by Dyanne Davis
“Sam,” Rebe smiled. “Next time we'll take it slow. I promise.”
He smiled that was enough to make him do what she wanted, what he wanted. Rising up he entered her and for a moment he didn't move savoring the feel of her. Her heat was scorching him, her legs wrapped around his torso and he began to thrust into her body, going deep and hard.
Two, three, four…what the? He was…his orgasm was fast approaching and there wasn’t a damn thing Sam could do about it. This couldn't be happening. He'd lasted longer than this when he'd been a teen and it was his first time. Damn it all to hell, but it was too late, he couldn't stop. His body convulsed and pleasure filled him as he grunted with the orgasm, knowing Rebe had been nowhere near ready. WTH. He fell on her in a slump and attempted to roll her over but she moved so quickly getting out of the bed and making a dash for the bathroom.
“Next time it will be better,” Rebe yelled over her shoulder as she made her way for the bathroom. “I have to take a shower.”
In stunned disbelief Sam stared at her. Did that just happened? Did he really only last four strokes?” He groaned and lay back on the bed covering his head in shame, remembering what Kandi had told him about Chase.
Oh hell. Then he remembered Rebe said she was in love with him. That had to count for something. She’d never been in love with Chase. He grinned, he'd made love to Rebe and four strokes or not he'd never felt such intense passion. How unheroic of him to be feeling like a caveman wanting to drag her back to his lair and do it right, or at the least how about doing it again in the shower, perhaps he'd last a little longer. Before the idea could fully take root he was at the door to the bathroom and was trying unsuccessfully to turn the knob. He couldn't believe it. She’d locked him out.
“Rebe, why did you lock the door? I thought we could try it again in the shower.”
“I told you I didn't have time.”
“But…”
“Please, how did I know you'd try to come in here and finish the job? I know you better than you think. And that makes two things so far I know about you.”
He heard a funny sound. “Are you in there laughing at me?”
“Yes, but not for the reason you think. I think you're very sweet.”
“Sweet,” he groaned. Sweet was not what he wanted to be with her. Especially not after Kandi telling him why Rebe had stayed with Chase for so long. It was his sexual prowess.
Moving away from the door Sam went for tissues trying to decide if he should take a shower at her apartment or return to his own. He glanced behind his shoulder at the bed thinking perhaps he'd just crawl back in and stay until Rebe returned home. The door to the bathroom opened Rebe came out and before he could say a word she'd opened her drawer and put on red panties. He moved toward her, but she held out her hand and grabbed for a matching bra. Then she ran for the closet snatched a blouse and pants from hangers and redressed.
“Chase isn’t here yet.”
Rebe glanced at her watch. “Trust me he’ll be here in a couple of seconds.” As though she’d spoken a prophesy, the horn of a car sounded and Rebe ran for the door. “Make the bed and make sure you lock the door when you leave.”
Looking after Rebe, Sam tilted his head slightly as he caught his reflection in the mirror. Rebe had decided for him. It wasn't a wait for me until I come home moment. He should be feeling worse. Why wasn't he? Making a move for the mirror he gave himself a thorough once over. Turning his head in different directions he was looking for the warts.
“Sam, what are you doing?” Rebe asked laughing hysterically.
“Why are you back? I thought you were in a rush.”
“I am but I decided to come back for a second. Now why are you looking at yourself so intently in the mirror?”
“Okay, I'm looking for the warts.” More laughter greeted him.
“Seriously, I shouldn't have ever said that. You're not a frog,” Rebe crossed her fingers over her heart.
“Why did you come back?” he asked.
She pressed her body against him and kissed him. Then she pulled away. “I wanted to tell you that I like it that you wanted me so much that you couldn't hold back.”
“That was because of your nagging me to hurry.”
“No, it wasn’t. You wanted me and you wanted me bad. Admit it.”
“Yes, I wanted you, but…not even my first time. It's you, Rebe.”
“I know that. You're in love with me.” She kissed him again. “And I'm in love with you, Sam. You are my hero.” Then she gave him a slap on his naked behind and ran out the door.
Chapter Seventeen
The impromptu meeting while taking the client to the airport had gone well. They didn’t have a definitive answer but at least they’d finally told the client what he could expect from their firm. When they’d returned to the office for the other appointments they had lined up things were going as though they had divine help.
Rebe was beaming, wanting to hurry the day along so she could be with Sam. She had proclaimed him the hero in her personal little drama. She laughed. She had it wrong, the readers had it wrong. As her mother had always told her, pretty is as pretty does. Yes, Chase was tall, handsome, rich and fun. And she wouldn't lie, they were damned good together. And no, she'd not had the big ‘O’ with Sam. She hadn’t even been close. But it didn't matter. He was a hero in every sense of the word and she loved him. She loved that he wanted her so much that he'd been unable to hold back. And she loved that they both had warts and weren't perfect. It didn't matter, she was just happy he hadn't given up on her, that he'd loved her enough to allow her to get over her mistakes. Chase was her mistake, but he'd served a need she'd had. She glanced up and saw Chase coming toward her. He held his hands up in a defensive mode and gave her a look.
“You’re not going to like this but there has been a change in the plans for us. We’re staying overnight. We have another meeting in the morning. Mr. Newton has a meeting with a client and he wants us to be there.”
“But why?” Rebe stopped, she’d sounded like she was whining. “Chase, come on,” She pleaded trying her best not to sound like a little girl pouting.
“You do get that Mr. Newton is head of the firm don’t you? I’m merely a junior partner. If you ever want to make even that, you’ve got to learn how to play ball. You don’t have a choice but to go to the meeting and neither do I.”
After giving Rebe the remaining details Chase dropped the final bombshell. “I already booked our room.”
“I suggest you book one more.” Rebe walked away her heels clicking. No way would Sam believe her. Heck she wouldn't believe it either. Still she had to call him and let him know she was flying to New York and wouldn't be home until the next afternoon.
When she was almost done with the call she took a breath. She was determined to tell Sam all of it. “Chase is going on the trip with me, but nothing is going to happen. I promise.”
“I was already aware that Chase would be without you on the trip. After all this is really his case, he’s just allowing you to help him. Besides, you don't have to promise me nothing will happen between you and Chase. I trust you.”
“Seriously?”
“Yes, seriously.”
“By the way, Chase and I are going to an art exhibit while we’re in New York. Seth Alexander Martin is having a private showing for some of his most exclusive clients. It's a really posh event, something I'd never go to, but the boss bought tickets for us. The artist is one of his favorites. He asked that Chase and I go and pick out a new painting for the office."
Rebe thought for a moment how that could possibly hurt Sam's feelings and rushed on to soothe ruffled feathers. "He loves your work though, Sam.”
Sam laughed.
“What's so funny?”
“Nothing much, but I’m thinking Chase is probably thrilled to be going to the exhibit of a famous artist. I know he’s been saying for months that both of us should see how a really successful artist is treated, and that I should pr
obably be able to pick up a few pointers. I really don’t mind that Chase thinks you should see a successful artist.”
“You can't blame him for making a crack. I mean you did paint him as a frog. But just so we’re clear, Chase didn’t buy the tickets to exhibit. Our boss did. Don't worry, I'm pretty pleased with the artist I have. I don't care if you never become famous, or make tons of money. After all it's not your money I love, but you.”
For a long moment Sam was silent then he asked, “What time are you going to the gallery?”
“I think it's about eight. Chase and I are having dinner first. They are supposed to have snacks at the exhibit, but you know how these things are. If you don’t eat you’ll end up starving. But I think the exhibit starts around eight.”
“Have a good time.”
All in all the day had been pleasant with the exception of thinking something really bad had happened to Sam. But even that had turned out well. They were now a couple. And Rebe had to admit, from the private plane, to the meeting, everything had been first class and all on the company dime.
As usual she was having fun with Chase. Dinner was delicious. And now even though neither of them had been thrilled to attend the art show they were both enjoying it. Rebe stood in awe looking at the paintings, something about them so familiar. She wasn't an art connoisseur by any means but if she didn't know better.
Then she moved to the next painting. It was her face staring back at her. She looked radiant and happy and she was holding, she laughed, she was holding a frog with a crown on its head. She knew the artist. Looking down at the signature she noticed the first letter of each name was in a larger font Seth Alexander Martin. Sam. She turned to tell Chase and her eyes met Sam's. She smiled at him. “I figured this one out on my own.”
“That you did. But it took you long enough.”
“I'm slow, what can I say? It's beautiful.” Rebe turned back toward the painting. “It's really beautiful.”
“I know, Sam said. “My model is beautiful.” His arms slid around Rebe’s waist and he nibbled her neck. “Tell me the truth. Doesn’t it feel better to have finally and officially broken it off with the other guy?”
She laughed. “Yeah.”
“Did you tell Chase the reason?”
“That I'm in love with you?” Rebe asked.
“You told him that?”
“Yes.”
“Are you really?”
“Does it come as a surprise to you?”
“It comes as a surprise that you're finally admitting it.”
“I know. You've been pretty patient.”
“Not always. There have been so many times I wanted to wring your neck, so many times I wanted─”
“To stop loving me.”
“Yeah, but I couldn't. It’s not that easy to stop loving someone. We both know that.”
“I don't want this to be about my brother.”
“It never was,” Sam drew Rebe into the safety of his arms. “It was always about you.”
Neither of them had paid much attention to Chase until he tapped Sam on the arm.
“Sam, I didn't expect to see you here. In fact I didn’t expect to see you in New York. Apparently you’re jealous and came to check on your…” he shuddered. “I can't say it. It just doesn't seem possible that Rebe would choose you over me. Come on, Sam, tell the truth, you didn't trust us together did you? I can't blame you. After all, Rebe and I were together for nearly three years.” He slapped Sam on the shoulder. “Have you had a chance to look at some of the artwork? How does it feel to see the work of a real artist? I don't see a single painting in here less than twenty-five thousand dollars.”
Rebe and Sam began laughing simultaneously. “Chase, stop talking and look at the painting in front of us,” Rebe advised.
After a couple of seconds of staring Chase turned in Sam's direction. “That's Rebe. Did you paint that? Are you Seth Alexander Martin, the famous artist?”
“Yes,” Sam held his hand out to Chase. “I am.”
“Then why were you using the name Sam Adams? I don't get it.”
“People treat you differently when your name is tied to something. With my friends and the people I care about I use my initials.”
“But you were lying.”
“Perhaps.” Glancing at Rebe he saw that she was staring at him and he knew what she was thinking, why hadn't he told her? He grinned at her. “I'll tell you all, later.”
“"I guess I was wrong about you, Sam. Well, Rebe, it doesn't look as if you're going to starve.”
“I was never going to starve. I have a law degree, remember?” She saw Sam smiling at her as he moved between them.
“Excuse us, Chase, I have another painting I want to show Rebe.”
When Sam took her hand and began to lead her out the door Rebe wondered. When they got in the taxi and he gave an address, she wondered even more. When they rode up in an elevator of a swanky apartment building she could barely contain herself. “Yours?” she asked, as the light turned on and she began looking at the paintings on the wall.
Sam’s apartment was beautiful, tastefully decorated in rich jeweled tones, the décor was modern chic, artsy, yet classy at the same time. It was the kind of place an artist like Sam should have, which made her wonder about the messy apartment he’d shared with Jamie. The place practically screamed out happiness.
Looking around Sam’s apartment Rebe could see why he wanted to redo her apartment to bring in more energy. She now wanted the life in her living space that Sam had in his. And she was going to put all of her pictures back on the mantles and the walls. All of the people she loved including Jamie would be out where she could see them constantly.
“Take a look at the canvas in my bedroom,” Sam suggested as he pointed the way.
Rebe knew what the painting would be before she entered the door. A very tasteful nude of her.
“Are you upset?” Sam asked.
“Depends. I was pretty out of it the two weeks I spent in your apartment. Is this painting from memory or imagination? I mean did you take a peep while I was sleeping?”
“Are you serious? I would never─”
“Sam, I know that. I was merely teasing. Why didn’t you ever tell me who you were?”
“Do you seriously have to ask me about that? You treated me like the scum under your shoes. You were out for a man with money.”
“But I've met your family. Your father tried to give you money. I saw him.”
“To be honest with you, my father and my brothers think it will only be a matter of time until I starve. They’re disappointed that I didn’t follow them into medicine, or become a lawyer like my mom. She’s the only one in the family who truly believes in what I’ve chosen to do with my life. She’s the only one who insist I buy her the most outlandish and expensive gifts. My father scolds her for doing it. I love her for it. It proves just how much she believes in me.
Rebe walked from corner to corner eyeing the nude of her. “So tell me honestly… did you …I mean while you were painting me nude… did you ever pleasure─”
“No, of course not.”
“I don't believe you.”
“Even if I had, do you think I'd admit to doing something so childish? It's been a long time since I used beautiful girls in magazine to find my pleasure.”
“Are there more surprises?”
“You're going to have to find out. You've only found two things about me and I pretty much helped you with those. I thought since you were staying in New York, why not stay with me.”
“Chase got me a hotel room." Sam grinned at her and her heart pounded wildly. “Did you make my bed and lock up my apartment?" she asked.
“Yes.”
“I still have to go to the meeting tomorrow.”
“I’ll get you there in plenty of time. Me, not Chase.”
“What are we going to do?”
“I can tell you this much. What we do won't be accomplished in a couple of minutes. Give m
e your phone,” Sam ordered holding out his hand for her cell. “And I can assure you, I will not be borrowing Chase's condoms.”
“Was that as in plural?”
“Oh that I can promise you. It will not be quick.”
“I almost feel like walking back out so you can carry me to the bed”. Rebe glanced down then back up at Sam, and smiled. “Now that I know a little bitty man can carry me.”
And wouldn’t you know it, the little bitty man had her in his arms before she could say another word. He was kissing her in a way she'd never been kissed and her legs were turning to rubber. “Sam,” Rebe whispered, “I'm yours.”
“You always were,” he whispered back to her. “And I'm yours. Stay with me.”
“Sam, are you sure about us? I mean really sure?”
“Am I sure I love you? Yes. Listen, Rebe, you're not the only one afraid. I've been in love with you almost from the moment I met you and I've called myself crazy. You're totally nuts and I know it. So, I have to be out of my mind to want you.”
“Well, you’ve told me there are a hundred things wrong with me. You called me a featherbrained airhead, you've always talked about my many imperfections,” Rebe complained.
“Yeah, I have, haven't I? I’ve decided I love all of your imperfections. You're perfect for me.”
“Am I your end and your beginning?”
“Don't get carried away,” Sam laughed. “I'm not a poet, but you are more important to me than you’ll ever know. I can tell you this much. All of me does love all of you. If I could not love you, believe me I would have done that. But you love who you love. I tried a thousand times to wipe you from my mind, but you’d still invade my dream. I guess I did as much running as you, but I'm not running anymore. You're the woman I’ve been looking for.”
“And what about the rest?”
“If you give your all to me, I promise I'll give my all to you. I'll not hold back one thing, but I'm not going to accept half of you, Rebe, not half of your love, or half of your trust. I want you to love me so much, that yes, you'll be hurt if you lose me. You’ll feel pain if we fight, if we spend one night apart without talking. I want all of you.”