by Ali Parker
There was the guy I'd fallen in love with.
"I'm going to meet up with my best friend, Lanie, tonight for yoga and wine. You should come with me. You'd like her."
"Oh yeah? Yoga? It's been years since I've tried to put my legs behind my head." He finished his breakfast and pointed to the other pastry in the box. "You want this one, or are you wanting me to take one for the team and scarf it down?"
"Such a martyr." I laughed and walked back into the kitchen. "I'll make us a pot of coffee and then we can walk down to the local fish market and pick something out for a late lunch. Sound like a deal?"
"Absolutely. Are you up for me drawing a rough sketch of you today and taking a few pictures?"
"I don't mind at all. Can we do pictures with me wearing clothes though? I don't need to worry about you sending out nudes of me because you get drunk with your frat brothers next weekend."
He snorted. "Let's have you in a sports bra and those sexy yoga pants you were wearing yesterday. That will give me a good enough view of you."
"So you don't remember what I look like nude?"
He ran his fingers through his hair as his eyes moved down my body. "Oh yeah. There's no way in hell I could forget. I'm just looking for a good reason to see you again."
"Typical male." I turned my back to him and chuckled.
"You love it." He moved past me and squeezed my butt.
"That I do."
Chapter 17
Matt
"So this yoga thing... it's not the one where I have to wear skin tight clothes and bend in half a million times, right?" I glanced over at Erica as we walked toward the harbor. The sound of people laughing and having a good time filled the air and helped to loosen some of the tension building in my chest.
Keep it light and playful. Just be yourself.
She laughed and glanced over at me. "You can wear anything you want to wear. It's hot yoga, which means it's super humid in there, but just drink tons of water and try hard not to piss yourself."
"Very funny." I turned my attention back to the water ahead, though pulling my eyes away from the beautiful woman beside me was difficult. Her long blue dress was feminine and made her look like a princess. I was starting to enjoy all the various parts of her personality, though the aggressive, needy girl in bed last night was certainly my favorite.
"What kind of fish are we looking for today? You like Salmon or Tuna?"
"Both are great. Let's see what looks the best and we'll get a pound to share." She moved in front of me as we entered the fish market. The scent of the sea filled my senses.
"I wanna cook it for you though. Having the last few years to find myself, I've taken a liking to cooking. I'm quite the chef." I wagged my eyebrows as she glanced back.
"I'll take you up on that." She stopped by a large counter of ice and pointed to a slab of salmon. "That looks great. Let's do that?"
"Yeah." I glanced up at the fishmonger and gave him a smile. "We'll take a pound of that salmon right there, please, Sir."
"You bet!" He pulled it off and started to prepare it for us as I turned to face her.
"I saw you went through my portfolio again. Find anything in particular that you liked?"
"I like all of it." She put her hand in the middle of my chest and took a step closer to me. "I want you to know that last night doesn't have to change anything. I'm good with you taking your time to figure out what you want. You have a lot of possible changes in your life. Don't rush anything."
I trapped her hand against my chest, not quite sure of what the message under her words was. Was she trying to tell me that she wasn't interested in moving into a relationship together, or was she just sincere in her wanting to give me space to really think through all the various paths that I could take going forward?
"I appreciate that." I wasn't sure what else to say, and she backed away and turned to walk farther down the fish market. I watched her go and let my eyes linger on how beautiful she looked from behind. Lust burned through me, but that had always been there. It was the warmth of love I was looking for that I knew was there, but was almost too afraid to uncover it.
I'd get my shit together and figure out where I wanted to live and what career path I wanted to be on. Once I locked all of that down, I could come back and really offer her something. Diving into a relationship before then would just have me feeling like shit at all the things I couldn't give her.
Like what? Your bank account is bigger than most people's lifetime savings.
But it wasn't mine. It was my dad's money, and I was hoping to be off his payroll as soon as possible.
I took the fish and waded through the people until I found her standing at the edge of the water. Her long blond hair blew in the breeze, as did her dress. I should have wrapped my arms around her and kissed the side of her neck a few times, but I couldn't force myself to be too casual with her. It felt too raw, too right.
"Did you get it?" She smiled as she looked over toward me.
"I did. You ready to head back? We can get some work done on the new painting and then we'll go meet your friend and I'll make you guys laugh all night as I try to survive the torture I'm sure to endure."
She chuckled. "You're so dramatic. You're not an artist, are you?"
"I am, my dear." I wrapped my arm around her shoulders, unable to help myself from touching her. "That I am."
"What time are you leaving tomorrow?" She wrapped her arm around the back of my waist, and I couldn't deny how well she fit against my side.
"Probably after breakfast. I need to get back to my place and read through the agreement that Jonathan brought with him on Friday night. I know I signed it already, but I need to make sure I understand what all is going to be expected of me."
She squeezed my side. "Don't you think that would have been a good thing to do before you signed the paperwork?"
"Maybe." I gave her a cheeky grin and released her as we approached the condo. "Do you like living over here?"
"I love it, but if you're looking for a place, I would say a little more toward the art district would be a better fit for you. I live here because it's near the harbor and I can get downtown to work quickly if I need to."
"I might go look a little bit tomorrow, or maybe not. I'm not sure yet."
"See how you feel in the morning." She opened the door to her place and I followed her in, trying not to let my mind slip back to the night before. I wanted another night in her bed, but it was probably best to sleep on the couch and make sure we were headed somewhere before giving her the false pretense that we were.
I'd been protecting myself for so damn long that I wasn't sure how to stop. Even when it was to my detriment to do so.
"All right. Lunch and then I get to sketch you?" I wagged my eyebrows at her. "That almost sounds naughty."
"I like it." She set her purse down and reached for the fish. "I think we should do the sketch first and then we'll have lunch later, unless you're hungry? I'm still full from breakfast."
"Yeah, that sounds better." I walked to the living room and tucked away the rest of my paintings before pulling out my sketch pad and my pencils.
"Where do you want me?"
"Such a loaded question." I moved to the couch and sat down as I smiled up at her. "I'd love to have you stand with your back to me, your hand on your hip and a look on your face that says you're far more than a man could handle."
She laughed. "Right, cause that's me."
"It's the ‘you’ I see." I licked at my lips and pulled one of my favorite sketching pencils from the pack. "We can take breaks for sure. I just need a couple of hours to get the raw sketch down."
"And do you want me in the sports bra or nude?"
"You can actually wear what you have on for now because I'll be working on your face first." I grumbled softly to myself. "I should take my man card for not saying nude."
She laughed again and the sound of it caused my heart to flutter. "All right. Take your pictures before you f
orget. I'll stay in the dress and change when you want me to."
"Awesome." I set the pencil and pad down and got up. "Pose for me and let me put you in the perfect position."
"Kinky." She put her back to me and turned a little, giving me a smoldering look. "This good?"
"Fucking hot for sure." I moved up behind her and repositioned her shoulders a little. "You look like a goddess."
"You're just being sweet."
"Nope. Just telling it like I see it." I ran my hands over her arms and positioned them like I envisioned before moving back. "Let me take a few shots and then we'll take the dress off if you're comfortable."
"We spent the night together last night, Matt. Of course I'm comfortable with you." She lifted her eyebrow and I growled softly and pulled out my phone.
"Keep that eyebrow up. That's even more drawing." I moved back as my cock stirred to life in my shorts. The woman was nothing less than perfection. Why she wanted anything to do with me was a complete mystery, but I'd take it.
"Like this?" She turned a little more, giving me a glimpse of the side curve of her heavy breast.
"Mmmmhmmm... jeez. I couldn't do this for a living if you were my model. I'd turn into a complete cave man."
"You can't keep making me laugh if you want this to turn out right." Her shoulder shook with giggles as I smiled.
"I can't help it. The sound of your laugh is something I'm quickly coming to enjoy." I took a few shots of her on my camera phone and walked around to various angles, taking a few more. "All right. Strip for me, woman."
She relaxed and rolled her eyes. "You're so seductive."
"Thanks. I try." I reached out and brushed her hair back down as she pulled her dress over her head. The tiny white bra she wore barely covered her nipples, and the tiny triangle covering her mound was made of lace, leaving her exposed to me. "Wow. Damn."
I moved back and let my eyes run across her as I tucked the camera into my pocket.
"You're supposed to be taking pictures." She turned and put her back to me again, glancing over and giving me a sexy look.
"I'm memorizing you, Erica." I moved toward her and slipped one of my fingers under the top of her g-string panties before sliding my finger down to the bottom curve of her ass. "This is beautiful."
"I'm glad you like it." Her voice had grown soft, needy.
"I love it." I leaned down and brushed my lips over the top of her shoulder. "Stop seducing me, you wanton thing."
She chuckled. "Yeah right, because I'm the one that suggested that you get half naked and let me take your picture."
"I think that was your suggestion, but it was you who would be undressing. Not me." I kissed her neck and cupped her breast, not able to help myself. "I'm going to take a few shots and then I'll sit down and put your beauty to paper."
"Good. I'm getting turned on. Back up."
"I like the thought of that more than I care to admit." I pressed my teeth into her upper back and slid my hand down to cup her ass before pressing my erection against her. "God, you do something to me, woman."
She bumped me with her butt and took a step forward. "Go sit down and let’s get this over with. I'm having trouble breathing."
"Me too." I moved away from her and adjusted myself. Why was I thinking about staying on the couch again? All of a sudden that seemed like the worst idea I could come up with. A beautiful woman that had effectively stolen my heart wanted my body again and I was going to deny her? Most likely not.
"Tell me if you want me to change anything." She glanced over her shoulder and put her hand on her hip. The subtle movement caused her ass to tense, and an arrow of lust bore deep into my lower half.
"Not. Don't change a thing. Just stay still for me." I took a few more pictures and dropped down to the couch to start working on the sketch. "Actually, turn just a little. I want more of your breast in the piece."
She reached back and undid her bra, tossing it toward the front door and turned a little, giving me the perfect view.
"I'd rather you draw me just as I am than have to imagine it." She glanced back at me, and the look in her eyes said she needed me to affirm her beauty, that she yearned for someone to remind her what a unique and stunning creature she was.
"I've been studying you for two years, Erica. After last night, I could paint every intimate detail of your beautiful body and you would weep at the depths you'd find in the picture." I glanced up from my sketch pad and winked at her. "Relax and let me capture all that you see, and all that you don't."
Chapter 18
Erica
"Matt, this is my best friend Lanie. Lanie, this is Matt." I moved back as Matt and Lanie shook hands.
"I would say that Erica's told me so much about you, but she's rather private about everything." Lanie glanced over at me and wagged her eyebrows. "He's cute."
"He's right here." I shook my head and moved to open the door to the yoga facility. "You brought your water, right?"
Matt nodded. "Yep. I brought yours too. You left it sitting in the kitchen."
"Oh yeah. Jeez." I walked in and moved to the back of the room as Matt moved up on my left and Lanie took her place on my right. The afternoon had been relaxing and yet incredibly titillating thanks to Matt getting up every few minutes to put his hands on me while I stood half naked in my living room, posing for him. I had to quickly get over the fear that he would find some part of me less than attractive. It was easy to do seeing that he spoke affirmation continuously.
"You ready for this?" Lanie leaned out and gave Matt a silly smile.
"Oh yeah. I could teach this thing." He lifted his arms to the ceiling and leaned over to the left as his back popped. "Watch and learn how it's done girls."
I snorted. There was no way in hell he was going to make it through the whole hour without limping out of the room drenched in sweat.
And that's exactly how it happened. I'd never laughed so much in my life watching Matt try to reach the various poses the instructor called out to us.
His eyes were filled with mischief and his smile wide though I knew he was hurting.
"You're a total champ. You know that?" Lanie patted his back as she walked by us after the class ended.
"Thanks." He flinched and turned to face me. "You hate me. I get it. You could have simply said that you hated me and saved me from having to be violated by the downward dog."
I laughed loudly and moved toward him. "You're too much, Matthew Bryant."
He reached out and tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear. "You want me to let you have some time with Lanie and I'll see you back at the condo?"
"No, unless that's what you want. You might need a break from me. We spent two years avoiding each other and now we’ve been trapped together for a full weekend. You surviving okay?"
"Oh yeah. I'm a champ, remember?" He lifted his hands and grimaced again as a groan lifted from him. "Maybe a sore champ, but I'm still a winner, right?"
I shook my head and pointed to the locker rooms. "The men's room is over there. Get a quick shower and we'll meet you out front for a cool down and a drink."
"All right. If I'm not out in thirty minutes, come in after me, but make sure you're nude. It's a shower for heaven's sake. You'll get your clothes wet otherwise."
"You're corrupt." I turned and walked away as he mumbled something under his breath.
Lanie glanced up from pulling off her yoga pants and smiled. "If you don't want him... I do."
I laughed. "No way. He's my dream guy."
"I can see why. He's so damn funny." She pulled her top off. "You said he was good in bed too? It's always so hard to find a guy that's great outside of the bedroom and excellent in it. It's like they're a rare breed."
"He's incredible everywhere. I'm head over heels, which isn't the best place to be." I pulled my clothes off and dropped them in a sweaty pile on the floor before walking to the showers.
"Why's that?"
"Because he needs to figure out where he wants to liv
e and what he wants his career to look like. I've offered him a job with me in advertising at M&B, but I'm pretty sure he looks at that like putting a ball and chain around his leg."
"What other options does he have?" She moved up to the shower head next to mine and turned it on.
"His father is a billionaire, so technically he doesn't have to do anything, and he's not really done much since college from what I understand, but he's feeling that internal push to get up and get busy."
"What's he good at? We have some openings at the elementary school that I could check on for him."
"He's living in Dallas where M&B are headquartered right now, but I'm hoping he'll move up here. He's been offered a contract to showcase his art at Jonathan Luntz's De Luge gallery."
"Oh, I love that place. It's the one where they serve the frozen grapes in your wine right?"
"Yeah. I love it too. Jonathan seems to be a really good guy too, but you never know with those art dealer guys. He could be blowing smoke up Matt's ass. I hope he's not that stupid, but we'll see how it goes."
"You hope who's not that stupid?"
"Jonathan." I reached for the shampoo and washed my hair quickly.
"When is the showing?"
"I'm not sure yet, but I'll let you know. I would think Matt should be able to get a few extra tickets free of charge. We'll try to score a few so you and I can go rub shoulders with Seattle's elite."
She smirked. "Maybe I'll score me a billionaire to take home and spoil to death."
"Too much info." I winked at her and reached for a towel.
"I meant with my killer chocolate chip cookies."
"Is that the code word kids are using nowadays?" I chuckled and moved out of the way as she tried to pop me with her towel. "Are you wanting to go out for a drink tonight?"
"I'd love to, but my mother called and asked me to stop by to help her figure out what's wrong with her dishwasher right before you walked into the locker room. Rain check?"