Coming out of the bathroom I step into the closet opposite of Brad’s shutting the door behind me. I drop the sheet and tug on my white flowing dress we bought together while visiting his family. I picked it up from home when I dropped by to pick up some more clothes and a few other essentials.
“So you decided to come home when the place wasn’t finished?” I tease, exiting the closet now in clothes. No panties but what does that really matter?
“I wanted to surprise you,” he smiles, making my heart melt. I’ve missed that beautiful chiseled face and thick body and most of all, I’ve missed his sexy deep bass voice. It feels like years since I’ve heard him talk and that voice makes my inside melt into a puddle and my pussy ignites into a hot steamy fire ball ready to explode any second. That and the fact that he just woke me from a nice love making session dream. Staring him, me and his new black canopy bed. Both of those rather tantalizing things have made my core scream in agony to be sated. This sucks.
“I’m surprised,” I smile back trying to be nice and sweet. Even though the pounding between my legs is intense and my heart is reaching out to touch him and pull him into my arms. Those beautiful lips of his and those bright blue eyes. How could he still be single? Brad’s perfect. And the longer I know him the more I’m convinced.
“Good. So… my designer I need a tour of my beautiful apartment.”
My brows furrow in confusion. “You haven’t examined it yet?”
He shakes his head with a smirk. “Nope, I want the tour from the one who’s taken up residency in my bed.” He winks.
Oh my god. I think I just came a little.
I walk towards the door and wave him along.
“Welcome to the humble abode of Bradly Saunders,” I giggle and head toward the front door to start the tour. He chuckles at me but tows behind me in a pair of jeans and white collared shirt rolled up his arms. Oh so sexy! I might drool.
Stepping into the living room I Vanna White the space. “This is the beautiful living room as you will notice there is a large couch for cuddling or entertaining.” I rub my hand along the back. “That is for your viewing pleasure it also comes with 3D glasses and it has built in wifi.” I point delicately to the TV.
“This couch is amazing.” He drops down on it his arms resting across the tall back. He looks fabulous sitting on it. And I’d love nothing more than to cuddle with him. But instead I stand at the end my legs touching the new ottoman coffee table.
“I’m glad you like it.” I smile and caress the ottoman combo. “This is a coffee table, extra seating, or ottoman. Plus it has storage.” I lift the lid to reveal new red silky blankets and a black one to match the space. I slowly shut the lids and take a few steps back curling my toes in the new plush dark gray rug. It’s soft and would be great to lay on in front of the fireplace. Which is where is sits. I’ve got an eye for the romance.
“That’s a cool table,” he praises, watching me squish my toes into the rug. “I also love how you placed the beautiful canvases on either side of the fire place it really makes them stand out against the pale gray walls.”
Wow, he’s observant. I’m surprised he noticed the color change. Most men would have overlooked that minor detail.
“This way sir.” I wave him into the kitchen and he gets up from the couch still wearing a pair of black dress shoes. “This room has been outfitted with various amenities that I will allow you to discover,” I say taking a seat at the island.
He opens each cupboard making Ooo’s and Ah’s along the way. Lots of praiseful sounds inaudibly pass through his sexy lips.
“You bought me these pans,” he screeches excitedly holding up one of the stainless skillets.
I chuckle. “Um… yes? Is that okay?”
“Hell yes! These are the best on the market! Holy shit!” he enthusiastically approves.
At this point I wouldn’t put it past him to jump up and down. Wait until he gets a load of the wine fridge. It’s stocked completely.
He turns around and pulls knives out of the block examining them.
“These are some fine knives,” he states getting a good close look at the blade and runs the belly of the tang over his arm hair shaving it off to check for sharpness. It makes me wince at the scary sight. I turn away.
“Holy shit! You didn’t,” he squeals dropping the sharp knife on the counter. I snap my head back to see it spinning crazily and that is enough to make my stomach tie up in knots. That’s not safe.
He ducks down and I know instantly he’s checking out the wine. “How in the heck did you get all these?”
“I found a website that rated them and directed me to all the sites that sold them. And one by one I either found a distributer in the city or they came by express mail. I ordered six at a time for the ones by mail so the extra bottles are in the pantry. But overall I think I got twelve to fifteen different kinds for you to try,” I explain evenly.
“This is awesome.” He pulls an amber colored bottled one out and sits it on the counter and goes searching for an opener. I bought a state of the art one. None of those metal doohickeys that take twenty years and part of the time drops cork into the wine by the time you’re finished.
“First drawer from the right,” I direct so this doesn’t take forever. He’ll learn eventually. He puts the electric wine opener to the top and lets it do its job. And voila it’s uncorked and there’s nothing floating.
“This is fancy,” he says tucking it back into its rightful place.
“You know you can rearrange anything in here. It’s your place. If you’d like the wine opener closer to the wine you can move it,” I smile.
“Yes, I know that but I want to keep it exactly how you’ve arranged it. Not a thing out of place.” A warm smile flows from his mouth and touches me heart from across the island. I love him. God why does this have to be so hard? My body is aching to love him and kiss him. I’ve not even touched him since he’s gotten home. Not a hug, or a pat on the back. That’s what you get when you’re in the dreaded but necessary ‘friend zone.’ It sucks though. I’m not going to lie.
He shuffles through the cupboards and I let him this time. He finds the Mikasa wine glasses and sits them on the counter and pours us both a glass. “Here.” He offers the stem.
I accept it and stand taking steps in the opposite direction into the attached dining room. It’s not large so I opted for a clear thick glass top table that’s rectangular with six chairs. It looks fantastic in the space and the clear tempered glass keeps the room seem brighter and fuller of light. Since there are no windows. The only authentic light that migrates from the front windows in the living room. Which isn’t much.
“Here’s the dining area.” I sweep my hand toward the table. He nods appreciatively and I take him into the half bath off the dining room. It was boring and white, with a white sink and toilet. Too much white. So I paid Greg the painter to give it a nice mint green color. I added white linen hand towels with green trim and a floral picture above the toilet. It looks ten times better. And with the smile on his face he seems to agree. I shut the door and work my way to his room which is the first on the right.
“You’ve seen this but you wanted the walk through,” I comment, stepping inside. This is my most favorite spot in the entire apartment. I did a damn good job. I haven’t finished the art yet. No time. But other than that it’s fantastic with creamy white walls. Blue, black and cream duvet cover over a soft feather bed. Four pillows on the bed, two with blue shams to match the thick striped bedding and the sheets are high thread count done in black. I was going to go with cream but they would show stains and they are more feminine. Black just screams masculinity.
“I really love this,” he smiles, sitting down on the bed. Opposite to where I slept.
“I’m glad, I got a Posturpedic bed. It’s medium firmness.” I take a sip of my wine. It’s delicious; I selected a good brand.
“Come sit.” He pats his big hand next to him.
That’s not
a good idea.
“No, I’m fine right here.” I stand far from the bed. I peek out the big wall to wall windows that I have draped with sheers. It’s a spectacular view.
“C’mon, I don’t bite. I have some good news I want to share and I won’t until you sit.” He orders wiggling his brows at me. I bite my lip contemplating.
“Fine.” I slump my shoulders sauntering across the room in a pout. I hate to do this. The heat from his body is going to entice me and I’ll be lucky to leave and go back home without throwing myself helplessly at his mercy. Which of course he’d turn down and turn up his nose disgusted because after all I am an escort. Oh, well that’s what my dreams are for. Maybe there not so bad after all.
I plant myself on the edge furthest from him and he scoots closer so our legs are touching my body immediately responds and my pussy tingles. This isn’t good. I shouldn’t love this man. But I do. So much.
I swallow hard. “And?” I croak out. Smooth Alexis, real smooth! I’m an idiot.
Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!
He takes the last sip of his wine and sets it on his nightstand. His hand presses into the mattress right behind me and his forearm brushes my back. Oh, that feels nice. All the hairs on my body simultaneously stand on end.
“I took pictures with my phone of your art before I went down to Miami to lock up my apartment and make sure Manny the manager I hired to run a newer restaurant was settled in properly. I sent those photos to a bunch of my business friends that run other restaurants around the country and they were so impressed by your work that they would love to talk to you about doing some sketches for their restaurants or homes.”
My mouth drops open and tears sting my eyes. Now he gets even more perfect and I never thought that was even possible. My heart is thudding in my chest and I can’t breathe. I close my eyes and my mouth trying to calm myself.
He places a hand on my thigh, rubbing it sweetly with his thick, long and beautiful fingers. The electricity sparks and the butterflies start fluttering inside. I need a damn net to catch them. I hate feeling this helplessly in love. Damn it all to hell.
“That’s very kind,” I mutter, trying to break back into reality.
“Will you do it?” he asks, his tone hopeful.
“Of course. I love to draw. And if my art will be in other people’s homes. How could I not enjoy it? I’ve gotten two smaller pieces done this week for your new restaurant. What are you naming it, anyhow?” I ask trying to take my mind off the fact that his hand has stilled on my upper thigh and I can feel its heat searing into my soul that’s calling his name. Begging for him to love it.
“I’m so happy to hear you say that. Now that leads me to….” He pauses and stares straight ahead his face is tense, his jaw tightened so much its bulging.
“Are you okay?” I touch his hand that’s resting on my thigh and my heart sings with appreciation at the contact. She’s needed this all week.
“I well… fuck…” he snaps, standing abruptly and stalks heavy footed over to the window. Placing both of his hands on the pane above his head.
I rest my hands in my lap tangling my fingers together. Nervous that I’ve done something bad that he’s this angry. He seemed very happy a while ago but now he’s mad. Did I say something wrong? Do something? I thought I was being sweet. Why do I care? Oh that’s right I’m in love. Love stinks!
“I’m sorry if I did something,” I whisper wistfully.
He pivots, his eyes are beat red and his face still as tense as before.
“No, no… shit… Alexis I’m sorry. I wanted to come back and…Awe shit… I dunno. Surprise you and hope you’d want to…” He jams his fingers into his dark hair, tugging on it hard. That’s got to be painful.
“Wanted to what?” I ask softly moving him forward.
“I wanted you to stay with me,” he states speedily in one breath and then sucks in deeply and exhales loud.
Stay with him? As in what? I’m not going to be his maid. I can’t cook very well and I already have a place to live. I’m not homeless. This makes zero sense.
“What do you mean…?” I drawl out word for word.
“What I mean is I like you. I want you to stay with me.” He gestures to the bed.
“You mean you want me to fuck you?” I look at him like he’s just grown two damn heads. What the hell is going on here?
“No… well… yes… Ah shit! I’m not good at this.” He stuffs his hands into his pants pockets and rocks back on his heels, biting his lip. That’s what he does when things are awkward or hard for him. I’ve learned that much so far.
“Just tell me,” I push sweetly. My heart hammering in my chest. My palms start to moisten as well as my nether regions. It’s all about the deep voice and when he cusses frustrated it booms like a deep base in my ears and vibrates through me so sexily I can’t help but love it.
“I like you. As in like you, like you. Not just find you attractive. But dating like you. And not the same stuff you do with work. I mean the real kind. I thought if I got you to do this apartment to your liking you’d… you know… want to stay?” He’s nervous and his wide eyes reveal all. He’s scared out of his ever loving mind. My poor baby. Oh shit. Not mine! Ok. Correction. Poor Brad.
“Why?” I ask my tone hitting high angelic proportions.
“Because I like you. Duh. But the work stuff, I can’t do it. I want you here without that stuff. Just you and me. I can hire you to work for the restaurant if you want to work.”
“What do you mean if? You want me to move in with you? Are you fucking crazy? I’m not a maid and I’m not a live in hooker,” I state rather rudely. My blood is starting to boil.
“Damn-it Alexis. I don’t think of you as a ‘hooker,’” he does air quotes and jams his hands back into his pockets. Resuming the nervous rocking. “You don’t have to have sex with me and all you’d have to do is clean up after yourself. I’m a grown man I can take care of my own messes. I just like you and want to live with you,” he explains like it’s not a big deal. Just like we are talking about the weather. La-de-da.
But I am freaking inside. What is he thinking? Live with him? As what, his girlfriend? A friend? And he wants me to stop working? And he basically just told me I wouldn’t have to work. What kind of shit is this? Is this a joke? He spends weeks in the obvious, no lines are crossed friend zone. And now he’s proposing we shack up. What the hell? I need to get out of here. I need some time to think. This is too much. And he’s fucking insane to all of a sudden change his mind about me. Why? I have no idea. Maybe because I’ve been nice to him. Yep, that’s it. I should have been a complete bitch and then he’d hate me and we wouldn’t be having this highly inappropriate conversation about moving in together. You move in when you’re in love and when you want to marry someone. Usually when you’ve been together for a long fucking time. Not like this.
“I…”
“Wait.” He cuts me off, holding up a finger. “Before you say no, just hear me out. Please.” He’s breathing heavy and small droplets of sweat are running down the sides of his beautiful tanned face. “I don’t need you to sleep with me. But I like your friendship and companionship. You know my life and my family. And I know this is strange and crazy. But I’ve known since the first night that I wanted you in my life…”
Now I cut him off. “You said you wanted to be friends.”
He shrugs. “What was I supposed to say Alexis? I love you, marry me and let’s grow old and have ten babies together?” he blurts.
Oh my god!
And suddenly I have the need to flee. I stand and dash out of the bedroom. He’s yelling behind me and I hit the hall and run toward the elevator just in the nick of time to have an older woman carrying her Pomeranian dog coming out of it. I bolt into the elevator and hit the door close button furiously. Fuck! I don’t have any damn money, clothes, or even shoes. Shit! Shit! And more shit! My phone is even back at Brad’s. Well I guess that’s good so he can’t call me.
The door pings open on the fourth floor and a cute older man with jet black hair steps in wearing a fancy suit. He smiles at me and I back into the corner feeling completely out of my league in a building this fancy. Level two and the door pings again opening for a tall leggy blonde in running gear, ear buds in and hair in a pony.
Ground level and they make their way out slowly and I jump around them headed for the door and right outside Brad is standing his hands on his knees bent over breathing erratically. Damn-it! He must have taken the stairs or a different elevator. Shit!
He eyes me from inside and a frown forms at that perfect mouth of his. My heart aches at the sight and I want nothing more than to help wash away the pain. But I can’t do this. This is wrong.
I meet him outside barefoot and in my white dress. He gestures for us to walk and we do in silence for a few blocks stopping in front of a building. He looks like he’s just aged ten years in the past ten minutes.
Resting his back against the wall. He says, “You don’t like me do you?” I can see his eyes well up. Oh, please don’t cry. I already feel bad enough.
“I do too like you, Brad. More than I should. But you’re asking a lot and what you said back there is creepy.” I thumb back the way we came.
“I know. I’m sorry.” He slumps and I step forward and grab his chin.
“Hey, stop it. I’m just saying this is way too fast. I need time to process,” I say lovingly gazing into his sad watery blue eyes. I want nothing more than to kiss them away.
“I’ve already waited weeks.” He pouts his lip.
I can’t resist that mouth anymore. I step closer and lean up, licking his lip. He shudders and grabs me, pressing his lips to mine. My body explodes inside and I wrap my arms around his neck pulling us together. Melting us as one. A groan bellows inside me. His lips are magical and perfect and I’ve never felt so connected to anyone in my whole life. We hold there our lips touching as one and I inhale, savoring his scent. This is the best moment of my life. I feel emotional tears of happiness threaten to break free. My heart is beating for him and I will never forget this moment for the rest of my life. This is what true love feels like. Warm and comforting. But electrifying and he’s not just kissing me he’s feeding my soul. Pulling back I realize my hands are shaking. I ball them in and out of fists to stop the trembling.
Artful Attractions Page 24