“Stay as long as you like.” Josie hugged her one more time before she left.
Arabella finished her glass and traded it out for an entire opened bottle in the champagne bucket. She carried it to the bench facing her greatest masterpiece. She kicked off her heels and plopped down. Admiring the abstract portrait that stared back at her with the familiar brooding face and the prominent scar. Most of all, those mysterious iridescent blue-grey eyes that still made her heart skip a beat.
She inhaled a good portion of the champagne straight from the bottle. Needing a quick buzz to get her through. She needed to see him one more time but it would have to be his choice.
“There’s an eerie resemblance. However, wouldn’t you like to be with the real thing?”
Arabella released the bottle and it made a loud bang, rolling on the floor. Liquid gathered around her feet and spewed everywhere else.
“Lux,” she whispered. Dare she turn around?
“I didn’t expect this kind of reception,” he joked.
She got up slowly to meet him face-to-face. Arabella didn’t recognize the man standing opposite of her. Gone was the unruly hair and beard. His casual attire was replaced with an impeccable fitted and tailored suit. He looked the part of a powerful billionaire.
“You’re beautiful as ever.” His eyes visually caressed her from head to toe.
Arabella gave him a goofy grin. “What took you so long?”
She ran over to him and flung herself into his arms. He twirled her around once. Hugging her tightly as she slid down his body to gaze up at him.
“I’ve missed you, my psychic.” He didn’t give her a chance to respond and kissed her hard on the lips. His tongue slipping through her parted lips and the wonderful sensations coiled deep in her belly.
He placed his forehead against hers. “I’m sorry. I wanted to give you time.”
“There were things I needed to take care of. Things I needed to do for myself so I could come back to you. Completely whole,” she said shyly.
He cupped her face with his calloused hand. “Good. Now get used to this.” His mouth closed down on hers and the kiss sent her toes curling. When they finally pulled apart he vowed, “I’m never going to let you go.”
“Honey, I’m not going anywhere.” Arabella returned the promise.
Lux picked up her wet heels and scooped her up in his arms. “Now, we’ve got three years to catch up on.” He bent down to capture her lips as he carried her through the gallery. “But first, I plan on thoroughly worshipping every inch of you.”
“Promise?” she asked eagerly.
Arabella knew the fairytale was just beginning. From here on out they’d write their own chapters. Plus, she’d throw in a little magic, here and there, to keep things unpredictable.
Hours later…
Lux certainly made good on that promise.
About Jax Cassidy
JAX CASSIDY followed her dreams to Paris, then Hollywood to pursue a film career, but managed to fall in love with penning sexy romances and happy endings. She is currently living happily-ever-after with her Prince Charming, and divides her time between Pittsburgh and Orlando. When she’s not in the writing cave, she focuses all her energies on healing the world as an intuitive counselor and spiritual medium. Jax also carves time for abstract art projects and modern calligraphy. She is often spotted at the local café getting her coffee fix, or discovering new wine bars and eateries with friends. She is Co-Founder of Romance Divas, an award winning writer’s website and discussion forum. Jax is represented by Roberta Brown of the Brown Literary Agency.
www.jaxcassidy.com
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