Still Image

by Allie Parker

  When Williams finally stepped back, smug written all over his face, daring Simon to retaliate in front of everyone, Simon stood tall and forced his most charismatic grin. ‘I’m glad you both stopped by, we do love showing off the beauty of our hard work. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some important people to schmooze.’ He walked away without seeing the red anger rising on Williams’ face. Or the hopefulness fade on Bella’s.

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Late in the evening, Flynn and Avery escorted James Madden and Grace to the door. Once they said their goodbyes and the building was secure, Flynn took Avery’s hand and, without a word, led her back to the elevator. The cleaning crew weren’t coming until the morning and Flynn had organised a surprise for Avery. A last goodbye to the building.

  Before the doors even closed, Avery pressed Flynn against the wall and wrapped her arms around his neck. The last hour of the party had felt like pure foreplay. Between heated glances, thumbs brushing against tender wrists, and the delicious friction of being next to each other all day, Avery felt a delectable self-awareness which was intoxicating. She met Flynn half way as he pulled her into him, kissing her with the same pent up emotion she felt coursing through her veins.

  Flynn reluctantly let go of Avery as the doors opened onto the penthouse level. He used the control panel on the wall to turn on the ambient lighting and soft music, as Avery walked over to the floor to ceiling glass that looked out onto night and the river beyond.

  Avery watched Flynn in the reflection of the windows. Smouldering, he took off his evening jacket and slowly moved to stand behind her. Watching her in the window, he gently placed his hands on Avery’s waist. She relaxed against his chest, relishing the feel of the spark between them finally igniting. One that had been growing and building to this moment for weeks.

  Still watching each other in the reflection, Flynn moved his hands up until they brushed the underside of Avery’s breasts. She desperately wanted to touch him but was fixed to the spot, remaining completely at his mercy. He unzipped her dress and watched it fall to the floor in the window. She watched his eyes drinking in the sight of her red silk underwear, bought especially in anticipation of this moment.

  He tucked his hand under one of the red silk cups and gently caressed Avery’s nipple. Then he slid the other hand down Avery’s stomach to cup the other piece of red silk. Avery closed her eyes and surrendered to the electric thrills running through her body.

  ‘Open your eyes,’ Flynn whispered the command in Avery’s ear and she did as he asked. Her mind racing with all the things she could do to him tonight. But as Flynn gradually increased the pressure and movement of his hands, Avery lost all coherent thought and just enjoyed him.

  Flynn loved that he could see the pleasure he was creating mirrored in Avery’s eyes. When he had first seen her so beautifully reflected with the river and the dark night’s sky beyond, a deep longing pulled at his heart. He lightly pressed himself to Avery as she moved under his touch. She pressed back firmly and it was his turn to close his eyes and shudder in appreciation.

  Avery turned her head slightly, ‘open your eyes,’ she whispered, kissing his neck. Feeling even more aroused by the fact that she could feel him, fully clothed, behind her as she was all but naked.

  In the glass, they watched each other, their reflections somewhat detached from what they were feeling, like having a bird’s eye view. The pressure built and they both tried to maintain control. They moved together, Avery under Flynn’s touch and Flynn pushed against Avery, her hands on his strong thighs. Their eyes were locked as they both went over the edge together, the climax rippling through them at the same time. Avery cried out and Flynn dropped his lips to Avery’s shoulder and groaned deeply in the back of his throat.

  They stood there for a moment just breathing. Then Flynn swept Avery into his strong arms and carried her to the bathroom. She was under the water less than a minute when Flynn wrapped his arms around her, this time fully naked, and kissed her with such fervour her chest squeezed. They stood for a long time, embracing with hot water flowing over their bodies, devouring each other’s need and heat.

  When Flynn laid Avery gently on the bed, they were both rosy from the shower and from the frenzy of weeks of unresolved sexual energy. They lay facing each other for a while, drinking one another in. Avery ran her hand through Flynn’s damp hair as he looked so deeply into her eyes she felt he could see her soul.

  She wanted him to know that there hadn’t been anyone else since her fiancé died. But she didn’t want to the moment to stop. She felt so connected to Flynn that she hoped he could probably read her thoughts anyway. Just in case there was any confusion, she whispered, ‘I think I love you.’

  Flynn closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them and said in a low, hoarse voice, ‘I know I love you.’ He smiled as Avery moved her body on top of his and kissed him with such torturous passion she thought she’d leave a mark.

  *

  Byron, Meg and Simon stood on the deck off the back of Byron’s house. They toasted the success of the launch and purposely didn’t mention Bella or her husband’s nasty tactics.

  ‘I thought Grace and Avery would have come over for a drink,’ Byron frowned.

  ‘I think our sister might be helping Mr Madden with some extracurricular activities,’ Simon winked at Meg.

  ‘And I hope Flynn has finally worked up the courage to make his move with Avery,’ Meg smiled back.

  ‘Why don’t I pick up on these things? Am I that blind,’ Byron asked.

  ‘No, you just focus on the important things right in front of you.’ Meg reached up and kissed him on the cheek. She caught the sadness in Simon’s eyes and smiled brightly, hoping to lift his spirits. ‘I haven’t had the opportunity, or the social lubrication,’ she held up her drink, ‘to say this before, but I feel like I’ve got a new family. Simon, you and Grace look out for me like the brother and sister I never had. I hope that even though the job, among other things, is finished, that you still have my back.’

  ‘You betcha, sis,’ Simon grinned, clinking his glass with hers.

  Remembering the conversation that led to her and Byron’s first kiss, Meg added, ‘and I’m hoping that I might be able to work with you guys again. This has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve done. Professionally and personally.’ She looked up at Byron, a smile playing at her lips.

  Simon and Byron shared a look. A knowing look only brothers and business partners could share.

  *

  A week after the successful building launch, the team met to debrief and talk about what was next for each of them. The Madden job signalled a turning point in one way or another for each of the team. They had all put so much of themselves into the project and they were rewarded in their own unique ways.

  Grace looked around the group, content in the knowledge that her family, by blood and by friendship, were happy and well. When they started the Madden project all those months ago, the mixed match group were either finding their legs with something new or fighting demons of old. Looking around the table now, she saw smiles, heard laughter and felt solidarity in this strong new unit.

  Byron had contacted a handful of potential clients, with Meg’s photographic talent front of mind, and was drumming up business left and right. Before the Madden job, Byron had felt the need for diversification and change. The new dynamic in Cassidy Designs which saw Meg and Avery’s artistic talents together with Simon’s new software, seemed to satisfy the itchy feeling that had been plaguing him. He looked at Meg sitting across the table, laughing at something Grace was saying, and felt the warm contentment which had settled in his chest. He was getting a glimpse at how much more to life there was outside his business. Meg was spiking his interest in things he had never really thought about before. He had always been so wrapped up in his business and his family that he’d never really thought about starting his own branch of the family tree. Although he wouldn’t spook Meg with his thoughts just yet, he c
ould imagine a real future with her, one that went beyond the convenience of working together.

  Simon bumped Byron’s shoulder to get his attention and handed him a fresh pint of Guinness. He was enjoying this easy banter and was grateful that no one had mentioned Bella. He had purposely jumped straight into a fresh project, working with his new multi-media software, distracting him from the incessant text messages and emails from Mrs Williams. He hadn’t replied to any of them except writing a short email asking her not to contact him anymore. He knew it would take some time to move on and he wasn’t sure if he’d ever truly stop loving her. But, as Avery had pointed out, he was beginning to see that he was in love with an idea of Bella, a romantic notion, not so much the real person. And that he’d be okay.

  Avery poured a glass of wine for herself and topped up Meg’s glass. The day before, Meg had sent Avery a huge bunch of flowers and elaborate fauna with a card simply reading Thank you. Avery knew that was Meg’s way of acknowledging Avery for sticking by her through a turbulent time in her life when everyone else either deserted Meg or let themselves be pushed away. She was pleased that she was able to help Meg and was thankful that the Cassidy’s were there now too. She had been overwhelmed by the recognition she received for her murals in the Madden building. She was filtering through so many commission offers that she could pick exactly what she wanted to do next, without compromising on her values. She winked at Flynn when he caught her eye. She loved the shy blush that crept up his neck in return. He seemed so relieved to have finished the Madden job, on time and on budget, that he was like a new man. Calm, relaxed and talking about taking some time off to finish his house plans and maybe even make a start on the build.

  As they sat discussing future projects, Meg felt confidence in herself again to enjoy her work and to be challenged and satisfied by it. No more stock shots and generic jobs for her. She wanted to get back to projects that fulfilled her hunger and gave her purpose and reward. Meg looked around the table, at friends that had become like family. Family she could trust and lean on when times were tough. The grey cloud that had crept into her life after Patrick had betrayed her had lifted over the time she had known the Cassidy’s. Byron had given her fun, laughter and warmth. Simon was like a cheeky brother who had her back and Grace the sister she’d never realised she longed for. Working with Cassidy Designs turned out to be a salvation for Meg, emerging from her depression to enjoy her work and new friends more than she had thought possible.