by M. Malone
He runs a hand through his hair, sending the dark strands into disarray. Funny how I never noticed that both he and Zack do that when they’re annoyed.
“When I found out that you were hiring a model, all I could see was all the ways it could go wrong. I was really afraid for you and that’s why I sent Zack to stop it. So to find out that he didn’t stop it but just inserted himself into the process, well, I jumped to a lot of conclusions and made a lot of judgments I shouldn’t have. I’m not proud of that.”
“It really upset me that you assumed I can’t make my own decisions.”
He makes a face. “It’s been pointed out to me that I’m treating you like a doll. Or something. Anyway all the other women in my life have pointed out the error of my ways. Repeatedly.”
“Well good. That really hurt him that you thought he’d take advantage of me. And for the record, Zack didn’t have to trick me into falling for him. I fell a long time ago.”
He picks at the edge of the desk. “I just had to know that he wasn’t hurting you. I promised that I’d never let anyone hurt you again. And that promise I made to you has reminded me of the kind of person I want to be over the years. I owe you for that.”
I shake my head, moved by what he’s said. “You don’t owe me anything. We’re friends. That’s part of the job.”
Because I know he won’t make the first move, I walk over and hug him. “I love you Gabe but the next time you pull that crap I’m going to kick your ass.”
He bursts out laughing. “Duly noted.”
“So did you get a chance to walk the exhibit?”
“The pictures are fantastic, Jo. Really amazing.” He sounds awed.
“Really?” My voice is small and I know he can tell that I need the reassurance.
“Yeah. I told Zack that I was sorry before we came here tonight but I’d have said it anyway after seeing this. You really love him, don’t you?”
“I do. It’s always been him. Even when he had no idea and made my life hell every day.”
He laughs. “You guys did have some arguments for the ages. Hopefully that means you’ve gotten it all out of your systems.”
I recall our passionate lovemaking the night before. Zack usually takes me nice and slow until I feel like I’ll die before I get what I need but then there’s the times when we’re going at each furiously. Almost like angry sex.
“I hope we never get it all out of our systems.”
Gabe pretends like he’s sticking his finger down his throat. “I don’t want to know.”
I laugh at the look of disgust on his face. “I told Jamie that you were being a douchenozzle about this whole thing.”
That makes him crack up. “I love that. I’ll have to start using that one.”
We’re still laughing when the door opens again. Mr. Hartwell gestures to me. “It’s time, Ms. Harlow. Are you ready to meet your adoring fans?”
Gabe hugs me and then pushes me toward the door. “Go, be fearless.”
“Thanks, Gabe.”
I follow Mr. Hartwell out of the office and down the hall. When we enter the main gallery, he accepts a microphone from someone. When he calls my name, I’m nearly deafened by the applause. But all I’m doing is looking for the only face in the crowd that matters.
Zack.
When I see him, I smile and revel in the spotlight.
†
I’m in the middle of talking to a potential buyer when I see them. My parents. My mouth falls open and I stop speaking mid-sentence. The buyer stops talking too and glances around us, trying to figure out what I’m staring at.
“Would you excuse me?”
I don’t even wait for an answer before I walk away. My brother and Izzie are here somewhere but I doubt he would have told my parents. They’ve been just as dismissive of his relationship as they’ve been of mine. If he’d known they planned to be here, he would have warned me for sure.
My mother sees me coming first. She’s standing in front of one of the early pictures in the series, from when Zack and I first decided to take this journey together. We were walking and I’d just told him that he was my first kiss. The look of awed wonder on his face contrasted with the barren trees behind him is quite striking. I titled the image, The Revelation.
“Josephine.”
“Mom? Dad?” I’m staring like I’m not sure it’s really them. “What are you doing here?”
Mom folds her hands in front of her, looking extremely uncomfortable. “Zack invited us. We didn’t even know you had another show.”
“He did? I didn’t know he was going to do that.”
Now I’m really confused. My parents haven’t ever been particularly welcoming to Zack so the idea of him inviting them anywhere is pretty weird. And why the hell wouldn’t he warn me?
“Please don’t be angry with him. He wanted us to know how proud he is of you. He told us that if we could come and be supportive that it would mean a lot to you.” She smiles tightly.
I’m surprised they came. They always seem like being around me stresses them out more than anything else. As the silence stretches into awkwardness, I realize it must seem like I don’t want them here which isn’t true at all. I just want them to want to be here.
“I would have invited you but I was pretty sure you barely recovered from just hearing about the last one.”
My mom’s lips tilt up slightly. Did she just smile? I’m starting to feel like I’m in some sort of alternate dimension. Is my mother really hanging out at an erotic art show and smiling?
“Well, pumpkin. I’m going to take a little walk around. I’ll see you later.” My father kisses me on the cheek.
After he’s gone, my mother smiles nervously. “Your father is a little bashful about this whole thing.”
“I’m just surprised he came at all.”
“Is it okay that we’re here?”
She sounds uncertain and it’s unlike her. Although honestly her being here in the first place is wildly out of character so I probably shouldn’t be shocked by anything that happens tonight.
“Yes. I’m happy you’re here.”
It’s true. Even though it’s kind of embarrassing it’s also really sweet that they came to support me. All I’ve ever wanted was for them to see me. Even if they weren’t proud, if they just noticed that I was a unique person with hopes and dreams different from theirs, that would have been enough.
Maybe this can be a new start. For all of us.
“I really appreciate that you guys came to support me. You don’t have to stay though. I’m sure this isn’t your thing.”
“Actually I’ve been quite surprised tonight. Your pictures are simply stunning, Josephine. You’re very talented.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
I’m sure she’s just saying that. While I have no idea what Zack said to them to get them here tonight, it must have worked. They’re here and making an effort to be supportive. I couldn’t have known how much it would mean to me until it actually happened.
She must read the disbelief on my face.
“I’m not just saying that because you’re my daughter. Your work really commands the eye. Even the more racy images are tastefully done. Looking at these, well, it reminds me of when I was young and in love. Your Zachary is quite a handsome man.”
“Yes, he is.” I follow her gaze to the picture behind us.
“He really loves you, Josie. He asked us to come because he thought it would make you happy. It’s a wonderful thing to have a man who loves you that much. He really thinks you hung the moon. I can see now that you’ve done just fine ignoring my advice.”
She glances back at my father. “Maybe I could take a few pointers from you.”
In an impulsive move, I hug her. “I think there’s a few things we can learn from each other.”
After a brief pause, her arms come around my back. ”I think you’re right.”
We stay just like that, embracing in the middle of the crowd, neither of us wanting
to break the connection. For the first time in years, she isn’t my critic she’s just my mom.
And that’s all I need.
†
After leaving my parents talking with Debbie and Paula, I walk around the edges of the exhibit. I see Mr. Hartwell coming my way so I turn and wait until he passes. I’ve done my duty tonight and played nice with all the influential critics and buyers. Now I need to find Zack.
His reaction, after all, is the only one I really care about.
I start at the beginning of the exhibit with the picture he found that day in my secret album. He looks so young and it’s something of a shock when compared to the later images in the show but I wanted it there for a reason. The people in our lives who know us personally will understand what it means.
That I’ve loved him that long.
I decided to call the exhibit Falling in Stages because that’s how I fell in love with Zack. It was such a gradual thing that I didn’t even know it was happening until it was done. I imagine it’s like drowning. You don’t know you’re in trouble until you’re already in too deep.
I walk the timeline, looking at every picture with new eyes. In the early shots his face shows mistrust, fear and annoyance. Then it changes to affection and playfulness as we romp our way through a series of adventures. Then there’s the incredibly vulnerable images I took while he was ill. It was the day I pricked his finger for him and he made the joke about not pulling the plug. The way he’s looking at me, it’s like he’s afraid to believe anyone could love him that much.
Finally, I come to the last image. The capstone of the show. It’s from the night he told me he loved me for the first time. This picture is one of the most erotic in the show but also one of the most intimate. He’s wearing nothing but a towel slipping low on his hips and the most adoring expression in his eyes. Anyone looking at this knows this is a man who loves with his entire soul.
“You made me look good.”
At the sound of his voice, I turn and throw my arms around him. “Zack!”
All the emotions from walking the exhibit and seeing the timeline of our love affair gather inside until I fear they’ll burst and gush all over him. Not that I think he’d mind. He loves how open I am with my feelings and that I’m not afraid to share them with him. I can only hope he’s okay with how I’ve chosen to share them with the world.
“I’ve been looking for you. I wanted to see what you think.”
He glances behind me at the capstone image. I decided to call it Fallen.
“I think it’s phenomenal. I am truly humbled by your work.”
“Thank you.”
Relief makes me almost lightheaded and I jump into his arms again. He swings me around until I’m dizzy with love and pride. I can consider the show a success now no matter how many of the images sell.
“We’ve definitely gone public now, baby. Anyone looking at these pictures can tell exactly how I feel about you. I’m really wearing my heart on my sleeve here. Metaphorically speaking since I’m naked. Speaking of nudity,” he glances down at me. “You didn’t use any of the actual nudes.”
There are a few shirtless photos from the first day when we did the test shots and of course, in the final image he’s only wearing a towel. But for the most part the focus is on his eyes and face. So far the response has been extremely positive. Mr. Hartwell mentioned that one of the reporters called it a “visual romantic journey” so he’s positive we’ll get some good press as well as a lot of sales.
Since the show was billed as an erotic exhibit, I’ve been thrilled that people aren’t disappointed with the relative tameness of the photos.
“I couldn’t do it. You’re perfect but I decided that I didn’t want anyone else seeing you like that. That’s just for me.”
He gives me that private smile that never fails to make me want him. “Yeah it is. It’s all for you. Whenever you want it.”
“I’ll want you always, Zack. And I’ll love you even longer than that.”
chapter fifteen
†
ZACK
Josie and I walk hand in hand from the gallery. The valet brings the car around and as we drive off, she rests her head against the window. I can tell she’s still on a high.
The owner of the gallery came to her toward the end buzzing with excitement. The show sold out again and he received a lot of inquiries about private commissions. Even though she’s playing it cool, I can tell how excited she is. Her eyes are shining and there’s a bright flush to her cheeks.
It thrills me there are more surprises in store for her tonight.
At the next stoplight, I reach into my pocket and pull out a handkerchief.
Josie lifts her head and eyes it skeptically. “I’m a little tired for kinky games right now.”
“Now you’re making me wish I’d thought of that.” I laugh at her chastising look. “Settle down, sweetheart. I have a surprise for you.”
“What kind of surprise? Where is it?” She looks around excitedly.
“You have to wear the blindfold if you want it.”
“Ok, fine. But it had better be good.” She snatches the handkerchief from my hand and ties it loosely behind her head.
“You’re a demanding little brat sometimes.”
“You love it,” she replies breathlessly.
She knows I do.
I take the next turn and then navigate the route I’ve only been on a few times. The house at the end of the lane is lit up from within so I’m confident that it’s been prepared to my wishes. It’s two stories with the same sort of old-fashioned Victorian charm she loves about Izzie’s place. It also sits parallel with the same river that runs right behind Gabe’s house. That was one of the things I knew she’d love as much as I do. We’re close to our families.
I park in the drive and then rush around to open her door. I put one hand behind her head so she won’t bump it while getting out of the car.
“Zack? Are we there yet?”
“Yes, we are. Damn you’re impatient, woman!”
She giggles and bounces up and down right where she stands, her breasts bouncing against my chest. I bite my lip. We need to get this unveiling underway because if she keeps rubbing up against me, I’ll have to throw her over my shoulder and take her inside before she even sees where we are.
“Okay, are you ready?”
“Yes!”
I pull the blindfold off gently. Josie blinks rapidly as her eyes adjust. When she sees the house, her mouth falls into an adorable little oh of surprise.
“This is gorgeous. Is this one of those cute little bed and breakfast places that we were looking at the other day?”
“No, it’s not.”
When I don’t say anything else she wrinkles her nose at me. God, I love this woman. She makes everything fun.
“Ok then. Where are we?” she asks finally.
“Home.”
I watch her face to see the moment it sinks in. It’s worth the wait. Her eyes go soft and her mouth curls up into a little smile. “This is ours?”
“It’s ours. Welcome home, sweetheart.”
She stands on tiptoe and our lips meet in a soft, sweet kiss. Her fingers curl into my jacket as she pulls me closer.
After a moment, she glances over at all the lights on in the house. “Is someone here?”
I pull out the keys I got from the realtor earlier today. Finn’s fiancée, Rissa, owns a full-service cleaning company so after all the requisite paperwork was completed, I hired her team to clean the entire house, furnish the main level and even stock the refrigerator for our arrival. Movers brought over the contents of my bedroom and I brought over some of Josie’s things this afternoon so we could spend the night.
Our first night in our new house.
She oohs and aahs her way through the entire first floor and up to the second. After we finish touring the whole house, we end up back in the living room looking out at the backyard. It’s dark so it’s hard to make out the river
but you can just see the moonlight glinting off the water.
The place was renovated by the previous owners but I have every intention of customizing everything to our own tastes. This will be the house where our lives unfold, where we make our future children, where we make our memories. I want it to be perfect. When I tell her that, she kisses me again.
“You’re here. I’m here. It’s already perfect.”
I can’t argue with that.
†
When I lead her back up to the master bedroom, Josie turns to me with a wicked look. She was surprised earlier when she saw that it was already furnished. My bed looks slightly too small for the room so we’ll definitely need to buy new. But it works just fine for what I have in mind.
“I see what’s really going on here now. This is the real reason you’ve brought me here.” She wags her finger at me and the prim gesture instantly makes me hot.
“What do you mean? It’s our house so we can do whatever we want.”
I pull her coat off and it falls to the floor at her feet. Mine lands next to it. Then I start unbuttoning my shirt casually. Josie reaches behind her and unzips her dress and then lets that fall to the floor, too. After shucking out of my shirt, I circle behind to help her take off her bra.
“What do you think we should do our first night in our new place alone, sweetheart? In our new place where there’s no one downstairs to hear us.” I kiss the side of her neck.
“We could watch television.” She sighs as my lips move to her ear.
“Oops, I forgot to tell the movers to bring that.”
“Right. We could start decorating the place.” Her voice breaks when my fingers find her tight nipples. I roll them into tight points.
“I don’t feel like unpacking tonight.” My tongue dips into the shell of her ear and she shudders.