEY FINISHED THE sculpture and prepped it for the drying process, and Andre teased and prepped his girl for a special night. Sculpting with Violet had always been an incredibly sensual process. Andre had never felt that way when he was around other sculptors, but Violet was a passionate woman, and it carried over to every part of her life. He had no idea how other guys could keep from being lulled in by her innate sensuality. Although, he mused as they parked down the street from the coffeehouse later that evening, you probably scare the life out of most guys. Wimps.
Motorcycles, trucks, Jeeps, and dozens of other vehicles lined the narrow road leading to Common Grounds Coffeehouse. They left their helmets on the bike, and he reached for Violet’s hand. “Why do they hold the rally here? It’s such a small place.”
“Dwayne’s family wanted to honor Ashley’s memory in a place that accepted everyone, with no prejudices, so anyone, no matter how alone they feel, would know they were welcome. Can you think of a better place?”
“No, I guess not.”
Children ran around on the grass beside the building with adults watching them from the perimeter. Music blared from the band playing on the patio, where people of all ages danced and mingled. A handful of guys in leather jackets stood out front smoking and talking.
Andre put his arm around Violet, holding her tighter. “How’s it going?” he asked as they walked past the smokers.
“Good, man,” one of them mumbled.
They walked inside, where it was standing room only. Burly bearded guys in leather jackets stood shoulder to shoulder along the wall, arms crossed, as if they were guarding the property. Women and children gathered around a buffet table filling their plates, while waiters and waitresses rushed from table to table. Gabe waved from the corner of the room. Andre waved back, but she was already tending to another customer.
The line moved, and Elliott hollered over the music, “Violet! Andre!” He gave them high fives and said, “Steph saved you seats on the patio.”
Violet put her hand on Elliott’s shoulder and shouted, “How you holding up?”
“Okay. Thanks.” He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. “Are you taking the mic tonight after the rally?”
“Yeah, Vi. Are you going to take the mic tonight?” Andre asked.
She had yet to get up and say anything in front of the group, though Andre had asked her to every time they’d come. He was dying to get a peek into that side of her, and he had to admit that it stung knowing others had seen what he had not. Steph and Cory both told him that Violet would never get up and take the mic when asked. She likes to do things at her own pace. She’s got to feel the draw.
Boy, did he know that.
“Don’t hold your breath, you two,” she said. “We’ll catch you later, El.” She grabbed a paper from in front of Elliott and shoved it in Andre’s hand. “You’ll need this later. Put it in your pocket.”
He shoved it in his pocket as they moved through the crowd. Violet drew a lot of attention in her second-skin leather pants and leather jacket.
“Vi!” Steph waved them over when they stepped out onto the patio. She was sitting with Cory, Rowan, and Joni. A large pizza sat in middle of the table beside a tray of nachos and a bowl of breadsticks.
Joni jumped off her seat and ran over to them. She took their hands, grinning up at them as she said, “Hi, monkey! Hi, frog!”
Andre tousled her hair and said, “How’s it going, chinchilla?”
Joni giggled and pulled them over to the table. She climbed onto Rowan’s lap and said, “Daddy, what’s a chilla?”
Rowan whispered something in her ear that sent her into a fit of giggles. He lifted his chin and said, “Hey, sugar,” to Violet, then to Andre he said, “Hey, man, I can’t thank you enough for hooking me up with Dr. Posillico. He got us in right away to see someone, and you were right; they didn’t just blow us off.”
“The doctor said I have dixia!” Joni announced. “’Cause I get frustrated with school stuff. They’re going to help me learn better so maybe I won’t hate school so much.” She grabbed Rowan’s face between her hands and put her nose right up against his as she said, “Can we dance now, peanut butter?”
“Sure, sugar.” He set Joni on her feet and stood up. “Y’all should check out the cool sculpture they’re auctioning off. If I had a few bucks, I’d snag it in a heartbeat.”
“Daddy! It’s naked!” Joni said as she led him into the crowd.
“It’s a man’s torso,” Steph explained. “A little underendowed if you ask me.”
Violet didn’t flinch, look away, or give any other indication that she might be uncomfortable listening to them talk about her anonymous artwork. They’d been together again for almost a month, and he was starting to see the beauty in her artistic anonymity. There was something romantic about knowing she was putting pieces of them into the world without anyone else knowing it. He would always want her to be recognized for her talent, but maybe Violet was right to hold this piece so close to her chest, like their own secret.
Cory picked u
p a slice of pizza and said, “Because I ruined you for every other man.”
Steph rolled her eyes. Her hair was cornrowed tonight, and she twisted the ends of a braid. “Seriously, though. I mean, someone had to pose for that, right? How does that guy feel knowing his less-than-impressive junk is being seen by hundreds of people? Someone should tell the artist to do the guy a solid and build him up.”
They all chuckled.
“Steph, the dude obviously doesn’t care or he wouldn’t have modeled. Can we get off the junk talk now?” Cory slid the pizza tray closer to them. “You two hungry?” As Andre and Violet grabbed pieces, he said, “What are you guys doing November seventeenth?”
“Sorry, man. I’ll be in Cambodia,” Andre said.
“Dude, that’s crazy,” Cory said. “For how long?”
“I’m not really sure. Three or four months. Why? What’s going on November seventeenth?”
Cory grinned and said, “I’ve got my first big gallery showing in Boston.”
“That’s awesome,” Andre exclaimed. “You must be stoked.”
“I’m beyond stoked. What about you, Vi?” Cory asked. “Can you make it?”
“Dwayne and Rowan and I are going,” Steph said. “If you’re around, we can go together.”
Violet glanced nervously at Andre. He’d bet a buck her toe was turning in, too. He knew she loved him, but she’d changed the subject every time he’d gone anywhere near the topic of his leaving. If only she’d talk about it, at least then he’d know what she was thinking. He’d promised not to push, but waiting was killing him.
“I, um…” She looked down at her pizza, and then she sat up a little taller, looked at Cory, and said, “I don’t know what I’m doing next week, much less in November. But that’s incredible, and you know I’ll be there if I can. Is this the gallery that architect buddy of yours was going to try to hook you up with?”
“Yeah. Drew really came through for me,” Cory answered. “I’ve got to bust my butt to get ready for the show, though.”