Shuttered Affections (Cornerstone #1)

by Folsom, Rene

  Aiden rolled back into his office.

  I sat down at Aiden’s big L-shaped desk in the center of the classroom and loaded the digital photos I took of Pat’s place onto his iMac. I should have been using one of the student iMacs, but there was something exciting about using Aiden’s station.

  As I began thumbing through all the photos, I realized I took a lot more than I thought. They turned out beautiful, but paled in comparison to the real thing.

  Just as I came across a few photos of the mirror I loved, I heard a gasp from behind me. Startled, I turned and saw Aiden leaning, one hand on his big desk, the other on the back of the chair I was sitting in.

  He was just staring at my photo in utter shock and I immediately felt embarrassed. I didn’t want him to see these photos.

  Ground, swallow me up now, please, I begged.

  Chapter 13

  “This is a very vulnerable part of me, of who I am.”

  “Is that the mirror you were talking about? The one you wished you could afford?” he asked in astonishment.

  With awkwardness evident across my face, I slowly nodded. Needing to act more confident than I felt, I answered, “Yes. It’s much bigger in real life than it looks in the photo. I wish I had something near it for comparison. Isn’t it lovely?”

  He squatted down, his arm still around the back of my chair. After a few long moments, he finally began to answer.

  “Angels,” was all but a whisper.

  I just nodded and bit my lip. We both stared at the photo for a long moment.

  “Do you like it because of the angels, Julia?” he asked and finally looked at me.

  I hesitated and blushed. He just stared at me with an expectant look on his face, waiting for me to answer.

  “Actually, you’re going to think I’m such a child for this, but…” I trailed off, not sure how to explain my weird compulsion. “I love angels. I always have. Well, recently anyway. I actually collect cherubs and fairies. So, when I saw the mirror, it struck me as a perfect addition to my collection.”

  He just looked at me with shock on his face before he finally said, “And you’re my angel. How perfect.”

  He gently placed his forehead against my cheek, and then nuzzled his nose into my neck. I felt him inhale once before pulling away and standing.

  “It’s a beautiful piece, Julia. And you’re right, it’s ideal for you.”

  He gently, reverently, touched my cheek and walked away. I felt my heart leave with him. The fact that I was falling for him when I barely knew him was nerve-wracking.

  I copied all my digital files over to my flash drive and began to pack up. I briefly thought of inviting him to lunch with me, but then remembered he had classes steadily until three.

  As I carried my stuff to leave, I walked over to his private office and said goodbye.

  He stood, brought his hand behind my neck, and pulled me close. His cheek brushed up against mine and he whispered into my ear, “I’ll call you.”

  A gentle peck caused a wave of sparks to warm my cheek.

  I smiled, took a deep breath, and walked out.

  Art History was boring and my lack of sleep was catching up to me. I struggled to stay awake through the fifty minutes of projector slides in the darkened room.

  Just as I settled in the courtyard with my lunch, my phone buzzed. I frowned when I saw it wasn’t Aiden’s number.

  I hadn’t programmed his number into my phone yet because I wasn’t sure if it would be a good idea to have it saved. I could just memorize it, or save it under a pseudo name.

  I brought my thoughts back to the text message from Vic.

  Hey beautiful. Touching base bout 2nite. I am really looking fwd to seeing u. Txt me ur addy and I’ll pick u up at 7. Later.

  I had completely forgotten about my date with Vic. I immediately messaged him back with a smile on my face.

  Sounds like fun. Can’t wait. I have something to do before though. Can I meet you there?

  Pressing send, I felt bad about lying to him. But, I wanted the power to leave if I needed to. I didn’t want to be stuck there if he ended up being a total jerk.

  Then my thoughts went back to Aiden. Would he be upset that I was going out on a date? Honestly, it wasn’t like we were together. Yes, we had a very intense attraction, but we didn’t need to answer to each other, right?

  Sighing, I decided I should casually let him know so I could assure him Vic meant nothing. Whether it was right or wrong for me to feel possessive, I would have hated life if I knew he was going on a date with another girl.

  Calc was almost unbearable. I wanted so badly to leave. Ceramics was the only thing that kept me glued to my seat.

  The potter’s wheel was calling my name. I couldn’t help but answer it. There was something so therapeutic about throwing. I set up all my tools, put on my big red apron, and slapped some porcelain onto the wheel.

  Using brute force, I centered the white clump of wetness easily. I stealthily plunged my fingers into the center and gently pulled, making the hole wider with every swift turn of the wheel.

  The porcelain glided like butter through my fingers as I began to pull up on the sides. I didn’t have a plan for what I was making. I just let the wet silk beneath my fingers make the decisions for me.

  As I brought the sides up into a tall cylinder, I began bringing it inward. It was quickly becoming a nicely formed bottle shape. Grabbing my throwing stick, I compressed the sides, bulging them outward a bit while still keeping the neck narrow. My thumbs easily brought the top section in further, creating a beautifully long neck.

  There was something so sensual about this shape. Well, I honestly thought anything about throwing was erotic, yet peaceful. But, it could be because of that movie, Ghost. Anyone who has seen that movie should now think of throwing as a very sensual and sexual act, for sure.

  Just as I brought my wheel to a stop, I looked up and noticed class was over. I was alone. I was so absorbed in what I was doing that I didn’t even realize everyone had left.

  Just as I wiped my brow with the back of my hand, likely getting porcelain all in my hair, the classroom door slowly creaked open and gray eyes appeared through the crack.

  I smiled and motioned for him to come in.

  As usual, he made my heart pound and my palms sweat. Bringing a chair up next to me, he asked, “Is anyone else around?”

  I shook my head no, unsure of why I suddenly felt so bashful again. This man tied me in knots.

  “You look so adorable when you have clay all over you,” he said with a smile, before glancing down at my project. “Did you just make that?”

  He sounded so surprised.

  I nodded, still blushing. I don’t know what came over me, but I was suddenly very bashful that he was seeing some of my pottery. What if he didn’t like it?

  “Are you upset I am here, Angel? I can leave if you would like me to,” he offered.

  I had to force myself to talk, “No, please. Stay.” I cleared my throat. “I’d like you to stay,” I added with a smile.

  “Then I would like to stay,” he said, returning a smile back at me.

  He watched me as I picked up the plastic bat that held my new bottle. Since it was only three thirty, I had about an hour and a half before the next class came in.

  I slowly grabbed another empty bat and placed it on my wheel. I kneaded some more porcelain and thrust it hard, getting it as close to the center as possible.

  I sat and began my assault on the lump of clay while he just watched me.

  I felt his eyes lingering on my face, my hands, every part of me. Then, he finally spoke as I began bringing the sides up on this second form.

  “You’re absolutely amazing,” he breathed.

  I didn’t look up. I just smiled.

  “You being here, seeing my work, it makes me nervous,” I admitted, still focusing on my throwing and never looking up.

  “Oh, really? Why does it make you nervous? I saw you work on your photo
graphy today. I saw you work at the club. So, why does it make you nervous here?”

  “I… I guess because this is where I have to try my hardest. I enjoy it, but it’s also a challenge for me. I feel like any negative reaction from someone whose opinion means so much would just make me crumble,” I admitted. “I guess this is a very vulnerable part of me, of who I am.”

  “I’m flattered my opinion means that much to you, Angel. But, I’m sure you’re well aware of just how special you are. I’m amazed at your talents and how confidently you carry yourself,” he expressed with awe in his voice.

  I finally let my touch glide off the top of my new piece and looked him in the eye. He carefully leaned in and gently pressed a light kiss to my forehead.

  “So, what are you doing tonight, Angel?”

  “Actually, I have plans to go bowling,” I said as I focused back on what was now forming into a nice vase.

  “Bowling, huh? With who?” he asked with no accusation in his voice.

  “You remember that guy who interrupted us out by my car on Monday?” He narrowed his eyes and nodded, so I continued. “He asked me then.”

  “I see. So, is it, like, a date?”

  “I don’t think so. He may want it to be, but I am not interested. He originally wanted to go to a movie, but I declined and suggested bowling instead. I was hoping to get some of my friends to come along so it could be a group thing, but everyone is busy tonight.” My explanation came out as defensive, but I was glad because he seemed to visibly relax a bit.

  “Okay, well, I have to get going. I hope you have fun tonight,” he said in a clipped tone.

  It pained me to think he was upset because I was going out with another guy. I didn’t want him to be upset and I planned to be upright and open about that fact.

  “Aiden?” I asked as I looked up at his retreating form.

  “Yes, Julia?”

  “You’re not mad at me, are you?”

  “Of course not. I cannot control who you have plans with. I also cannot hide my distaste in knowing some other guy will have the good graces of your company tonight, but I am not mad. Just disappointed. But I have no right to stop you. We already established we should keep our distance,” he explained. He stood there for a moment, pondering something, then continued, “You’ll call me if you need anything, right?”

  “Of course. I will probably call or text you even if I don’t need anything,” I said with a smile.

  “Good. That makes me happy. Goodbye, Angel.”

  “Bye.”

  Chapter 14

  “My sensible self kept screaming to stop playing with fire.”

  Just as I was about to leave my apartment and head over to the Union, Sid’s number showed up on my caller ID.

  “Hey, Sid. What’s up?”

  “Julia, a weird note was left on my car. I noticed it as I was leaving the apartment earlier today and thought you might know what it was about,” she explained.

  Oh shit. Is he trying to get to me through Sid now? I hope he never found out it was her that helped me leave him.

  “What did it say?” I asked.

  “It says, ‘You won’t interfere again. You can’t take her from me this time.’ Julia, I’m worried. Is this who I think it is?” she asked, with concern etched in every syllable.

  “God, I hope not, Sid. Damn it.” I stayed quiet for a long moment. “Sid, I’m actually running late right now. But, this is one of the many things I’ve needed to talk to you about. For now, please try to stay safe? Let Pete or Dex walk you to your car?”

  “What about you, Jules? You need to be safe too,” she chided.

  “I am… I will. I’m going out with a guy and I’ll make sure he escorts me everywhere. Okay?” I lied. “We’ll talk tomorrow, for sure. I have so much to tell you. I know you’re happy with Sean, but I need you home tomorrow, okay? I need to catch you up.”

  “Of course, Jules. I’ll be home,” she promised.

  “Love you, Sid.”

  “Love you, too, Jules. Text or call if you need me.”

  Tears began to well up in my eyes as I hung up with my friend. He wasn’t going away. And if he did anything to hurt my friend, it would kill me.

  I pushed my tears aside. I knew I kept saying I’d deal with it later, but it was easier for me to cope if I felt like I could just go one more night without having to worry about it all.

  My night with Vic was just okay. He tried valiantly to put the moves on me and I turned him down. I explained kindly that I was interested in someone else. He wasn’t happy and told me he would rather not see me at all if it meant he couldn’t be with me.

  I sighed as he walked out of the bowling alley in the middle of our game. I’m so glad I decided to drive myself. Otherwise, I would have been stranded.

  As I began dragging myself up to my apartment, I prayed there would be no contact from him. I couldn’t deal with it right now.

  Thankfully, there were no notes on my car, no notes shoved in the doorjamb, nothing. I breathed out a puff of relieved air and sulked to my room, pulling my phone out on the way.

  First I sent a text to Sid.

  I’m home and safe. Please let me know that you make it to Sean’s okay, or if you come home, wake me and let me know you’re alive.

  Immediately after sending, I started a text to Aiden.

  He isn’t happy with me. I should have never accepted his invitation. I’m glad I was smart enough to drive myself there.

  Maybe I shouldn’t be sharing this kind of stuff with him. But then again, I wanted him to know I didn’t enjoy my date.

  Aiden responded back almost immediately.

  I’m glad you drove yourself too. Are you okay? Do you need company?

  I smiled at his thoughtfulness, but having him here right now would just make me uncomfortable.

  No, thank you. Actually, I would love your company, but I’m so exhausted. I’m thinking about just calling it a night since I only managed 5-6 hours of sleep over the past two nights.

  He was probably the fastest texter I’d ever known because, within moments, I had a response.

  No problem, Angel. Call me if you need to. I’ll be up for a while longer.

  I replied.

  Thank you, Aiden. Goodnight.

  And again, his response was immediate.

  Goodnight, Angel mine.

  I felt great the next morning. Sleep definitely did me some good. Luckily, the nightmares only woke me up twice, which was a marked improvement.

  I wanted to dress in something sensible, knowing I needed to work in the ceramics studio again today but also wanting to impress…

  “For real, Julia? Do you really need to impress your professor?” I chided myself, rolling my eyes at my stupid actions. However, the fact was I wanted to impress him even though my sensible self kept screaming to stop playing with fire.

  I decided on jean capris and a halter tank top with a hoodie. The tank top was a little fancier than my usual attire. Lace adorned the neckline, which really wasn’t around my neck at all, but more around my boobs. Stuffing my C-cups into this tank was a bit of a challenge, but I felt comfortable and confident.

  Parking was a little easier this morning because classes weren’t as thick on Thursdays and I wasn’t pressed for time. I arrived a bit earlier than I said I would, and ended up parking right before eight thirty.

  “Now why couldn’t I get this good of a parking spot Monday?” I asked myself, knowing full well it was a stupid, rhetorical question.

  I casually made my way to building P and felt a new sense of confidence as I entered the classroom. The comforting sounds of trickling water and the smell of processing chemicals made me sigh with contentment.

  Noticing there was no one around, I immediately set my things down on the lab table and began rummaging to find the new roll of film I needed to develop.

  Making my way through the darkened hallway, I headed toward the very back room, which was about the size of a closet and loc
ked on the inside so that I could place my film safely into the developing tank without any contaminating light.

  The process was a tad tricky because I needed to remove the film from its canister in pitch-blackness and carefully wind it around a reel, all using my sense of touch. I loved every minute of it.

  Just as I grabbed for the handle on the door, a strong hand reached out and caught my wrist.

  “Good Morning, Angel.” I could just barely see his flash of teeth through the dim, red light in the hallway.

  “Morning, Charlie!” I joked with an excited tone, attempting to mimic the beautiful Charlie’s Angels trio.

  Aiden threw his head back and let out a throaty laugh, all the while keeping his hand on mine. His touch bathed me in a warm, heady glow.

  “Well, you’re in a good mood this morning. Any particular reason why?” He had that sexy-ass grin on his face again and even in the dim light, I saw a playful desire in his eyes.

  Yes, you are the reason, I thought to myself. I couldn’t really say that out loud though… or could I? Suddenly, my mouth made the decision for me.

  “You are definitely the reason why I’m in such a good mood, Aiden. But, I also love coming in here during open lab time. The sound of the trickling water soothes every muscle in my body. It’s heaven in the form of a darkroom and I can’t help but smile whenever I am able to spend time here.” My words just flew out of my mouth with such passion, I completely forgot he was still holding my hand.

  “It’s definitely heaven all right,” he said, not taking his eyes off me. His words made me suck in a ragged breath. Well, it wasn’t his words so much as his tone. The tone that clearly said he had other things on his mind. “So, you’re going to develop your film first? Mind if I join you?”

  I didn’t know how to respond. I wanted to scream, YES! Please join me in this pitch-dark closet so I can feel you… smell you… hear you breathe. But, was it safe to be that alone with such an enigmatic and utterly intoxicating man? Again, I let my mouth do all the thinking.