The Blank Canvas (Apartment #2)

by Amanda Black

  Ethan was quiet as she looked, watching for her reactions. He was always right behind her if she wanted to ask him something about one of the pieces or if she simply needed him to hold her and reassure her of his presence. None of the images were graphic or overly revealing, but there were more than a few times that she buried her face in his chest to hide her blush, overcome by the sensuality of the memory he’d captured.

  One painting in particular caused her to stop in her tracks, covering her mouth to hide her gasp. Ethan closed the distance between them and slowly wrapped his hands around her middle, pulling her back against his chest as he leaned down to whisper in her ear.

  “Do you remember that night, Lily?” She felt his warm breath tickle her neck, and the sensation mixed with the seductive purr of his voice caused her flesh to tingle and her nipples to harden.

  “Yes,” she breathed, almost no sound to her voice. The painting showed the silhouette of two lovers dancing, locked in a heated embrace as the male figure dipped the female over a bed. “Our dance.”

  “I knew I loved you, even then,” he said against her skin as he softly kissed below her ear. “I wish I’d had the courage to just tell you.”

  “I could say the exact same thing,” she said without taking her eyes off the canvas.

  “Do you remember how our bodies moved together that night?” He continued to assault her senses, kissing and blowing along the length of her neck as he spoke. “I felt your soul. Being with you is like a religious experience.”

  “Of course I remember,” she panted, nearly swooning from the effects of the champagne and his proximity. “I remember everything.”

  “Good.” He kissed the top of her shoulder, sending ripples of pleasure down her body until moisture was pooling between her thighs. “I can’t wait to start making a lifetime of new memories with you.”

  “Starting tonight?” she whispered, unable to hide the hopefulness in her voice. Ethan pulled her back into him more tightly, slowly thrusting his hips forward until she felt his hardness rubbing against her lower back.

  “Starting tonight,” he growled.

  Lily turned and looked up at him hungrily, the words let’s get the hell out of here on the tip of her tongue, when a familiar voice rang out behind them.

  “There you are!”

  Ethan winced, already knowing who the voice belonged to, and who exactly he would see if he were to turn around. He took a deep breath and counted to ten, willing his body to calm down. Mouthing the words soon, I promise to Lily, he planted a strained smile on his face and turned around to greet his entire family.

  Emma had been the one to call out, and when Lily saw that she was surrounded by Ethan’s family, she finally lost her battle with her tears. As they streamed down her face, she ran forward and hugged both Emma and Maggie, scolding them for keeping her in the dark about such an important event.

  “Hey, don’t blame us, we were sworn to secrecy!” Emma replied. “Our job was to get you ready for your date and keep you distracted. If we let it slip, Ethan wasn’t going to let us in.”

  “Yeah, it was hard enough getting in as it was,” Brandon laughed over Emma’s shoulder. “Even having our name on the list and being related to the artist wasn’t enough to get through the front door any faster.”

  “Sorry about that, guys.” Ethan rubbed the back of his neck in frustration. “I guess they’re at capacity, and Joan can only let in so many people as the others leave. I should have been watching for you, maybe there’s something I could have done.”

  “Don’t be silly!” Barbara piped up, previously hidden behind Eric and Richard as they each glanced around at different paintings. She walked forward and put her hands on Ethan’s shoulders, staring up into his worried eyes. “I was happy to wait. I am so proud that my talented son has so many people excited to see his work,” she said. “And darling,” she sighed, “you’ve outdone yourself. These are breathtaking.”

  “Really?” He had shown his work in galleries around the world, never once feeling awkward or seeking approval, but the moment his parents stood before him, Ethan felt like a six-year-old child holding up a doodle he hoped they might display on the refrigerator.

  “Absolutely,” Richard nodded, joining his wife in congratulating him. “Son, you know that I have followed your progress through the years. I will gladly admit that I’m more than a bit biased, but these are simply amazing. It’s your best work yet.”

  Ethan nodded sharply, swallowing past the painful lump in his throat. “Thank you,” he uttered with a wavering voice. “That really means a lot to me.”

  “Just as finally being here for you really means a lot to us. Thank you for letting us share this with you.” Richard glanced between his wife and his son, leaning forward to speak more softly. “It’s obvious how much you love her, Ethan. I don’t know what I’m more proud of right now.”

  Before Ethan could offer another choked-up reply, he was saved by his brother’s interruption. “Dude, these paintings are fucking hot,” Eric laughed, clapping him on the back roughly.

  “Eric! Language!” Barbara scolded. “I know you’re a grown man, but could you at least try to keep your voice down when you speak like that?”

  “Sorry, Mom,” he chuckled, leaning over and kissing her on the cheek loudly. “Why don’t you two finish walking around? I know you haven’t looked at everything yet. Emma and Maggie just stole Lily to ask her embarrassing questions about these paintings; I’m sure you could catch up to them.”

  “No, no. Let them have their privacy. Come on, darling,” she sighed, grabbing onto Richard’s arm. “Let’s finish appreciating our son’s gift.”

  Eric waited until they had walked far enough away to be out of earshot before speaking again. “So? Spill it. Did your grand gesture work?”

  “Apparently so,” Ethan whispered. “She hasn’t slapped me yet, and she seems to be moved by many of the pieces.”

  “I told you she would love it.”

  “Yes, I know. I was just worried that this might be too much to take in at once, you know? Not everyone would be able to handle seeing so many intimate details of their private life displayed all over like this.”

  “True, but these are really tasteful. I’m just glad you took my advice and pulled those other two.”

  “Eric, I never intended on showing those; they were just for me. You would have never seen them either if you hadn’t knocked me unconscious and gone snooping that day.”

  “I wasn’t snooping, they were sitting out.” He watched as his brother arched an eyebrow at him in disbelief. “Dude, whatever. I’m just happy that her nips aren’t up here for any old perv to stare at. That might have been too much for her, and then I would’ve had to kick your ass again.”

  “You really do care about her, don’t you?”

  “I told you before, she’s like a sister to me now. Not just me—all of us.”

  “I’m really glad. She’s never had siblings before, and I know how much you all mean to her.”

  “Well, it’s definitely mutual. So take good care of her.”

  Chapter 15

  Across the room, Lily was undergoing a similar line of questioning from Maggie and Emma.

  “You sure you’re okay with all of this? I mean, it’s so romantic, but I’m sure it’s probably a bit overwhelming, too.”

  “Emma, I’m good. No need to worry. Yes, it’s overwhelming, but mostly because I just want to be alone with him right now and I can’t be.”

  “That’s my girl!” Maggie said proudly, squeezing her on the shoulder. “I knew you would be fine with all of this. And I must say, these paintings are so erotic! I never knew Mr. Stick-In-The-Mud had it in him.”

  “So he’s got the Maggie Foster smut seal of approval?” Lily teased.

  “Most definitely! Now, my dear… tell me more about this waltz painting,” Maggie grabbed her arm and led her back to where they had started. “I am more than intrigued.”

  It took over an
hour for Ethan to finally break free of the curious onlookers who set upon him after his conversation with Eric. Three different reporters spoke with him, taking his picture in front of some of the larger paintings. It had all been a giant blur to him, though, and his only concern was Lily and making sure that she was alright. No matter whom he was speaking with, he always managed to find her in the crowd. And as if she could feel his eyes on her, she would always look up and smile, letting him know that she would be there for him when he was done.

  After their heated exchange in front of the painting earlier, he couldn’t be done fast enough.

  He needed her with such intensity that it was becoming painful. Not only for his insistent erection that would resurface every time he thought of her, but for the ache in his chest that had been growing ever since she had walked away with his sisters.

  Just knowing that they were finally going to consummate their official relationship had him feeling possessive and needy. Lily had been very patient, allowing him to show her in his own way how much he loved her. Now that they were finally ready to take things to the next level, he was extremely antsy.

  When he spotted Lily speaking with Joan and Andrea again, he made his move. Coming up behind her and wrapping his hand tightly around her waist, he smiled at the two women before turning his attention to Lily. “Can I tempt you to leave?” he asked quietly.

  “Ethan, you are walking temptation,” she whispered back, her sweet breath floating over his skin like a lover’s caress. “All you have to do is say the word and I’m all yours.”

  “Ladies,” he said, holding his hand out to Joan and Andrea. “It was a pleasure, but I’m afraid we must be going.”

  “Yes, I can see that,” Andrea giggled.

  “Thank you for everything tonight, Joan. I look forward to working with you again in the future.”

  “Likewise. I’ll contact Greg after the weekend with the final sales figures.”

  With one last nod goodbye, Ethan steered Lily toward the exit. The moment they stepped outside his phone was in his hand and he was pressing a number on his speed dial. “Yes, this is Ethan Foster. I expect to arrive in less than twenty minutes.” He listened briefly as they walked back to the car. “Yes, that’s correct. All the arrangements have been made with the manager.” He hung up abruptly, clearly in demanding business mode, and Lily hated to admit to herself how much it turned her on.

  When they reached the car in the back parking lot he pressed the remote to unlock the door for her, but as soon as she tried to open it he pinned her roughly up against the side of the car, effectively slamming the door shut again.

  “I need you, Lily,” he growled in her ear, pressing his hardened body into her back again. “I’ve never needed you so badly.”

  “Oh God, me neither!” she gasped, leaning her head back on his shoulder. “I’m almost in pain.”

  Ethan’s hand slid around the front of her dress, reaching up to cup her breast through the fabric. He bent down and nipped at the exposed flesh of her neck before licking his way up to her earlobe. After sucking it between his teeth and biting lightly, he released her long enough to whisper in her ear. “I wanted our first time together again to be sweet and loving, but I don’t think I’m going to manage that tonight. I’m hurting for you, Lily. Can you forgive my weakness?”

  She pushed him back enough so that she could turn around and face him. “Ethan, it’s not weakness. It’s still going to be loving. I love you and you love me.” Her voice dropped lower until it became husky. “Now get me to the fucking hotel and lovingly fuck my brains out!”

  He didn’t need to be told twice. Without another word he opened the door for her, closing it quickly behind her and jumping in, speeding off into the night. Unwilling to let any distance intrude as they drove, Lily scooted closer and put her hand on his thigh. She could feel by how tightly the muscles contracted under her fingers that he was barely staying in control.

  “You’re playing with fire, little girl,” he snarled through his teeth without taking his eyes off the road.

  “Good,” she replied, taking her hand back and slowly lifting her dress to the top of her hips. “Because I’ve got something over here that’s rather heated as well.”

  Ethan glanced over long enough to catch a glimpse of black garter straps attached to the sexiest pair of thigh-high stockings he’d ever seen. There were tiny blue bows at the end of each strap, and when he looked closer he could see that she also wore a black satin G-string with a matching blue bow.

  Looking back just in time to see that he was about to run a red light, Ethan screeched to a stop. “Shit! Are you trying to get us killed?” he hissed, turning to stare openly at her display. “Christ, Lily… what the hell are you wearing?”

  “A present.”

  He reached over and delicately brushed his fingertips against the straps on her thighs. “A present, huh? Who’s it for?” He moved his fingers higher and inwards, sliding through the dampness that had collected at the top of her thighs until he was brushing against wet satin.

  “You,” she moaned. “Always you.”

  He breathed deeply for a moment, trying to collect himself. When he spoke again, it was with a shaking voice. “God Lily…you’re fucking soaked.”

  She put her hand on his cheek, directing him to meet her heavy-lidded gaze. “You, Ethan. It’s always for you.”

  Just then a loud horn blared behind them, alerting them that the light had changed.

  “Alright,” he gulped, crossing through the intersection. “I’m driving again. Maybe you should cover back up so I can concentrate.”

  “Is that what you really want?” she asked playfully.

  “No.”

  “That’s what I thought,” she giggled. “I think you’d much rather see something like this.” Lily lifted her right foot until her new sexy high heel was resting on the dashboard, opening her legs up more widely. He groaned loudly and went to reach for her, but she slapped his hand away. “No, sir. Hands on the steering wheel.”

  Once she saw his hand return to the wheel, she slid her fingers inside the tiny scrap of fabric masquerading as underwear and began to touch herself slowly. Her slick folds were swollen with need, but when she began to stroke small circles around her throbbing clitoris it only made her feel more hollow inside.

  “God… baby… I need you inside here so badly,” she nearly whined, her actions sending tremors through her legs and making them shake visibly.

  “Fuck!” he gritted through his teeth, clenching his jaw tighter as he floored the accelerator. He would only allow himself furtive glances at one of the most erotic things he’d ever witnessed, knowing that if he actually turned his head to stare he would end up crashing. “Soon, baby. I promise. We’re almost there. There’s nowhere else safe to stop on the way or I would already be pounding into you.”

  “Hurry!” she cried, her inner walls beginning to clamp down on the single finger that she had slipped inside herself.

  “Christ, you’re too sexy for your own good,” he ground out, wiping away a sudden sheen of sweat from his brow. “Come for me, baby. Just let go and I’ll make you feel even better in just a few minutes. Come all over those pretty little fingers and let me taste it.”

  His words were her undoing, and his dirty talk sent sparks straight to where she was touching herself until she was crying out so loudly that it echoed through the car. Her body spasmed, flooding her fingers with a fresh coating of moisture. Sitting up quickly, she leaned over and shoved two glistening fingertips into his eager mouth.

  Grunting around her digits as he sucked them clean, Ethan silently prayed that he would be able to get her upstairs to the room without embarrassing himself in his expensive new suit. The sign for the Four Seasons appeared as he turned the corner, and the sigh of relief he let loose was almost comical.

  “Oh thank fuck! We’re here, baby. Come on, cover back up before we reach the valet and we’ll be in the room before you know it.”

/>   After he pulled up to the curb to let her out, Lily stood for a moment on wobbly legs before she made her way slowly to the front door. Ethan noticed the valet watching her appreciatively as she walked away, causing him to shoot him a stern look of warning before surrendering his car. As soon as he opened the door and sat down in Ethan’s place, the very distinct smell of delicious, aroused Lily wafted out into the night. The valet’s eyes nearly crossed and he was unable to hide a quiet grunt.

  “Fuck, dude. Good for you.” And with that he shut the door and drove off.

  Ethan wanted to be angry and offended, but he just couldn’t find the energy. Lily was waiting for him. He ran after her, catching her just inside the front lobby.

  “What about our luggage?” she asked, almost in a daze.

  “Don’t worry, it’s already upstairs. I checked us in earlier this afternoon.” He guided her into the elevator, keeping an eye out for any sudden extra passengers. The moment the doors closed, Lily was all over him.

  “God… I want you,” she panted against his neck, flicking her tongue over his skin before nipping and biting at his Adam’s apple. She ran her hands down the front of his body and rubbed his erection through his pants, smiling at the feel of the vibrations under her lips when he threw his head back and moaned. When he tried to speak again, it was punctuated with tiny whimpers.

  “Lily … baby … fuck!” He grabbed her shoulders, trying halfheartedly to push her away. “Baby, you have to stop for a minute.”

  “Why?”

  “Because I’m going to come all over you if you don’t.” He took a deep breath to collect himself before continuing. “Now, as fun as that might sound if we were in bed and completely naked, I’d rather not explore that fully dressed in a public elevator.”

  “I’m sorry,” she said, pulling farther back.

  “Don’t be sorry; just try to save it for the room. I’m wound so tightly after what you just did in the car, the littlest thing could set me off.”

  “So you liked it?” She smiled up at him shyly, biting her bottom lip.