《From Bully To Beloved》


 1

    Sera


    Monday night unfolds in a quaint Queens diner, the clock ticking past 7:00 p. m.


    ¡°Come closer, baby doll,¡± the jerk taunts Kelly at a nearby table.


    A confrontation isn¡¯t on my agenda, but witnessing him grab Kelly¡¯s ass ignites my fury.


    Unapologetic, he smirks when caught. I march toward them, enraged.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter, sugar?¡± he mocks, realizing he¡¯s flustered her.


    ¡°S-Sir, you can¡¯t¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry-what was that?¡± he interrupts, reveling in her difort.


    I¡¯ve had enough. The customer isn¡¯t always right.


    Standing beside Kelly, I unleash my indignation. ¡°Hey, prick. You can¡¯t grope the waitresses. It¡¯s not that kind of diner.¡±


    He sneers, giving me a disdainful look, contrasting with Kelly¡¯s deer-in-the-headlights expression.


    Kelly, tall and neat, contrasts my short, curvy self. Tonight, she¡¯s handled a challenging customer, enduring his inappropriatements with poise. Now, he¡¯s crossed the line.


    ¡°Out. Now,¡± I dere with calm authority.


    ¡°What are you using me of?¡± he retorts.


    ¡°Don¡¯t y dumb. I saw you touch her,¡± I respond, unfazed.


    ¡°I did no such thing,¡± he ims, feigning innocence.


    ¡°Your hand just happened to be level with her backside and making a grabbing motion?¡±


    ¡°Is it a crime to have my hand resting at my side?¡± he argues.


    ¡°No, but it¡¯s a crime to touch someone without their consent,¡± I assert, positioning myself protectively in front of Kelly.


    He challenges me, demanding to speak to the supervisor. Little does he know, as the most senior employee, I hold that position.


    I eagerly anticipate the look on his face when he realizes his ploy won¡¯t work.


    I position my hands on the table, leaning in, and calmly state, ¡°I am the supervisor. I must ask you to leave the premises.¡±


    Hoping a more condescending tone will convey my authority, I retaliate against his insolence. He questions my role, snapping at Kelly for confirmation.


    Kelly weakly nods, yet disbelief lingers in the man¡¯s expression.


    Fed up, I decide to prove who¡¯s in control. I backhand one of his beer bottles, spilling its contents across hisp. As he jolts back, I sweetly utter, ¡°Oops.¡±


    His face reddens, attracting attention from other patrons. Backhanding more bottles, I repeat, ¡°Oops,¡± less sweetly. The man protests, using me of intent.


    With satisfaction, I order him out, pointing to the door. Kelly mentions he hasn¡¯t paid yet.


    I turn, take the slip from her, and he scoffs, climbing out of the booth. A beer stain on hisp adds to his humiliation. When he ims he won¡¯t pay, I¡¯m ready to retaliate, but Officer Marco, a regr NYPD customer, intervenes.


    ¡°Is there a problem here, Sera?¡± Officer Marco inquires sternly.


    I swiftly inform him about the groping incident, and Mr. Suit attempts to exit without settling his bill. I ce the receipt on the table, urging him to pay. Reluctantly, he drops cash and leaves.


    Once he¡¯s gone, I turn to Kelly, ensuring she¡¯s okay. Officer Marco offers support, asking if she wants to press charges, but she declines.


    With relief, I hug Kelly, and Officer Marco returns to his meal. I grab a slice of apple pie, brightening his mood and acknowledging his assistance.


    I guide Kelly toward the back, signaling other waitresses to take our tables. The kitchen buzzes with activity, and Deacon, our lively head chef, notices us. I gesture for him to prepare something for Kelly, and he obliges.


    In Marie¡¯s cramped makeshift office, I settle Kelly, assuring her to take all the time she needs. Despite her concern about the tables, I dismiss it, promising that Daphne and others can handle them.


    She expresses disbelief at people¡¯s behavior, and I refrain frommenting, understanding her kind nature. Deacon brings in aforting chocteva cake with vani ice cream.


    ¡°You¡¯re my bestie. You know I¡¯d kick anybody in the nuts for you,¡± I reassure her. Despite my years in waitressing, Kelly¡¯s good-natured innocence still surprises me.


    Deacon¡¯s thoughtful gesture of providing Kelly¡¯s favorite treat lightens the mood. I encourage her to take deep breaths and enjoy the treat before heading back out.


    As Kelly eats, she asks about my uing ¡°meeting.¡± I admit I have a few minutes, assuring her it¡¯s not urgent. We discuss Mrs. Ashton, reminiscing about her, and I express how much I miss her.


    Kelly encourages me to go to the meeting, assuring me she¡¯ll be fine. Despite her reassurance, the real reason I¡¯m hesitant is the thought of seeing him again.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.

 2

    Mrs. Bianca, having no living children and her husband long gone, left her inheritance to her grandson. I¡¯m familiar with him, not worried but annoyed and eager to conclude this. Handling a childhood bully is nothingpared to kicking someone out of the diner.


    Back in kindergarten at the age of five, on my first day, my mom dressed me in a new red dress with white dots despite financial constraints. Trying to stay clean, I even skipped painting, my favorite activity. However, he sneered, yanked one of my pigtails, and sttered blue paint on my dress. It led to tears, a call to my mom, and his continued sneering.


    Since high school, I haven¡¯t encountered him, thankfully. Surprisingly, the jerk wasn¡¯t even present at the funeral.


    Colton


    Upon my arrival at Gran¡¯s apartment, the darkness strikes me as unusual, contrasting my childhood memories of a well-lit home. cing my bags and helmet by the door, I instinctively turn on the kitchen light, finding immediatefort in the soft glow. Despite her passing, the familiar scent of her home evokes good memories.


    Surveying the apartment, it remains cozy and quiet, adorned with vases, figurines, and personal touches reflecting Gran¡¯s personality. The flowery dark-purple wallpaper frames a cherished photo of Gran, me, and my childhood friend Justin. Everything appears as I remember it, with one significant difference-the absence of the familiar scent of freshly baked swirled butter cookies, a cherished treat Gran used to make.


    Taking a deep breath, I reflect on Gran¡¯s role in my life, raising me after my parents¡¯ death and being the one who truly understood me. Her patience was infinite, evident even now as I return to her apartment. My mind drifts to the regret of missing her funeral due to travelplications.


    Refusing to dwell on grief, my thoughts shift to the surprise in Gran¡¯s will. I ponder the reasoning behind her desire for me to marry Seraphine Gray, a childhood ssmate I despise. Wondering why Sera agreed to this arrangement, I specte on her motivations-perhaps boredom or desperation.


    As I hang my biker jacket and adjust my tie, hunger strikes, and I contemte ordering food. Before reaching for my phone, the sound of keys rattling in the door interrupts my thoughts.


    I make my way to the living room, eager to identify the audacious intruder in my grandmother¡¯s-now my-apartment, unless she has a key.


    The door opens, and I¡¯m met with the sight of a stunning woman, but she¡¯s not who I expected. Dressed in ck pants and a polo shirt, clearly a uniform, the shirt¡¯s blindingly bright pink hue oddly suits her. Her curvy frame is entuated by the clothes, and a few strands of blonde hair escape her messy bun. Despite my irritation at the heaping mess she¡¯s made with her bags next to mine, an impulse urges me to reach out and tuck those strands behind her ear.


    She faces me, chocte-brown eyes narrowed in what appears to be distrust, and utters my name with a tight voice. It hits me-this is Sera. No way is this the same girl who used to roll her eyes at me.


    ¡°I used to help Mrs. Bianca from time to time. She made a copy for me,¡± she exins, twirling the keys provocatively.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you had a key,¡± I remark.


    Her response carries the familiar attitude, and it¡¯s clear she hasn¡¯t changed. ¡°Well, I didn¡¯t think you would be here¡­considering you didn¡¯t show up for the service.¡±


    Her low blow irks me. ¡°She was my grandmother. If I could¡¯ve been there, I would¡¯ve. Not that I need to exin myself to anyone.¡± I don¡¯t need to verbalize it, especially not to her.


    Unenthusiastically, we acknowledge the ufortable arrangement, and before she can retort, there¡¯s a knock on the door. I open it, and Vance, the familywyer, greets us with a smile and a folder in hand. He¡¯s aged but retains his warmth.


    ¡°Hello, Mr. Ashton,¡± Vance says in his thick Italian ent.


    ¡°Hey, Vance. Come on in.¡± I let him enter and introduce him to Sera. Their prior meeting at the funeral adds anotheryer of tension between us.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go over everything,¡± I suggest as we sit at the kitchen table. ¡°Just so we can make sure we¡¯re all on the same page.¡±


    ¡°Certainly.¡± Vance opens the folder, shuffling some papers. ¡°In her will, Mrs. Bianca Ashton designated both of you as inheritors of her estate, including this apartment, her storage locker in Queens, and approximately 1. 5 million dors-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, howmuch?¡± Sera interjects, wide-eyed.


    Vance discloses the surprising amount. While I¡¯m also taken aback, my poker face is moreposed. I knew Gran was well-off, but $750, 000 won¡¯t drastically change my life. I¡¯m here for Gran¡¯sst wish, not just the money. It seems, judging by Sera¡¯s reaction and her willingness to proceed, she needs the money more urgently.


    ¡°One-point-five million dors,¡± Vance reaffirms. ¡°As you know, I was instructed not to disclose the amount until both parties were present.¡±


    ¡°Go on, Vance,¡± I prompt.


    ¡°I know I spoke to you both separately, but it¡¯s crucial that we¡¯re all on the same page and there are no misunderstandings. The sum is to be split equally between Colton Ashton and Seraphine Gray upon thepletion of one month of marriage. The marriage must be conducted by Mr. Vance Lombardi of Sanford & Partners. Both parties must remain married and living together in Mrs. Bianca Ashton¡¯s Twenty-third Street apartment for the entire thirty days. Neither party is allowed to renovate or change the furniture due to the value of the apartment. Only after the month isplete will both parties receive their half of the inheritance and the keys to the storage locker.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not allowed to renovate or change the furniture?¡± Sera questions, drumming her fingers on the table. ¡°We can¡¯t even move furniture around or buy new things?¡±


    ¡°That was Mrs. Ashton¡¯s wish. I trust you will respect her wishes.¡±


    ¡°Of course. No problem, but it¡¯s rather¡­odd.¡±


    ¡°Seems clear enough,¡± I respond, turning to Seraphine.


    She nods, staring at me with a racing mind. Vance pulls out a single sheet of paper and a pen, asking for our signatures.


    I sign first, pushing the paper toward Sera, holding out the pen. When our fingers briefly touch as she takes the pen, a strange spark ignites, and my focus narrows. She signs her name, and Vance deres us husband and wife.


    ¡°What happens if either one of us doesn¡¯t go through with it?¡± Sera asks. ¡°You know, moves out before the month is over?¡±


    ¡°Should either party vite Mrs. Bianca Ashton¡¯sst wish, the money goes to¡±-Vance flips through papers-¡°Mr. Chad Vondue .¡±


    ¡°Who the hell is that?¡± I question, slightly irritated.


    ¡°Mr. Vondue  runs a small YouTube channel about endangered algae and desires to create a heartfelt animated film about them, which requires him to own a custom eighty-two-foot cruising yacht, as well as a film production studio,¡± Vance exins matter-of-factly.


    I¡¯m dumbfounded. ¡°I¡¯ve never even heard of this guy.¡±


    ¡°Yourte grandmother was a huge fan of his work, and if you or Ms. Gray renege on the arrangement, there are explicit instructions to give the money-the full amount-to Mr. Vondue .¡±


    Ridiculous as it is, I¡¯m not surprised. Vance departs, leaving us to process what just urred.


    ¡°Congrattions, Mrs. Ashton,¡± I yfully tease her. ¡°Shall we exchange a kiss to make it official?¡±


    ¡°Hell will freeze over before I kiss you.¡± She checks her hair, as if to ensure I¡¯m not pulling her pigtails. Then, rolling her eyes, she grabs her bags. ¡°And I¡¯m not taking yourst name.¡±


    ¡°Good. Once this month is over, we can move on and act like it never happened.¡± I pick up my bags too.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    ¡°Fine by me.¡± She shrugs defiantly.


    ¡°Fine.¡±


    As we head toward the hallway, there¡¯s an awkward moment of shuffling as we each attempt to go first. Eventually, she pushes past me, identally brushing my chest slightly. She mutters under her breath, and I let her go, ying the gentleman card. Plus, I get to enjoy the sight of her swaying hips.


    A secondter, she stops abruptly. ¡°You¡¯ve Gotta be kidding me.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the problem?¡±


    Slowly, she turns to me. ¡°There¡¯s only one bedroom.¡±


    Indeed, there are two doors at the end of the hall-one leading to the bedroom, the other to the bathroom. I nce over her head into the room, spotting a neatly made queen-sized bed with a stitched rose floralforter and an ornate mahogany headboard. Remembering Gran¡¯s instructions about not changing furniture, I chuckle with amusement.


    ¡°Well, shit,¡± I say, smirking at Seraphine. ¡°I guess we¡¯re sharing a bed, Mrs. Ashton.¡±

 3

    Sera


    THIRTY DAYS LEFT


    The universe must have it out for me.


    How else can you exin this whole situation? It¡¯s absurd enough that I have to be married to and cohabitate with Colton Ashton for a month to secure an inheritance I had no clue about, but the kicker is there¡¯s only one small bed!


    And that infuriating smirk on his face?


    His tattoos weren¡¯t a thing thest time I saw him. Now they¡¯re everywhere, from what I can discern. His arms are entirely covered, and I notice ink creeping up his neck beneath his snug ck T-shirt. Was he always that muscr? I¡¯m pretty sure I would¡¯ve remembered if his arms looked like that in high school.


    But none of that matters. I don¡¯t care how appealing he may seem.


    He¡¯s still a jerk.


    It happened in Mrs. Rudolph¡¯s senior year art ss, a ss I had been looking forward to all year. As we were about to graduate, Mrs. R had given us the freedom to work on any projects we desired. Eager to experiment with charcoal and improve my people-drawing skills, I was thrilled to have this opportunity in art ss.


    Mrs. R hadn¡¯t arrived yet, so I dropped my bag on my desk and took a seat next to my best friend, Gwen. She was engrossed in her work, scribbling on a piece of red paper.


    ¡°What are you working on?¡± I inquired.


    Without looking up, Gwen responded, ¡°A note.¡±


    I knew exactly what that meant. It was time for Gwen¡¯stest crush. Throughout high school, she¡¯d had an array of secret crushes, and it seemed like she had a thing for every guy in our grade (which was kind of amusing).


    Driven by curiosity, I asked, ¡°Who¡¯s it for this time?¡±


    ¡°ColtonAshton.¡±


    My eyes practically popped out of my head. ¡°Ugh, seriously? Him?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s gorgeous,¡± she gushed with that lovesick expression. ¡°And he¡¯s smart and funny-¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s annoying.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that! He is not.¡±


    With a deep sigh, I allowed her to continue writing her little love note, shifting my focus back to preparing for ss.


    Our ss seemed to be divided into three groups.


    Group oneprised the popr crowd, the rich and beautiful.


    Group two included the okay crowd, those who were somewhat cool and reasonably attractive.


    Group three, the uncool crowd, consisted of losers, full-on geeks, and creative individuals often dismissed as dopes.


    I found myself in group three, the uncool crowd. This was primarily due to Mrs. R seating me next to the ¡°uncoolest¡± girl in the entire school-Gwen-right at the beginning of the year. I was runningte that day because I had forgotten my sketchbook, and nobody wanted to sit next to her in the first row. Sure, I wasn¡¯t the coolest girl either, far from it, and I certainly wasn¡¯t rich or beautiful enough to be in group one. Still, I loathed sitting next to this super-nerd with sses who always raised her hand like it was an Olympic sport. I hoped to at least belong to group two.


    However, as the days and weeks passed, I discovered that deep down, Gwen was funny. Though mostly quiet and shy (except when crafting anonymous love notes to boys) and an overachiever in both good and bad ways, we shared a simr sense of humor.


    Once she opened up to me, I had more fun with her during and after ss than ever before. It turned out Gwen was more my people than the popr and okay crowd, and I embraced my new position without any regret.


    Through Gwen¡¯s secret creative writing book club, I met Kelly, who was also part of the uncool crowd despite attending a different school. She and I became best friends once Gwen moved to another state. What the cool and popr kids failed to grasp was that having ¡°nerds¡± as your besties and being fully integrated into their world was extremely beneficial. When something was due, I could rely on them to remind me. I couldn¡¯t even count how many times Gwen had saved my skin when I¡¯d forgotten to do my homework or needed a little ¡°inspiration¡± during a test.


    I was a bit of a disorganized kid, prone to forgetting things at times.


    However, this time, I was sure I had brought my red sketchbook, intending to transfer a couple of small sketches intorger drawings. While digging through my backpack to find the book, I heard a sarcastic voice.


    ¡°What? Can¡¯t find your stuff? Did Miss Goody-Goody forget to clean out her backpack?¡± Colton asked, taking the seat next to mine.


    Why did he have to sit there? Couldn¡¯t he choose another spot? I scanned the room, hoping for an avable desk to move to, only to find every seat upied. Wonderful. Exactly what I wanted to deal with today.


    ¡°Mind your business, Colton,¡± I snapped.


    ¡°You got it, Nosy Sera.¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Oh, my God, I despised that name with a fiery passion. He knew it because I¡¯d already told him to knock it off over a dozen times and to stop calling me that. Firstly, I wasn¡¯t nosy. I simply had a high eagerness to learn. Secondly, he only called me that because it rhymed with my name. Thirdly, it wasn¡¯t even original. Fourthly, he was an asshat with an IQ likelyparable to that of a gnat. I opened my mouth to snap at him again, but then Mrs. R strolled in and immediately headed to the whiteboard.


    ¡°All right, I have guidelines for what we¡¯re going to focus on today,¡± she said, her voice firm and straightforward. ¡°If you¡¯ll direct your attention to the board¡­¡±


    Mrs. R was strict, and when she spoke, she expected everyone else to be quiet and listen. I shot Colton a re and continued going through my bag, half-listening to what the teacher was saying.


    Reluctantly, I had to admit that my bag was kind of a mess. I found the sketchbook wedged between my math textbook and science binder, stuck to an open chocte wrapper. With the sketchbook in hand, I put the bag down and gave the teacher my full attention. I barely had time to register what she was writing on the board when I felt Gwen tug on my arm. She knew I hated being bothered during art, just as she hated being disturbed during creative writing. Additionally, there was Mrs. R¡¯s strict ¡°no talking¡± rule.


    I shrugged her off and didn¡¯t take my eyes off the board.


    ¡°Psst, Sera,¡± Gwen whispered. ¡°Can you give this to Cal?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± I muttered under my breath. ¡°Shh, I¡¯m trying to pay attention.¡±


    ¡°But he¡¯s right next to you,¡± she insisted. ¡°Just slide it over.¡±


    If it were anyone else, I¡¯d ignore them. However, Gwen was my best friend. I nced over to find her giving me the most wide-eyed, pleading stare. Against my better judgment, I snatched the note from her, only to hear Mrs. R clear her throat loudly. I looked up to find the teacher standing in front of my desk, wearing that stern expression she always sported when unamused.


    ¡°Ms. Gray, you know there is no note passing in ss.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not my-¡±


    ¡°No excuses. Give it here!¡±


    Sheepishly, I handed it over, and she snatched it away, making a show of crossing to her desk and putting the note in her top drawer. Fortunately, she didn¡¯t open it and read it aloud, a practice she sometimes indulged in. That would have been so embarrassing for poor Gwen. Without another word, Mrs. R went back to the board. I red at Gwen, only to realize all the color had drained from her face.


    ¡°We have to get it back,¡± she hissed.


    ¡°No! Just forget it. Write another one.¡±


    ¡°But that one was perfect. To the point. It even rhymes.¡±


    ¡°Quiet, you¡¯re going to get me in trouble,¡± I whispered, turning my attention back to the whiteboard.


    Mrs. R spun around, and we immediately fell silent. Any involvement with Colton, even indirectly through Gwenny¡¯s love letter, seemed to lead to trouble for me. Since the day he first pulled my pigtails, I¡¯d been doing double duty to make up for his alleged transgressions, which were entirely his fault. ¡°You all have your assignments. You may get started. Let me know if you have questions.¡±


    With a disappointed sigh, I reluctantly set my sketchbook aside and got up to gather the supplies she had outlined on the board. Gwen caught my hand. ¡°I¡¯ll distract her. You get the note back.¡±


    ¡°Gwenny, seriously, just let it go. I¡¯m not going to get in trouble just to retrieve a stupid love note.¡±


    ¡°Please, Sera, I beg you! What if she throws it away? Or worse, what if she reads it out loud?¡±


    She had a point. That old bat could definitely read it aloud at the end of ss if there was time, just like she sometimes did in the past. Crap. I was torn between staying tough and helping out my friend. Was I really going to do this for my friend? I looked at her, and she had tears in her eyes. I knew then I couldn¡¯t tell her no.


    ¡°Fine,¡± I hissed in a soft tone. ¡°You talk to her and make sure she¡¯s busy. I¡¯ll go swipe the note.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Sera! Thank you, thank you, thank you.¡± Gwen gave me a quick hug before pulling away and raising her hand. ¡°Mrs. Rudolph? I¡¯m not sure I understand the directions.¡±


    Mrs. R adjusted her sses and walked to Gwen¡¯s desk to talk to her.


    Once she was distracted, I slipped out of my seat and walked to the paper supply, which was right next to her desk. I kept ncing over my shoulder to make sure she wasn¡¯t looking. A few times, she lifted her head to take a quick nce around, and I had to pretend like I was rifling through paper. Gwen drew her focus once more-thank God-and I knew I had to hurry before I lost my nerve.


    Seizing the opportunity, I quietly stepped behind her desk and slowly opened the drawer.


    The next thing I knew, I heard a book hit the floor. Loudly.


    It was Colton. He was grinning, noughing! He¡¯d dropped my sketchbook on purpose to distract Mrs. R from Gwen and bring attention to me.


    Oh no! Please, no! Not again!


    All I could hope was that Mrs. R wouldn¡¯t notice me. I stood frozen. The only sound I heard was the whooshing in my ears.


    Mrs. R half-turned to pick up the book, looked up, and our eyes met from across the room. My stomach dropped when I realized how pissed off she was. My face grew hot with embarrassment and shame, knowing there would be no talking my way out of this one.


    Mrs. R stomped up front, tearing the note from my hand and opening it. Oh, my God.


    ¡°No! Mrs. R,¡± I tried.


    She ignored me and read it aloud:


    Dear Cal,


    You heavenly creature.


    You¡¯re not only the cutest boy in school but under the big blue sky.


    Can I be your butterfly?


    With love from the one who adores you the most,


    Your forever-forever girl from the loneliest coast.


    The ssughed.


    Hysterically.


    Several even pointed fingers at me.


    My cheeks heated in embarrassment, and they must have been the same color as my red shirt. Okay, Gwen hadn¡¯t put her name on the note (she never did), so that meant everybody thought it was my love note to Colton. I wanted to protest, scream: no, I didn¡¯t write the damn note! No way could I allow Colton Ashton to think I was confessing my never-ending love to him-but then I caught Gwen¡¯s pleading eyes.


    I couldn¡¯t expose her.


    So, I kept silent.


    Just behind her, I noticed Colton¡¯s obnoxiousughing face.


    The same obnoxious face I¡¯m now married to.


    Of course, he¡¯s the reason I got into trouble for the first time in my life. Ugh, just reminiscing about the incident makes my cheeks grow hot again and annoys me like it did back then. I try not to dwell on it.


    ¡°Ready to go to sleep, Mrs. Ashton?¡±


    ¡°Stop calling me that,¡± I snapped, turning around and entering the bedroom. I drop my bags onto the end of the bed and start unpacking.


    Colton has the nerve to chuckle at me before he does the same thing. I can¡¯t even look at him. My head starts racing with thoughts: Why me? Why him? Mrs. Bianca had always talked him up whenever she and I spent time together. I remember many times when she tried to set me up with him over the years. I never understood why she was so convinced we¡¯d be a good match. We can¡¯t stand each other, and right now, he¡¯s thest person on Earth I want anywhere near me.


    It doesn¡¯t help that when I turn toward the dresser, he¡¯s already there, and I bump right into him. Instinctively, he reaches out to grab my arms and steady me. If it weren¡¯t for the stack of clothes I¡¯m holding, my breasts would be pressed right against his chest.


    ¡°Easy there, Sera,¡± he says, a cocky grin ying on his lips.


    I shrug out of his grasp, ignoring the fact I can still feel the heat of his palms on my arms. ¡°I know it¡¯s difficult for you, but try to pay attention.¡±


    ¡°Still as charming as ever.¡±


    ¡°Back at you.¡±


    The drawers have already been emptied, so I pick one and shove my clothes into it. I almost bump into him-again-as he pivots toward the closet. It turns into this weird dance of us constantly getting into each other¡¯s way while we try to unpack. This room definitely isn¡¯t thergest. It¡¯s clearly meant for one person, not two. It doesn¡¯t help that I¡¯m also not used to sharing a space with someone, and he¡¯s obviously having the same issue navigating around another person.


    Eventually, we finish without knocking each other over. By now, I¡¯m exhausted. I¡¯ve been on my feet for over twelve hours, and I have to do it again tomorrow. All I want to do is take a hot shower and crawl into bed.


    ¡°I¡¯m starving,¡± Colton says. ¡°I¡¯m going to order some food. You want anything?¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m fine.¡±


    ¡°You sure?¡±


    ¡°I said I¡¯m fine.¡± Ites out harsher than I mean it to. I¡¯m so wound up by this whole arrangement. The fact that he¡¯s not, is making me angrier. How can he be so calm about all this? How can he act like this is normal?


    ¡°I was just asking. You don¡¯t need to bite my head off.¡±


    I¡¯m looking for my pajamas, only to realize I forgot myfy T-shirt and nnel pants. Where is my brain? All I have is a nightie and-oh, thank God-my white robe. I pull them out of my drawer and shift to face him.


    ¡°How can you be so chill about all of this?¡± I ask. ¡°Doesn¡¯t it bother you? Us having to be married and living together?¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t have to do anything,¡± he says. ¡°You could¡¯ve easily walked away. But you didn¡¯t. You came here, signed the papers, and agreed to the terms. If it bothers you so much, why did you go through with it?¡±


    I don¡¯t want to tell him I need the money. I don¡¯t want to tell him how much my life will change with $750, 000. But it¡¯s more than that. Being a waitress is a great job I enjoy immensely, and it¡¯s paying the bills. However, I don¡¯t want to do it all my life. With this inheritance, I¡¯ll be able to finally breathe and not have to work every second of my life like I¡¯ve been doing since I was sixteen.


    But I don¡¯t tell Colton any of this because it¡¯s none of his business.


    Instead, I take a deep breath to calm myself. ¡°No, I¡¯m not hungry. Thanks for asking,¡± I say,pletely ignoring his new question just to make a point, and pushing past him. ¡°I just want to shower and go to sleep.¡±


    I will not argue. Not now. Maybeter, though. We¡¯ll see if the shower calms me down enough.


    Colton lets me go without a word, but I can feel him watching me the whole time. It¡¯s not until I reach the bathroom and lock the door (I double-check that it¡¯s locked) that I sigh with relief. It¡¯s going to be a long month. But I can do this. I can handle this. I¡¯m not just saying it to convince myself. I can handle anything-even Colton Ashton.


    This is the first time I¡¯ve truly paid attention to Mrs. Bianca¡¯s bathroom-other than to use the facilities-and it¡¯s twice the size of my old bathroom, with gorgeous fixtures in pristine condition. There¡¯s a frickin¡¯ wfoot tub.


    Forget the shower. I¡¯m taking a bath.

 4

    I start the water and undress, tossing my clothes onto the floor. Scanning the bathroom, I can¡¯t spot any towels. Two doors on the other side catch my eye, and I check each one.


    To my delight, the first door leads to a smallundry room. I take a moment to appreciate the washer and dryer, a far cry from the beat-up ones in my building¡¯s basement.


    Slipping into the tub, the hot water is blissful. I lean back and release a content sigh.


    Closing my eyes, attempting to rx bes a challenge. Colton¡¯s face immediately intrudes on my thoughts-those eyes, those lips, that infuriating smirk.


    My blood simmers.


    I know, I know. My grudge against him is from years ago, and I should let it go. I might have, if he hadn¡¯t persistently started pushing my buttons. It¡¯s like he wants to provoke annoyance.


    Knock. Knock.


    A sharp knock on the door disrupts my rxation. Good grief, what does he want? Thankfully, the door is locked.


    ¡°What?¡± I call out.


    ¡°Food¡¯s here. Do you want some?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Why is he asking again? Annoying. I already told him I wasn¡¯t hungry.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll put the rest in the fridge, in case you change your mind.¡±


    The rxed atmosphere vanishes. Oh well, it was nice while itsted. By now, the water is cold anyway. I pull myself out of the tub, too tired to contemte anything further. The need for sleep overrides everything else.


    I dry off with a fluffy towel, don my nightie, and wrap myself in a white robe. Holding my toothbrush, I go through my toiletry bag. Darn, I think I forgot my toothpaste. I borrow Colton¡¯s-neatly ced next to the sink. After brushing my teeth, I run the towel over my hair, tossing it with my clothes before leaving the bathroom. Though exhausted, I briefly consider sketching. It¡¯s been a few days, and my hands itch for charcoal.


    That idea evaporates when I enter the bedroom. The bed looks inviting, and all I want is to crawl under the covers and pass out. As I prepare to do just that, I pull back theforter, reaching down to untie my robe.


    ¡°Do you want to be the big spoon or the little spoon?¡± he rumbles.


    I nearly jump out of my skin at his voice. I hadn¡¯t heard Colton approach. ¡°Jesus! Don¡¯t sneak up on me like that,¡± I snap, hand over my racing heart.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I don¡¯t remember you being so jumpy.¡±


    I have a sharp reply on the tip of my tongue, but it vanishes when he takes off his shirt.


    Gulp.


    My mind goes nk.


    All I can focus on is how ripped he is.


    One hundred ny pounds of pure muscle.


    Beyond that, his collection of tattoos possesses its own beauty, and I can¡¯t help but stare. Some are straightforward, like a ming skull covering his right shoulder. On his left pec, a detailed human heart drips with blood right over his actual heart. On his left forearm, a motorcycle takes up the entire area. Yet, there are more abstract pieces, mostly tribal patterns and symbols, from what I can discern.


    From an artist¡¯s viewpoint, the work is stunning. I¡¯ve never seen tattoos so detailed and beautiful. From a woman¡¯s viewpoint, damn, he¡¯s smoking hot. I catch myself and look away. Thank God he doesn¡¯t notice.


    He crosses to the other side of the bed, and only then do I find my voice again. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s still early, but I¡¯m beat. I know it¡¯s our wedding night, but sorry, honey. Not tonight.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I mean,¡± I say. ¡°Why are you climbing into bed?¡±


    He pauses. ¡°Are you serious right now?¡±


    ¡°We are not sleeping together.¡±


    ¡°I know, I told you I¡¯m tired.¡±


    ¡°Stop trying to be cute. I¡¯m not sharing a bed with you.¡±


    ¡°Fine. There¡¯s a perfectly good couch in the living room,¡± he says, undoing the button of his jeans, and I have to force myself not to watch the movement. ¡°I¡¯ve been on two connecting flights and haven¡¯t slept in nearly twenty-four hours.¡±


    Quickly, I climb into bed before he can. ¡°Perfect. You can sleep there.¡±


    He gives me an incredulous look. ¡°Seriously, Sera?¡±


    ¡°Do I sound serious?¡± I ask, arching a brow.


    Colton grumbles and grabs one of the pillows. ¡°You¡¯re always serious. Little serious Nosy Sera with that sourpuss look on her face.¡±


    Hearing my old nickname brings my anger back full force. ¡°Enjoy the couch and get the lights on your way out.¡± I purposefully lie in the middle of the bed, and yes, I still have my robe on. ¡°Good night.¡±


    ¡°Oh, fuck it,¡± he rumbles. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll sleep on the couch. I¡¯m not going to argue with you right now,¡± he adds, a tightness to his voice I know means he¡¯s annoyed. ¡°But don¡¯t get used to it. This isn¡¯t over.¡±


    On his way out of the room, he shuts the lights off and ms the door behind him.


    Part of me feels bad. A very tiny part, mind you. I don¡¯t mean to be difficult, but,e on. We don¡¯t see each other for years, and he really thinks we¡¯re going to share a bed? There¡¯s nothing in the terms of this agreement that says we have to sleep together.


    The bed is so soft, and by the time I take off my robe and pull the covers up, I¡¯m already closing my eyes. It never takes me long to fall asleep, especially after such a grueling workday. Goodness, is this a memory foam mattress? It feels absolutely perfect.


    I¡¯m in that wonderful moment between sleeping and awake when I hear the door open and feel Colton¡¯s hand on my shoulder. The light¡¯s still off, yet I can see his silhouette in the dark.


    ¡°Huh¡­wh-?¡± I mumble.


    ¡°Move over.¡±


    ¡°Uh, no.¡±


    ¡°Seraphine, the couch is too damn small for me. Just move over so I can lie down.¡±


    I roll over and put the pillow over my head. ¡°We went over this,¡± I argue, the pillow muffling my voice. ¡°I¡¯m not sleeping with you.¡±


    ¡°You sleep on the couch then. You¡¯ll fit.¡±


    I¡¯m so fucking tired, and I¡¯m a thousand percent done with dealing with him. Pulling the pillow off, I sit up. ¡°Fine. Whatever.¡±


    I roll out of bed, grabbing my robe and pillow, and closing the door behind me. In the living room, there¡¯s a thick nketid out on the cream-colored couch already, and I copse onto it. And barely even bounce. The couch cushions are hard. Like, hardly ever been sat on before kind of hard. The pillows are thin. It¡¯s annoying, but I¡¯ve slept on worse. Bundling myself up in the nket, I settle down and close my eyes.


    But the blissful sleep I was slipping into before doesn¡¯te. I miss the memory foam. I miss the downforter. The longer I lie there, the more I realize how bad this couch is. I¡¯ve slept on my fair share of couches and floors. This is how I know there is no way I¡¯ll be able to make it through the night. This couch is in a whole category of its own. It¡¯s horrible. It takes nearly thirty minutes of tossing and turning before I concede.


    Colton is right.


    I lie there with a huff, thinking about my options, of which there¡¯s only one. Would it be so bad to share a bed?


    I¡¯m so tired by this point, I don¡¯t even care. Grumbling, I get up and shuffle back to the bedroom. Quietly, I turn the knob and peek in. It¡¯s dark, but I can see that Colton isn¡¯t taking up the whole bed as I had. He¡¯s lying facing away from the doorway, so I¡¯m not sure if he¡¯s still awake. Theforter is draped over his hips, and all I can see is the smooth expanse of his tattooed back.


    Quietly, I tiptoe to the bed and slowly climb in. Now that I¡¯m close, I realize the tattoo is a gorgeous pair of ck wings on his shoulder des.


    I¡¯m just settling down when I hear, ¡°Couldn¡¯t stay away, could you?¡±


    ¡°That couch sucks.¡±


    ¡°Told you.¡±


    ¡°You stay on your side, buddy. I mean it. Don¡¯t test me. Especially if you want to keep all your intestines.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a dirty girl thinking about my intestines.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re so gross.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the one talking about my body parts. Get your mind out of the gutter. Hadn¡¯t even crossed my mind to move closer.¡± There is sleepiness to his voice.


    I turn my back to him. ¡°Smartass.¡±


    Ahhh, the memory foam andforter once more. Excellent. Carefully, I slip out of my robe and snuggle under the covers. Surrounded byfort once more, I close my eyes, and this time, sleepes swiftly.

 5

    Colton


    It¡¯s only a few short hourster that I wake up.


    It¡¯s dark.


    ording to the clock on the bedside table, it¡¯s the middle of the night. Fuck, really? I haven¡¯t had nearly enough sleep to make a dent in my tiredness. Annoyed, I try to shake the sleep away and figure out why I¡¯m awake so early. There¡¯s pressureonmy chest, and when I nce down, I¡¯m greeted by a beautiful sight.


    Seraphine is fast asleep, tucked into my side. Half of her is slung across my body, her head on my chest, her hand on my pecs, our legs tangling together. Iamon my side, but so is she.


    All I can think about are her protests from earlier.


    Stay on your side, she said. Don¡¯t test me, she said. Oh, this is too good.


    I¡¯m not just talking about the irony of her words. It feels good to have her weight on top of mine. One of my arms is already around her waist as if I pulled her close in my sleep.


    I want to tease her about it. God, do I want to wake her up and give her such shit. But there are two things wrong with that. For one, I¡¯m not entirely meless in this scenario. Two, it feels too damn good.


    Her body fits perfectly with mine. Her tits are pressed against me. Bet they would fit beautifully in my hands. The heat of her body that called to me earlier is louder now.


    Jesus, it¡¯s intoxicating, and I¡¯m not the only one who thinks so.


    The nket is lost at the bottom of the bed, giving me a full view of her body. Suddenly, she stirs, and I freeze. Her leg moves up, and the nightie slips, showing off a smooth thigh that grazes my dick. Fuck. That is one beautiful leg and one fucking snug nightie. Can¡¯t even see her panty lines.


    Wait. Is she wearing panties?


    I want to reach down and check, but I don¡¯t want to wake her.


    Also, that would be inappropriate, right? We¡¯re married, but notthatmarried. Guess I¡¯ll just have to remain still.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    At least try to.


    Oh, goddamn it.


    I lift my head to check.


    There¡¯s enough moonlight reflecting off of her to reveal two round and bare ass cheeks. Fuck. She¡¯s pantyless. More blood rushes into my cock as Iy my head back down into the soft pillow. My movement causes her to stir some more. With all the stirring she¡¯s doing, chances are high she¡¯ll identally slide down my dick at some point during the night. Maybe I should just wait for luck to strike.


    No. I shouldn¡¯t.


    Out of the question.


    I can feel the heat of her body calling to me. I want to answer, but then I remember that she¡¯s the most annoying woman on the.


    I¡¯m hard as a rock, and I have to shift a little to angle my hips away from her because, you know, gentleman and all that. Will she notice if I start rubbing one out? Because that sounds like a damn good idea. My dick jumps at the thought of catching a beat, and my horniness goes into overdrive. I barely move before she¡¯s curling tighter, and the next thing I feel is her pussy heat rightthere, against the cloth of my boxer briefs and my iron-hard cock. Her pussy lips practically hug my shaft as I force myself to hold back a groan. My brain glitches when she begins to move her hips, rubbing herself against my length in her sleep.


    Fucking don¡¯t move, don¡¯t disturb her, let her do her thing.


    ¡°Ahh¡­¡± A quiet whisper-moan escapes her lips when shees.


    I¡¯m forced to remain where I am, motionless, feeling her slowing jerks, listening to her drift back into a calm sleep, snuggling close, mumbling under her breath before growing still.


    Shit. That was hot AF.


    Now she¡¯s clinging to me in the cutest way imaginable. Her wild hair is in my face and smells of vani. Magnificent. Gently, I reach up to smooth it down.


    Okay, no jacking off tonight.


    I deny myself the thought of how her pulsing pussy would¡¯ve felt around my cock. Lying motionless and feeling content with her body molded against mine, her arms and leg nestled around me-that¡¯s all I do.


    I wrap my arms around her. Ah, it feels good. It feels natural andfortable to have her close. So, I leave her there, let her stay because the thought of pushing her away now is physically impossible.


    It¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve been in this position. Sure, I¡¯ve had my fair share of flings, but they don¡¯t-usually-end with us asleep and cuddling. I haven¡¯t had time for that sort of thing in years. I¡¯mpelled to take full advantage while I can. I tighten my arms around her.


    You know, might as well.

 6

    SERA


    TWENTY-NINE DAYS LEFT


    Idon¡¯t need an rm to know when it¡¯s time to get up. My body is quite familiar with my daily routine, and I always wake up a good hour before I have to get to work. Ie to consciousness to the soothing feelings of warmth and safety.


    Dear Lord, this bed isheavenly.


    I even had a naughty dream. I think I orgasmed-the memory makes me giggle. The first thing I¡¯m going to do when I get that money is buy a new bed. A bedjustlike this one, withthebest mattress and all. Super cozy. Memory foam. I forgot what it was like to sleep without being in a dent. Or having a spring poking me in the back.


    Though something is poking me in the thigh.


    Somethingbig.


    It¡¯s about now when I realize I¡¯m definitely not lying on the mattress. It smells masculine. Musky and cedary. There¡¯s an even rise and fall below my head, arm, and body. It¡¯s so nice andforting. A steady calm beat thumps against my ear.


    Wait. A calm beat?


    I open my eyes, and the first thing I see is the tattooed expanse of Colton¡¯s naked chest. My leg is flung across his hips, and my arms are practically around him in a hug.


    Which means what¡¯s poking me isnota spring.


    I want to scoot away quickly, but I¡¯m also acutely aware that could wake him up. That is out of the question, mostly because I don¡¯t want him to know I was cuddling him.


    I¡¯d better not have orgasmed!


    As carefully as possible, I slide my leg off him. I unwrap my arm from around his torso.


    Please don¡¯t wake up, please don¡¯t wake up, please don¡¯t wake up.


    ¡°Good morning, sweet thing.¡±


    Dammit.


    Colton¡¯s sleepy smile does little to soften how absolutelymortifiedI am that I was cuddling him. ¡°Ready to confess your never-ending love?¡± he rumbles.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± I say, instantly shifting to the other side of the bed. In fact, I scooch over to my half so quickly I just about bounce off the mattress.


    I¡¯m busy sliding back the stupid strap of my nightie. No boob slip. No boob slip.


    Even as I¡¯m struggling to find my bnce and ignoring the hand he¡¯s instinctively extending to help me, I¡¯m not busy enough to miss the bulge. The nket is bunched up at the bottom of the bed, meaning I can see all of Colton. His boxer briefs do very little to hide his very obvious erection. Now that¡¯s some impressive morning wood if I ever saw it. I realize what I¡¯m looking at and immediately avert my eyes.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± I say again.


    Coltonughs. Dammit, I hate how sexy it sounds with his raspy voice.


    ¡°I¡¯m not,¡± he says, clearly in no rush to move or cover himself. ¡°You wanna rethink us consummating our marriage?¡±


    ¡°No! Of course not!¡±


    ¡°You sure? Youwerecozied up to me thirty seconds ago. The whole night, if I¡¯m not mistaken.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t be held responsible for what I do in my sleep.¡±


    ¡°I just find it funny how much you protested, and yet, here we are.¡±


    ¡°Oh, shut up!¡±


    ¡°Come on, Sera. Admit it, it felt good.¡±


    It did feel good. He did feel good. Too good. Also, he smells really good. Like man, and bare skin.


    I peek back at him. My face hasgotto be beet red-I know it is. I feel the heat in my cheeks. ¡°It was just an idental cuddle,¡± I say, jaw clenched. ¡°Means nothing.¡±


    ¡°Uh-huh. Sure it doesn¡¯t.¡±


    He stretches again and ces his hands behind his head, giving me a full view of his tattooed body. Dear God, the pecs on that man. He¡¯s built, but it¡¯s not excessive. His muscles look and feel like theye from hard work, not endless hours at the gym.


    Just past him, I can see the rm clock on the nightstand. ¡°I don¡¯t have time for this. I have to get ready for work.¡± It¡¯s the perfect excuse I need to get out of bed.


    ¡°It¡¯s not even six.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, well, that¡¯s what happens when you work in the restaurant business.¡±


    I grab a pair of clean ck pants and my second pink uniform shirt, making a mental note to throw my work clothes into the wash before I leave or when I get back.


    ¡°I know how restaurants work. I was a busser way back in the day,¡± Colton says, sitting up. ¡°I was talking about the fact that you workedst night and now you have to go back in less than twelve hourster.¡±


    ¡°The owner asked me to cover a shift.¡± I gather a few more items on my way to the bathroom.


    ¡°The owner should do it. I¡¯d never ask one of my employees to work back-to-back shifts like that.¡±


    That makes me pause. ¡°You have employees?¡±


    I¡¯m well aware that I know little about Colton¡¯s life. The few times Mrs. Bianca tried to talk him up to me, she mentioned he was well-off, but never went into details about what he did. I didn¡¯t ask. I had no interest in him or his employment endeavors. Now, my curiosity is piqued.


    ¡°Yeah, I own several Ashton Motors in San Francisco and the bay area, and I¡¯m opening a new location here in the city.¡±


    ¡°A car dealership? You sell cars?¡±


    ¡°Motorcycles, actually.¡± Colton stands up, arranges his shorts (or what is inside his shorts), and stretches one more time. ¡°Buy, sell, and fix.¡±


    Without hesitation, he drops to the floor and starts doing push-ups. I have the mental image of him riding shirtless on a shiny motorcycle, his tan, tattooed chest glistening from sweat. I shake away the mental image.


    ¡°I guess I never thought of you as the responsible CEO type,¡± I admit.


    He grins at me as he works out. ¡°So, you¡¯ve thought of me, huh?¡±


    ¡°Ugh.¡± I roll my eyes and leave, ignoring his smirk. Can¡¯t have a regr conversation with this guy without him turning it around and being a cocky jerk.


    I hurry to get ready, not wanting to bete. My morning routine is screwed up already from being in a new ce, and I¡¯m not sure how long it¡¯s going to take me to get to the subway from here. I can¡¯t afford to spend any more cash on an Uber until I get paid again.


    After getting dressed and freshening up, I scour the bathroom floor, looking for my clothes from the night before. My name tag is still on the shirt, and I need it. But the floor is clean, and I have no clue where the clothes went.


    When I go back to the bedroom, Colton and his inked body are still doing push-ups. My eyes fall to his hips.


    Up, down, up, down.


    That sweaty muscled image that came to mind earlier is now right in front of me, and my body responds even as my mind goes nk. Pure heat passes through me. It makes me wonder what he feels like sweaty-and panting-during sex.


    I clear my throat.


    ¡°Where are my clothes?¡± I ask.


    ¡°On your back.¡±


    ¡°Hrious. I meant the ones I left in the bathroom.¡±


    Colton finishes exercising and gets to his feet. ¡°I threw them in the wash. Figured they were dirty since you left them on the floor.¡±


    What is he? A stickler for cleanliness? ¡°Well, next time, ask.¡±


    ¡°Well, maybe don¡¯t leave your clothes on the floor.¡±


    Every time I think I can handle being around him, he says something else that reminds me just how much he gets on my damn nerves. ¡°Just don¡¯t touch my stuff.¡±


    I head to the washing machine to retrieve the name tag, and bump into him on the way out.


    ¡°By the way, I used your toothpaste,¡± I say. ¡°Hope that¡¯s fine.¡±


    ¡°Sure. Forgot yours?¡±


    He¡¯s so annoying. ¡°Yes, Colton, I forgot mine. Why do you have to rub it in?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re tightly wound, you know that, Seraphine?¡± he asks.


    ¡°Why are you there every time I turn around?¡±


    ¡°Because I live here.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯resucha smartass.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not the first person to tell me that.¡±


    ¡°And I¡¯m sure I won¡¯t be thest.¡±


    Colton concedes with a nod. ¡°Probably not. What time do you work? I¡¯ll be ready in a few and can take you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, I¡¯ll just take the subway.¡±


    ¡°Seriously, woman, it¡¯s not a big deal. I¡¯m heading out in a few minutes anyway.¡±


    ¡°Work?¡±


    ¡°No. I have a goodbye to make.¡±


    I take a second to realize what he means. My annoyance with him immediately evaporates. Wow, Sera. Way to forget why you¡¯re in this situation to begin with. The first thing he¡¯s going to want to do is to visit his grandmother¡¯s grave. That¡¯s what I would do if I¡¯d missed a loved one¡¯s funeral. From his hard expression, I think I can see that the matter has affected him more than I first thought.


    Perhaps his grandmother meant more to him than he is letting on?


    He shouldn¡¯t go alone.¡±Do you want me to go with you?¡± I ask, knowing that I need to bury my grudge in the light of the moment-at least for now.


    After my mother passed away, I couldn¡¯t handle visiting her grave without Marie by my side. I could go with him and tell Marie that I¡¯m going to be a bitte to the diner. She¡¯d understand the reason.


    He seems surprised at my offer. ¡°That¡¯s not necessary. I can handle it. Just give me five minutes to shower, and I¡¯ll drive you.¡±


    He doesn¡¯t wait for an answer, just steps into the bathroom and closes the door behind him.


    I¡¯m at a loss for words, not expecting his courtesy.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    I can handle being in a car with him for a few minutes.


    While he showers, I finish getting ready.


    I grab my art bag and sift through the supplies I made sure to pack with me when I left my ce. Because I need the money, I¡¯m subletting my apartment to a friend of a friend who¡¯s visiting NYC for the month. I also know this will make it difficult for me to capitte to Colton and flee back to my own four walls. I have a suspicion that the moment wille when even $750, 000 is not enough to bear his presence. My ce is a shoebox-sized studio apartment with the living room, bedroom, and kitchenbined into single room, and while I wanted to make sure my guest had enough room for her stuff, I¡¯m now extra d I brought all my drawing supplies.


    Drawing calms me down, and I feel as though I¡¯m going to be doing alotof drawing over the next month.


    Before my mom got sick, I used to draw and sketch every single day. Whenever I finished a drawing, she would find a spot on the wall to disy it. But then I needed to work to support both of us and drawing went on the back burner.


    If I can get through this next month and receive my inheritance, I¡¯ll be able to take some sses again. I can draw more regrly and maybe build up my portfolio. A few years ago, I attempted to sell my art on ArtGal, thergest and most popr online tform, representing thousands of artists, however, my work hours were too much to keep up with it.


    I hear the shower turn off, and I reach down to grab my messenger bag. When I do, it tips over and my red sketchbook spills out.


    Shit. I must have left it open.


    It falls open to one page.


    Boy, am I d that Colton isn¡¯t around so he can¡¯t see the sketch of all the nude bodies.


    People are my favorite drawing subjects. I love studying the human body and trying to recreate it on the page. I¡¯ve attended many nude art sses over the years. It was one of my favorite experiences in school, every Thursday from 6:00 p. m. to 8:00 p. m.


    The models the school hired fluctuated: sometimes it was a male, sometimes it was a female. I had a favorite one-the ¡°jiggly girl¡±: a pregnant woman, maybe around twenty-six, andpletely uninhibited. You could just tell how much fun she had by her whole attitude. She woulde rushing in, tear her clothes off, get in the middle of the hall-the tables were always arranged in a circle-jump up and down to loosen herself up, and her tits would jiggle. She had super-thick thighs, and a ¡°give no fucks¡± attitude. Once she was all jiggled out, she¡¯d proceed to offer original and not always the easiest of poses. She made it a point to always ask us if we had certain positions we wanted her to do, and she¡¯d also warn us if she couldn¡¯t hold a certain position too long. ¡°Guys, you have about ten seconds to finish up.¡± That was such a breath of fresh airpared to other models who wouldn¡¯t interact at all. It was wonderful and somehow magical to draw her nude body, eternalizing the various stages and changes of her pregnancy onto paper week by week, drawing the way her belly and breasts grew. At the end of the ss, she was the only model who would walk around and take a look at what we¡¯d drawn, and it wasn¡¯t unusual for her to go home with several drawings some of us had gifted her.


    I used to think I was pretty good-until thatstupidarticle from the douche critic hade out three years ago.


    I shove the red book into my bag just as Coltones down the hall.


    I don¡¯t want him to see my drawings.


    Colton is dressed in blue jeans and a white T-shirt. It¡¯s a simple outfit. I must have seen it on other guys a dozen times. It¡¯s got to be the tightness of them. They cling to his body damn well, letting me view every thick muscle.


    I think about his bare chest, about the heart tattoo, and my fingers twitch.


    I want to touch him.


    But more than that, I want todrawhim.


    Not going to happen, Sera.


    You willnotdraw him-he won¡¯t go for it. Put it out of your head.


    He¡¯d just make fun of me for being nosy and wanting to see his naked body. The jerk.

 7

    Colton


    Sera is quiet on the drive.


    We take my BMW instead of my Harley because it¡¯s raining like crazy out. She¡¯s wearing a pair of tight ck pants and another pink shirt. Her hair hangs in loose waves around her face, and I¡¯m disappointed when she pulls it up into a bun. When she does that, she reminds me of the old Seraphine, the one in school who used to tie her tousled frizzy hair back and raise her hand, ready to give the teacher the right answer.


    We pull up outside the diner, and she unbuckles her seatbelt. ¡°I¡¯ll be de. I¡¯ll just take the subway back.¡±


    ¡°What time? I¡¯ll pick you up.¡±


    She shakes her head. ¡°I don¡¯t want you to go to the trouble.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s no trouble.¡±


    ¡°Why are you doing this?¡± she asks, eyes narrowed with clear distrust. ¡°Why are you being so¡­nice?¡±


    ¡°Do you want me to be mean?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s what I¡¯m used to from you.¡±


    ¡°Come on, Sera, that was years ago. I¡¯m not that person anymore.¡±


    ¡°Really? Because you¡¯ve been a total dick since the second I walked through that door.¡±


    I lower my voice. ¡°And you¡¯ve been Miss Good Manners?¡±


    She purses her lips. ¡°Fair point,¡± she concedes. ¡°I guess I don¡¯t know what to think when you¡¯re nice. I want to know what¡¯s going on in your head, Cal.¡±


    I put the car in park.


    Cal. She never called me that.


    I turn my body in the seat to face her. ¡°I¡¯m trying to make light of the situation, not because I don¡¯t take it seriously, but because there¡¯s no point in making things harder on us than they already are, Sera. I want to respect my grandmother¡¯s wish and make the best of it. That¡¯s what she would¡¯ve wanted.¡±


    I see a shift in her expression.


    ¡°Give me your phone,¡± I say.


    Her smile starts to fade. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Just do it.¡±


    With a wary expression, she bends and grabs her phone from her back pocket. She unlocks and hands it to me. I quickly enter my number. ¡°Just text me when you¡¯re done, and I¡¯ll swing by.¡±


    She puts the phone back where it was. I can¡¯t tell if she¡¯ll take advantage of my offer or not. Probably not, I think. ¡°Okay. Thanks. It probably won¡¯t be until after seven.¡±


    ¡°Damn, woman, that¡¯s a long time. Seriously, you need to talk to your boss about these shifts.¡±


    ¡°My boss is cool. I don¡¯t mind it.¡±


    ¡°Maybe you should.¡±


    She gives me a strange look, yet for once, doesn¡¯t offer a retort. ¡°I¡¯ll see youter,¡± she says, and then she¡¯s gone.


    The traffic thins the farther away I drive. I notice a flower vendor and pull over to purchase a bouquet. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare show up on a woman¡¯s doorstep empty-handed, Colton,¡± I remember her telling me whenever I went off to hang out with a girl.


    She¡¯ll probably haunt me if I don¡¯t bring her something.


    Flowers safely on the front seat, I drive to the ce I haven¡¯t seen in years.


    There are flowers everywhere. Heaps of white and pink roses decorate the area around the tombstone. They¡¯re still fresh and in full bloom, swaying in the light rain. Gran always loved to make a ssh, and I made sure this was no different. It looks like Gramps¡¯s grave has had a little TLC too. While not as ornate, his tombstone still shines as if it were erected yesterday. His also has flowers, but nowhere near as many as Gran¡¯s.


    ¡°You always loved white roses,¡± I say, kneeling by Gran¡¯s gravesite, leaving my bouquet right in the middle.


    I nce over at Gramps¡¯s grave.


    ¡°You finally have your queen back,¡± I say, smiling. ¡°I bet she¡¯s talking your ear off, trying to catch you up on everything you¡¯ve missed.¡±


    I can just picture them, sitting in their favorite armchairs with tea, Gran going on and on about what she¡¯s been up to since theyst spoke. Gramps is probably nodding politely while trying to read his newspaper. The image makes me chuckle.


    In the distance, I hear the roar of a motorcycle and nce toward the road. A lone figure rides around the corner, pulling their bike up alongside my car. They dismount and, after looking around, they start to head my way.


    ¡°How did you find me?¡± I ask when they approach.


    Justin Hanson, my best buddy since childhood, runs his hand through his ck hair and smiles,ing to stand by my side at his buff 220 pounds. ¡°It wasn¡¯t that big of a stretch to figure out where you¡¯d be,¡± he says, pping a hand on my shoulder. ¡°I didn¡¯t want you to be alone right now.¡±


    ¡°I can handle it.¡±


    ¡°I know you can.¡±


    We don¡¯t speak for a time. I remain kneeling, my hand resting on the tombstone while Justin keeps his hand on my shoulder. I never wanted toe home when my parents were still alive. Justin and I were always riding bikes or hiking up the mountain or looking at Justin¡¯s dad¡¯s porn magazines. We were always causing a ruckus around the neighborhood, you know, throwing rocks at cars-never got caught.


    I don¡¯t want to be sad, don¡¯t want to spend time saying my goodbyes through a haze of gray thoughts. I focus on the good memories. One in particr crosses my mind, and I chuckle to myself.


    ¡°Do you remember when we snuck out to take your dad¡¯s bikejoyriding?¡± I ask, ncing up at Justin.


    Heughs. ¡°Ha! I totally forgot about that.¡±


    Iwas seventeen and stupid. I mean, most teenagers were, since they were fueled by rebellion and hormones. But being a teen who¡¯d just got their license and had never ridden a motorcycle before, I was a particr brand of dumb.


    We snuck out as soon as Gran fell asleep. Thank God she¡¯s so predictable. Exactly one hour of TV, then a cup of Earl Grey tea (which she swore knocked her out quicker than a bottle of sleeping pills), and straight to bed. Ten minutes after she turned in for the night, we were climbing down the fire escape and booking it to Justin¡¯s ce.


    His dad was out of town on business and his mom was gallivanting around the world with her new boyfriend, doing who knows what. It was times like this when he came to stay with us. Gran, bless her heart, didn¡¯t like leaving him home by himself. At that point, he was essentially living with us nonstop, and Gran had basically adopted him, treating him like her own son.


    ¡°Did you see the tits on you-know-who?¡± he asked on our way over. Both our haircuts were shoulder-length and we sported the unkempt look, because we thought it was way cool.


    ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°Sera.¡±


    ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°Seraphine Gray, bro. She wasn¡¯t wearing a bra today. They¡¯ve got bigger.¡±


    I shrugged. ¡°Haven¡¯t noticed.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t think she¡¯s pretty?¡±


    ¡°Pretty? Seraphine Gray? Hellno.¡±


    ¡°Sera¡¯s friend has a nice pair too. The one with the sses. Dude, you need to pay attention to those things.¡±


    In the parking garage, Justin yanked the tarp off the bike, and I let out a low whistle.


    ¡°Whoa, it¡¯s even better than I remember,¡± I said, running my hands along the handlebars.


    ¡°Yeah, Dad¡¯s been fixing it up,¡± Justin nodded proudly. ¡°He says when he gets back, he¡¯s going to teach me how to work on it.¡±


    ¡°Gimme the keys.¡±


    Justin tossed them to me.


    When the engine roared to life, my heart rate skyrocketed.


    Oh, man.


    This. Was. Fucking. Amazing.


    I shot out of the garage like a bat outta hell. I wish I could say I looked cool, though I was sure I did for a few seconds. But again, young and stupid. I managed to get out of the garage and drive half a mile down the road before I took a turn too sharply. The next thing I knew, me and the bike were tipping too far to the right, and in my attempt to straighten it, I ovepensated.


    For a brief second, I was airborne, and then I hit the groundhardand rolled away.


    ¡°Cal!¡±


    Miraculously, I wasn¡¯t hurt. Not seriously, anyway. My pride was a little bit, though. I was lucky my head hadn¡¯t hit the ground, or it could have been way worse.


    I sat up. ¡°I¡¯m good.¡±


    Justin caught up to me and breathed a sigh of relief. For half a second. ¡°Shit, the bike!¡±


    He helped me to my feet, and we hurried-well, I limped-toward the motorcycle. It was stuck against amppost, tires spinning and engine protesting and sputtering angrily. Justin turned it off, and together, we pulled the bike away from the post and propped it back up. Not only was there a dent where it had hit the streemp, there was also a huge scrape across the paint on the side that had skidded against the asphalt.


    ¡°Oh, God, oh, no,¡± Justin muttered.


    My heart immediately sank. ¡°It¡¯s okay, dude. We can fix it before he gets back.¡±


    ¡°How? I don¡¯t know how to fix it.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll figure it out.¡±


    I helped Justin walk the bike back to the parking garage. I realized I was more hurt than I¡¯d initially thought. Every time I put weight on my leg, a sharp pain shot through my knee. I couldn¡¯t focus on that right now. My mind was racing, thinking of how to get us out of this mess. Luckily, his dad wouldn¡¯t be home for a week. We had time.


    At least, I thought we did, until we got back and found Gran standing in the open garage (yeah, thanks Earl Grey). She was in her rose robe, with curlers in her hair, and arms crossed. Not only was I surprised to see her, but the stern expression on her face told me all I needed to know about what she was feeling.


    ¡°Colton Maximilian Ashton,¡± she scolded. ¡°Care to exin what you think you¡¯re doing?¡±


    The memory is as vivid now as it¡¯s always been. Justin and I got in a shitload of trouble. Gran made me call his dad and tell him what I¡¯d done. Then, as a punishment, I had to help him fix the bike by paying for the damage with my pocket money and extra hours of work around the house and garden. Despite all of that, I don¡¯t regret what I did. It was through that whole situation that I developed a love of motorcycles, and I ended up hanging out with my buddy every free chance I had.


    ¡°She was so mad,¡± I recall, getting to my feet. ¡°And then when she learned I enjoyed fixing bikes, I thought she was going to be angry again, but she was supportive.¡±


    ¡°Ehh¡­to a point,¡± Justin reminds me. ¡°I remember her not beingthatsupportive when we wanted to ride across the country.¡±


    ¡°She was just worried.¡± Iugh. ¡°She made me call her at every rest stop.¡±


    Justin chuckles. ¡°Sorry we missed the service, bro. But d we¡¯re here now.¡±N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    I nod and pat him on the back. ¡°You can head on over to the shop. I¡¯ll meet you there.¡±


    Justin inclines his head and doesn¡¯t speak as he leaves. I don¡¯t stick around for too long. I take another minute or two to say my goodbyes, and then I follow.


    I¡¯m lighter when I climb back into the car. Now that I¡¯ve said a proper goodbye, I feel better.


    Time to move on.


    Time to do what I returned home to do.

 8

    SERA


    ¡°Seraphine Gray!¡± Her voice is harsh, well, as harsh as Kelly can get. I feel like I¡¯m being scolded by a parent, which is hrious, given that she¡¯s younger than me and typically the quiet soul of the ce.


    ¡°What? Why are you talking to me like a mom?¡±


    She puts her hands on her hips toplete the image. ¡°I Can¡¯t Believe you went along with this crazy scheme.¡±


    ¡°Kay, you have no idea what¡¯s on the line. It¡¯s a lot of money.¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°Sera! The only reason to marry someone should be for love!¡±


    Maybe because I know she¡¯s right, her usation hits me like a punch in the stomach. Yes, Kelly is a true romantic at heart and an innocent soul, but she¡¯s usually open-minded and the most understanding person I know. Granted, I have never confronted her with being married to my archenemy for a month.


    ¡°I get it¡¯s wrong. Trust me, I do,¡± I say. ¡°But again, it¡¯s just for a month. Also, it¡¯s not like I married a stranger.¡±


    ¡°Who is it?¡±


    ¡°Eh¡­Colton Ashton, Mrs. Bianca¡¯s grandson. We went to school together.¡±


    ¡°TheColton Ashton?¡±


    ¡°Yup,¡± I confirm.


    ¡°The horrible guy from school?¡± Kelly has never met Colton, but I have mentioned him a few times, no specifics, but never in a good perspective, of course.


    ¡°Yup, the very same one. So, see, nota stranger. I¡¯ve known him my entire life.¡±


    Kelly lowers her hands from her waist. ¡°I just can¡¯t believe you went through with something so crazy. Youhatedthe guy. That¡¯s the exact opposite of love.¡±


    Ihear his voice calling my name in the elementary school yground just as I¡¯m inspecting the contents of my lunch box, trying to decide whether to eat the peanut butter jelly sandwich or the cheese one.


    Mom used to make me two sandwiches every morning, one topped with cheese, tomatoes, pickles, and thin slices of boiled egg. I always discarded thetter because I didn¡¯t like the wobbly egg whites, but I didn¡¯t have the heart to tell Mom. The other one was made with peanut butter from the organic market and her homemade jelly, and it was the best thing ever. When I looked up, Cal-seven years old and already a schoolyard terror-was standing in front of me.


    ¡°Give me your sandwich,¡± he demanded.


    ¡°Are you crazy?¡± I closed the lunch box and hugged it to my chest, even though I suddenly wasn¡¯t hungry anymore. ¡°Eat your own.¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately for you, I¡¯d rather eat yours.¡± He was too strong and too quick, and my back was against the wall. Not three secondster, he had his loot in his hands and was opening the lunch box while I tried with all my might not to cry.


    ¡°Pickles¡­ yuck,¡± he said, tossing the sandwich on the floor.


    Do not cry. Do not cry. I clenched my fists.


    Next, he looked at the peanut butter jelly sandwich, took a bite, chewed, and swallowed. ¡°You know what, Nosy Sera, here¡¯s your breakfast back. That fancy stuff isn¡¯t for me.¡± He unfolded the slices of bread, spat on them, and then folded them back together.


    It wasn¡¯t enough for Colton to throw my cheese sandwich in the dirt and make the other one non-edible. He made me eat thetter too, and he got away with it because he was stronger than me, and because the break supervisor, Mrs. Crigler, was once again busy smoking in the corner by the bike racks.


    I only cried once he was gone, and then I spent half an hour rinsing my mouth in the school toilet, making ns for how I was going to pay him back the next time I saw him.

 9

    Colton


    ¡°How much more?¡±


    ¡°About a thousand a piece, but they will ship it for free because of the inconvenience.¡±


    Fucking hell. I¡¯ve calcted the cost of everything down to thest two-by-four. I¡¯ve worked in construction, and I¡¯ve been a contractor before. ¡°Stop bullshitting me. I know this business like the back of my hand, and there¡¯s always a way to find what you¡¯re looking for within your price range. Make sure there¡¯s no further dy. If this job is too much for you, I¡¯ll find someone else who can do it.¡±


    The contractor, William Hunt, is a six-foot-two man in his early fifties. He came highly rmended by some of my colleagues. He tries to sputter a response. ¡°Mr. Ashton, I¡¯m not trying to-¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t wanna hear it. Just get it done-within budget.¡±


    I leave him there, floundering, while Justin and I head inside.


    ¡°You¡¯re nicer than I would¡¯ve been,¡± Justin says when we¡¯re out of earshot. ¡°I wanted to can his ass the second he told me. Plus, didn¡¯t you tell me you¡¯ve got a new contractor already waiting who you can call in if Hunt can¡¯t deliver? The Hond guy? He seems promising. Sure like to give him a shot.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. But I need to give him the benefit of the doubt.¡±


    ¡°You sure?¡±


    I¡¯m not nning to give anybody a second chance to fuck me over, but there¡¯s nothing worse than having regrets over a dumb, hasty decision that you can¡¯t take back. It¡¯ll haunt you, and I have enough ghosts as it is. My gut tells me to let him go, but I know from personal experience that such decisions have a nasty habit of taking revenge.


    ¡°I¡¯m giving him one more shot to make it right, and if he can¡¯t, he¡¯s gone. I bet he thought he could do whatever because we weren¡¯t around, but he¡¯s got another thinging.¡±


    I have several motorcycle dealerships throughout Cali, and my current project includes expanding into NYC. Justin and I love the East Coast, and it feels good to be back. There¡¯s one thing I know for certain though: I don¡¯t want to manage the new ce. Justin¡¯s the right man for the job. He was with me in California, and didn¡¯t object to the change of scenery.


    ¡°Hell, yeah, when are we leaving?¡± were his exact words, if I remember correctly.


    There¡¯s no one else I¡¯d trust to run things.


    The motorcycle dealership is five times the size of my first dealership. It¡¯s my crowning glory, the dealership I¡¯ve been dreaming of building since opening the first.


    I won¡¯t let anything screw my ns up.


    The exterior of the dealership is already almost finished. Everything is top tier. Most of the construction is now focused on the inside.


    Justin and I do a walk-through, and he shows me around the spaces that are close to beingplete. We talk about staffing, and he lets me know that the word is out that we¡¯re hiring and that applications are pouring in already.


    ¡°Things are looking pretty great,¡± Justin says once we¡¯ve taken a seat in the parking lot to watch the progress from afar. ¡°I meant to ask, you never told me what your grandmother left you. Not that I¡¯m being curious or anything, but I know you had to rush back for the reading.¡±


    ¡°Oh. That.¡± I never mentioned the details of the will to Justin, and I¡¯m not surprised he¡¯s wondering about the specifics.


    ¡°Sorry, bro,¡± he adds. ¡°I know that¡¯s a sore subject.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not that-¡± I try to find the right words. ¡°My grandmother had some interesting stiptions to her will.¡±


    ¡°Well, she was entric. She always had the weirdest rules. I remember once when we were eating dinner, she was adamant that we keep the salt and pepper together.¡±


    I chuckle. ¡°Yeah, or whenever I was on the phone, she would tell me I was supposed to smile because the person on the other line could tell.¡±


    ¡°Never got that.¡±


    ¡°Me neither. But, yeah, her testament takes the cake.¡± I grin, shaking my head.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°To get my inheritance, my grandmother wanted me to get and stay married for a month.¡±


    Justin slowly turns his head to look at me with wide eyes. ¡°You¡¯re shitting me!¡±


    ¡°I wish I was.¡±


    ¡°Wait, hang on. Is that even legal? Can she do that?¡±


    ¡°It is, and she did. Shewyered up, and it¡¯s all above board.¡±


    Justin nods with understanding. ¡°Who¡¯s the lucky girl? Wait, I¡¯m assuming she had someone in mind. I doubt she didn¡¯t mean you had to marry some random woman for the month.¡±


    ¡°Of course not. She had someone specific in mind, all right.¡±


    ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°Seraphine Gray.¡±


    Justin immediately knows who I¡¯m talking about. His jaw drops. ¡°The Sera we went to school with? The one your grandmother¡¯s been trying to set you up with for years?¡±


    ¡°The very same.¡±


    ¡°Wow. Diabolical. I mean, I know your grandmother was smart and the sneakiest person I ever met, but this is a whole new level entirely. When are you supposed to go through with it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s already done.¡±


    ¡°Dude, hold on. Are you saying you¡¯re married? You actually went through with marrying Seraphine Gray?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Last night.¡±


    ¡°Whoa, whoa, whoa! Why didn¡¯t you tell me sooner? I would have gotten you guys a gift or something.¡±


    ¡°Chill. It¡¯s not arealwedding or marriage. We¡¯re not telling anyone about it. It¡¯s just for the inheritance. After a month, we¡¯ll go back to our own lives.¡±


    Justin doesn¡¯t speak for a moment. When I look at him, I find him shaking his head. ¡°That¡¯s crazy,¡± he says. ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°Why did you even agree? It¡¯s not like you need the money.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not about the money. It was Gran¡¯sst wish. I couldn¡¯t be here when she passed away. I can¡¯t ignore what she wanted. It wouldn¡¯t be right. Plus, if I back out, some algae swindler gets all Gran¡¯s stuff. That¡¯s not happening.¡±


    ¡°If it were anyone else you were married to, I¡¯d agree. I know you¡¯ve never backed down from a challenge before, but I remember what you and Sera were like in school. I¡¯m surprised you¡¯re still alive right now.¡±


    ¡°I can handle her. Don¡¯t worry about me.¡±


    He raises his eyebrows. ¡°Areyou handling her?¡±


    ¡°No handling has happened, nor is it going to happen,¡± I assure him. ¡°Although I will say that Sera looks different now to what she did back then.¡±


    That piques his interest. ¡°Oh, yeah, different how?¡±


    I think about her in that thin nightie, and it makes my heart rate spike. ¡°Hot enough for me to think about going there.¡±


    ¡°Well, why don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Nah, that¡¯s not what this is about.¡±


    Justin shrugs. ¡°I don¡¯t know, man. I¡¯ve slept with a couple of women I didn¡¯t exactly get along with, and it tranted into some really kinky sex.¡±


    The thought of Sera and kinky sex makes my mind wander for several glorious seconds. I picture her lying on my chest on the bed we share. This time, I¡¯d rip that thin nightie off her, taking away that flimsy fabric that separated her hot body from my eager hands. I¡¯d make her moan, make her writhe and beg before I¡¯d give her what she wanted. What she needed. I¡¯d fuck all the hate and resentment she seems to harbor against me right out of her.


    Whoa there. Pump the brakes.


    This is starting to get out of hand.


    I¡¯ve got to work off some of this steam. ¡°I need to do something with my hands,¡± I say. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go make ourselves useful.¡±


    ¡°Heck yeah.¡±


    For the next few hours, Justin and I join the construction crew. I always loved working with my hands. It¡¯s why the cushy office job drove me nuts. Nothing beats physiColtobor. I like staying fit and working out-working construction, or working on bikes helps that.


    My body is aching when I finally stop. The good kind of ache thates from solid work. As I down some water, I check my phone and notice that Sera¡¯s texted me, letting me know that she¡¯ll be wrapping up her shift in about an hour, at 7:15 p. m. I shoot her a quick response before slipping my phone back into my pocket.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    Justin looks up. ¡°Wanna grab some dinner?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, that sounds great. But first I¡¯ve got to pick Sera up.¡±


    ¡°Aww, how sweet. Going to pick up your wife from work.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t call her that,¡± I say sharply. ¡°I told you we¡¯re keeping it on the down-low.¡± It¡¯s one thing when I tease Sera about it in private, but Justin calling her my wife when other people are within earshot is not the same.


    ¡°Right, sorry. You want to meet us at the barter?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, but first I want you to keep your eyes on Hunt and see how he wraps things up for the night. Get an update on those parts. I know he was on the phone most of the day, but over thest hour, he¡¯s made himself scarce. Text me if there are any problems. Don¡¯t get the showroom pieces and Hogs in until the room is painted, and the disy sses have been put in.¡± I¡¯m not eager to have bikes sitting in the dirt in case there¡¯s another dy.


    Justin rubs his hands together excitedly. ¡°Dude, I can¡¯t wait to get my hands on those pretties.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re going to have to get in line. Get in touch with Osborn and all that shit. He already left me a message, saying he can¡¯t wait to meet to discuss his investment.¡±


    ¡°As if youneededan investment.¡± Justin scoffs. ¡°You¡¯re nearly as rich as he is, and your businesses are booming.¡±


    I chuckle. ¡°Yeah, no, I¡¯m nowhere near as wealthy as he is, and you know how stupid fucking corporate politics are.¡±


    ¡°I got this.¡±


    I p him on the back and head to my car.


    There¡¯s enough time to stop by the apartment for a quick shower and change of clothes before jumping back on the road. On the ride to the diner, I think about what Justin said about me and Sera wanting to kill each other, and he¡¯s right. We¡¯ve been at each other¡¯s throats since she let herself into the apartment, and if we¡¯re going to get through this month, something has to give.


    Granted, when we parted this morning, it seemed like there was an understanding, albeit a shaky one. It¡¯s probably only a matter of time before we get on each other¡¯s nerves again.


    It¡¯s just the way we operate.


    Knowing how stubborn she is, it looks like I¡¯m going to have to be the bigger person. I don¡¯t mind extending a truce if it means the next thirty days will be easier to handle. I¡¯m willing to admit that it¡¯s going to be hard.


    No one gets under my skin as much as Sera does. She always has.


    But I¡¯ve been able to handle her plenty of times in the past. I¡¯ll do my thing, she¡¯ll do hers, and we¡¯lle away from this without killing each other.


    I pull alongside the curb, and Sera is already waiting. She climbs in, and I immediately notice how exhausted she is. Her messy bun from earlier is sagging and loose strands frame her tired face.


    She lies back against the seat with a heavy sigh. ¡°I have to admit, it feels so good to sit down.¡±


    ¡°Sure does.¡± ncing to my left, I pull back into traffic after ensuring it¡¯s clear. ¡°I helped at the construction site, and I¡¯m ready to sit back and rx.¡±


    ¡°How¡¯s the work going?¡±


    ¡°Good. How long have you been working at this ce?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the same ce I worked at in high school,¡± she says.


    ¡°Damn, that¡¯s a long time. You must really like it.¡±


    ¡°I do.¡±


    Hmm. There¡¯s something in her curt answer and tone of voice that tells me otherwise. ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound promising.¡±


    Sera doesn¡¯t answer right away. ncing at her out of the corner of my eye, I note she¡¯s staring out the window at the streaking rain. ¡°No, it¡¯s a great ce to work. Really. I love being a waitress. Marie, my boss, is cool. I get paid pretty well and have a lot of authority because I¡¯ve been there for so long.¡± She pauses, almost as if she doesn¡¯t want to voice what she¡¯s thinking.


    ¡°But?¡± I ask, encouraging her to keep talking.


    ¡°But¡­it¡¯s not exactly what I¡¯m passionate about. My heart¡¯s not totally in it, you know?¡±


    ¡°Then why are you still there?¡±


    She shrugs. ¡°It¡¯splicated.¡±


    ¡°Try me.¡±

 10

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk about it.¡±


    I hear the tightness in her voice. ¡°I¡¯m not judging. I worked pretty much every job I could get before I found what I wanted to do.¡±


    She shifts to face me. ¡°Oh, like what?¡±


    ¡°Construction mostly. I enjoy working with my hands and building something from nothing. I remember those early days in Cali before lestone, bouncing from couch to couch until I saved up enough money to rece my first bike. It fell apart not long after I reached the Golden Gate Bridge, and I was too broke to get another one right away. Bit by bit, I rebuilt it, buying parts with whatever money didn¡¯t go toward food and rent. That first ride after it was finished-I¡¯ll never forget.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t know what I want to do,¡± Sera tells me. ¡°I just don¡¯t have the time or money to do it.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± She doesn¡¯t answer, so I nudge her. ¡°Come on, you can tell me.¡±


    ¡°Art,¡± she finally admits. ¡°I love art.¡±


    ¡°Get out of town. That¡¯s great. I didn¡¯t know you were that into it. I mean, I knew you were good at art in school, but you were good at everything in school.¡±


    ¡°Anyway, I don¡¯t have time to do much art nowadays,¡± she says. ¡°But hopefully, one day soon.¡±


    The inheritance. She¡¯s talking about the inheritance.


    That¡¯s why she¡¯s going through with this marriage. I feel bad that my earlier judgment of her was so off. ¡°Maybe you can show me some of your stuffter.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely not.¡±


    Hmm. Okay, then.


    ¡°Did you eat?¡± I ask, peering at her from the corner of my eye. She throws me a look that betrays her hatred. Hey now. Isn¡¯t that a way too strong a reaction just because I asked her if she had eaten yet? It must be a woman thing. She must think I¡¯m implying she¡¯s too fat.


    ¡°Not since lunch,¡± she says.


    ¡°Perfect. I¡¯m taking you to dinner.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to go to dinner,¡± she mutters, letting out a long breath. ¡°I just want to go back to the apartment and lie down.¡±


    ¡°You have to eat,¡± I insist. ¡°Also, we don¡¯t have groceries.¡±


    Sera makes a noise of annoyance. ¡°Shit, that¡¯s right. Fine. If you stop somewhere along the way, I¡¯ll get a sandwich. I don¡¯t want to go out anywhere.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re already out.¡±


    ¡°You know what I mean.¡±


    This woman is so goddamn frustrating. Why can¡¯t she just ept my invitation without arguing with me? She¡¯s turning a nice offer into a back and forth. ¡°Geez, Sera, it¡¯s just dinner. I didn¡¯t ask you to suck my cock, dammit. I¡¯m not taking you back home so you can fall asleep hungry.¡±


    At first, there¡¯s fire in her eyes-I¡¯m fully expecting her to tell me she¡¯ll never suck my cock-but then she sighs softly, settling against the leather seat. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll go to dinner. But wherever we go, it needs to be cheap because I¡¯m trying to save money.¡±


    ¡°I invited you. It¡¯s my treat.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need your charity.¡±


    ¡°Stop twisting my words,¡± I grumble. ¡°I didn¡¯t say you did. Jesus. Has anyone ever given you the rules?¡±


    ¡°The rules? No! What rules?¡±


    ¡°Woman. I¡¯m trying to wave a white g here.¡±


    ¡°You make it sound like we¡¯re at war.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t we? Now, I¡¯m man enough to cop the fact that I haven¡¯t been the best at keeping the peace either. But if we¡¯re going to survive this marriage, we need to be on the same page. I think this dinner is exactly what we need.¡±


    She¡¯s suspiciously quiet.


    I nce over.


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± she says. ¡°A nice dinner to bury the hatchet sounds good.¡±


    CAL


    Afew minutester, I drive up to my favorite biker bar: Mom¡¯s Dirty Dogs. Out front, a row of bikes sit gleaming, even in the rainy gray light. I pull into the parking lot off to the side and park. Sera seems apprehensive as I cut the power and slip my keys out of the ignition.


    ¡°Thisis the ce?¡± she asks.


    ¡°Yeah. Do you have a problem with it?¡±


    ¡°No, it just seems a little¡­¡± She trails off, which is funny since I¡¯ve never known Sera to not say what¡¯s on her mind. Then again, she doesn¡¯t have to say it for me to know what she¡¯s thinking.


    ¡°Rough? Why? Because it¡¯s called Mom¡¯s Dirty Dogs?¡±


    Sera shrugs. ¡°Well, yeah.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nicer on the inside, I promise,¡± I grumble. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll protect you from the big bad wolves inside.¡±


    She huffs and opens the door. ¡°I can protect myself.¡±


    I¡¯ve got no doubt whatsoever. Of course, she¡¯s more than capable of handling herself when the need arises. We walk through the door and we¡¯re met by a wave of noise. I spot Justin among a group of guys from the construction site, and they all turn to greet me with cheers and waves. That catches the attention of the bartender, who looks up and grins at me.


    Thelma, the owner, and ¡°Mom¡± at Mom¡¯s Dirty Dogs, has been working at the bar for as long as I can remember. Everybody calls her Thelma Deuce, or Sweet Thelma. She looks exactly like I remember her: burly, wearing a nnel shirt with faded jeans, and long, braided gray hair. She fixes us with a warm smile.


    ¡°Eyy! Look who it is,¡± she says, her voice rough. ¡°It¡¯s been too long, Mr. Cal.¡±


    ¡°Hey, Sweet Thelma, you still here?¡± I tease as she rushes out to hug me.


    ¡°Of course! Where else would I be, sugar? At least now I don¡¯t have to throw you out for having a shitty fake ID.¡± Sheughs and then notices Sera. ¡°And who¡¯s this?¡±


    ¡°This is my good friend, Sera.¡±


    Sera shakes her head. ¡°And by good friend, he means the woman who has to put up with him,¡± she bites back.


    Thelma roars withughter, taking Sera¡¯s hand in her wrinkly ones. She gives it a gentle squeeze. ¡°Wee to my ce. What can I get you two?¡±


    ¡°Two beers to my favorite booth,¡± I say.


    ¡°You got it. Table is yours.¡±


    I lead Sera through the crowd of people, shaking hands and getting pats on the back along the way. Sera stays close, and I almost lose her in the group until I grab her soft little hand. She doesn¡¯t let go. I lead her toward my favorite booth in the back. It¡¯s the only one that¡¯s empty, and in the middle, is a reserved card.


    This table¡¯s reserved, ya dirty dog!


    Means you do NOT fucking sit down here.


    Sincerely, Mom.


    PS: Love you, too.


    I move the sign to the side. This table is always reserved, just in case.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you just get back from Cali?¡± Sera asks, sliding into the seat across from me. ¡°How does everyone here already know you?¡±


    ¡°Some of these guys are working on the dealership,¡± I exin. ¡°The rest are regrs and have been for years. I¡¯ve beening here ever since I was seventeen. Whenever I visited the city to see Gran, I would make sure to stop by. Also, I¡¯ve ridden cross-country with some of these guys, and they always take their bikes to my shops when they¡¯re on the West Coast.¡±


    Justin approaches our table, and when he sees Sera, his eyes go wide.


    ¡°Hey, Sera,¡± Justin says with a grin. ¡°I almost didn¡¯t recognize you.¡±


    ¡°Hey, Justin. Looking good.¡±


    ¡°You are too! Coltonwasn¡¯t lying.¡± He drags a seat over so he can sit on the end of the table and plops himself down just as a waitresses to deliver our beers.


    ¡°Two ice-cold beers,¡± the older woman says with a friendly smile. She¡¯s a spitting image of Thelma, and could be her twin sister, except she¡¯s beanpole-thin and much shorter. She ces the bottles in front of Sera and me before addressing Justin. ¡°Do you need a refill, sugar?¡±


    He winks at her. ¡°Sure do, thanks, Beth.¡± She hustles off to get his drink, and Justin shifts his attention back to Sera. ¡°What have you been up to?¡±


    ¡°Waitressing mostly. What about you?¡±


    ¡°Hanging out with this guy,¡± he says, nodding in my direction. ¡°Went to the West Coast for a while and now settling back here. When he told me about the whole arrangement between you two, I was surprised.¡±


    She gives me a ¡°I thought we¡¯d keep this to ourselves¡± look and says, ¡°Join the club. I don¡¯t know how you¡¯ve been able to be friends with him for so long without wanting to murder him.¡±


    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m right here,¡± I say, inserting myself back into the conversation.


    She nces at me with a yful smirk. ¡°I¡¯m aware.¡±


    Justinughs. ¡°You know, he¡¯s not so bad once you get on his good side. You should try it sometime.¡±


    ¡°All right, all right, ha-ha, hrious,¡± I say. ¡°Enough dunking on me. I¡¯m the one who¡¯s settling the tab, remember?¡± Justin lifts his hands up in surrender, and Sera smiles innocently before taking a sip of beer. I face Justin. ¡°Did everything go okay when I left the construction site?¡±


    Justin nods, waving his hand nonchntly. ¡°Oh, yeah, piece of cake. We¡¯re back on track. No problems. I think your threat lit a fire under Hunt¡¯s ass.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡±


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have to in order to get shit done, but that¡¯s how the game works.¡±


    ¡°Everything go okay today?¡± Sera asks, concerncing her tone.


    For a sec, I find it odd that she¡¯s asking about my work. When I catch her eyes staring into mine, however, I realize she¡¯s not talking about the building. She¡¯s asking about my trip to the cemetery.


    ¡°Yes,¡± I assure her, giving her a curt nod. I appreciate that, despite our differences, she still has concern for me.


    She studies me for a moment. I get the sense she thinks I¡¯m hiding my true feelings or holding back some shit, yet her nosy nature is kept in check, and she lets it go. Justin, sensing the dip in conversation, picks things back up on a more positive note.


    ¡°What about you, Sera?¡± he asks. ¡°You said you¡¯re waitressing, but did you ever do anything with your art?¡±


    ¡°How do you know she¡¯s an artist?¡± I ask, before taking a long swig of beer.


    Sera jumps in before Justin can answer. ¡°We used to have study hall together junior year, and since I finished my homework quickly, I would use the time to sketch,¡± she exins.


    One of the construction guys calls to Justin and he waves to him. ¡°Well, I¡¯ll leave you two to your drinks. Great seeing you, Sera.¡±


    He moves off to join another conversation while I remember an incident in art ss when she was caught stealing a note from the teacher¡¯s desk.


    ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡± she asks.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think you had it in you.¡±


    She gives me a look with a slight tilt of her head. ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±


    ¡°It means I¡¯ve never seen you break a rule before. Well, except for that time in art ss when you got caught getting into Mrs. R¡¯s desk. Rebellion looks good on you.¡±


    ¡°Hey. It was a white lie to a teacher. I would hardly call that rebellious. And speaking of that art ss incident, I never did get back at you for ratting me out.¡±


    I frown. ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°You know, when you knocked over my sketchbook and thenughed so hard that Mrs. R caught me.¡± She hastily adds, ¡°Not that I think about it a lot or anything.¡±


    I start to chuckle once I¡¯m able to recall the incident. ¡°Sera, I didn¡¯t rat you out,¡± I tell her. ¡°You left your sketchbook on the edge of the desk andthe teacherknocked it over, not me.¡±


    Her eyes go wide, and her mouth falls open. ¡°Are youserious? All these years I thought it was you. Then why were youughing?¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯tughing at you. I wasughing at your friend. She couldn¡¯t think of a question to ask the teacher to keep her distracted.¡±


    ¡°Wait, really?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. She didn¡¯t say anything. That¡¯s the point. The teacher asked her what she wanted, and she just made this weird high-pitched noise. It was hrious.¡±


    I¡¯m still grinning, and eventually, Sera joins in. Funny that she spent all this time thinking I told on her for something as insignificant as stealing a note back from a teacher.


    ¡°Wait, can you imitate the high-pitched noise my friend made?¡±


    ¡°Yeeek!¡± Sheughs, and I do it again, higher and louder this time. ¡°Yeeeek!¡±


    Sheughs even harder and tries it too. ¡°Yiek.¡±


    ¡°Nah, that was pathetic. Try again, woman. You have to go all in. You have to hold the vowel longer. Try again.¡±


    Weugh and continue yeeking until some dirty dogs look our way. There are tears in our eyes, and she grabs a napkin to wipe her face.


    God, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever heard herugh before. It¡¯s soft and musical, instantly tugging at my heart. I want to make herugh again. Somehow, she¡¯s even more stunning than she was before.


    ¡°I cannot believe she made that sound,¡± Sera says, trying to catch her breath. ¡°I somehow nked all that out. She was the one who wanted me to get her note back so badly.¡±


    ¡°Hernote?¡± I ask. ¡°Are you sure it washernote?¡±


    Sera nods immediately, picking up her beer. ¡°Yes, positive. Shewrote you the love note. I was supposed to pass it along before it got taken away.¡±


    ¡°Oh, is that so?¡± I arch an eyebrow, hooking my finger around the neck of my beer bottle.


    ¡°Yeah. I tried to talk her out of it. She always did have questionable taste.¡±


    ¡°Iama catch, thank you very much.¡± I wink, taking a swig of my drink.


    She smiles. ¡°Yeah, sure you are.¡±


    ¡°So, youdowant to be my butterfly?¡±


    ¡°Cal!¡± Sera¡¯s eyes grow wide, her cheeks tinting an adorable shade of pink. ¡°The note wasnotfrom me.¡±


    I pause and chuckle. ¡°I know, rx. I was sitting right there next to you guys, remember? I heard the whole interaction.¡±


    ¡°Then why did you give me shit about it all the time?¡±


    ¡°Because you didn¡¯t know that I knew.¡±


    ¡°Oh, my gosh, I can¡¯t believe it! Smartass.¡±


    She smacks my arm. There¡¯s no bite to her words, and the conversation seems light. If we keep this going, the rest of the month will be fine.


    ¡°But, I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t see more ofthatSera in school,¡± I rumble. ¡°I never saw you do anything other than follow the rules.¡±

 11

    ¡°Watched me that closely, did you?¡± She gives me a questioning look.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t have to. I could hear you from a mile away.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°You almost killed me that day after school. Remember?¡±


    Her lips twitch. ¡°No, I only threw that stone because you kept teasing me.¡±


    ¡°Which caused me to fall out of the tree.¡±


    ¡°And then you yed dead. I almost had a heart attack.¡±


    ¡°You looked pretty alive to me with all your screaming.¡±


    Sheughs, this time a deep, full bellyugh that catches the attention of some of the dogs around us.


    It makes me grin.


    I really do like making herugh.


    Sera shakes her head in disbelief. ¡°I got called into the principal¡¯s office! Because ofyou.¡±


    ¡°Well, Idid too.¡±


    ¡°Okay, that¡¯s fair,¡± she concedes. She holds out her beer in a toast. ¡°Here¡¯s to leaving preconceived notions behind and starting afresh.¡±


    I tap my beer to hers. ¡°I¡¯ll drink to that.¡±


    The rest of the meal goes surprisingly well. Sera and I reminisce about our school days, swapping stories and catching each other up on ssmates we¡¯ve kept in touch with. You would swear we¡¯re old childhood friends who¡¯ve always been in each other¡¯s lives.


    I don¡¯t remember ever getting along with her this well.


    The rain finally stops on the drive home. I roll down the windows, crank the music, and we enjoy the drive. I even catch Sera singing along to the radio.


    Once we get home, I copse onto the sofa. Which, in hindsight, is a bad idea because I forgot how ufortable it is. I consider moving to the armchair on the other side of the room, but I¡¯m a big guy and the couch lets me at least spread out some. My body, feeling the effects of a long day of physiColtobor, groans in protest. I¡¯m able to find a rtively okay seating position and rx. Tomorrow is going to be another busy one. I¡¯ve got meetings with motorcycle collectors, and I want Justin and me to go through the job applicants and start scheduling interviews.


    Sera sits down next to me, kicking out of her shoes and pulling her legs up. She, too, has to shift around a bit. When she finally settles, she¡¯s practically buried into my side. Warm, soft skin presses against me. Why is she suddenly cozying up to me? She only had two beers-she can¡¯t bethattipsy.


    ¡°Thanks for dinner,¡± she says with a smile. ¡°I actually had a good time.¡±


    She leans even closer-seriously, something¡¯s up-and the scent of her vani shampoo hits my nostrils. ¡°Good, I¡¯m d. It was nice seeing you loosen up a little.¡±


    She peers up at me. ¡°You make it sound like I¡¯m uptight or something.¡±


    I don¡¯t even dignify that with a response. I just give her a look.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    Sheughs and shoves me yfully. ¡°Do you think I¡¯m pretty?¡± she suddenly asks out of the blue.


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t think you¡¯re pretty.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    ¡°I think you¡¯re beautiful.¡±


    Sera¡¯s eyes light up. Her hand on my arm awakens my dick, and I¡¯m contemting going for it-and by going for it, I mean throwing her over my shoulder and carrying her into the bedroom,ying her down onto the cozy,fortable queen-sized bed, and showing her exactly how beautiful I think she is.


    Knock. Knock. Knock.


    Goddammit.


    ¡°Who the hell is that?¡± I grumble, ready to get up. ¡°I wasn¡¯t expecting any visitors.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s for me,¡± she says cheerfully.


    She jumps up and answers the door, and I hear her speaking with someone and signing for a delivery. Frowning, I follow her down the hall, and she turns to me with tworge stic bags.


    ¡°What¡¯s all this?¡± I ask.


    ¡°I had some store credit saved from the bedding store,¡± she says, carrying the bags into the living room. ¡°I got some pillows, cushions, and sheets for that old couch. I swear I just sat on a spring a second ago.¡±


    Ah. That¡¯s why she was leaning in close. So much for throwing her over my shoulder and making her see fucking stars. d I didn¡¯t make a move. That would have been one for the books.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t have to go through all this trouble just to sleep on the couch,¡± I tell her. ¡°If you really wanted all this, I could¡¯ve gotten it for you.¡±


    She quirks a brow. ¡°Who says this is for me?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve been over this, Sera. I can barely fit.¡±


    She tosses the bags onto the floor and holds her fist out over her palm. ¡°Best two out of three for the bed,¡± she challenges.


    Okay, she¡¯s not tipsy, but the beer and food have definitely put her in a good enough mood to not be so tense. I can¡¯t help butugh. ¡°Do you seriously want to do rock, paper, scissors?¡±


    ¡°Yup.¡± She¡¯s clearly amused.


    ¡°I¡¯m not ying you for the couch.¡± I lean against the wall, crossing my arms.


    ¡°Scared?¡± she challenges again, tilting her head to the side with a cute little smirk.


    Game on. This should be fun.


    Snorting, I copy her stance. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll do it. But don¡¯tin to me when you lose.¡± It¡¯s not possible she¡¯s going to win. Rock, paper, scissors, yeah, it¡¯s my superpower. I¡¯m good at this game, always have been, starting at school. For whatever reason, I can predict the next move-in other words: I never lose.


    There¡¯s a yful fire in her eyes that I enjoy. We count to three, and I throw down scissors while she does paper.


    ¡°One point for me.¡± I grin.


    Sera waves me off. ¡°Beginner¡¯s luck.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    We do it again, and this time, she throws rock while I throw scissors. It¡¯s her turn to grin. ¡°One for me.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re enjoying this way too much.¡±


    ¡°Oh, hush.¡±


    I know what¡¯s going to happen right before it does. Sera throws down rock, thinking I¡¯d do scissors again. But I do paper instead. Covering her hand with mine, I dere, ¡°I win.¡±


    ¡°Son of a bitch!¡±


    ¡°Guess you¡¯re on the couch.¡±


    ¡°Fair is fair.¡± With a yawn, she stretches, and I watch the way her body moves-her tits, those damn pebbly nipples-thinking of our closeness on the couch a moment earlier. ¡°Well, d I got this stuff then.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s up to you,¡± I offer. ¡°I think we did pretty good sharingst night.¡±


    She rolls her eyes and pulls the cushions out of the bag. ¡°I¡¯m good.¡±


    I toss a wave over my shoulder, trying not to chuckle. ¡°Enjoy the couch.¡±

 12

    SERAContent ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Ican¡¯t believe I had dinner with Colton Ashton.


    When Coltonasked me earlier if I had already eaten, everything came up again. He has obviously long forgotten the whole ¡°lunch box thing,¡± or dismissed it as a silly boy prank. Not me.


    Yet, I went out with him and enjoyed it. It¡¯s been a long time since I¡¯ve been out for fun.


    Even when we return to the apartment, I¡¯m still feeling rxed. He looks so good with his hair pulled away from his face, shaved in the back, with a short man-bun on top, and his bright-green eyes smiling at me. More importantly, the man who went to the trouble of picking me up from work and then made me socialize is¡­ personable. More than that, this man is not the troublemaker I remember. I enjoyed the verbal duel with him. I enjoyed hipany.


    I don¡¯t know why I sit on the couch with him, but before I know it, I¡¯m cuddling up to him.


    And asking stupid questions.


    He thinks I¡¯mbeautiful?


    It doesn¡¯t matter, because I have never seen eyes like his. Usually, people have hazel eyes or blue-green. His are like moss or the green of a lush forest. I want to draw them, to spend time finding the right color from my collection of pastels. It feels great to splurge a little with a rent-free month and the tips I¡¯m making, and not having to worry all the time because of the inheritance. Being this close, I¡¯m struck by how handsome he is. Being this close makes me want to do something stupid as my mind reys images of that body.


    Like, kiss him on those full lips.


    Luckily, the doorbell rings, and I amsod that it does, because it interrupts any thoughts of us being anything other than roommates.


    Because that¡¯s all we are: roommates who can¡¯t kiss, ever.


    Then of course, my roommate won rock, paper, scissors-and I won the couch. Speaking of¡­ Mrs. Bianca¡¯s cream-colored couch with its gold embroidery and golden feet is going to be in my nightmares forever.


    SERA


    TWENTY-FIVE DAYS LEFT


    Living with him isthe worst.


    It¡¯s only been a couple of days since Colton and I established a ceasefire. Which means all the annoyance I¡¯m feeling is for the present version of him. I can¡¯t stand being roommates with the man, and honestly, he¡¯s driving menuts.


    I tell myself that I¡¯ve buried the hatchet from the past-at least a reasonable part of it, but there¡¯s a thousand new reasons why he¡¯s driving me insane.


    For one, he¡¯s an absolute neat freak. If I put something down, nine out of ten times he¡¯ll move it. After years of living on my own, I¡¯m used to finding things exactly where I leave them. Here, who the hell knows? I can¡¯t even set a te on the counter without him telling me to put it in the dishwasher or rinse it off. I¡¯ll take a shower and step out of the bathroom to get something, and when I return, my clothes have already been thrown in the washing machine.


    I¡¯m not untidy, but my ce doesn¡¯t have to be as clean as a hound¡¯s tooth all the time. I work on my feet all day, and thest thing I care about ising home to clean. I just want to shuck off my bra, prop my feet up, and lose myself in a few hours of TV or sketching. And if that bra happens to fall on the floor, then so be it. I¡¯ll get it eventually.


    Second, every time I walk through the door, I trip over his stupid biker or work boots. Seriously. Every. Single. Time. And his feet are way bigger than mine, so it¡¯s not like I stumble slightly. They full-on trip me to the point where I have to grab the wall to stop myself from falling. I¡¯m assuming he steps out of them as soon as hees home-since he¡¯s usually home before me-and just goes on his merry way. For such a neat freak, I don¡¯t get how he can leave his boots right there in front of the door.


    ¡°They don¡¯t go there,¡± I snap at him when I trip over them for the fifth or sixth time. ¡°It takes literally two seconds to move them to the right of the entryway.¡±


    ¡°I got distracted.¡±


    ¡°By what?!¡±


    ¡°You really want to get into this?¡±


    ¡°You bet your ass Ido.¡±


    ¡°Fine, we¡¯ll do this,¡± he snaps back. ¡°Speaking of not doing something right, stop pressing the toothpaste in the middle,¡± he says. ¡°Who does that? Press it from the back.¡±


    ¡°What does it matter?¡± I huff in annoyance. ¡°As long as toothpaste ising out, it should be fine.¡±


    He shakes his head. ¡°It¡¯s not. And put it back in the right spot.¡±


    ¡°Oh, my God! You¡¯re such a control freak! First, youin that I don¡¯t press the toothpaste correctly, and now you say I don¡¯t put it in the right spot? I¡¯m sorry I used it. There, happy?¡±


    ¡°Geez, woman, I didn¡¯t ask you to get down on your knees and swallow, dammit, just to stop pressing the fucking toothpaste in the middle and then put it back in the right spot. Why is it so hard? You asked me not to touch your stuff, so don¡¯t put the toothpaste withyourstuff. I can¡¯t find it if it¡¯s buried between your makeup.¡±


    ¡°Well, you stop rearranging the pillows on the couch!¡± I fling my hands out in frustration.


    ¡°Well, then don¡¯t pile them up all in one spot.¡±

 13

    SERA


    TWENTY-ONE DAYS LEFT


    Apattern is emerging in our coexistence: We don¡¯t relent. Usually, the arguments go in circles before one of us grows too tired of arguing and storms away-mostly me. I usually rush out to take a hot bath to calm myself, and when Ie out of the bathroom, he¡¯s gone. I wonder where he gets all the energy after the hours at the dealership. From our few conversations that don¡¯t revolve around tubes of toothpaste or his biker boots, I gather that he goes out to the bar to see a game, connect with old friends, or just ride around with Justin.


    He¡¯s at the dealership site every single day. If he¡¯s not helping with the construction, he¡¯s working on other tasks that are required when building a business. Once, he took a day trip to Cali to settle business on the West Coast.


    Nowhere in the will does it state that we must be together twenty-four-seven. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever seen someone as on the go as he is. But I have to give him credit: Whatever he¡¯s doing seems to be working. As far as I can tell, he has tons of friends among his peers, the new building ising along great, and his other dealerships are running smoothly.


    It certainly makes a difference whether you set up your own business, like Colton, or work for someone else. I have to breathe regrly and remind myself not to be bitchy. If what he says is true-and he¡¯s not a liar, never has been-then he¡¯s worked hard to turn his passion into his profession.


    So, what is it that¡­excites me, even dazzles me about him? Why can¡¯t I just shrug my shoulders and say, ¡°Hey, we¡¯re both doing our thing and this ¡®forced union¡¯ will be history soon¡±?


    Since I¡¯m exclusively sleeping on the couch, I almost always wake up when he arrives homete. He tries to be quiet, but the building is old. The front door and floorboards creak with the slightest pressure. Most of the time I pretend to sleep. Thank God we only have three more weeks of this-otherwise, I think we might kill each other.


    Okay, I¡¯m exaggerating. We won¡¯tkilleach other.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    Maybe torture one another a little bit.


    CAL


    It¡¯s past midnight when I unlock the door and slip into the dark apartment.


    I remove my boots, instantly sidetracked.


    Moonlight was invented to shine through the blinds and illuminate Sera¡¯s beauty. Quietly, I sneak past the couch she¡¯s sleeping on. More light reflects on her frame, and when my eyes find her face, I stop in my tracks. She looks deceptively like an angel, innocent and calm. Her facial features reflect a peacefulness I¡¯ve never seen on her before.


    She¡¯s breathtakingly beautiful.


    Her loose hair hugs her face, and the waves kiss her shoulders. All of the day¡¯s events leave my body as I take in the unfamiliar sight, watching her breathe soothingly, entranced by the rise and fall of her chest, admiring her gorgeousness.


    As if aware of my presence, she suddenly stirs, and her head and shoulders turn in my direction. For a moment I expect her to open her eyes, but she only gasps in her sleep.


    Without a second thought, I reach for the nket to cover her body.


    For onest time, my eyes roam over the sleeping angel and the image she presents to me.


    I bend down and brush a soft kiss onto her forehead.


    ¡°Good night, sweet thing.¡± It¡¯s barely a whisper.


    Calm sleep is her only answer.

 14

    SERA


    TWENTY DAYS LEFT


    Colton isn¡¯t the only thing that¡¯s been on my mind twenty-four-seven.


    When I arrive at work, Marie is already there to greet me. A tall, thin woman in herte sixties, she has extremely long gray hair that she always keeps tied back in a tight braid. Her blue eyes are kind, and there¡¯s always a cheerful smile on her face. This morning is no different.


    ¡°Hey there, superstar,¡± she says when I walk in. ¡°I ran into Officer Marco the other day. He said there was some kind of incident?¡±


    I love Marie, but she can be behind the ball on things. Not to mention extremely scatterbrained-just like me. I had told her about the incident with the jerky groping customer the day after it happened. I had a feeling she wouldn¡¯t remember when all I got was an ¡°Uh-huh. Yup, okay,¡± while she kept sifting through the papers on her desk.


    ¡°He¡¯s referring to the event I told you about,¡± I remind her, and she blinks at me a couple of times. ¡°You know, the one with Kelly? And the gross guy who I told you I put on the cklist?¡±


    She gasps, her hand flying to her mouth. ¡°Oh, my gosh, you¡¯re so right, sweetie! I¡¯m sorry, I don¡¯t know where my brain was. Yes, yes, of course you did. The creepy butt-grab, right? Okay. Did you write down his-?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I wrote down what he looks like and updated the cklist on the podium.¡±


    ¡°Great, is Kelly-?¡±


    ¡°Kelly¡¯s fine. No, she doesn¡¯t want to press charges. The other waitresses witnessed the incident, and they also know to keep an eye out for him. Not that I think he¡¯ll being back here anytime soon. Regardless, everything is handled. No need to worry.¡±


    ¡°Great. You¡¯re the best,¡± Marie says, pulling me into a bone-crushing hug. ¡°I don¡¯t know what I would do without you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯d be hopelessly lost,¡± I tease.


    ¡°Can¡¯t argue with that.¡±N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    ¡°Anyway, what are you doing here? I thought you were going on a day trip upstate.¡±


    ¡°I was on my way, but then I realized that I never signed off on payroll,¡± she says, taking her seat at the cluttered desk. ¡°Here, why don¡¯t you pull up a chair and see how I do it. That way if I forget again, you can jump in and handle it.¡±


    Lately, Marie has been taking more and more time off, which is giving me more responsibility. I know she wants me to take over from her, and it¡¯s likely her way of testing the waters.


    To be honest, I don¡¯t know.


    I love my job. I love what we do. Taking over would mean I¡¯d have more say in my schedule, which would help a lot. But¡­ there are too many factors to consider.


    I¡¯d only consider leaving if my art takes off and demands more of my time, many years from now. Sure, $750, 000 is a lot of money, but it won¡¯tst me the rest of my life. If I fail as an artist and Marie finds someone else to take over the diner, I¡¯ll be left with nothing but a college degree, several years of waitressing experience, and a dream gone haywire.


    I tell myself that I¡¯m being cautious. To a degree, I am. I don¡¯t know how the rest of this month will go, and though I have every bit of confidence I can stick it out, and Coltoncan too, I don¡¯t want to put the cart before the horse.


    If for some reason the inheritance doesn¡¯t go through, I won¡¯t bepletely left in the cold.


    All I know is, I have a real shot at something that could change my life, if I act wisely. For me, acting wisely means nning everything in advance and building in one or two safetys.


    It¡¯s totally not because I¡¯m terrified of hurting Marie¡¯s feelings.


    When my mother died, Marie always made time for me, no matter how busy it was.


    By now the other staff members are in and getting their tasks done as well. For the next few hours, I lose myself in the breakfast rush, weing the distraction. I¡¯ve still got Coltonon the brain, and now he¡¯speting with Marie and how I think I might feel when she inevitably asks me to step in for her.


    ¡°You okay?¡± Kelly asks once the breakfast rush ends and we¡¯re prepping for lunch. ¡°You¡¯ve been pretty quiet all morning. And you look tired.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m exhausted, but I¡¯m fine,¡± I assure her. ¡°The couch I¡¯ve been sleeping on is the most ufortable thing in the world.¡±


    Even with the cushions and nkets on the couch, it¡¯s still not the mostfortable. If Coltondoesn¡¯t wake me when hees home, I find myself waking up at least once or twice a night, trying to getfortable. I¡¯m not going toin. He¡¯s issued several invitations to his bed (nice try, buddy), and I made him y more rounds of rock, paper, scissors, but no such luck. He tried to let me win at one point (which was kinda cute), but still no luck. It¡¯s pathetic. The couch has my name written all over it. Coltonsuggested I at least use his bed when he isn¡¯t there (that was also kinda sweet), but I didn¡¯t take him up on that.


    Go big or go home. I wanted to win the bed fair and square, and not by giving him any reason to say I didn¡¯t y fair.


    It¡¯s a small price to pay for a muchrger payout.


    Kelly reaches out to squeeze my hand. ¡°Honestly, I don¡¯t know whether to keep scolding you or whether to apud you for being strong enough to pull off this absurd scenario. I wouldn¡¯t have the guts to do it.¡±


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t talk about yourself like that. You¡¯re plenty strong, Kelly.¡±

 15

    SERA


    Being the supervisor, I¡¯m thest one to leave. Iplete my end-of-shift chores and make sure we¡¯re prepped for the morning before I lock up ¡°The Diner.¡± That¡¯s it, that¡¯s what it¡¯s called: The Diner. I once asked Marie why she called it that and her answer was simple, but super clever: She wanted people to always think of her ce each time someone said, ¡°The Diner.¡±


    One subway rideter, I¡¯m back at the apartment. I find myself wondering if my new ce should be closer to work, so I don¡¯t have to spend so much onmuting. Maybe I should connect with a real estate agent and determine what¡¯s out there.


    Or maybe I should wait. It¡¯s still a bit premature for that.


    Lost in thought, I walk through the door, only to trip over Cal¡¯s boots-again. Goddammit. Every single time. This is ridiculous, I think, kicking them to the side. If I didn¡¯t know any better, I¡¯d think he was doing this on purpose.


    I¡¯m taking off my coat and muttering swear words under my breath while I step out of my shoes, cing them so they¡¯re not in front of the damn door.


    Coltonemerges from the kitchen a momentter, looking good in his light-blue T-shirt and jeans. ¡°I thought I heard your mumbling,¡± he says. ¡°I grabbed dinner on the way home.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± It¡¯s kinda cute he thinks about me. Hedoeshave a good side, I have to admit. ¡°You headed out again?¡±


    ¡°No, not tonight. Come on.¡±


    ¡°Great, I¡¯m starving.¡±


    He takes the seat across from me, and we both fill our tes in silence. I¡¯m more than happy to take a little bit of everything. Avocado roll here, some white rice there, ooooh sweet potato tempura! And oshinko rolls! Dear God, living with this man is going to make me put on ten pounds.


    Mentally, I¡¯ve forgiven him for the boots this time, only because I¡¯m very excited about our dinner. This is also the first time since we went to the bar that we¡¯re sharing a meal. It would be nice if Coltonwasn¡¯t so sullen. He hasn¡¯t said anything since we started eating and I can tell that something is bothering him. His brow is furrowed and he¡¯s not making small talk.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± I ask.


    ¡°You¡¯re not the only one who had a long day. It¡¯s the contractor I hired. I had to fire him. I¡¯ve been keeping an eye on him since I got back into town, and today it became apparent that he was trying to bleed me for more money. He was buying more expensive parts so the job would cost more, and he¡¯s getting a heftymission from hispany.¡±


    ¡°What are you going to do?¡±


    ¡°I had a feeling this was going to happen, so I already had another contractor lined up. But he¡¯s got to wrap up the job he¡¯s working on, which means I¡¯ll have to step in until he¡¯s free. Not exactly what I wanted to do, but these guys need someone to keep them on track. If I don¡¯t, we¡¯ll fall even more behind schedule, and I can¡¯t let that happen. We have deliveries lined up, and some bikes are already being shipped. Thankfully, I shouldn¡¯t have to cover for more than a couple of days.¡±


    It¡¯s at that moment that I¡¯m struck with what a monumental task he¡¯s undertaken. Yes, he¡¯s done it before. He has businesses on the West Coast. But I imagine this is different. From what I understand, he purchased the other dealerships. This one, though, he¡¯s building from the ground up.


    Damn. Honestly, that¡¯s kind of hot.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never asked you what you¡¯re going to do with your inheritance,¡± I say, digging into my food. ¡°Are you going to keep this ce?¡±


    Coltonshakes his head, picking up a pair of chopsticks. ¡°No, I won¡¯t. Vance told me thendlord is selling the building within the next year or two. If there¡¯s room in Gran¡¯s storage locker, I¡¯ll put all of this,¡± he motions around the room, ¡°in there until I have a chance to get these antiques appraised, and then buy arger ce with a private garage. What about you?¡±


    ¡°I want to find a new ce too,¡± I say. ¡°My apartment is so small. I barely have room for myself. I want a nice, big open loft with plenty of space. Large windows that look over the city as I sit in front of an equallyrge canvas with my hands covered in charcoal.¡±


    ¡°Are you ever going to show me your work?¡± Coltonasks.


    Just the thought of showing him anything I¡¯ve drawn makes my heart race. ¡°Nope.¡±


    I¡¯m not going to tell him about that stupid article or how it shot my confidence to hell. I¡¯m also not going to tell him that my sketchbook is mostly nude bodies, including drawings of my ex. People are weird about nude drawings.


    Especially men.


    My ex-boyfriend, Chase, wasn¡¯t supportive of my art. He wouldn¡¯t be mean or discourage me from drawing per se, but he wasn¡¯t particrly interested, nor did he go out of his way to encourage me to keep it up.


    ¡°Draw my dick bigger,¡± he always used to say. Such a man. Such a douche.


    Just to get a rise out of him, I sometimes drew his dick smaller. You know, for example on days after he forgot Valentine¡¯s Day, or it slipped his mind that I¡¯d wanted a chocte ice cream cone too (and no, I wasnoton another diet, jerk), or he overlooked the fact that I had a clit, and rolled over after sex.


    Then, when he peeked at my drawing and protested, I¡¯d tell him that that was the already-enhanced version. He would getsomad. Especially when I¡¯d draw his nuts smaller too.


    Kicking his ass out was the smartest thing I ever did. I still have the drawings of him, only because they¡¯re some of my best work.


    ¡°Why not?¡± Coltonasks.


    ¡°I just don¡¯t want to,¡± I tell him, although there is a third, much more important reason.


    I¡¯ll never forget when Mom gave me my first sketchbook. I would take it to school every day to draw whenever I had a spare minute. I should have known that I was never safe from Colton Ashton, but he managed to add to my humiliation.


    ¡°Let me see!¡± This time he didn¡¯t even wait before snatching the sketchbook from me. ¡°Oooooh, Nosy Sera is an artist!¡±


    He opened the book and ripped out a page. He might as well have ripped my heart out.


    ¡°What¡¯sthat?¡± He dropped the sketchbook in the dirt. He seemed happy to do that with everything I owned. Then he faced the sheet of paper and pretended to look at it intently. ¡°Hey, guys,¡± he called over his shoulder. Immediately, his stupid friends gathered around him. ¡°Look at this fugly drawing!¡±


    I jumped towards him. Colton reached out and held up the drawing of my mom. Even though Colton and I were the same age, he was already a head taller than me, and it gave him pleasure to make me jump. All I could do was stare at him with all my hate, which not only didn¡¯t bother him but seemed to encourage him.


    ¡°Fugly, fugly,¡± he sang, and his friends took up the chant.


    I was soon surrounded by idiots who wereughing at me and kicking the sketchbook around like a ser ball. Colton fished a lighter out of his pocket and burned the torn-out drawing before my eyes. How he¡¯d got hold of a lighter remained a mystery to me.


    I didn¡¯t cry this time. I never wanted to cry over Colton Ashton again.


    When Coltonburned my drawing back then, at least he didn¡¯t take away the joy of drawing, unlike a certain art critic did yearster.


    Coltonpulls me out of my memories. ¡°Eventually you¡¯re going to have to share your art if you want to sell it.¡±


    Oh really? And then what? Will I be watching my art burst into mes again? But I don¡¯t say that. Instead, I nod. ¡°You¡¯re right. And when I¡¯m ready for that, I will.¡±


    The conversation falls off after that. We both dig into our food and are too busy eating to keep talking. I finish everything on my te, and all I can think about is the wfoot tub that¡¯s calling my name. In one of the bathroom drawers, I found bath bombs in a little bowl, ready for me to use.


    I get up from the table and take my te to the dishwasher, putting it away. Once that¡¯s done, I barely make it two steps down the hall before Coltoncalls after me again.


    ¡°Dammit, Sera.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± I call back. ¡°I put the dishes in the dishwasher like you asked. What the hell is your problem this time?¡±


    I spin around on my heel, and my bra is dangling from his finger.


    With a huff, I walk back and snatch it from him. ¡°Ugh, can you give it a rest for one second?¡±


    ¡°I knew you¡¯d forget.¡±


    ¡°Life is too short to bother,¡± I argue. ¡°I have more important things to think about than making sure everything is in its ce.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not about putting things in their ce. It¡¯s about treating your stuff and your home with care. Also, a tidy environment promotes a clear mind.¡±


    Okay, I have to admit that I oftenck a ¡°clear mind.¡± But the thing about treating your home with care is wrong. ¡°I¡¯m an artist,¡± I protest, starting to talk myself into a rage. At the same time, the thought of the devastating review crosses my mind, and I feel like an imposter. Me, an artist?¡±At work, I¡¯m the neatest person you can imagine. You¡¯re saying because I don¡¯t clean up after myself right away here, in my private space, that means I don¡¯t care? That¡¯s a little extreme.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not extreme,¡± he rumbles. ¡°It¡¯s a fact.¡±


    ¡°Oh, my God, You¡¯re such a weirdo! I can¡¯t believe I considered kissing you.¡±


    As soon as the words leave my mouth, I realize I meant to say them in my head.


    Definitely not out loud.


    Shit. Shit. Shit.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    The expression on his face only annoys me further. He breaks out into a wide grin and crosses his arms, leaning against the wall.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, what was that?¡± he teases. ¡°You want to run that by me again?¡±


    Briefly, I think about backtracking or running away to the bathroom and locking the door. It isn¡¯t against the terms of the deal for me to live out of the bathroom for the rest of the month, right? I can make that work.


    There¡¯s air. There¡¯s water. There¡¯s-


    ¡°I¡¯m all ears,¡± he presses.


    ¡°I may have had a brief, briefthought about kissing you, but trust me, it was a momentarypse of judgment. Don¡¯t read anything into it. It definitely won¡¯t happen.¡±


    He looks so damn smug.


    Annoyance creeps up in me as I stare in his handsomesmugface.


    My gazends on his lips.


    ¡°I don¡¯t me you,¡± he says with a shrug. ¡°I¡¯m a catch. I¡¯m an attractive man.¡± He waits until our eyes meet, and his voice grows darker. ¡°You¡¯re a magnificent woman. We¡¯re only human.¡±


    Hold up. Wait a minute.


    Did he just say that I¡¯m magnificent?


    First, he said I was beautiful. Now, I¡¯m magnificent. Where are all theseplimentsing from all of a sudden?


    Wait. Does that mean hefindsme magnificent or justthinksI¡¯m magnificent-because there¡¯s a difference.


    I clear my throat, and ask, ¡°Have you had those thoughts about me?¡±


    He¡¯s not even a little embarrassed when he nods. ¡°I woke up in the middle of the night with a woman lying on me in a thin nightie,¡± he rumbles. ¡°Of course I thought about it.¡±


    Oh, boy. ¡°Well, stop thinking about it because it¡¯s not going to happen.¡±


    To my surprise, he pushes off the wall and takes a step forward.


    The hallway isn¡¯t big, so there¡¯s nowhere for me to go. At least, that¡¯s what I tell myself when I don¡¯t immediately back up. In reality, the heat from his body prevents me from stepping away. He smells like musk and his cedar aftershave.


    It¡¯s an intoxicatingbination that just screams ¡°man.¡±


    It¡¯s been so long since I¡¯ve been with a guy. It¡¯s been so long since I¡¯ve shared closeness and intimacy with a beautiful, strong man. That¡¯s gotta be why I want to run my hands under that shirt and feel his sculpted abs.


    ¡°Look me in the eye,¡± he says, leaning in, his lips almost brushing my ear, ¡°and tell me you don¡¯t feel any kind of attraction to me.¡±


    I hate that I have to swallow past a lump in my throat. I hate that my nipples instantly grow hard at his proximity and words alone. Is he reading my mind?


    No, of course not, that¡¯s dumb. He can¡¯t read minds.


    Quick, Sera.


    Lie. Lie through your teeth!


    ¡°I don¡¯t feel any attraction to you.¡± Dammit, why do I sound breathless? Why is my voice shaking? Shit, even I do not believe me.

 16

    Coltonsmirks. ¡°Liar.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯mnota liar.¡±


    His armsnd against the wall on either side of my head as he braces himself over me, caging me in. He stares at me with his bright-green eyes. It¡¯s the first time I notice a scar-a small scar over his eyebrow. But then he leans in closer, and my gaze meets his again. His eyes pierce my soul. His presence is so bewildering, and it feels as if he¡¯s a hundred feet tall and as though I¡¯m going to fall into the depth of his gaze. ¡°Really? Because I¡¯m pretty sure you are,¡± he rumbles. His lips graze the shell of my ear, and little electrodes start exploding everywhere. ¡°Thedy doth protest too much, I think.¡±


    I want to push him away, but I¡¯m physically incapable of it. His nearness is intoxicating. Stirring. Thrilling. ¡°Oh¡­screw you.¡± What ame attempt at protest. ¡°For someone¡­who calls me¡­a know-it-all, you sure do think you¡¯re right¡­all the time.¡± I can hardly think.


    His cheek brushes against mine. Even though he shaved this morning, there¡¯s already stubble growing back. It¡¯s so tantalizing, and he knows exactly what he¡¯s doing. When he speaks, his lips are only a few inches away from mine. ¡°If you¡¯re not attracted to me at all, then kiss me.¡±


    It takes a second for the words to sink in.


    ¡°Are you insane?¡± I exim. Itryto exim. My voice is all hoarse.


    There¡¯s no way I¡¯m going to kiss him.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    Nope. Not going to happen. I don¡¯t care how inviting his lips look. Or how damp my panties are.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be dramatic,¡± he murmurs softly. ¡°If you¡¯re not attracted to me, then you should have no problem kissing me.¡±


    His lips in three words. Luscious. Soft. Kissable.


    ¡°It¡¯s not about having a problem¡­it¡¯s about the fact that I t-out don¡¯t want to kiss you.¡±


    Liar, liar, pants on fire, my brain teases.


    ¡°Let¡¯s make a little bet then,¡± Coltonsuggests, pushing off the wall and out of my space.


    I breathe out. Thank God. I turn my brain back on. Bet? A bet? That¡¯s what he said?


    Oh, good.


    I mean: oh, God.


    I donotlike where this is going. ¡°I¡¯m not making a bet with you.¡±


    ¡°Rx. Don¡¯t be a spoilsport. Learn to be impulsive, Sera.¡±


    ¡°Screw you, I know how to be impulsive.¡± Okay, I don¡¯t. Never have, never will. The irony is not lost on me.


    He grins. The jerk. ¡°Then what¡¯s the harm in a little friendly bet between husband and wife? Unless you¡¯re scared that I¡¯m going to find out you reallyareattracted to me.¡±


    Seriously. I may be his wife on paper, butonlyon paper. He only uses those terms when he wants to get under my skin. I hate that it works every time. Still, he knows me well enough by now to know that I won¡¯t back down from an outright challenge.


    ¡°Fine, what kind of bet do you have in mind?¡± I ask.


    He smirks. ¡°If you leave your bra lying around again, you have to kiss me.¡±


    He came up with that betwaytoo fast. Something¡¯s up¡­ But then again, I was the one who started the whole kissing topic. He barely even paused before giving the details. He wants me to fail to prove his stupid point. How can I up the stakes so I¡¯m not the only one losing in this scenario? I consider his terms, staring at him through narrowed eyes.


    ¡°This seems one-sided,¡± I point out. ¡°What doIget out of this?¡±


    ¡°Considering how often you leave the thing lying around, you¡¯ll get a kiss out of it.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s hardly a prize.¡±


    He clutches his chest with a mocking expression. ¡°Ouch, my wounded pride.¡±


    I take another second to ponder his offer before Ie up with a good counteroffer. ¡°How about this? If I leave my bra, I have to kiss you. But if you leave your damn boots in front of the door, then you have to sleep on the couch.¡±


    Still smirking, Coltonasks, ¡°For how long?¡±


    ¡°The rest of our time together.¡±


    He rubs his chin as he thinks it over. I find myself wondering how his stubble would feel gliding across my skin while he moves down my body.


    ¡°Interesting,¡± he says. ¡°I feel like a simple kiss is worth less than a few weeks on that stupid couch.¡±


    ¡°Then you¡¯ll have no problem moving your boots. Besides, it¡¯s easy for you to say that when you haven¡¯t slept on the couch.¡±


    ¡°Fair point. But in that case, I demand arealkiss. Not a simple one. Not a peck. Akiss. With tongue. Lots of tongue. Full make-out session.¡± He holds out his hand. ¡°Shake on it.¡±


    Sure, why not?


    He¡¯s not gonna win.


    What else do I have to lose?


    At the very least, he¡¯ll stop leaving his stupid boots in the way. I shake his hand, and without warning, he pulls me in close.


    ¡°Game on, Sera.¡±


    My heart speeds up, and I slip my hand out of his. ¡°Let the best man-or woman-win.¡±


    I pivot on my heel and head to the bathroom, knowing my bath is going to be on the cooler side tonight-but deep down, I know better. Who am I kidding?


    I¡¯m screwed.

 17

    SERA


    I¡¯m about to tuck myself in on my couch when I realize I¡¯ve forgotten to get my clean uniform out of the bedroom. I usually try to get it before I go to bed so I don¡¯t have to wake Coltonup in the morning when I¡¯m getting ready.


    Well, hell.


    Hopefully, he¡¯s asleep already and I can sneak in, grab what I need, and get out.


    Easing myself off the couch, I quietly make my way down the hall.


    Under the door, I can see that the light is still on, and I knock softly.


    ¡°Cal, you awake?¡±


    I hear nothing, and when I test the doorknob, it isn¡¯t locked. I knock again, a little louder this time.


    Nothing.


    Certain that he¡¯s asleep, I quietly poke my head in.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Okay, I admit, now I¡¯m being nosy. But only a little bit.


    The room is bathed in soft light, and Coltonis out cold in the middle of the bed. I notice how neat and tidy he keeps his side table, really the whole room. There¡¯s only what appears to be a thick, shiny business-oriented motorcycle magazine next to the clock, Revved Upor something. His phone lies next to his hand as though he passed out without meaning to. He¡¯s shirtless, with theforter wrapped around his waist, his muscled legs sticking out the bottom. He¡¯s facing away from the door, but even without looking at his face, I know he¡¯s fast asleep by the soft rise and fall of his tattooed chest. His image is one of utter rxation andfort.


    Inspiration strikes hard and fast.


    I have to sketch him. This will be the sweetest revenge ever. Tit for tat. Colton Ashton captured for eternity by the woman whose drawing he burned as a child. Yes!


    Quickly, I tiptoe back to the living room, dodging the squeaky parts of the floor like some deranged creativity-driven ninja. I dump my bag out onto the floor and grab my sketchbook and a pencil.


    When I get back to the door, he hasn¡¯t moved.


    Perfect.


    He looks great exactly how he is. I push the door open a little more, pausing when it lets out a quiet squeak. I freeze, and Coltonshifts a little before settling back down, still asleep. I don¡¯t trust myself to breathe a sigh of relief.


    I slip into the room all the way and begin to sketch him. My hand moves across the page on its own, starting with the basic outline of his sleeping form and then getting more specific. He¡¯s gorgeous.


    I¡¯ve studied the human body, and I¡¯ve never seen one as perfect as his.


    Hell, this isn¡¯t even the artist talking. This is Seraphine talking. In this low light, he¡¯s the most stunning vision of masculinity I¡¯ve ever seen in my entire life. One word: chiseled. All I can hope is that my drawing can do it justice. Creativity takes the wheel, my hand moving quickly across the page almost on its own.


    I don¡¯t remember thest time I¡¯ve been this struck by inspiration. It¡¯s been a while, for sure. It¡¯s like my hand has a mind of its own.


    I¡¯m putting the finishing touches on the shadows around his body when he shifts again. I don¡¯t stop drawing, too far along not to finish what I¡¯m doing. However, when I nce up from the page, the new visual is enough for me toe crashing back to reality.


    Instantly, I freeze, my hand gripping the book tight enough to turn my knuckles white.


    The bed cover has slid down a teensy bit further, now revealing his ¡°V.¡± Sweet Jesus. There¡¯s a vein trailing down right at the edge.


    I¡¯ll be mortified if he wakes up and catches me drawing him.


    His face turns my way, and I let out a sigh of relief to see he¡¯s still sleeping.


    Thank you, Universe.


    I amentirelyunprepared for him to roll onto his side, letting theforter slide all the way down. Because that¡¯sexactlywhat he does andexactlywhat happens.


    My pencil snaps, my grip even tighter than it was a second ago.


    Oh. My. God.


    He¡¯s not partially naked. He¡¯s fully naked.


    My brain short-circuits and all thoughts fly out of my mind.


    That¡¯s¡­yup, that¡¯s his dick. I¡¯m staring directly at his dick.


    I should look away.


    Seriously, Sera, look away.


    Do not be nosy!


    I turn my back on him, clutching my red sketchbook to my chest. The drawing isn¡¯t done yet. I can¡¯t leave it unfinished, but I also can¡¯t just stay here staring at him naked.


    No.


    I can¡¯t do something crazy, like finish the drawing.


    Right?


    Thankfully, I¡¯m able to make it back to the living room without Coltonwaking up. That would¡¯ve been one for the books. Shoving all my art supplies back into the bag, silently, I shut off the light and bundle myself up in my pile of nkets.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. It¡¯s just a naked man. You¡¯ve seen a naked man before. And a dick. Stop acting like it¡¯s a big deal.¡±


    Big.


    Oh, God, I¡¯m so screwed.


    Andnotin a fun way. Unfortunately, telling myself to sleep doesn¡¯t work.


    I don¡¯t get much rest that night, and for once, it has nothing to do with the couch. Every time I close my damn eyes, I see naked Cal.

 18

    SERAThis is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    NINETEEN DAYS LEFT


    ¡°Sera?¡±


    I¡¯m in the middle of wiping down the shelves where we store the coffee mugs and cups when Mariees through the door.


    ¡°Why are you here so early?¡± she asks.


    ¡°No reason,¡± I say breezily.


    Marie raises her eyebrows, looking at all the cups on the counter, and me, attacking the shelf like it offended my ancestors. ¡°Anything you want to talk about, sweetie?¡±


    I sigh heavily and let the rag fall onto the shelf in front of me. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I¡¯ve been out of sortstely. It¡¯s¡­things are such a mess right now.¡±


    Mariees around the counter and pulls me into a hug. ¡°Aww, sweetie, it¡¯s all right. As much as I appreciate your sudden interest in extreme cleanliness, maybe you should take a seat. Come on, put the sses back, and I¡¯ll make us some coffee.¡±


    I return the hug, instantly at ease.


    Marie always has that effect on me. I do as she says, putting the mugs and cups back onto the shelf and throwing the dirty rag into the back. Meanwhile, Marie pulls out the specialty coffee, which is usually only used on Sunday. But she knows how much I love French Vani and brews a fresh pot for us to share.


    Once it¡¯s ready, she pours a cup for each of us and takes a seat next to me. ¡°All right, Sera,y it on me. I know we haven¡¯t talked about it, but you¡¯ve been going through a tough timetely. I can tell. You know you can talk to me about anything.¡±


    I pour a hearty amount of sugar into my cup. ¡°I know I can. It¡¯s something personal that I¡¯ve been trying to keep to myself for a few reasons. It¡¯s not because I don¡¯t trust you, it¡¯s just because it¡¯s so ridiculous.¡±


    She chuckles. ¡°Well, now youhaveto tell me.¡±


    ¡°You ready for a goodugh?¡±


    ¡°Always.¡±


    I already told Kelly, might as well tell Marie. She won¡¯t tell a soul. I spend the next five minutes giving her the briefest of rundowns about what¡¯s been going on. Unlike Kelly, she doesn¡¯t react when I tell her I got married. When all is said and done, she stares at me for a moment before bursting intoughter.


    ¡°Great, thank you, thanks for that,¡± I say.


    Marieys her hand on my arm. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sweetie,¡± she says between giggles. ¡°I don¡¯t mean tough at your expense, but you¡¯re right, thisdidmake for a goodugh. Being forced to marry your childhood bully for a major inheritance and then seeing his impressive willy would do that to you. Honestly, I¡¯d be more concerned if you didn¡¯t find the humor in all of this.¡±


    Now we¡¯re bothughing. I love Marie, bless her heart, and it¡¯s just so her to say willy instead of dick. It¡¯s the whole situation, really, that makes me crack up: me here, talking to my 68-year-old boss about the memorable reproductive organ of my one-month-husband. She¡¯s right: the whole situation is too funny, if you think about it. My sides start to hurt, and I have to take a few deep breaths to calm myself. ¡°If you had told mest month that I¡¯d be sitting hereining about being married and attracted to Colton Ashton, I would¡¯ve told you to stop pulling my leg.¡± I pick up my coffee and take a big sip. The warmth spreads down my throat and into my stomach, instantly putting me at ease.


    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m not here to judge,¡± Marie says, her eyes all wrinkled up in amusement. She lifts her hands in surrender. ¡°I¡¯ve been married three times, and none of them came with hundreds of thousands of dors. It would¡¯ve been worth it if they had.¡±


    I snort, well aware of Marie¡¯s rtionships with men.


    Marieughs, this time softer as she puts her arm around me. ¡°All joking aside, good for you. If someone irritated me that much, I¡¯d have gone crazy already. Is he that gorgeous?¡±


    I think aboutst night and my cheeks grow warm. ¡°Drop dead gorgeous.¡± I take another big sip of coffee. ¡°There¡¯sno wayI can let him win this bet.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve got this, Sera,¡± Marie says, rubbing my back. ¡°Show him who¡¯s boss! Just because he¡¯s a pretty face doesn¡¯t mean you should go easy on him.¡±


    I lift my mug in a mock toast. ¡°Hell no.¡±


    She clinks her mug against mine.


    I miss mornings like this with Marie. It reminds me of the old days when I first started.


    As d as I am that she¡¯s been taking time for herself and considering retiring-she deserves it-I¡¯m going to miss seeing her every day. We take time to finish our coffees, and I¡¯m feeling much better after.


    Marie heads into the office to get some things done, and I get ready to start my actual shift.


    Despite how busy the day turns out to be, Cal¡¯s naked body keeps randomly popping into my head. I don¡¯t remember ever drawing that fast in my life. It¡¯s not only the subject that was good. The drawing itself came out great. I¡¯m my worst critic, and even though it was a quick spur-of-the-moment sketch, I couldn¡¯t find fault with it when I was done.


    I hear the ding of the bell in the kitchen and Deacon calls, ¡°Order up!¡± dragging me out of my musings.


    Focus on the bet. That¡¯s the most important thing right now. You have to make sure he doesn¡¯t win.


    The Diner is packed with its usual breakfast crew, and the kitchen is alive with activity. It¡¯s the perfect day for training, which was why I scheduled the newbies for their first day. Marie has left the whole process up to me, and I¡¯ve run with it. It¡¯s making our service a little slower, but I¡¯m able to pick up the ck.


    That¡¯s until a customerins for the third time in a row about our hondaise (which Deacon makes fresh every morning). When I ask why she¡¯s ordered a dish she doesn¡¯t like for the third time in a row, she doesn¡¯t answer me. Alfred, one of our regrs, is having a bad day and doesn¡¯t find our service fast enough, even though Daphne took his breakfast to his table within eight minutes-freshly made, mind you.


    I feel punchy.


    I love our regrs. They are some of the nicest people I¡¯ve had the fortune of getting to know. Lately, though, it¡¯s somewhat harder to handle the mean ones. I used to let it slide off my back. Now, I dwell, and it takes longer to get back into happy-mode.


    I¡¯m thankful that Kelly senses my inner turmoil and manages to calm down the difficult customers.

 19

    SERA


    Lunch prep begins.


    ¡°We haven¡¯t been this busy in a long time,¡± Kelly says.


    ¡°The weather is getting nicer. That always makes people want to get out more.¡± On autopilot, I empty the coffee makers and go about cleaning them before I start fresh pots.


    ¡°We need to try to go out together more often,¡± she says. ¡°We haven¡¯t been out together in ages.¡±


    Going to a nice dinner with Kelly sounds great.


    ¡°I meant to tell you,¡± she says, wiping down the counter. ¡°I have a friend who I think you would hit it off with. Bryce Amoria.¡±


    Putting my hands on my hips, I turn to look at my friend. ¡°Kelly, are you trying to set me up with someone?¡± I ask in surprise. It¡¯s so out of character for her, especially after our discussion about marriage and the fact that I¡¯m essentially off the market until the marriage is annulled.


    ¡°No, no, nothing like that,¡± she says. ¡°He¡¯s a friend of my neighbor from high school who just opened an art gallery here in NYC, and he¡¯s always looking for new artists.¡± I open my mouth to protest but she hurriedly keeps talking. ¡°Now before you say no, he¡¯s a really nice guy with a brilliant eye for talent, and I think you should at least consider taking a meeting with him.¡±


    ¡°Kelly, that¡¯s very sweet, but I don¡¯t have the space to work on something as intense as an art showcase.¡±


    If Coltonthinks I¡¯m messy now, he¡¯s never seen me trying to put a show together. Thest time I did, I could barely walk with all the canvases spread throughout the ce. Pretty sure I got to the bedroom by jumping on and over the couch.


    If I attempted to do the same thing now, I think Coltonwould have a heart attack.


    Again, the visual of arge open loftes to mind, and I get excited that it¡¯s almost within reach.


    ¡°Maybe after I settle into my new ce, I¡¯ll consider it.¡±


    ¡°If anyone can do it, you can,¡± Kelly urges.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°You know I haven¡¯t done a show in years.¡±


    Three years, to be exact.


    Ever since my first and only art show, which ended with a scathing article inArt Dream Monthlyby top art critic Professor Osgood Ramstraat. I still remember what it felt like reading ¡°uninspired,¡± ¡°affront,¡± and my favorite, ¡°no truth.¡± With each word, my heart sank through the floor. I was crying by the end of it, so upset and humiliated.


    The worst part? Chase didn¡¯t disagree with him. When he saw me crying and read the article, he shrugged and said, ¡°He makes a few good points.¡±


    I was so distressed and stunned that it took me a second to process exactly what he had just said. I tossed him out on his ass the next day, and he had the nerve to be surprised. Unfortunately, the damage was done. My confidence was andstillis shot. For months, I couldn¡¯t pick up a pencil without those words ying on a loop in my mind. Eventually, I got back into it, telling myself that I couldn¡¯t give up because of one lousy article-written by the expert of all art experts-and that tastes differ. Bad publicity is better than no publicity. Some days I tell myself I will be the best artist in the world and then rub the article in Mr. So-called ¡°Expert¡¯s¡± face.


    ¡°But you¡¯resogood,¡± she insists. ¡°Your show was amazing.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m d you thought so.¡±


    ¡°Come on, Sera, it was one bad review. Don¡¯t let one jerk keep you from following your dream.¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t just a bad review, Kelly. It was a scathing review from one of the top art critics in the city. Professor Ramstraat was one of the headmen to define ¡°what makes artwork good.¡± Today, at almost seventy-five, and of Dutch origin, he¡¯s considered to bethemover and shaker among New York¡¯s art critics, and has be popr among art lovers for his honest and amusing reviews. That¡¯s what one article said. Amusing reviews, my ass. ¡°I know you¡¯re just trying to be encouraging, and I appreciate it. But it still hurts, you know? Even now, while living with Cal, I can¡¯t bring myself to sketch when he¡¯s around because I¡¯m nervous he¡¯s going to see what I¡¯m working on.¡± And burn it.


    Kelly gives me a sympathetic look. ¡°Can you at least think about calling Bryce Amoria? Please? For me?¡±


    I groan in frustration. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll think about it.¡±


    Kelly drops the doe-eyed expression in a millisecond and ps. ¡°Yay! And when you¡¯re ready and done thinking about it for the hundred and twenty-fifth time, I¡¯ll give you his card. Or do you want it now? Okay, you don¡¯t. But I¡¯ve got it right here waiting for you, just in case.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re lucky I love you, Kelly.¡±


    She grins in satisfaction. ¡°I will pout as much as possible if it means you¡¯re at least open to the idea of another art show. You¡¯re always telling me to stand up for myself. I hope you¡¯ll do the same.¡±


    ¡°Touche, Kelly. Touche.¡±


    The front door opens, and Kelly looks past me to see who¡¯s arrived. She softly gasps, ¡°Holy moly, check out the hotties.¡±


    She rarely says anything like that aloud at work. Immediately, I¡¯m amused, needing to see who she¡¯s talking about. When I turn around, I¡¯m surprised to find Coltonand Justin standing at the podium, waiting to be seated. Daphne approaches and greets them warmly before she shows them to a booth.


    ¡°What¡¯s he doing here?¡± I mutter under my breath. I can¡¯t deny the spark of happiness igniting in my stomach because Cal¡¯s here. Of course, I can¡¯t let him know how happy I am to see him. He¡¯s cocky enough as it is.


    ¡°He who?¡± Kelly asks.


    I motion to Cal. ¡°That¡¯s Coltonand his best friend, Justin.¡±


    Kelly stares at me with wide eyes. ¡°That¡¯sCal? That¡¯syour husband?¡± she hisses.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± I nod, ying it cool.


    ¡°Sera!¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Sera!¡±


    ¡°What? Stop saying my name.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s perfect!¡±


    ¡°I told you he was handsome.¡±


    ¡°I know, but he isn¡¯t handsome. He¡¯sperfection.¡±


    ¡°Believe me, when he opens his mouth, he is not.¡±


    ¡°I know he annoys you, but he doesn¡¯t look like a bad guy. He looks¡­ hot, no question about it, but he also has kind eyes.¡±


    Kind eyes? Is she serious?


    She pauses and looks at me sternly. ¡°That doesn¡¯t mean I approve of this scheme.¡±

 20

    ¡°Oh, no, no. He¡¯s not a bad guy at all, Kelly,¡± I rify. ¡°He just annoys the crap out of me, and his eyes haunt me in my dreams. I don¡¯t know what it is, but most of the time, we just can¡¯t seem to get along.¡±


    ¡°What about his friend?¡±


    ¡°Justin? Oh, he¡¯s cool. Great guy.¡±


    She perks up again. She looks over at him, and I notice her taking in the tattoos, leather jacket, and motorcycle helmet tucked under his arm.


    ¡°I think my water broke, and I ain¡¯t even pregnant,¡± she jokes.


    Huh. I know Kelly likes the inked bad-boy type, but I never saw her going for any of them in real life, yet here she is, practically drooling. Justin and Kelly. Wouldn¡¯t that be so sweet? But in all honesty, the odds of that happening are as impossible as Coltonand me.


    Daphne sits them in my section, of course. As in, of course I would be the one to serve them. I¡¯m in no rush to greet them. I know, I know. We¡¯re not at war anymore. We¡¯re on good terms now. But his nakedness threw me off.


    I finish cleaning the other pots and get more coffee going while putting the freshly washed mugs on the shelf.


    ¡°Sera, they¡¯re in your section,¡± Kelly says, patting me on the arm to get my attention.


    ¡°I¡¯m aware.¡±


    ¡°Are you going to serve them? Or can I-?¡±


    Ha. Great idea. Why didn¡¯t I think of that? ¡°Knock yourself out,¡± I tell her.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kelly exims in a hushed whisper. She adjusts her already-wless hairdo, takes off her sses, grabs one of the fresh pots of coffee, and heads over. I watch her go in anticipation.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°Good day, gentlemen,¡± she chirps, slightly nervous. ¡°Can I start you off with some coffee?¡±


    ¡°Yes, please and thank you,¡± Justin says with a lilt to his voice, eyeing Kelly in appreciation. I can tell by the redness of her cheeks that she notices. Her smile says she doesn¡¯t mind. She shyly doesn¡¯t meet his gaze when she leans forward to fill his mug.


    Coltondeclines the coffee with a gentle shake of his head. His eyes slide past her to meet mine, and he gives me a smirk and a wave. Waving back, I figure I should at least greet them now that we¡¯ve made eye contact.


    ¡°Hello, gentlemen,¡± I say,ing to stand by Kelly. yfully-kinda-I say to Cal, ¡°Any particr reason you have chosen to annoy me at work?¡±


    Coltonthrows up his hands. ¡°I literally haven¡¯t said a word to you yet.¡±


    ¡°I know, and I appreciate it.¡±


    ¡°You see what I¡¯m dealing with,¡± he says to Justin and Kelly. ¡°I don¡¯t even have to say anything, and she gets annoyed.¡±


    ¡°Congrattions, Cal,¡± I say. ¡°You finally understand me.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, they¡¯re always like this,¡± Justin says to Kelly.


    ¡°I gathered as much.¡± She giggles. ¡°Do you guys need a moment with the menus?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take a beer and a burger,¡± Coltonsays and winks at me. ¡°Medium, with the works on top.¡±


    ¡°And I¡¯ll take the breakfast special,¡± Justin says, nodding toward the chalkboard on the wall. ¡°Thank God you guys serve breakfast all day.¡±


    ¡°Good choice,¡± Kelly says. ¡°It¡¯s the best meal.¡±


    ¡°Oh, absolutely,¡± Justin rumbles.


    I raise my eyebrow, watching them. Honestly? They¡¯re kind of cute. When I nce back at Cal, he also seems to have noticed the spark between them, and we share a smile. My annoyance doesn¡¯t go away, but that shared smile takes the edge off.


    ¡°Seriously, though, what are you doing here?¡± I ask him.


    ¡°We were passing through,¡± he says, ¡°and figured I¡¯d stop by and see where you work.¡±


    I gesture to the bright-pink walls which match my T-shirt. ¡°Well, what do you think?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a nice ce. Cozy. Have you taken your break yet?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Join us.¡±


    It¡¯s a sweet offer. ¡°Thanks, but I don¡¯t have a break yet.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind if you want to,¡± Kelly says earnestly. ¡°The lunch rush hasn¡¯t started yet, and the other girls are here to cover when it does.¡±


    ¡°See?¡± Coltonmoves over and pats the spot next to him. ¡°Come on.¡±


    My stomach growls and suddenly lunch sounds like a wonderful idea. Aside from the coffee I shared with Marie, I haven¡¯t had anything else.


    ¡°Can you tell Deacon I want my usual?¡± I ask. ¡°And let Marie know I¡¯m taking my break.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m on it, honey.¡± Kelly gives me a cheeky grin as she turns her back on them on her way to the kitchen.


    I sit next to Cal, noticing Justin watching Kelly while she walks away. He isdefinitelynot her parents¡¯ type, but then again, her parents¡¯ type hasn¡¯t exactly been working out for her.


    ¡°Everything okay at the dealership?¡± I ask.


    ¡°We haven¡¯t gone yet. Getting a bit of ate start,¡± Coltonsays. ¡°By the way, when I woke up this morning, you were gone. Why did you leave so early?¡±


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t sleep. Figured I¡¯d make myself useful and get some work done.¡±


    Coltonshifts his gaze to Justin. ¡°Justin, tell Sera she works too much. I¡¯d do it, but she never listens to me.¡±


    ¡°No way, dude. I¡¯m not getting in the middle of whatever this is,¡± Justin says, gesturing between us.


    ¡°Let¡¯s stop talking about me,¡± I say, not in the mood to have my life choices aired out in my ce of work. ¡°Tell me about the dealership. Is everything going okay with the new contractor?¡±


    ¡°Oh, a thousand times better than thest asshole,¡± Justin says.


    Coltonnods in agreement, resting his arm on the back of the booth. It¡¯s not quite around my shoulders, yet I can feel the heat of him. ¡°We¡¯ve made up some time and it¡¯ll be good to open by the end of the month. Everything is back on track.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s awesome!¡± I¡¯m genuinely happy for him.


    ¡°Speaking of the dealership,¡± Justin says, sitting straighter and wrapping his hands around his coffee mug. ¡°Now that I have both of you here, as well as witnesses, I have to tell you something.¡±


    Uh-oh. I don¡¯t like his tone or the fact that he wants to talk to both of us. What does the dealership have to do with me? Coltonalso appears confused, his brow furrowed as he stares at his best friend.


    ¡°What did you do?¡± he immediately asks.


    ¡°And what does it have to do with me?¡± I add.


    Justin takes a sip of coffee before he speaks. ¡°Well, I ran into Mr. Osborn,¡± he says carefully.


    ¡°Who¡¯s Mr. Osborn?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Main investor,¡± Coltonrifies.


    ¡°We got to talking about the shop and his investment. One thing led to another, and¡­I may or may not have identally referred to Sera as your wife.¡±


    There¡¯s silence.


    We both stare at Justin.

 21

    Coltonshakes his head in disbelief. My heart sinks and my temper res. ¡°You didwhat?¡± I exim. Suddenly remembering where I am, I wince and look around. ¡°Oh, my God.¡±


    Daphne and one of the new girls are taking orders at another table, and they briefly nce my way. I give them an apologetic smile. It takes all my willpower not to send Justin a swift kick to the shins. There was a reason Coltonand I both agreed to keep this under wraps. Nobody was supposed to know! Since we¡¯re going to get divorced in neen days anyway, it just makes things cleaner when fewer people know what¡¯s happening. As far as I¡¯m aware, Justin, Kelly¡­and, okay, now Marie too (okay, guilty!), are the only ones who know what the arrangement is. I know I sound like a Holy Willie, but my girls are my besties. They wouldn¡¯t tell anyone. They¡¯d take the secret to their graves. But this Osborn guy, he clearly isn¡¯t inside Cal¡¯s close circle of friends, or Justin wouldn¡¯t seem so remorseful.


    Cal, on the other hand, appears oddly undisturbed.


    ¡°How did that evene up?¡± Coltonasks.


    ¡°It just sort of happened,¡± Justin exins. ¡°We were talking about your grandmother, and they were offering their condolences. He mentioned his wife was thinking about trying to set you up with someone. I know how much you hate that shit and, given your current situation, I happened to mention Sera and that you¡¯re no longer single, and then the next thing I knew the word ¡®wife¡¯ came flying out of my mouth.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, well, my foot is about to fly into your balls,¡± I threaten.


    Justin immediately closes his legs and twists his lower half away from me. ¡°Please don¡¯t. Be careful with the goods. I still need them.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, not a big deal,¡± Coltonfinally says with a shrug. ¡°If they ask about itter, we¡¯ll just say it didn¡¯t work out.¡±


    His nonchnt reply stings. I don¡¯t know the Osborns and, if fortune smiles on me, I never will. Still, I don¡¯t like it when someone else thinks I don¡¯t have endurance. Because I do! Also, think of Coltonwhat you want, but anyone who¡¯s met him knows he¡¯s not the type of man who gives up easily, whether in business or his personal life.


    ¡°Yeah, about that,¡± Justin lowers his voice, his gaze on Cal. ¡°Osborn mentioned that his wife sure would love to meet your new wife.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± I shriek. ¡°No!¡±


    ¡°What did you tell him?¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°Nothing. I changed the subject.¡±


    ¡°See? No problem,¡± Coltonsays to me and shifts back to face Justin. ¡°If it everes up again, just tell him my wife is out of town.¡±


    ¡°Okey-dokey.¡± Justin nods. ¡°I can do that.¡±


    ¡°How can you be so chill about this?¡± I ask incredulously.


    ¡°It already happened. What do you want me to do? Go back in time and stop him?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be a smartass.¡± The number of times I have said that phrase in thest few days makes me think I should make a recording of it, so I can hit y whenever Coltonopens his mouth.


    ¡°YouknowI can¡¯t help that.¡±


    He¡¯s probably right. What¡¯s done is done. As worried as I am, I know Justin didn¡¯t do it on purpose. I can¡¯t be mad at him, and it does no one any good to pout about it. I shake my head and lean against the booth. ¡°Please be careful, Justin. We don¡¯t need everyone and their mother knowing our business.¡±


    ¡°I swear, it won¡¯t happen again,¡± he promises.


    ¡°Sera, it¡¯ll be fine,¡± Coltoninsists, flinging his arm around my shoulders. ¡°Rx. Don¡¯t worry about it.¡±


    I sigh heavily and shake my head, pushing his arm off.


    The kitchen door opens, and instead of Kelly emerging, Marie does, looking around wildly. Kelly follows a secondter, trying to distract her. I know exactly why Marie hurried out of the back. Someone-not Kelly-probably told her I was taking lunch with friends, and she put two and two together.


    ¡°Hey there, gentlemen,¡± Marie says, approaching our table (despite Kelly¡¯s almost desperate attempts to sidetrack her), all curious, making no effort whatsoever to hide the fact that she¡¯s just out here to check out both men. ¡°I heard that Sera was dining with a few friends. Any friends of Sera¡¯s are friends of mine. I¡¯m Marie, by the way, and this is my ce.¡±


    ¡°Oh, so you¡¯re ¡®the cool boss¡¯ my Sera can¡¯t stop talking about,¡± Coltonsays, extending his hand toward her. ¡°I¡¯m Cal.¡±


    MySera? Did he just call me his Sera? Why does that make my stomach flip-flop? Why do I like the sound of that? Oh, boy. Let¡¯s unpack thatter.


    ¡°Oh, soyou¡¯reCal,¡± Marie says, eyebrows taking a hike up her forehead and hidinginsideher hairline. She takes his hand and shakes it before she looks over at Kelly. ¡°Their lunch is on the house, Kelly. Make sure you update their slip.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Marie, but that¡¯s not necessary,¡± I tell her.


    ¡°Nonsense,¡± Marie says, patting my arm. ¡°And don¡¯t you go rushing through your lunch. Take all the time you need.¡± She gives me the sweetest smile. ¡°Cool boss, huh?¡±


    I can¡¯t help but melt a little.


    ¡°Perfect,¡± Coltonsays, putting his arm around me again, causing all the butterflies to have a dance party in my stomach. ¡°See, even Marie knows you need a break to loosen up.¡±


    As she walks away, she mouths, ¡°Oh, myLord,¡± and fans herself.


    I only sigh and shake my head. It¡¯s bad enough Kelly is drooling over these two, now Marie is too.


    Traitors. Traitors, the both of them.

 22

    CAL


    We walk into a wave of noise.


    The main garage is almostplete, and the guys are in the process of installingrger pieces of equipment. Power tools can be heard, and below the sound, an old radio ys heavy metal.


    Immediately, I spot the new contractor, Charlie Hond, a lively Irishman with disheveled dirty-blond hair and a braided beard-maybe somewhere in his thirties or early forties-giving orders to some of the men.


    ¡°Once ye feckin¡¯ get back, I want ye going ny. It¡¯s stopped rainin¡¯ so just get on with it. The riggings have all been installed, and once theds are clear of the area, I want ye to stress test each one with the dummy bikes that came inst night,¡± he says, and the men nod. ¡°I trust where theye from, but they still need to be tested-let¡¯s make sure they were installed properly. After ye do that, the shelvin¡¯ should be finished, and ye can start stockin¡¯ each station with the toolsid out in the back. Everythin¡¯ isbeled, so make sure they feckin¡¯ stay that way.¡±


    When he spots me and Justin, he gives us a nod of acknowledgment and nces at his watch before calling over the noise, ¡°All right,ds. Union lunchtime! Ye¡¯ve got an hour.¡±


    ¡°Hey, man,¡± I greet him, holding my hand out for him to shake, which he epts.


    ¡°Ah, chief, how¡¯s it goin¡¯?¡± Charlie is in his usual look: torn blue jeans, and I¡¯m unsure if he¡¯s being modern or wears his jeans until they fall apart-I¡¯m guessing thetter. His armless shirt reveals a sleeve of a naked pin-up-girl with huge tits, blowing a kiss from his upper arm with one eye squeezed shut into a wink. Below that is a big heart with three letters: MOM. Either Charlie has a twisted sense of humor, or he found himself under the ink gun sometimete at night after a heavy night of partying.


    ¡°Lost myself a bit of a bet there.¡± He answers my silent question, likely used to getting odd looks. ¡°Are ya happy enough with things?¡± He lifts his hand, gesturing around him.


    There¡¯s the state-of-the-art showroom where we can disy the ssics and more expensive bikes, our workshop space (¡°the garage¡±) where customers can get their bikes fixed, customized, and detailed, plus a couple of modern office spaces in the back for Justin, sales staff, and other administration employees.


    ¡°Things are looking great,¡± I say, pleased with how organized Charlie is and how systematically he handles his crew. There is not a single array of clutter anywhere, or the mess I usually face during construction periods with sharp deadlines, and I¡¯m pleased. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to have all the rigging in today.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, fe called me this mornin¡¯ at 5:30, sayin¡¯ they had a cancetion and could move us up the list. Met him first thing, and we got everythin¡¯ unloaded before theds got here. What d¡¯ye think?¡±


    I scan the workspace with a grin. ¡°It looks like an actual garage.¡±


    ¡°Feckin¡¯ imagine that.¡±


    Chuckling, I p him on the back. ¡°Thanks for looking out.¡± Knowing that we have an opening date and are going to make it takes a massive load off. ¡°Have you run into any issues with distributors?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be worryin¡¯ about that. It¡¯s grand. Sure, you won¡¯t get anyone any better round these parts,¡± Charlie boasts, pointing a thumb at himself and grinning. ¡°I went through all your notes, and we¡¯re good. Thatst fe was feckin¡¯ useless. Wouldn¡¯t know his arse from his elbow, just runnin¡¯ up the bill with all sorts of shite. There¡¯s plenty left in the budget for us to finish things up properly.¡±


    In the construction field, it¡¯s normal that contractors pick each other to pieces. Everybody wants the job. Not everything you hear is true. I don¡¯t hold it against Charlie that he¡¯s running down a peer. At least we¡¯re within budget.


    ¡°Good job,¡± I tell him.


    ¡°You¡¯re grand.¡± Charlie jerks his head to the back. ¡°The admin offices are all done. The furniture is due in tomorrow, so long as ya approve. Will we give it a look?¡±


    ¡°Sounds good. Let¡¯s check them out.¡±


    We follow Charlie toward the back of ¡°the garage¡± where the administration offices have been finished. The space is well lit with natural lighting fromrge windows and modern lighting fixtures. This is better than I could¡¯ve hoped for. We¡¯ve already hired the administration staff, and with their officesplete, it means they can start at least two weeks earlier than expected. It¡¯ll be good to have a central space where business operations can begin while the rest of the building is being finished.


    After the brief tour, Charlie heads off to take his break. ¡°Go on so. I¡¯ll talk to yater.¡±


    Justin and I crouch down on the floor of the room that¡¯ll soon be his office.


    ¡°So, I have a question,¡± Justin says, leaning back on his hands and taking my attention away from my thoughts. ¡°About this girl. What do you know about Sera¡¯s friend?¡±


    His questiones out of nowhere and catches me off guard. ¡°Which friend?¡±


    ¡°You know, the brte she works with. Side-braid. I think her name was Kelly.¡±


    ¡°Ah, yeah, not much. I know they¡¯re close, but that¡¯s about it. It¡¯s not like Sera and I share every detail about our lives.¡±


    ¡°Do you know if she¡¯s seeing anyone?¡±


    I remember the lunch we just had and how Justin had shamelessly looked her over. I smirk. ¡°You weren¡¯t even remotely subtle about checking her out.¡±


    ¡°How could I be? Did you see those big blue eyes? My God. Not to mention she was fucking smoking.¡± He makes a noise in the back of his throat and shakes his head. ¡°She reminds me of Jessica Lilly Dawson, remember her?¡±


    ¡°The bookworm with sses?¡± I ask, my brows furrowing.


    ¡°So what? She was hot. Andnotinto me.¡±


    ¡°You certainly have a type.¡±


    ¡°Well, so do you.¡±


    He¡¯s not wrong there. We smirk at each other.


    ¡°You should ask her out,¡± I tell him. ¡°This Kelly chick.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I know. That¡¯s why I asked if you knew whether or not she was seeing anyone.¡±


    ¡°No idea. I don¡¯t think she is. Next time we go, you should ask for her number.¡±


    ¡°I thought about it, but I didn¡¯t want to do it while she¡¯s working. Also, not sure if she¡¯s into me. Not all chicks like tattoos, piercings, and shit. Don¡¯t want her to think I¡¯m some kind of creep who¡¯s stalking her or something.¡±


    I snort in amusement, assessing the huge-ass mountain of a man. He¡¯s an ugly-ass motherfucker-his words, not mine-about three inches taller than me (I¡¯m six foot one), with a bushy beard, and his ck hair ends in a short wavy ponytail, like he doesn¡¯t give two fucks. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯rescaredof a small waitress?¡±


    His lips twitch. ¡°Me? Never.¡±


    ¡°I can ask Sera to give her your number.¡±


    His eyes light up. ¡°Fuckyeah. Thanks, man.¡±


    ¡°No problem,¡± I say, bumping his fist.


    ¡°How about you?¡± he asks, changing the subject. ¡°Gettingid any time soon? I bet this whole marriage thing is really cutting into your dating life.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you could say that. Can¡¯t exactly bring a chick home and be like, ¡®Oh, just ignore the woman sleeping on the couch. She¡¯s technically my wife, but it¡¯s cool.''¡±


    Heughs. ¡°All right, all right, fair point. I just think the whole thing is fucking hrious. Especially the whole bet situation you¡¯ve got going on. I take it that¡¯s still on the table.¡±R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    Oh, yeah, I told him about that this morning while we were getting ready for our drive. He knows the details of what happens when I win. And I¡¯m going to win. There¡¯s no doubt in my mind.


    ¡°So far so good,¡± I say. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen her clean up after herself before.¡±


    ¡°Imagine, all it took was the idea of kissing you. Man, she really can¡¯t stand you.¡±


    ¡°Gee, thanks, dude.¡±


    ¡°Come on, you had to know she would freak out,¡± Justin says. ¡°This is Sera we¡¯re talking about. The two of you can¡¯t be in the same room without arguing.¡±


    ¡°We didn¡¯t argue at lunch,¡± I point out.


    ¡°You bickered.¡±


    ¡°But we didn¡¯t argue.¡±


    ¡°Bickering is arguing.¡±


    ¡°Bickering is intense talking,¡± I counter.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like you did anything to prevent it.¡±


    ¡°You act like that¡¯s all on me.¡±


    ¡°Never said it was,¡± he replies, crossing his arms. ¡°But now that I¡¯ve seen you two together a couple of times, I¡¯m brought right back to high school. Cal, bro, it¡¯s always been that way between you and Sera. I¡¯ve never known two people who get on each other¡¯s nerves like you two do. It¡¯s actually kind of impressive.¡±


    ¡°At least I got her down from hating me to extremely disliking me. Progress.¡±


    ¡°I think you two just need to fuck and get it out of your systems.¡±


    This isn¡¯t the first time Justin¡¯s expressed this sentiment, and I know it won¡¯t be thest. ¡°Hey, man, I¡¯m all for it,¡± I say, shrugging. ¡°She sure could use a good dose of the good ol¡¯ D. Actually, it would do us both a world of good. But Sera is stubborn. There¡¯s no way she¡¯s going to admit she¡¯s attracted to me without being helped along the way. Hence the bet. Let¡¯s start with a kiss and go from there.¡±


    ¡°You think she¡¯s attracted to you?¡± he asks, arching his eyebrows.


    ¡°Of course she is. I can sense it.¡±


    ¡°But she doesn¡¯t know it yet?¡±


    ¡°Oh, she knows. But she doesn¡¯t wantmeto know.¡±


    ¡°Women and their games.¡± Justin shakes his head with a chuckle.


    Now that everything is back on track, I don¡¯t feel the need to hang around the construction site and oversee it all. Charlie clearly has things in order, and it¡¯s no skin off my back. With that weight lifted off my shoulders, I¡¯m free to focus on other things.


    As everything is finishing up for the day, I reach out to Mr. Osborn. The phone to his office rings twice before a soft female voice answers, ¡°Osborn Car Repair and Detail, Mr. Osborn¡¯s office.¡±


    ¡°Colton Ashton calling for Mr. Osborn.¡±


    ¡°Hello, Mr. Ashton, please hold for one moment.¡±


    She puts on that god-awful hold music, and I stand there, waiting.


    And waiting.


    And waiting even longer.


    Before I signed the papers for this dealership, I reached out to Osborn to introduce myself and let him know what business I was bringing to the city. I did my homework beforehand and knew if anyone was going to invest, it would be him.


    Born and raised in NYC, Andrew Harold Osborn owned the two biggest car dealerships in the city and had started to buy out the smaller dealerships shortly after opening his second location.


    I knew since I focused on motorcycles, my business offered something different, yet simr enough to pique his interest. It only took one phone call to get him to invest a cool heavy amount without breaking a sweat. Not sure how much Mrs. Osborn has a say in hispany, but she and Osborn are on zoning and construction boards in the city, which makes his support even more important.


    That being said, aside from our initial meeting, I haven¡¯t done much by way ofmunication since I got back. I knew if I nned to stay on Osborn¡¯s good side, I¡¯d need to do some damn schmoozing sooner orter.


    Fucking politics.


    It was inescapable to refresh the connection in person.


    Eventually, the soft voice returns to the line, and in a chipper tone says, ¡°Thank you for holding, Mr. Ashton. Mr. Osborn is avable to speak with you. I¡¯ll transfer you now.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    He probably kept me on hold as a power move to determine if I have the patience to wait for him. I know that trick from my corporate days. It was a tactic highly encouraged at lestone. Osborn has done it several times during our various correspondences. I don¡¯t care for mind games, but I¡¯m willing to go along with it if that¡¯s how Osborn wants to y this.


    His assistant transfers my call.


    It rings exactly three times before it¡¯s answered.

 23

    CAL


    ¡°Mr. Ashton,¡± Andrew Osborn says in his raspy, booming voice. ¡°I was wondering when I¡¯d be hearing from you.¡±


    ¡°Hello, Mr. Osborn,¡± I greet him. ¡°Thank you for taking the time to speak to me. It¡¯ll only take a minute.¡±


    ¡°Straight to the point. Tell me-to what do I owe the pleasure of your call?¡±


    ¡°I wanted to let you know that my dealership is in the final stages ofpletion and I would like to extend a dinner invitation to you and your wife. That way we can sit down face to face and discuss a couple of ideas I have.¡±


    ¡°Wonderful! I heard through the grapevine you fired William Hunt. I was surprised to hear that, considering howte in the project you are. It¡¯s my understanding that he does good work.¡±


    ¡°He does, but I decided to bring in a new contractor who better suits my needs.¡±


    Osborn tsked, understanding that I wasn¡¯t going to dog the man. ¡°Such a shame and good to know. Now, back to your lovely invitation. We¡¯d very much like to ept.¡±


    ¡°Great. Two days from now, let¡¯s say seven o¡¯clock. I¡¯ll send you the details.¡±


    ¡°Perfect. Charlotte and I will be there. I cannot wait to meet your new bride. We¡¯ll see you then, Ashton.¡±


    I don¡¯t even get a chance to tell him Sera won¡¯t be there before he hangs up.


    Shit.


    Sera isnotgoing to like this.


    Oh, well. She can deal. It¡¯s one dinner.


    Iget home sometime in the early afternoon. In a rare instance, Sera is home before me. I¡¯m not expecting this, considering how many hours she¡¯s been working. I¡¯m guessing Marie sent her home since she came in early. I notice her stuff when I walk through the door, putting my boots to the side. I¡¯m not sleeping on that damn couch.


    When I enter the living room, there are two things I notice right away.


    One, her bra is sitting on the arm of the couch.


    And two, her sketchbook is lying next to it.


    I hear the sound of the bathtub filling, and I realize that in her rush to take her evening soak, she forgot her bra. Either that, or she didn¡¯t expect me home anytime soon. Or she left it there on purpose.


    Either way, I see a kiss in my very near future.


    Can¡¯t fucking wait.


    I will preface this next sentence by saying that I am not snooping. I¡¯m simply tidying up the living room after her, again-except for the bra, of course, because: evidence-when I realize the sketchbook is partially open. The page I see makes me stop in my tracks.


    Grabbing the book, I open it all the way to find anincrediblydetailed drawing of me. Specifically, my naked body.


    Like, fully naked.


    Dick and all.


    On the paper, I¡¯m lying in bed, so she must have drawn it at some point during the night. Oh, this is too fucking good! Is this why she didn¡¯t want to show me her work? Goody-goody Nosy Sera isn¡¯t as prudish as I thought she was. But she¡¯s way, waynosier than I expected.


    She has a lot of talent.


    The drawing looks exactly like me, and the shading is on point. My face, my shoulders, my abs, my dick, and nuts.


    Perfect. Fucking. Perfect. Fucking detailed too. Veins and all.


    I flip through the pages, looking at the rest of her work. The way she draws the human body is stunning. She doesn¡¯t embellish (I can tell)-she doesn¡¯t try to make it perfect. She catches all the subtle curves and nuances of the human form.


    I continue to scan through the pages. Most of what I see are bits and pieces of a person from when, I assume, she didn¡¯t have a model in front of her. Or did she? Someone¡¯s arm, someone¡¯s torso, a pair of eyes. Wait, are those my eyes? Hard to tell. There seems to be a subtle scar over the eyebrow, which mirrors the one I got when I was a dumb teenager. Not from the night of my first joy ride, butter that week when I¡¯d been forced to help fix the bike and wasn¡¯t watching what I was doing.


    I get to the start of the sketchbook, finding full nudes of some dude, which pretty much makes me lose interest. I will say he¡¯s got nothing on me, and the sneering expression on his face tells me right away that he wears turtlenecks and jumps in the pool holding his nose.


    ¡°What are youdoing?¡±


    I spin around as Sera stands there in her robe, her wet hair slicked back from her face. Her eyes are as wide as saucers.


    ¡°Anything you¡¯d like to tell me?¡± I ask calmly, opening to the naked drawing of me and showing her.


    ¡°Oh, my God. Cal! No,¡± she shrieks. ¡°Wait! Please!¡±


    She tries to take the book from me, but I hold it out of her grasp. She jumps to no avail. I¡¯m taller and easily stretch out of her reach.


    ¡°Cal!¡±


    I make sure to keep it open to the sketch, growling, ¡°I gotta say, you¡¯ve got a lot of talent. Of course, it helps when your subject is as devilishly handsome as I am.¡±


    She stops trying to grab the book. ¡°Okay, look,¡± she says, still panicked, her cheeks flushing in embarrassment. ¡°I know this seems creepy. But please, pleaseknow I didn¡¯t mean to walk in on you. I was going to get my uniform, I knocked on the door, twice I might add, and you didnotanswer!¡±


    ¡°So you walked in, saw I was naked, and couldn¡¯t resist drawing me?¡±


    Her face twists.


    It¡¯s evident that she¡¯s trying to figure out how to talk her way out of this.


    She just groans and buries her face in her hands. I¡¯m not sure if she can¡¯te up with an excuse or if she¡¯s given up trying. ¡°Yeah, pretty much. To be honest, I wanted to get even with you for burning that drawing of mine when we were kids, but then¡­things got out of hand.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯ll teach you.¡± I¡¯m not angry in the least. I¡¯m ttered. I really am. I¡¯ve never been drawn before, and this girl has a shitload of talent. The sketch is dead on, and she even took the time to include my tattoos.


    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m not ashamed of my body,¡± I tell her. ¡°Clearly, you can see that I¡¯ve got it going on.¡±


    Her cheeks are ming red, and she groans in annoyance. ¡°Oh, please stop talking. I¡¯m having several deja vus and can¡¯t even be mad at you. Seriously. I¡¯ll do anything if you do not tease me about this.¡± She¡¯s drumming her fingers on her thigh.


    Anything?


    That¡¯s what she said?


    The way she said it strikes a nerve.


    Hold on.


    It sounds like she¡¯s pleading, almost begging me not to make fun of her. I know it¡¯s in our nature to give each other shit, but the past is the past, and there¡¯s no use revisiting days gone by, let alone waking dead and buried ghosts. I¡¯d never tease her about something she obviously has a passion for. I can tell she¡¯s ufortable, and I feel like an asshole. That wasn¡¯t my point. I struck a nerve I didn¡¯t even know existed. I¡¯ve never seen Sera like this. She is a fighter, defiant and rebellious as fuck, the most confrontational woman I¡¯ve ever met, always ready to raise hell.


    I must have hit where it hurts.


    She let her guard down.


    And she let me see.


    ¡°Look, I¡¯m teasing about you sneaking around drawing me-not about the drawing itself. The drawing is great. You did an awesome job.¡±


    Her eyes meet mine. ¡°Thanks,¡± she mutters.


    ¡°In fact, it¡¯s more than awesome, Sera.¡± I pause for a beat. ¡°Hey, hey, everything all right there?¡±


    Her cheeks are still red, but it¡¯s starting to fade. ¡°It¡¯s been a long time since I¡¯ve drawn anyone. So, when I felt inspired, I really wanted to follow through. I¡¯m sorry¡­I should have asked you first.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to apologize,¡± I assure her. ¡°I¡¯m not mad.¡±


    Finally, the tension leaves her body, and her shoulders sag in relief.


    That is, until I flip to the beginning of the book and hold up the drawings of the other dude. ¡°Who¡¯s the tool-bag?¡±Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°That¡¯s my ex.¡± She makes a face, her assertiveness back. ¡°And I love how you can tell he¡¯s a tool-bag just by the drawing. Because he is.¡±


    ¡°Hey, you¡¯re really good. The look on his face says it all. I take it things didn¡¯t end well with him.¡±


    She takes the book from me and closes it before she tosses it onto the couch. ¡°No, it didn¡¯t,¡± she admits. ¡°He was a jerk. Never really cared or encouraged me. He was furious when I had to workte, and insisted I stopped working at The Diner. Major red g. Next. Oh, and he used to get jealous if I went to a drawing ss and drew other guys. That¡¯s when he offered to pose for me. He was fine if a woman was posing, but God forbid I drew a male model.¡±


    I¡¯m floored when I hear this. ¡°Wow. It¡¯s an art ss for crying out loud. It¡¯s not like you¡¯re sneaking into someone¡¯s room and drawing them while they sleep.¡±


    She shakes her head, her lips tugging upward. ¡°Ha-ha, very funny.¡±


    I grin. ¡°You¡¯re never going to live this down.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m aware.¡± She smacks my arm yfully. ¡°Anyway, yes, he was the most insecure guy I¡¯ve ever met. I ended things after my first art show.¡±


    ¡°Let me guess-he didn¡¯t attend?¡±


    ¡°Worse. Hedidattend, and when I got a really bad review, he agreed with it.¡±


    ¡°He agreed? What the hell?¡± What a poor excuse for a man.


    ¡°Yeah. My drawings just aren¡¯t worth a second look, he said. And I have to ept that.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to ept shit. Look, I don¡¯t know much about art, but I know talent when I see it. You have real talent, Sera. I mean it.¡±


    Something beautiful flickers in the depths of her eyes. She smiles softly, and it¡¯s the prettiest damn smile I¡¯ve ever seen. ¡°Thanks, Cal,¡± she says.


    For a few seconds we just stand there, and I get lost in her beauty, in a captivating soul she¡¯s taken great care to hide from me.


    Something inside my chest pulls.


    ¡°Now that that¡¯s settled,¡± I say, collecting myself, ¡°we have something else that needs to be addressed.¡±


    The smile leaves her face as quickly as it appeared. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± She frowns.


    Smirking, I gesture to her bra just behind me. ¡°I believe you owe me a kiss.¡±


    Her eyes go wide, and she points at me. ¡°No, thatdoesn¡¯tcount.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean that doesn¡¯t count?¡±


    ¡°Ijusttook it off a few minutes ago.¡±


    ¡°And?¡± I hold up her bra, dangling it from my index finger.


    ¡°And I¡­¡±


    ¡°Andyou¡¯re trying toe up with excuses, so you don¡¯t lose this bet.¡± Iugh, flicking the bra at her.


    She catches it in a huff.


    ¡°Pucker up, wifey,¡± I tell her.


    It¡¯s the only warning she gets.


    Before she can move, I slide my arm around her waist and tug her forward in a dominant pull. Her body collides with mine. The bra drops from her hand instantly. My arm reaches around her back, drawing her closer, feeling her tits under that white robe pressing deliciously against my chest. I slide the other hand into her wet hair and pull her into a kiss.


    Her breathing stutters.


    If I thought her body felt good against mine before, this is a whole new level of heat. I meet warm, soft lips. The most tender I¡¯ve ever felt. Her mouth is pliable against mine, even when her body is stiff as a board. Seriously, what¡¯s up with that? She¡¯s not moving, and her body is filled with tension-but she¡¯s not pushing me away.


    ¡°Sera, you can do better than that,¡± I murmur softly against her lips, cradling her head, my mouth back on hers, and I deepen the kiss. My tongue darts into her mouth and swipes along hers.


    She doesn¡¯t move her tongue. At all.


    It¡¯s like she¡¯s going out of her way to not enjoy this.


    I whisper-growl deeply, ¡°Come on, Sera,¡± my voice hoarse and barely there. My top teeth roll her bottom lip teasingly while my hands cradle her face. My thumbs lightly trace over her cheekbones.


    I can feel her trembling beneath my touch.


    ¡°Kiss me back, baby,¡± I breathe, my lips teasing hers.


    It¡¯s then that she moves. Her hands slide up my arms to grasp my biceps, and she leans into the kiss, fully parting her lips for me.


    Yes. That¡¯s more like it. ¡°That¡¯s my good girl,¡± I rumble, my voice nearly a growl.


    Suddenly, she loops one arm around my neck and plunges her tongue into my mouth. The switch takes me by surprise in the best way. I almost stumble back.


    Ahh, this feels nice. Holy fucking shit.


    My body is on fire, and my dick presses against my jeans like the persistent bastard he is.


    After ten minutes of shameless kissing-ten minutes that are over way too fast-and a lifetime of me doing my fucking very best to not open her robe and unleash hell on her naked body, she draws away with a gasp, her big brown eyes dark like chocte.


    Her handse up to rest against my chest.


    I take them in mine, holding her close to keep her from running away.


    A clever retort is on my tongue, all ready to go-or is it a fucking plea to keep on going?-but before I can say anything, her tender lips find mine and she kisses me again, and every thought I ever had goes out the window.


    Except the one that begs me to untie her damn robe.


    I want to rip it right off, push my hands underneath the fabric and grab the supple flesh I¡¯ve only had glimpses of.

 24

    SERA


    Okay, so agreeing to the kiss deal wasn¡¯t the best idea.


    And neither was forgetting my bra.


    And kissing him back.


    But damn, is he a good kisser.


    Part of me isn¡¯t surprised. Someone with that many quickebacks and smartass answers has to be good with his mouth. I¡¯m justnotexpecting one kiss with him to buckle my knees and send a shot of arousal straight between my legs. God, I try so hard not to like it. I really do. I remain still and squeeze my eyes shut, waiting for it to be over. I thought it was going to be over quickly, but he doesn¡¯t let up. He keeps going, keeps trying to coax a response out of me.


    And it¡¯s not long before I give in.


    I just can¡¯tnotgive in.


    Kissing him the second time is not nned. It just happens.


    I me my hormones and general unresolved horniness. Combine that with the fact that I haven¡¯t been kissed senseless in a long time, and of course I¡¯m going to go for seconds.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    Until I catch myself and pull away.


    We¡¯re both panting. His hands are around my ass and his full lips are glistening invitingly.


    Oh, no.


    Oh, my God.


    Quickly, I break all contact and clear my throat. There¡¯s too much silence. I should say something. Something funny and witty. Like what? Shit! I¡¯m an artist, notaedian.


    I open my mouth and say the first thing thates out. ¡°All right, you¡¯ve made your point. I¡¯ll pick up my bra.¡±


    Internally, I wince. Well done. Not awkward in the slightest.


    ¡°d you see things my way,¡± Coltonsays with that infuriating smirk of his. But oh, crap, he sounds breathless and it¡¯s super sexy.


    His green eyes are dark, like the color of moss, and he¡¯s looking at me like he wants to throw me onto the couch. I¡¯m like two seconds away from letting him. I need to do something.


    I start to pick up my stuff, leaving him standing there staring at me.


    ¡°So how was work?¡± I ask.


    Smooth, Sera. So super smooth, I tell myself.


    Coltontakes a step back (thank God, because I can still feel the heat of his body, and it¡¯s so much worse when he¡¯s standing close). ¡°Great change of subject,¡± he teases.


    ¡°I have no idea what you¡¯re talking about.¡±


    Laughing, he takes a seat on the armchair. He runs a hand through his already-mussed hair. God, I want to do that. I want to see if his hair is as soft as it looks, maybe tug on it a bit to see if I can elicit a noise out of him.


    Why didn¡¯t I do that during our kiss?


    Wow, it¡¯s really hot in here.


    ¡°Work was fine,¡± he finally answers. When I bend over to pick up my sketchbook off the floor, he adds, ¡°By the way, you¡¯re still in your robe, and it¡¯s not fully closed. Not that I mind the view.¡±


    Oh, shit. I nce down and remember that I¡¯ve had this entire conversation in my robe, and sure enough, the sash hase slightly undone, and my boobs are almost hanging out. I immediately stand up straight, dropping everything I¡¯m holding.


    ¡°Dammit, Cal,¡± I exim, retying it. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you say anything sooner?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a man, Sera. If a gorgeous woman wants to sit, kiss, or lounge around in her robe, I¡¯m not going to stop her.¡±


    My face grows hot hearing Coltonrefer to me as a ¡°gorgeous woman.¡± I clutch my robe tighter. ¡°You didn¡¯t think to at least warn me that my tits were practically falling out?¡±


    ¡°Why the fuck would I do that?¡±


    I shake my head, trying to will the redness from my cheeks. ¡°I¡¯ll go put some clothes on.¡±


    The look Coltonis giving me can only be described as hunger. He doesn¡¯t say it, but I know he¡¯d rather I take the robeoff. I¡¯ve never had someone so tantly undress me with their eyes as he¡¯s doing right now. It only makes the memory of his lips even more intoxicating.


    I hurry to the bedroom to put some clothes on, trying to put the feeling out of my mind.


    Which is way more difficult than it has any right to be.

 25

    It was just a kiss.


    Technically there were two kisses.


    It was just twopletely hot and unforgettable kisses.


    Sitting back against the couch, I pick up my abandoned sketchbook. Hey, at least he isn¡¯t mad about the drawing.


    He said so many sweet things about my drawings.


    Really, really sweet things.


    It still seems like I¡¯m walking on clouds with this unexpected boost in my confidence (fromhim, of all people!), and that¡¯s a feeling I haven¡¯t had in quite a long while.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°But before you start drawing,¡± he says, ¡°we need to talk.¡±


    Oh, shit. That¡¯s never a good phrase. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± I ask, trying to keep my voiceposed and normal.


    ¡°I have an important dinnering up in two days with a couple of investors,¡± Coltonsays, watching me intently. ¡°I wanted to give you a heads-up, because it¡¯s going to be here.¡±


    A sense of relief drifts over me. All right, this I can handle. ¡°Oh, okay. I¡¯ll make sure to clear out that night, and rest assured, you don¡¯t have to worry about them finding my bra lying around.¡±


    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary.¡±


    It takes a second for his words to register. ¡°Oh¡­¡± He¡¯s not telling me about the dinner to make sure I¡¯moutof the apartment. ¡°You want me to be there?¡± At first, I¡¯m surprised by his response and a little touched.


    ¡°You sort of have to be.¡±


    Then it dawns on me. ¡°Is this about the investors that Justin told we weremarried?¡±


    He nods. ¡°Mr. and Mrs. Osborn. They¡¯re expecting you to be here.¡±


    ¡°Dammit, Justin,¡± I say, resting my head against the back of the couch, staring at the ceiling for a moment.


    ¡°I know,¡± he says. His forehead is all frowny, and he looks at me like I¡¯m about to shred him and his idea into a million little pieces.


    I feel something strange building up in my chest.


    We have to pretend we¡¯re real.


    That our marriage is real.


    That our love is real.


    ¡°You can tell Justin I¡¯m going to rip his balls out and then bury him alive!¡± I put my sketchbook aside and stand up. Feeling like a thousand ants are crawling all over my skin at the same time makes it impossible for me to keep calm. ¡°Heshould y the hostess in my ce. Ha! You can tell him I¡¯ll be happy to help him prepare for the good wifey role!¡±


    Coltonsnorts.


    At the same time, a picture of Justin sitting next to him, politely making conversation with the investor¡¯s wife, shes through my mind. The tattooed hulk of man holding a tiny teacup from Mrs. Bianca¡¯s dresser in his big fingers, asking if he can refill Mrs. Osborn¡¯s cup.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure Gran still has a frilly apron somewhere you can put on him,¡± he says. ¡°I¡¯ll personally help you tie the ribbons just above his ass into a pretty little bow.¡±


    We look at each other. The corners of my mouth twitch. Coltonmakes a sound that¡¯s somewhere between a snicker and a stifledugh.


    ¡°All right, I¡¯ll be there,¡± I say and enjoy the moment of surprised confusion in his eyes. That¡¯s an answer he clearly wasn¡¯t expecting. ¡°But you can tell Justin that he¡¯s going to be paying for this for a long, longtime. We have to make sure we use the good dishes. He could polish the silverware.¡± With that, all the restlessness evaporates, and I sit down again. On the couch.


    When Colton remains silent, I gaze over at him.


    He cocks his head at me in curiosity. ¡°Sera, are you all right?¡±


    ¡°Yep.¡±


    ¡°Was that a burst ofimpulse?¡±


    ¡°Nah.¡± I shrug it off. ¡°Just want to help.¡±


    ¡°Sure looked like a shiver ofpulsion to me. And how do you know about the good dishes?¡±


    I set the sketchbook off to the side. Looking around the room, my eyesnd on the china cab, and I let the memories wash over me. ¡°I helped Mrs. Bianca get ready for dinner parties so many times, and she always had me get those dishes out of the cab. I asked her why she didn¡¯t just keep them in the kitchen and why she packed them awayallthe time.¡±


    ¡°Because they¡¯re for guests,¡± Coltonsays with a smirk, doing a pretty good imitation of his grandmother¡¯s voice. ¡°Not for everyday use.¡±


    Iugh, having heard that phrase many times. ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s what she always said. So before the dinner parties, we¡¯d have to take them out and handwash them. Then after, handwash again-very carefully-and put them back.¡±


    I remember it so clearly. Just the two of us, standing in the kitchen, side by side, talking about everything and nothing. Once I suggested we use the dishwasher, and shebalkedat the idea. I never suggested it again. She¡¯d wash, and I would carefully dry. I never knew my own grandmother, but Mrs. Bianca filled that role effortlessly.


    ¡°What else did you do with Gran?¡± Coltonasks.


    ¡°A bunch of different things, especially when her arthritis started to get worse. She was always so insistent about doing her own cleaning, even though there was a cleaningdy that came over a couple of times a week.¡±


    ¡°I remember. I hired her. Gran would have things spotless when she arrived, so more often than not, she had nothing to do.¡±


    ¡°Huh, sounds like someone else I know,¡± I tease.


    Coltongrins. ¡°Hey, I had to learn it from somewhere.¡±


    ¡°We girls at The Diner called her ¡®the Baroness¡¯-have I told you that?¡±


    ¡°The Baroness? Ha. I like that. I can see why. Gran was a perfectdy who always kept her countenance. Did she know about her pet name?¡±


    ¡°She did. She thought we were being silly. She said¡±-I mimic Mrs. Bianca¡¯s cute elderly voice-¡°Girls, I¡¯m no baroness, there¡¯s not a single drop of blue blood running in my old veins. Only merlot.¡± Coltongrins and so do I. ¡°Then she¡¯d order another ss and leave a huge tip each time.¡±


    ¡°Did you know she was wealthy?¡±


    ¡°No, I really had no idea. You?¡±


    ¡°She kept it from us,¡± he admits. ¡°She wanted to surprise us. Probably had this nned a long time.¡±


    ¡°Anyway, on days when she was having a hard time, I would take care of a few things for her. Like shopping. Or carrying a nt pot from the living room to the bedroom. Then she always insisted we have lunch. God, her food was terrible.¡±


    Coltonbursts intoughter, pressing his hand over his heart. ¡°She was the sweetest, but she wasn¡¯t much of a cook. Except for her butter cookies, they were good.¡±


    Phantom scent memories of her butter cookies waft through my nose.


    ¡°Oh, my God, they were! They were the best! We¡¯d have them in the evening with Earl Grey tea. So yummy. But lunch was the absolute worst. I¡¯m just d she let me cook for the dinner parties because I could not subject her friends to her food. I still don¡¯t know what she put in those tea sandwiches she made when we had our lunches. I always had to eat at least half to be polite, and I don¡¯t think my stomach ever recovered. I started offering to make lunch just so I wouldn¡¯t have to eat them anymore.¡±


    ¡°Bet that went over well.¡±


    ¡°Surprisingly, yes. She thought I was just being sweet, and she loved what I would serve for lunch, and her girlfriends raved about my cooking at those dinner parties.¡±


    ¡°She didn¡¯t know you were trying to avoid food poisoning for all of you.¡±


    Coltonand I bothugh, and it feels good. Feels good sitting here sharing memories of a woman who made such an impact on both our lives. I bet she¡¯d like this: seeing us sitting in her living room, actually getting along.


    ¡°You grew up with her,¡± I continue, tucking my legs underneath me to getfortable. ¡°Was it hard for you too, being raised without both parents?¡±


    He looks at me in a funny way I can¡¯t read, and for a moment, I think I¡¯ve overstepped-that I¡¯m too curious, toonosy, so I add, ¡°My father passed away when I was a toddler, and I was raised by a single mother. That was hard, especially when she became so sick.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to hear that. No, all I remember are fights and broken dishes and shit scattered everywhere. They fought all the fucking time. I hated being at home. It reeked of cigarettes, alcohol, and other shit. What I remember vividly, to this day, is my father hitting my chest, my shoulders, and his favorite spot, my back, with a belt, and my mother doing her best to look away, especially when he came visiting my bedroom at night, his motherfucking belt ready in his hand, not even bothering to lock the door. Thecoldnessin his eyes. Thehatein his eyes. God, I loathed the motherfucker, I wanted to murder him. And I would have. e evening, they overdosed. Gran took me in.¡±


    He pauses when he notices the sad expression on my face.


    All kinds of thoughts run through my head.


    I had no idea. That¡¯s horrible. I want to cry.


    Is that why he was such a rebellious, angry kid? Is that why he hardly ever drinks and prefers his home neat and spotless? Is that why he likes being outside so much? No wonder he threw my sandwiches-made with obvious love by my mother-in the dirt and spat on them. Or that he never appreciated how much I loved drawing, and that he didn¡¯t understand he¡¯d burned more than just a sheet of paper.


    The wings on his back suddenly make sense.


    I offer him a few heartfelt words, but it¡¯s like he¡¯s not even listening. Instead, he shakes his head. ¡°Don¡¯t read too much into it, don¡¯t Sigmund Freud me. What¡¯s done is done,¡± he continues. ¡°I¡¯m not scarred. It¡¯s hard to miss anything that you never had. Gran¡¯s home was cozy. She loved Justin. I didn¡¯t miss a thing.¡±


    He doesn¡¯t say more, and I don¡¯t press, instead trying to steer the topic to a happier one. ¡°How did you survive her cooking?¡±


    He shrugs. ¡°Mostly I ate at Justin¡¯s house-a simple bagel with cheese or something he and I bought at the corner store,¡± Coltonsays. ¡°At Gran¡¯s house, we lived off her cookies. Justin loved them just as much as I did. We ate them by the bucketful. Later, when we were a bit older, we were always on the go, so he and I would end up eating out.¡±


    ¡°That sounds about right.¡±


    ¡°I like to stay busy. Speaking of which, I¡¯m headed out.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you just get home?¡± I ask.


    ¡°And?¡±


    On the go again. ¡°Where are you going? Work again?¡±


    ¡°Justin and I are meeting up with some guys to talk shop. A couple of them have expressed interest in working for me once the dealership is up and running, so I want to get a little more on them. We¡¯ve already hired quite a bit of staff, but it can¡¯t hurt to have some backup in case someone doesn¡¯t work out.¡±


    ¡°Wow, that¡¯s awesome that they¡¯d be willing to just leave their current jobs at the drop of a hat.¡±


    Coltongets to his feet. ¡°Some people know what they want and just go for it.¡± He winks at me.


    ¡°I¡¯m perfectly fine right where I am. I already told you, I have ns.¡±


    ¡°ns that still include working at the diner.¡±


    ¡°Is there something wrong with that?¡±


    ¡°No, of course not. I just think you¡¯re afraid to lose your safety.¡±


    ¡°Without a safety, people hit the ground. I don¡¯t need that, thanks.¡± A lump forms in my throat.


    Coltontowers over me, and I look up. ¡°But what¡¯s the point of life if you don¡¯t take a few risks?¡± he asks. ¡°Especially when you¡¯ve got so much going for you.¡±


    For the slightest moment, I think he¡¯s going to bend down and kiss me again. Think or want him to? Shit, I¡¯m not sure which. But he doesn¡¯t give me a chance to figure it out, because he¡¯s stepping away and heading for the door.


    ¡°Be homete. Don¡¯t wait up.¡±


    My head is spinning too much toe up with a clever response. Not to mention my heart.


    I hear the front door close and fall over, burying my face into my pillow and letting out a muffled scream.

 26

    CAL


    I¡¯m not entirely looking forward to the dinner with the Osborns. Not because I have anything to prove to them. Mostly because I want to get it over with and focus on more important things. Although I have to say, I am impressed with Sera.


    First, she left me open-mouthed by not putting up a real fight and agreeing to go through with the ¡°we¡¯re married¡± charade. Well, it¡¯s not really a charade, because wearemarried.


    Second, earlier today, she sent me a list of a menu she¡¯d put together. It took me by surprise. She even did a bit of research and found out on some website that Osborn, and more so his wife, are health conscious, and she took that into ount.


    ¡°You know you don¡¯t have to cook. I asked you to join me because they extended the invitation to you. I wasn¡¯t expecting you to y the housewife role,¡± I tell her. ¡°It¡¯s easy enough for me to have someone cater.¡±


    ¡°A caterer is so impersonal,¡± Sera says, looking around the kitchen. ¡°Why order when we have such a nice kitchen? I can cook a fancy-schmancy dinner myself, and it¡¯ll be tasty and homey. Trust me, they¡¯ll love it. I love to cook. I usually don¡¯t have the energy to do much of it.¡±


    That, I can believe. She works so damn hard that if I don¡¯t order food, she¡¯ll throw together a sandwich and call it a meal.


    I scroll through the grocery list she texted, eyebrows raised. ¡°There¡¯s a lot of food on here that seems amazing. Andplicated. You know how to make all this?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t spend half your life working around chefs without learning a few things. I trained for a little while in the kitchen, but I much prefer waitressing than being stuck in the back.¡±


    ¡°So, what exactly are you nning to make?¡±R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    ¡°Well¡­¡±


    I love the way her eyes light up as she goes into detail about what she wants to prepare. I learn that she ns to make roast asparagus, stuffed mushroom caps, faux prime rib in fresh herb sauce, roasted potatoes, a chef¡¯s sd, and several other smaller dishes sprinkled throughout the meal. All of it sounds amazing, and I know it¡¯ll be a big hit with the Osborns.


    ¡°Amazing,¡± I tell her. ¡°I¡¯m sure it¡¯s going to be great. What about dessert?¡±


    She sighs. ¡°That¡¯s a little moreplicated,¡± she says. ¡°I can cook, but baking is another story. I mean, I can make boxed cake, but that¡¯s about it.¡±


    An idea takes hold. ¡°Then leave the dessert up to me.¡±


    ¡°You can bake?¡±


    ¡°Nope. Not at all. But we¡¯re in New York City, and there are a bunch of amazing bakeries on our street. I¡¯ll get something good.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, I think this could work. Surprise me!¡±


    I take the opportunity to inquire her about her friend. Yes, Justin put us in this damned position, but I made a promise to him.


    ¡°Is your brte friend from the diner single?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Why?¡± She makes big eyes at me, and I exin that Justin has a little crush on her.


    My question seems to lift her spirits. She¡¯s genuinely happy to y matchmaker. When I put Justin¡¯s digits into her phone, she says, ¡°I¡¯m not surprised. I had a feeling he was into her. She seemed into him too. I¡¯ll pass it along as soon as I see Kelly again. She has family visiting her and her parents, so she¡¯s working less this week and next.¡±


    Before I leave, I notice one major difference. There¡¯s absolutely nothing lying around her space anymore. I gotta say, if I had known that kissing Sera would get her to pick up after herself, I would have done it sooner.


    * * *


    The groceries are delivered that evening, and Sera goes into full chef mode. It¡¯s impressive. To watch her move around the kitchen is mesmerizing. When I offer my help, she shoos me out. She bounces between dishes, making sauces and prepping food ahead of time. Her hair is thrown into that messy bun, curls falling loose and framing her face. She¡¯s wearing jeans and a light apricot shirt with Gran¡¯s apron over it. She looks like she belongs here, and I would read more into that if it weren¡¯t for the giant mess she leaves in her wake.


    So much for major difference. I cut her some ck-after all, she¡¯s helping me out here.


    I¡¯ve never known someone who could look so good while making the biggest fucking mess I¡¯ve ever seen. I have to walk away, because it makes my eye twitch. Literally.


    * * *


    The following morning, I¡¯m surprised to find her sitting on the couch, enjoying a cup of coffee and idly sketching in her book. The apartment looks neat enough. Ever since I found her sketch of me, she¡¯s stopped hiding her drawings when I walk into the room. I¡¯m d that she¡¯s morefortable sketching while I¡¯m around. It sucks that she felt like she needed to hide her artistic talent.


    I lean over her shoulder, breathing in her vani scent. It¡¯s mixed with the coffee she¡¯s drinking, creating an intoxicating pull. ¡°What are you working on?¡±


    ¡°Cleaning up some lines on some old sketches,¡± she says, bent over the book with that intense level of concentration on her face I notice she gets when she¡¯s drawing. ¡°Don¡¯t hover. I can¡¯t focus when you¡¯re hovering.¡±


    ¡°Are you saying I¡¯m a distraction?¡± I ask, letting my breath whisper across her neck. I catch the way her body twitches, and goosebumps rise along her arms.


    She scoots away and res. ¡°Don¡¯t you have somewhere to run off to?¡±

 27

    ¡°And don¡¯t you have work?¡±


    ¡°Believe it or not, I have the day off,¡± she says with a smile. ¡°The two new waitresses caught on quicker than we thought and are running tables themselves. Marie gave me today and tomorrow off.¡±


    ¡°Good for you. Since we started living together, I¡¯ve never seen you have two days off in a row. What are you going to do with your well-deserved free time?¡±


    ¡°Well, all the food is seasoned and prepped. I figured I¡¯d straighten up around here and make sure everything is all set for tonight.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Sera, but everything looks good already. Is there anything I can do so you can take the rest of the day for yourself?¡±


    ¡°But you said this dinner was important. I don¡¯t want to drop the ball.¡±


    ¡°Sera, you¡¯re not dropping the ball. It¡¯s not even yours to drop.¡± I move around the couch and sit beside her. ¡°Look, you have nothing to worry about. They already invested. This is just a chance for us to meet face to face, and for me to tell them the status of their investment. They¡¯ve already put up the money. There isn¡¯t anything on the line, except for a few new ideas I have that aren¡¯t really important. I¡¯m pretty sure Mr. Osborn will be quite pleased, no matter the oue of the evening. Don¡¯t stress, he won¡¯t back out if he doesn¡¯t like your faux prime rib. Besides, I¡¯m the one who needs to be the charming host. Which we both know I can handle.¡±


    There¡¯s a smile on her lips. ¡°You¡¯re right. Of course you¡¯re right. I don¡¯t know why I¡¯m letting this get to me.¡± She shrugs, closing her sketchbook and setting it on the coffee table. ¡°Okay, anxiety is put away now. Goodbye.¡± She leans back against the couch, picking up her coffee mug and holding it between her hands.


    We discuss several topics that maye up during the dinner. It¡¯s not like we¡¯re strangers, but we agree on some important cornerstones to make our romantic rtionship believable. The official reason-in case somebody asks-as to why we don¡¯t wear rings is because for us, themitment itself is important, not the ring that¡¯s attached to it. That¡¯s BS, for sure. I very much believe in wearing a wedding band as a symbol. Not for a real-fake marriage, of course. However, I don¡¯t expect any of this toe up. Mr. Osborn is a ¡°strictly business guy,¡± and we have plenty of things to discuss that isn¡¯t our private life.


    ¡°I¡¯m really excited about the food tonight.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m excited too. I¡¯m sure it¡¯s going to be delicious.¡± I check my watch. ¡°All right, gotta go. Text me if you need anything. I should be home by five.¡±


    With Charlie working his ass off and a ster crew, we¡¯ve quickly jumped ahead of schedule. Shipments of bikes have been arriving every day. Justin and I have been going through each one, making sure the bikes showcased on the lot are in top condition. The showroom is finished and ready with the best of the best. The administration crew is already hard at work, and over the next few days, we¡¯ll have a full sales staff. Justin handles the majority of the work, doing an excellent job in that manager role I knew he was born for.


    ¡°Hi, chief! How¡¯s things?¡± Charlie greets me with a cheeky grin, his hair giving the word ¡°disheveled¡± a whole new meaning, and he shows me around. Therge vehicles and construction equipment have been cleared out. With only a little left to do, a small skeleton crew remains to finish the final touches.


    The day is filled with meetings and training. While Justin is handling the dealership side of things at the moment, I¡¯m filling in to finish the repair shop as well as the specialized store element for custom bikes and tailor-made parts. I¡¯ll be d when the dealership officially opens, and I can go back to focusing on my bikes and finding a new ce to settle in. I need to get a realtor looking for a new ce. With the way NYC realty is, not to mention the terms of the will, it¡¯s going to take a while.


    At the end of the day, Justin swings by.


    He holds up his phone, showing a ck CB750. ¡°I stumbled upon this vintage gem hidden in a collector¡¯s barn. After giving it a bit of TLC, cleaning the carbs out and adding fresh gas, the engine roared to life. It¡¯s a Honda,¡± he brags, in reference to the brand¡¯s legendary reliability.


    ¡°It¡¯s a beauty.¡± I nod. ¡°Once we have a firm opening date set for next month, get another invite out to Jake Whitlock fromRevved Up.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s hard to get to him directly.¡±


    ¡°Do whatever it takes.¡± A feature article in Jake¡¯s magazine has ten times the impact of all the other BS outsider¡¯s journals, which are often filled with nonsense by media and non-riders.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°Will do. Speaking of beauty. Any word from Kelly yet?¡± he asks.


    ¡°I just gave your number to Sera, be patient.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I get it.¡± He nods. ¡°She can¡¯t text me right away, otherwise I¡¯ll think she¡¯s desperate. No worries. She seems like a good girl, a shy girl even, and I have to tread carefully. But you know what they say about shy girls. Hope her dad doesn¡¯t have a heart attack the day I pick her up on my Ducati. Oh, well. Anyway. It¡¯s cute that she¡¯s putting so much thought into it. Bet she¡¯s not sure what to text me. Lies awake all night, wondering about me, analyzing every word, ha-ha.¡±


    ¡°Well, that, and Sera hasn¡¯t even passed on your number to her yet. She told me Kelly is busy with family.¡±


    ¡°Oh. Got it. Thanks, bro.¡±


    ¡°Hang on.¡± I stop him as he turns to leave. ¡°I¡¯ve got another message for you. From Sera.¡±


    He groans, knowing full well it won¡¯t be a gentle message of universal forgiveness.


    I grin to myself, but can¡¯t quite hide my pitying look. I know what it¡¯s like to be under Sera¡¯s scrutiny. ¡°If I were you, I¡¯d watch my balls because next time you see her, you might find yourself six feet under, without them.¡±


    Is he really getting pale? No, he¡¯s not. ¡°I guess my only hope is to win Kelly over quickly so I can persuade her to put in a good word for me.¡±

 28

    Cal


    When I open the door to my ce, my senses are assaulted with the most mouth-watering aromas. I put down the heavy things in my hand, but I don¡¯t even bother taking off my boots this time. Instead, I immediately head for the kitchen. Sera is wearing a sleeveless little ck dress that hangs tantalizingly an inch above her knees. It would look perfect on my bedroom floor (or, better, folded on my side table or one of the chairs). On her feet are strappy ck heels, and her hair is pinned up in an elegant swirl.


    ¡°Dear God,¡± I growl.


    At the sound of my voice, she faces me with a smile. ¡°Wait until you taste it.¡±


    My body grows warm. I suddenly have a mental image of lifting her onto that kitchen ind and pushing her dress up over those grabbable hips. ¡°We jumping right to that? I¡¯m game.¡±Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    She snorts in amusement. ¡°I meant the food, perv. Take your boots off, I swept already, and I¡¯m not doing it again.¡±


    On the ind-that¡¯s the current foColtonpoint of my fantasies-the hors d¡¯oeuvres areid out on Gran¡¯s silver serving tters, neat as a pin and looking delicious. ¡°Oh, yeah, the food looks good too.¡± The asparagus smells of garlic, and the mushroom caps are filled with parmesan and herbs. But what grabs my attention the most isn¡¯t the smell of the deliciousness in the oven.


    ¡°I used less oil. For a healthier alternative.¡±


    ¡°I never use oil unless there¡¯s something that spit can¡¯t conquer,¡± I say, lost in thought. All I can focus on is the punch-to-the-balls stunning woman in front of me. I eye her up and down. ¡°You clean up well, Sera.¡±


    She does a cute little spin and poses. ¡°I know, right?¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you do me a favor? Close your eyes,¡± I tell her. ¡°Close your eyes.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Just do it.¡±


    ¡°All right¡­¡± She does.


    I leave and return within seconds. ¡°Open them.¡± I hand her the gift I got for her at the art store on the way home. ¡°A little thank you.¡±


    Her eyes widen excitedly as she takes the gift. ¡°An easel! A wooden one. It¡¯s the big adjustable one, the one I always wanted!¡± she says excitedly and hugs me. ¡°Thank you! How did you know I wanted this one?¡±


    ¡°Lucky guess.¡± Honestly, the salesperson rmended it as their best, so that¡¯s the one I picked.


    ¡°Working at a vertiColtonangle helps with precision and my drawing technique,¡± she exins. ¡°It also reduces the mess.¡±


    ¡°Sounds perfect to me,¡± I say. Next, I hand her the two boxes I bought from Gino¡¯s Bakery on the corner. ¡°Homemade butter cookies, courtesy of Gino himself.¡±


    ¡°Oooh, a man after my own heart. How did you know butter cookies are my favorite?¡± she teases.


    ¡°Lucky guess.¡±


    We grin as she opens one of the boxes.


    Visually, they are nothing like Gran¡¯s. They aren¡¯t swirly, and they don¡¯t hold the same elegant color. Gran¡¯s cookies carried only the tiniest hint of gold, as if she had removed them from the oven just before the heat could distort the color. But at least these are the same size, and they¡¯re homemade.


    I ce one cookie between my lips, but instead of biting through, I lean forward, challenging Sera to take a bite.


    ¡°Screw off.¡± Sheughs, giving me a yful push. ¡°We¡¯re not kissing again, nice try.¡± She reaches into the box, smells the cookie, then plops it into her mouth. We both bite down at the same time.


    ¡°These are good,¡± she says, chewing, ¡°but something¡¯s missing. A secret ingredient. I wish Mrs. Bianca had left me the recipe. I asked her a million times. But she patted my hand and told me¡±-Sera mimics Gran¡¯s voice again-¡°¡®my apologies, darling. It¡¯s a secret family recipe by my great-great-grandmother, and I don¡¯t want to be haunted by her ghost for divulging our secrets. Sorry. Family only.''¡±


    ¡°Yep, that¡¯s Gran.¡± Good old Bianca.


    ¡°She didn¡¯t give you the recipe?¡±


    ¡°Sera, I¡¯m a man. She wouldn¡¯t have offered her cookie recipe to me.¡± Gran was old-fashioned. In her generation, men didn¡¯t belong in a kitchen. It would never have crossed her mind to ask me, just like it wouldn¡¯t have ever crossed my mind to ask her. ¡°She took it to her grave I¡¯m afraid.¡±


    ¡°Oh, okay. Well, too bad.¡±


    Sera takes care of the boxes while I head to the bedroom to clean up and change. I walk past the dining room table which has all of Gran¡¯s fine dishes washed andid out. Sera has even put down a tablecloth and has cloth napkins folded on top of each te. Damn, this is way too much. I have to make it up to her for going all out.

 29

    I¡¯m not nervous about the dinner, not even antsy. Sure, investors have it in their heads that they get a say in what happens with the business because their money is involved. On a certain level, that¡¯s true, of course. I know how shrewd Osborn can be. But my ideas and ns are solid, and I¡¯m more than capable and ready to present them ordingly. I don¡¯t foresee any problems tonight.


    Actually, after observing Sera in that ck dress, I¡¯m more interested in what¡¯s going to happenafterthe dinner party. When I said I was a patient man, that was about seventy percent true. Patience goes out the window when the object of my fantasies wears a tiny dress that I can easily rip off her curvy body.


    With that thought in mind, my shower is quick-and on the cold side. I change into ck jeans and a white shirt, gray tie, my sleeves rolled up. I don¡¯t mind dressing for the asion, but I¡¯m going to be asfortable as possible in my own home.


    I return to the kitchen just as Sera is pulling the ribs out of the oven. They look mouth-watering. And this time, Iamtalking about the food.


    ¡°Jesus, Sera.¡± I move to stand by her side. ¡°You could get a top-paying chef job in any one of the five-star restaurants in the city.¡±


    ¡°Oh, stop.¡± She lifts her head, giving me a radiant smile.


    ¡°I¡¯m serious. You¡¯reone of a kind.¡±


    Her cheeks are red, and I know it¡¯s not from the heat of the oven. This time, it travels down her neck and across her bare shoulders before it disappears beneath the tightness of that fucking dress.


    ¡°Thanks. With my food and your appeal, we have this dinner in the bag.¡±


    ¡°Damn right we do.¡±


    As we stand in the kitchen, there¡¯s a palpable shift of energy passing through the air between us. Her body is so close, I smell that damn vani scent drifting off her in waves. It¡¯s intoxicating and reminds me of when we kissed, and her body was wrapped around mine. But it¡¯s not just the physiColtoncloseness. Something about her saying ¡°we¡± gets under my skin. Not in a bad way. I like it.


    The doorbell rings, and the moment is broken.


    Sera smiles, patting my shoulder. ¡°You should get that.¡±


    ¡°Showtime.¡±


    Andrew Osborn is a tall, thin man, with sharp features and a mop of gray hair that¡¯s slicked back from his face. His suit is Armani. It¡¯s evident, even without noting thebel. His ck shoes are polished and spotless. His wife is equally as thin, with maroon hair that¡¯s cut into a short bob.


    ¡°Colton, it¡¯s great to see you,¡± Mr. Osborn says in his booming voice, holding his hand out for me to shake as he crosses the threshold. ¡°I can¡¯t wait to talk business. It¡¯s been quite a while since we¡¯ve seen you.¡±


    ¡°Wee. Yes, I¡¯ve been wrapping things up in San Francisco, but I¡¯m happy to be back home. Charlotte, thank you foring, you look lovely.¡±


    Charlotte Osborn giggles and swats at my arm yfully. ¡°Oh, Mr. Ashton, such a charmer. We brought you a little something.¡±


    She hands me a bottle of wine, and a quick nce at thebel reveals it¡¯s an old-world wine from France, a ssic that matured in a traditional family cer stemming from a long history of winemaking.


    ¡°Please,e in.¡± Sera emerges from the dining room, and I slip my arm around her waist. ¡°I¡¯d like to introduce you both to my wife, Sera.¡± I sense her excitement at my words. I add, ¡°Sera, meet Mr. and Mrs. Osborn.¡±R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    With a bright smile, Sera steps forward and extends her hand. ¡°Wee to our home,¡± she greets them. ¡°I hope you brought your appetites.¡±


    ¡°Sera, it issowonderful to meet you. Please, call me Charlotte,¡± Mrs. Osborn says, pulling her into a hug and giving air kisses on either cheek. Sera¡¯s eyes widen, but she epts the sudden contact with a friendly smile.


    Mr. Osborn takes her hand and gives it a hearty shake. ¡°I must admit, I was surprised to hear that Colton was married,¡± he says when Sera returns to my side. ¡°I thought this one was going to be a bachelor for the rest of his life.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I thought at first too,¡± Sera says, yfully pinching my cheek. ¡°Right, darling?¡±


    ¡°Right.¡±


    ¡°But what woman could resist this face?¡± She¡¯s reallyying it on thick.


    Oh, game on, Sera. ¡°And what man could resist this one?¡± I ask and take her hand in mine lovingly. I lean in and peck her lips-a longer and softer chaste kiss.


    She flushes and barely manages to hold back a squeak. Her cheeks immediately redden, and she shoots me an almost scathing re. Mr. Osborn and Charlotte appear amused by our childish disy.


    ¡°Howsweet. Youshouldkiss andoften,¡± Charlotte chirps. ¡°Trust me, there wille a point in time when you stop. You might think you never will, but trust me, you will. Enjoy it while itsts. Isn¡¯t that so, Andrew?¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes, young love,¡± Mr. Osborn says, taking his wife¡¯s hand. ¡°Do you remember when we were newlyweds?¡±

 30

    ¡°Seems like a lifetime ago,¡± she says with a hint of irony, shing her ring: a golden wedding band with a huge diamond. ¡°Let me see your ring, Sera.¡± She takes Sera¡¯s hands that have exactly zero rings.


    ¡°Well, we-¡± Sera starts.


    ¡°What, no ring?¡±


    ¡°Oh, how avant-garde,¡± Mr. Osborn says. ¡°There¡¯s no real reason to wear a ring in this time and age. Some might even say it¡¯s an antiquated custom.¡±


    Charlotte shakes her head. ¡°It¡¯s bad luck to not wear a wedding ring.¡±


    ¡°The dining room is just through here,¡± I tell them, motioning for them toe farther into the apartment, nipping any ring discussions in the bud. ¡°Why don¡¯t I open this wine, and we can enjoy it together.¡±


    ¡°An excellent idea,¡± Mr. Osborn agrees.


    Once they arefortable in the dining room with their aperitifs, Sera and I duck into the kitchen. Sera makes for the kitchen ind and grabs one of the tters. I rummage through the drawer in search of the wine opener.


    ¡°The whole ring thing was so awkward. And I can¡¯t believe you kissed me in front of them,¡± she mutters under her breath.


    ¡°You started it. You pinch my cheeks, I kiss you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not fair.¡±


    ¡°All is fair in marriage and war.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not how the saying goes-it¡¯s ¡®All is fair inloveand war.¡¯ Not marriage and war. It¡¯s also such a cliche line and only used tome justification for misbehavior used to gain advantage in situations exactly like these.¡±


    ¡°Well, it worked perfectly for me. Now hurry up, smarty pants.¡±


    Her cheeks are still red, but she smirks, carrying two trays into the dining room.


    I find the corkscrew and follow close behind.


    ¡°Oh, how delightful,¡± Charlotte says when we enter and Sera sets the trays down in the middle of the table. ¡°But-¡± Charlotte¡¯s smile falters, and she cranes her neck, trying to see past us into the kitchen. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m so sorry, is there something wrong with your girl?¡±


    Sera frowns. ¡°Girl?¡±


    ¡°You know, your serving girl. The one who made all the food. Is she not feeling well? You two should not be doing this yourself.¡±


    Oh, geez. Here we go. Sera tries to keep herposure, but by the severe arch of her eyebrow, it¡¯s perfectly clear she has a few choice words going through her head. I prevent her from saying what I¡¯m sure is going to be a smartass reply (which, let¡¯s be honest, Charlotte deserves).


    ¡°Actually, Sera did make everything herself,¡± I say with pride, setting about opening the wine. ¡°We don¡¯t have any servants. It¡¯s just me and Sera. We prefer it that way.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Charlotte sounds disappointed.


    ¡°Well, you young ones don¡¯t know what it feels like to have a good staff at your beck and call,¡± Mr. Osborn says. ¡°I wouldneverlet my wife lift a finger if she didn¡¯t want to.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, dearest,¡± Charlotte says.


    It¡¯s so hard for me to contain myugh. First off, it¡¯s a stupid asinine way to look at things. Seriously, what year are we in? Osborn is talking like it¡¯s the 1950s. Second, as if I could evenbeginto tellmy wifewhat she can and can¡¯t do. It took a fucking bet to get her to stop leaving her bra lying around.


    ¡°I love cooking,¡± Sera sweeps in coolly. ¡°When Coltontold me we were hosting a dinner, I was more than happy to put the time in to help my husband.¡±


    There¡¯s a bite to her words, a second meaning that only I seem to catch. Charlotte gives her an ¡°Aren¡¯t you precious?¡± look, not realizing that Sera¡¯s words can also be viewed as a thinly veiled insult.


    ¡°It looks delicious,¡± Charlotte says. ¡°Our girl never makes anything this extravagant. Dear, we should hire a new one, don¡¯t you think? Or maybe an in-house cook?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s first talk to her, dear. Let¡¯s not jump the gun. I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll be able to make you happy.¡±


    ¡°How¡¯s business, Mr. Osborn?¡± I ask, steering the conversation to a work-rted topic.


    ¡°Thriving as always,¡± Mr. Osborn says with a grateful expression. That¡¯s all it takes for him to go off, rambling about his current businesses and how well they¡¯re doing.


    Once the wine is tasted and poured, I sit next to Sera, reaching under the table and squeezing her hand. She squeezes back, and I¡¯m reassured she¡¯s okay. I take a bite of one of the stuffed mushrooms, and my mouth explodes with a multitude of vors. Not wanting to interrupt Mr. Osborn, I nudge Sera, and when she nces at me, I give her an approving nod and a wink. She beams.


    Damn. Seriously, she could absolutely be a sessful chef if she wanted to be.


    Charlotte takes careful, dainty bites of her food. She throws in the asionalment regarding her husband¡¯s work, but for the most part, Mrs. Osborn remains silent. She doesn¡¯t seem interested in trying to engage Sera in conversation anymore, which I¡¯m sure suits Sera just fine.


    ¡°Tell me about the dealership,¡± Mr. Osborn suggests, picking up his winess. ¡°Are you on schedule?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we are. Bikes have already been delivered, our staff is nearly full, and we have an opening date.¡±


    ¡°Excellent. That¡¯s good to hear. I shall visit soon and take a look myself.¡±


    Now Charlotte decides to cut in, her eyes trained on Sera. ¡°These hors d¡¯oeuvres aredelicious,¡±she exims. ¡°Everything is very tasty-I didn¡¯t expect that.¡±


    ¡°Very tasty. You must have spent all day in that kitchen.¡± Mr. Osborn says.


    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Osborn, I was able to prep them after work yesterday,¡± Sera says with a smile.


    ¡°Oh, what do you do for work?¡± Charlotte asks, meeting Sera¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°I¡¯m a waitress at The Diner.¡±


    Immediately, the energy in the room shifts, and I know exactly why. Fucking pinch me, this is not happening.


    Charlotte¡¯s smile doesn¡¯t fade, but I notice there isn¡¯t much sincerity behind her eyes. ¡°Oh,¡± she says. ¡°I see.¡± She returns to her food without another word in response,pletely ignoring Sera-except this time, it seems purposeful.


    Mr. Osborn eyes Sera, sipping his wine stiffly, and chooses that moment to continue our conversation. ¡°Anyway. It¡¯s great that you¡¯re on schedule. Construction can be such a hassle,¡± he remarks. ¡°You know, when I was your age, I was opening my twentieth business¡­¡±


    I have to admit, I tune him out.


    Strange energy has taken hold around the table. While she was smiling and open before, suddenly Charlotte seemspletely disinterested in everything that isn¡¯t her te or her wine. I nce at Sera, and it¡¯s clear she feels the change as well. Her cheeks are red, and she rises to her feet.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get the main course,¡± she says, trying to sound positive.


    I need to talk to her privately. ¡°I¡¯ll help.¡±


    ¡°No, no, I got it, babe,¡± she confirms, her hand on my shoulder to prevent me from standing.


    Mr. Osborn is still talking to me, seemingly unaware that I¡¯m hardly paying attention. From the bits and pieces I catch, he¡¯s talking about having issues with his construction crew. Charlotte joins in, and they end up having their own conversation about the woes of finding good help. My gaze tracks Sera as she disappears back into the kitchen.


    ¡°When I was a young man,¡± Mr. Osborn continues, ¡°I remember when I was overseeing the construction of my first dealership. By then I had already managed several and knew how things were run and what was to be expected. There was a contractor, such a rude man, always using foulnguage and not in the least concerned about his physiColtonappearance, who was always arguing with me, telling me that what I wanted couldn¡¯t be done. Well, I¡¯ve never been one to take no for an answer-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mr. Osborn. Just one moment,¡± I say, getting to my feet. ¡°I¡¯m going to help my wife.¡±


    ¡°She said she¡¯s got it handled,¡± Charlotte pipes in. ¡°I¡¯m sure she¡¯s used to serving. Just take a seat. You work so hard, you deserve it.¡±


    Oh, hellno. Too fucking far.


    ¡°My wife works hard as well,¡± I say patiently. ¡°The least I can do is help her carry a tray. Excuse me.¡±


    Not being able to stand another moment in this room, I slip out to find Sera in the kitchen. She¡¯s standing at the counter in front of the food, unmoving. Quietly, I approach her side, cing aforting hand on her lower back and feeling her body trembling.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    ¡°Everything all right?¡±


    ¡°Oh, yeah, I¡¯m fine,¡± Sera says, brushing me off. ¡°I just needed a moment. They¡¯re¡­¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±

 31

    She looks around as if she¡¯s just realized I left our guests alone. ¡°I told you I got it. You didn¡¯t have to follow me.¡±


    ¡°I also needed a moment.¡±


    We share an eye roll and a smirk before I grab the faux prime rib, and she grabs the potatoes and sd.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You want me to toss the sd?¡± I joke.


    She grins. ¡°It¡¯s tossed.¡±


    ¡°All right. Ready for war, baby?¡± I growl. All smiles once more, we head back to our guests. I step through the doorway first and notice Mr. Osborn and Charlotte with their heads bent, talking to each other in hushed voices.


    Once they notice us, however, they pull away and smile a bit too brightly.


    ¡°Oh, howlovely,¡± Charlotte coos when I ce the tter in the middle of the table. ¡°Prime rib is my absolute favorite. This all looks wonderful. Tell me, Sera, how did you learn to cook?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been at The Diner for many years and have trained in the position,¡± she exins when we sit back down. ¡°I just prefer waitressing.¡±


    Charlotte¡¯s penciled-in eyebrows shoot up. ¡°Wow, that¡¯s surprising.¡±


    ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡±


    There¡¯s a certain tightness in Sera¡¯s tone that I recognize. She¡¯s using her, ¡°I¡¯m being as polite as I can possibly be right now¡± voice. Charlotte better watch what she says next.


    ¡°I just don¡¯t see why anyone would want to stick with waitressing,¡± she says off-handedly as I serve her a slice of faux meat. ¡°You know, if you work hard enough, I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll be able to move up thedder.¡±


    That¡¯s presumptuous of her. Who says that? Why does she automatically think Sera doesn¡¯t work hard? I¡¯m almost surprised she¡¯s not physically turning up her nose, but she seems to have a better poker face than her husband.


    I nce at Sera, and her jaw is clenched. I serve her food, leaning in close to whisper to her, ¡°Easy, babe.¡±


    She takes a slow breath, forcing another smile. ¡°Diners don¡¯t really havedders,¡± she says. ¡°More like, step stools.¡±


    Iugh and, to my surprise, Mr. Osborn chuckles. ¡°You have a clever wife, Colton,¡± he says, holding his te out for his food. ¡°A step stool. That¡¯s a good one.¡±


    The tension around the table lightens, and even Charlotte gives a small chuckle. I take a bite of my food and can¡¯t help but moan. It¡¯s amazing. Sera is a good cook. The prime rib melts in my mouth and the roasted potatoes are the perfectplement.


    ¡°Spectacr, Sera,¡± Mr. Osborn says. ¡°This is the best prime rib I¡¯ve ever had.¡±


    ¡°It is delicious,¡± Charlotte says. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t go with best, but definitely high on the list.¡±


    What the hell is wrong with this woman? She can¡¯t help but take jabs at Sera every time she opens her mouth.


    ¡°It¡¯s my favorite recipe,¡± Sera attempts. ¡°But it¡¯s not real prime rib. It¡¯s made of veggies only. You know, as a healthier alternative?¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Charlotte says.


    ¡°Oh?¡± Mr. Osborn frowns. ¡°Well, well. That¡¯s not real meat? Not what I expected. Or what I¡¯m used to.¡±


    ¡°Definitelynotwhat we are used to.¡± Charlotte shakes her head, nibbling off her fork, and swallowing cautiously. ¡°But we are always open to¡­experiments. Isn¡¯t that so, Andrew?¡±


    The smile is frozen on Sera¡¯s face. She does her best to not clench her jaw. Under the table, I can feel her foot bouncing, and I reach out to ce my hand on her knee to stop it. She has beautiful knees. I feel her hand cover mine, squeezing hard. She doesn¡¯t need to speak for me to understand the gesture.


    She¡¯s nearing the end of her patience.


    And I am too.


    ¡°There¡¯s an upscale restaurant not too far from the dealership that I¡¯ve invested in,¡± Mr. Osborn says. ¡°They owe me a favor. If you¡¯d like, Sera, I can put in a good word for you.¡±


    She lowers her fork. ¡°A good word? What for?¡±


    ¡°I thought if there¡¯s no room for advancement where you currently work, I¡¯d be more than happy to assist you in finding something more¡­suitable.¡±


    mes are practically sprouting from Sera¡¯s eyes. Seriously, if looks could kill, the Osborns would be burnt to a crisp by now.


    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Osborn, but I¡¯m very happy where I am.¡± Gone is the forced politeness, and honestly, I¡¯m done with it myself. I invited this couple into our home, and all they¡¯ve done is throw thinly veiled insults at my wife.


    ¡°I don¡¯t see how you can be,¡± Charlotte says. ¡°A diner is hardly a five-star restaurant.¡±


    This time I open my mouth. I¡¯m fucking done with this. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, do you have a problem with my wife¡¯s profession?¡± I ask in a calm, steady tone.


    All three heads swivel to face me. Sera¡¯s hand finds mine under the table.


    Charlotte¡¯s eyes widen at my question. ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    ¡°I always like to address matters openly, so there¡¯s no room for misunderstanding. That¡¯s how I do business, and that¡¯s how I live my life. Having said that, allow me to speak frankly.¡± Both look at me with big eyes, so I continue. ¡°When Sera first mentioned what she did for a living,¡± I say, leaning back against my chair, regarding them, ¡°you turned your nose up at it, and now you¡¯re insulting where she works.¡±


    ¡°Oh!¡± Charlotte says, pale cheeks suddenly flushed with embarrassment. ¡°I meant nothing by that, dear.¡±


    Mr. Osborn reaches over and ces his hand on her boney one. ¡°What my wife and I are trying to say is, if you ever wanted something a little more¡­¡±


    ¡°More what?¡± Sera asks, taking a delicate bite of potatoes, likely to keep from snapping at the couple. But the expression on her face gives her away, at least to me.


    They don¡¯t seem to know how to talk their way out of this. I have a feeling that they don¡¯t normally interact with people who don¡¯t hang on their every word. Knowing what I know about NYC politics, I¡¯m sure they¡¯re used to people asking for their opinion and desperate for their approval. Sera and I don¡¯t fall into that category.


    ¡°Stable,¡± Mr. Osborn finishes. ¡°Something a little more stable.¡±


    ¡°How is a five-star restaurant more stable than a diner that¡¯s been around for thirty years?¡± Sera asks, tilting her head.


    There¡¯s no immediate answer. ¡°Let¡¯s change the subject,¡± Charlotte deres, picking up her winess. ¡°Aside from working, what else do you do, Sera?¡±


    Sera and I share a nce at the abrupt and desperate change of subject. I think it¡¯s hrious that she thinks she can insult Sera multiple times, and we¡¯ll jump back into a conversation like it didn¡¯t happen.


    It¡¯s bing increasingly obvious the Osborns are not people I wish to be associated with privately or professionally. ¡°I think my wife has a valid question,¡± I reiterate, not letting Charlotte get away with it. ¡°I¡¯m incredibly curious as to what your answer is.¡±


    The tension that had started to dissipate is back with a vengeance, thicker than ever.


    Sera is clearly trying to hold back a grin, not meeting my eye. Our hands are still sped tightly under the table, her thumb brushing over my knuckle. She gives Charlotte the politest ¡°I¡¯m waiting¡± look I¡¯ve ever seen. The older woman shifts ufortably in her seat.


    It takes her a few long awkward moments to gather her thoughts. ¡°I don¡¯t imagine a diner gets very many elite patrons,¡± she says, setting her wine on the table and picking up her fork again. Her back is stiff and she¡¯s avoiding eye contact.


    ¡°And?¡± I ask, arching an eyebrow in question.


    ¡°My wife wants the subject changed,¡± Mr. Osborn speaks up. ¡°She¡¯s already exined herself. Let¡¯s move on.¡±


    No, no. They¡¯re not getting away that easy.


    ¡°Andmywife works extremely hard and has been with the same employer her entire adult life. She¡¯s dependable and has autonomy and authority where she works, which is more than most people our age have. She also enjoys it. Yet because she¡¯s working at a diner and not some well-known fancy, expensive restaurant, her aplishments have been criticized. Which I do not appreciate.¡±


    I keep my tone cool, leaning back in my seat. I lift our joined hands, so they rest on the table, showing the Osborns we are a united front. Charlotte doesn¡¯t respond and starts eating again as if I haven¡¯t said anything.


    Now Mr. Osborn is ring at me. ¡°Son, you really want to discuss this?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t hear a proper exnation,¡± I continue. ¡°What does it matter what kind of patrons Sera serves? I¡¯m confused. I don¡¯t see how it¡¯s relevant.¡±


    ¡°Well, I imagine so, given your circumstances,¡± Mr. Osborn says in an icy tone.


    Hold up. What did he just say to me?


    I sit straighter, fixating the older man with a deep frown. ¡°My circumstances? And what circumstances are those exactly?¡±


    ¡°You weren¡¯t born into the same world we were born into,¡± Mr. Osborn says matter-of-factly. ¡°Let¡¯s face it. We simply have different views.¡±


    ¡°Yes. True. That still doesn¡¯t answer my question.¡±


    Where once his demeanor was rxed and almost uninterested, now it¡¯s tense and cold. Just like his wife. Fuck NYC politics. I was fully intending to y nice, but if this is how these dickheads are going to act, I¡¯ll do what I need to without their help.


    ¡°It all boils down to breeding and family,¡± Mr. Osborn says. ¡°My wife and I were both raised in the city with families who have been connected with the business side of the city stretching back many years. We know the people who make the city run. Wearethe people who make the city run. In this business, it¡¯s all about who you know. Knowing the right people gets you where you want to go.¡±


    I¡¯ve never heard someone speak so much without really saying anything. It¡¯s the same bullshit you hear over and over among the ¡°so-called¡± elite. ¡°Right,¡± I say slowly. ¡°Correct me if I¡¯m wrong, what you¡¯re trying to say is that because we¡¯re new money, we¡¯re not as good as you two, whoe from old money?¡±


    Silence.


    Charlotte carefully sets her fork on her clean te and ces her napkin on the table. ¡°Andrew, dear, I think I¡¯m ready to go home,¡± she says, looking at her husband and ignoring me and Serapletely.


    ¡°I think that¡¯d be best,¡± Sera says, a bite to her tone.


    Charlotte¡¯s gaze snaps to hers, any trace of politeness long gone. Sera meets her eyes without backing down. Her jaw is clenched so tight I¡¯m afraid she¡¯s biting through her tongue. I take it the only reason she hasn¡¯tpletely gone off on these two is because of what this dinner is supposed to mean to me. I appreciate it, but now, the point is moot.


    Mr. Osborn considers his wife before his gaze slides back to meet mine. ¡°Well,¡± he says, ¡°I am sorry to say that we cannot stay to finish the meal. Thank you for having us, but we must leave.¡±


    ¡°As my wife said, I think that would be best.¡±


    They don¡¯t need much more convincing to leave. They stand up and I follow to personally show them the door. Charlotte hurries out before her husband, and Mr. Osborn lingers just enough to wish me luck with a firm handshake.


    ¡°I look forward to seeing the dealership,¡± he says in short, clipped tones.


    Nodding, I say, ¡°I think our partnership ends here, Mr. Osborn.¡±


    Mr. Osborn¡¯s eyes re. He steps into the hall, his eyes never leaving mine. ¡°Don¡¯t forget, Ashton,¡± he says, his voice with a threatening undertone, ¡°I invested in your dealership. I¡¯m allowed to see what my investment is going toward.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Your money will be returned to you first thing tomorrow.¡±


    He opens his mouth to respond, and I don¡¯t give him a chance to speak. I m the door in his face, locking it with a resoundingclick.


    If hewyers up, I¡¯m fucked.

 32

    CAL


    In one fluid motion, I remove my tie and drape it over the coat hanger in the front room, then unbutton my shirt, leaving the top couple of buttons open. From behind me, I hear a huff, and turn to find Sera standing there, arms across her chest. ¡°What a bunch of conceited jerks,¡± she hisses, stomping back to the dining room.


    The clinking of tes echoes as she starts to clean up. ¡°Forget about them,¡± I say, joining her. ¡°This dinner reminded me why I hate fucking business politics.¡±


    We carry the tes into the kitchen, cing them on the counter by the sink. Sera pauses cleaning to pour herself another ss of wine, this one a lot bigger than her first.


    ¡°Want one too?¡±Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    She pours me a ss, then grabs hers and takes a huge gulp. First, we stare at each other in silence. When we put our sses down, we both start grinning. She pulls out the box of cookies.


    ¡°Want one?¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    I repeat the whole ¡°putting a cookie halfway into my mouth and leaning over¡± tactic, expecting a rejection and a smile. Sera doesn¡¯t disappoint. She swats my arm away, but her expression carries amusement. After several cookies are down, her shoulders droop.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Cal. I really am.¡± She looks at me with those pretty eyes.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be.¡±


    ¡°You know, I like my job. I don¡¯t understand why people with money question that. They think everyone wants or needs to be at the top.¡± She turns and puts the empty cookie box away. ¡°Yet they¡¯d be the first onesining if they wanted to go out and there were no waitresses or chefs.¡±


    I grab her hand and spin her around to face me. ¡°Fuck them. Their opinion doesn¡¯t matter. You¡¯re fucking fantastic.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I know I am.¡± She nods once and downs half the wine in her ss in one swig.


    There¡¯s my Sera.


    Maybe it¡¯s the emotional charge between us or the way her body looks in that little ck dress. Or it could be her seemingly unshakable confidence. Whichever it is, I need to kiss her. So, I don¡¯t stop myself. Slipping my arm around her waist, I pull her forward and press my lips to hers.


    Sera lets out a muffled squeak of surprise, and I take full advantage of her open mouth.


    She tastes like cookies and wine, sweet, fruity, and robust, intoxicating as ever. The moment she feels my tongue, she throws her arms around my neck and presses that delicious body against mine. I push her back against the kitchen ind, just like I¡¯ve wanted to since I saw her earlier this evening. My tongue glides along hers, and it draws a whimper out of her.


    That¡¯s all I need.


    I yank the knot from her hair, loosening it so I can bury my fingers in the soft locks. Without warning, I hook her leg around the back of my knees, pressing my hips into hers. My dick is hard, and I know she can feel it. Good. I want her to feel it. I want her to know exactly what she¡¯s doing to me.


    Judging by the way she writhes against me, the feeling is mutual. But she breaks the kiss, staring up at me with those gorgeous eyes of hers.


    ¡°Cal¡­?¡± she whispers.


    ¡°Don¡¯t think, baby girl. Don¡¯t think.¡±


    ¡°This issowrong. We shouldn¡¯t be doing this.¡±


    ¡°Uh-huh. Just do it,¡± I say, and I kiss her deeper, grabbing whatever I can reach. Slipping my hand under the hem of that dress, she moans when my fingers skim over the silky smoothness of her thighs.


    ¡°Sit up here, sweet thing.¡± I tug, and she moves with me, hopping up onto the ind and wrapping her legs around me. A shiver of excitement runs down my spine, and I lose myself in her mouth and curves.


    She pulls at my shirt and breaks the kiss to undo the rest of the buttons.


    ¡°This needs to go,¡± she breathes.


    ¡°Yeah, good thinking.¡±


    She pushes it off my shoulders, and I let it fall to the floor. Sera¡¯s eyes are dark with desire. Her hands run up my chest, nails dragging just light enough to make my body erupt into goosebumps. I hungrily dive in for more kisses, wrapping my arms around her hips.


    ¡°Ah, you¡¯re so perfect,¡± I rumble. ¡°Everything about you is fucking perfect.¡±


    The seconds tick by while we grapple with each other. I yank down the straps of her dress and she wiggles her arms free, letting the fabric fall, revealing a ck bra that¡¯s leavingeverythingto the imagination. Her still-covered breasts fit so perfectly in my hands, giving an appreciative squeeze that drags another moan out of her-anything to make sure she keeps making those noises.


    Her legs slide up to curl around my waist, and one of her hands buries into my hair, tugging excitedly while she drags me into a kiss. But kissing isn¡¯t enough. I need more of her. I need to touch and taste everything. I trail my mouth down her cheek to her neck, nipping and biting as I go. The smooth expanse of creamy skin begs to be marked.


    Her dress is bunched around her waist, and I take the opportunity to tug on her panties. They¡¯recy and ck, matching her bra and dress perfectly. Pulling back, I slide them down her legs, letting them fall.


    ¡°My fingers, or my mouth? How do you want toe?¡±


    Her eyes grow wide. Without even blinking, she says, ¡°Mouth!¡±


    I drop to my knees and nudge her legs apart. ¡°Finally.¡±


    ¡°Oh, my God,¡± she whispers.


    Her lips are slick and parted. Her chest is heaving, full tits moving with each ragged breath. She¡¯s nervous and eager at the same time. The sight of her pretty pink pussy-wet, slick, and ready for me, tells me she¡¯s been craving this moment just like I have.


    ¡°Say please,¡± I say in that voice.

 33

    ¡°Please.¡±


    The second I bury my face between her thighs, she inhales sharply and moans my name in a soft murmur.


    Her pussy is as soft as velvet. I¡¯ve barely touched her, and she¡¯s perfectly wet.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    To finally be able to taste her gets me going like never before. Everything about Sera overwhelms me, always has. This is a whole new level entirely. She tastes sweet, like strawberries and cream, the perfect after-dinner dessert. I¡¯ve died and gone to heaven, if heaven is my kitchen with my tongue on Sera¡¯s clit, and her delicious moans irresistible to my ears, her little jerks inciting me.


    ¡°Oh¡­oh, my God,¡± she moans, ¡°this feels amazing¡­¡±


    Oh, I know, sweet thing.


    ¡°Cal¡­nobody has ever¡­ohh.¡±


    I stop for a second, pulling my head back, not sure if I heard her correctly. ¡°What? No man has ever eaten your pussy?¡±


    ¡°No¡­¡± She shakes her head.


    I love that I¡¯m the first, but Jesus, was that loser ex of hers good for anything?


    ¡°Rx. Lose yourself, don¡¯t think,¡± I rumble, lowering myself between her legs again, continuing my assault on her wet little bud. The way her body continues to jerk and wiggle conjures up all sorts of naughty images. I can¡¯t wait to feel her underneath me while I make her mine, rough and hard.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to ruin you for all others,¡± I promise her. I feel the tension building, her arousal dripping down her thighs, her moaning, her whimpering as I continue. She loves my touch, wantsmy touch, and I¡¯m giving her just that. Within seconds, her body begins to tremble, and I can taste she¡¯s on the brink, the urgency of her movements and moans increasing.


    ¡°I¡¯m so close¡­¡±


    The second she says that, I stop. ¡°Not yet, babe. I will let youe, just hold on a little longer.¡±


    ¡°No, no¡­¡± Sera gasps in protest, her hips rocking desperately against my mouth. She wants toe, she¡¯s desperate to feel the sweet, sweet release that I¡¯ll give her. Eventually. But first, I¡¯ll edge her to the brink of madness.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t stop, please¡­¡± She¡¯s breathless and needy-right where I want her.


    ¡°Imake the rules. You¡¯ll onlye whenIallow it.¡±


    She grips the edge of the counter when my mouth returns to her drenched folds. I tease her clit until her breathing increases, and this time, her orgasm builds back up within seconds, her moans loud and uncontrolled-and just when she¡¯s about to tumble over the edge, I halt again, smirking against her thighs.


    ¡°No¡­no. Cal, please don¡¯t do this to me¡­¡± The more she gasps and moans and protests, the more I¡¯m loving the teasing, the more my hard dick presses against my pants. ¡°I need toe¡­please¡­¡±


    Her ass moves, her hips roll.


    ¡°I know,¡± I rumble. ¡°You¡¯re lucky if I let youe, you little tease. I love it when you beg. Try not to flood the ce thinking about how my cock will be inside youter.¡±


    ¡°Cal.¡± She can barely think, barely protest (that¡¯s new), she¡¯s so close toing.


    I start licking her again, until she spreads her thighs wider, until she¡¯s the closest she can be to the edge. ¡°It feels so good¡­¡±


    Watching her, I¡¯m hard as fuck. I need my cock deep inside her. And soon. She pulls and pushes at my hair, and I¡¯ve never wanted to see a womane like this.


    I know this time I¡¯ll let her climax.


    My tongue continues teasing her, my lips tugging her clit, my teeth nibbling.


    ¡°Oh¡­yes¡­yes¡­don¡¯t stop. Don¡¯t stop.¡±


    I don¡¯t.


    ¡°Come for me, baby. I want to hear my name when youe,¡± I demand, aware that I¡¯ve tortured her enough, and suck her clit into my mouth. Her thighs tighten, and her body locks up as she convulses against my face.


    ¡°Oh, my God¡­Cal.¡±


    Feeling here unraveled makes me groan, and when she slumps back with a loud moan, involuntarily, I release her, satisfied, watching as her orgasm takesplete control of her. It¡¯s a beautiful sight, her mouth slightly open, her body shivering intensely.


    ¡°I love it when youe for me,¡± I growl and kiss her clit. ¡°That¡¯s a fucking good girl.¡±


    Not giving her time to breathe, I yank my belt free. Next, I unbutton my pants and lower my zipper. Fuck, that¡¯s going to feel so good. It¡¯s not until I grab her waist and pull her forward that she finally says something, cing her hand on my chest.


    ¡°Wait. Cal. It was incredible, but,¡± she gasps, still breathless, ¡°just, wait a second.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not waiting, baby.¡± I press my mouth against hers, and she melts beneath me.


    A secondter, she breaks free. ¡°We shouldn¡¯t sleep with each other.¡±


    ¡°Sera. I don¡¯t want to sleep with you, I want to fuck you. Hard. Thoroughly. All night.¡±


    ¡°Oh, my God.¡±


    My mind is focused on one thing, and one thing alone: iming Sera. To get her naked. To see her tits (finally). To feel her around my aching cock. To make her mine. To feel her walls milking every fuckingst drop from me. I lean back, my hand around the back of her head and my lips brushing her skin.


    But she halfheartedly pulls back to stop me again. ¡°We shouldn¡¯t do that either.¡±


    Fuck.¡±What?¡± I frown, my dick weeping. ¡°Why the hell not?¡±


    ¡°Sexplicates things.¡±


    ¡°Things are alreadyplicated.¡± What she says makes no sense. ¡°Sorry, sweet thing, you need a better reason.¡±


    I go back to kissing her neck, my hands on her tits, loving the way she moans when I do.


    She drapes her arms around me, her nails digging into my back, holding onto me with all her might. It urges me on. With a grunt, I rub myself between her thighs. They open up to me, weing me. The heat and slickness are fucking overpowering. Her hands fall to my hips, stopping me from pushing forward, from rocking rhythmically against her.


    ¡°Reason-s,¡± she mutters, breathless. ¡°So many reasonswhy we shouldn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Such as?¡± I manage to ask.


    ¡°We fight all the time,¡± she breathes out.


    ¡°We¡¯re passionate. Sex is exactly what we need to blow off steam.¡±


    ¡°We¡­barely know each other,¡± she tries, her voice hoarse.


    ¡°We¡¯ve known each other our whole lives.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t even like you. Ihateyou.¡±


    Okay, this one¡¯s bullshit for sure. ¡°You don¡¯t hate me. We both know you left the bra lying around on purpose.¡±


    She hesitates. ¡°I didno-¡±


    I don¡¯t let her answer. She squeaks when I press my mouth to hers, my fingers rubbing her drenched little clit, loving that she¡¯s ready for more. When I tug on her hair, tilting her head back, she presses into me. I can feel her pussy clench each time I tug. The more I kiss her neck and my hands roam her body, the more her resolve slips, the wetter she gets. Each protestes out weaker and weaker. I¡¯m giving her plenty of opportunities to stop me if she wants, but she¡¯s not taking it. Her hands are touching me, clinging to my arms, all over me.


    Just when I reach the sp of her bra, however, she lets out a shaking breath and sighs.


    This time when she pushes me away, there is reluctance in her gaze. ¡°I¡¯m on birth control, but I forgot to take it today. And yesterday. I think.¡±


    That does make me pause. ¡°I don¡¯t have condoms.¡±Goddammit. I¡¯m always packing, but with the move and everything else, buying condoms hasn¡¯t exactly been on the top of my list.


    Disappointment is written all over Sera¡¯s face when she pushes me back to put more distance between us, trying to catch her breath. ¡°All right, well, that settles it.¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t settle anything,¡± I rasp, not giving up. ¡°We can still make out.¡±

 34

    I may not be able to fuck her, but that doesn¡¯t mean we can¡¯t still have fun.


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± she says. ¡°But if we do, I know myself. I know I¡¯ll want more, and we can¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll go grab some and be back in ten minutes, tops,¡± I growl, already yanking up my jeans. ¡°You stay here. You wait here. Don¡¯t you go anywhere.¡±


    ¡°Wait, no. I¡¯m already overthinking it now.¡±


    Think, I tell myself.


    Think.


    Luckily, I knowexactlywhat to say. ¡°Let¡¯s risk it. I¡¯ll pull out. I¡¯m clean, if that¡¯s your concern,¡± I say, myst line muffled by her hand.


    ¡°Well, yeah, so am I, but-¡±


    ¡°Then we¡¯re good. It¡¯s just one time, Sera. Come on, don¡¯t be a goody-goody tonight.¡±


    Sera¡¯s eyes narrow.


    I instantly know I fucked up.


    ¡°Hang on now,¡± I say, knowing exactly how to salvage all this. ¡°It¡¯s just sex.¡±


    ¡°Get off me,¡± she snaps, pushing me back to break all contact.


    I stumble, grabbing my jeans to stop myself from tripping over them. Sera hops off the counter.


    Fuck. Dumb move.


    I yank my pants back up. ¡°Shit, sorry, Sera, I didn¡¯t mean-¡±Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    She adjusts her dress, hiding those magnificent curves. ¡°I don¡¯t evenwantto know what you meant.¡± She picks up her underwear and starts to storm away.


    ¡°Wait, hold on.¡± I grab her arm to stop her. Not hard, just enough for her to turn around to face me. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean it that way. I only meant that sex betweenusdoesn¡¯t need to mean more than just two friends having fun. There¡¯s nothing wrong with that.¡±


    Her eyes widen.


    Sera slips her hand out of my grasp. ¡°Friends? Who says we¡¯re friends? We were neverfriends, and newssh, we will neverbefriends, Colton.¡±


    ¡°Did you ever stop to think that you take things way too seriously, Seraphine?¡±


    Her lips purse. ¡°Newssh: I¡¯m a woman. So maybe I do. But one of us has to.¡± She turns on her heel, and this time, I let her walk away.


    Over her shoulder, she says, ¡°Enjoy the couch tonight.¡±


    Watching her disappear down the hall, I lean against the ind, cursing in my head.


    Thest thing I hear is the bedroom door closing.


    And the distinct click of the lock.

 35

    SERA


    SIXTEEN DAYS LEFT


    The next morning, I find myself lying in bed, staring at the ceiling. I¡¯ve been awake for hours. Now that I think about it, I¡¯m not sure I even fully went to sleep.


    It¡¯s supposed to be my day off, but Marie texted metest night, asking if I could cover half a shift until one of the new girls came in. All too eager to get out of this apartment, I readily agreed.


    With that in mind, I force myself out of bed to get ready for work, praying that Coltonis still asleep and will stay asleep until I leave. Standing under the spray of the shower, I enjoy the hot water that¡¯s often missing at my apartment.


    Once I¡¯m dressed, I tiptoe into the living room.


    Oh, my God, I¡¯m acting like a damn teenager trying to sneak out of her parents¡¯ house.


    Despite the internal chastising, I slowly peek around the corner.


    The living room is empty, but more importantly, for some reason, I¡¯m disappointed. Coltonis nowhere in sight. He¡¯s rarely awake before I am. He must have left early to avoid me like I¡¯m trying to avoid him. Oh, well. With a sigh of relief, I walk into the kitchen, only to find him standing there, nursing a cup of coffee.


    Shit.


    He looks as tired as I feel.


    Poor guy, I bet he didn¡¯t close an eye on that couch.


    A pang of guilt hits me for making him sleep on the couch.


    Despite his rough night, he still looks good. His sun-kissed hair is messy, and even though it¡¯s from sleep, I wish it was because I was running my hands through it like I hadst night. He¡¯s wonderfully shirtless, wearing only a pair of dark-blue boxer briefs. Of course, they leave zero to the imagination, showing off his deep ¡°V¡±.


    ¡°Good morning,¡± he says, staring at me with those intense eyes. ¡°Where are you off to so early?¡±


    I don¡¯t trust myself to look at him again. ¡°Morning,¡± I mumble. I grab my keys from the counter and turn to leave. ¡°Working a half-day. I¡¯ll be hometer.¡±Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°But it¡¯s your dayoff.¡±


    ¡°Marie asked if I could cover a few hours.¡±


    I feel a gentle hand on my wrist, stopping me. When I risk a look back, the intensity in his gaze isn¡¯t lessened by the softness there. ¡°Hey, I don¡¯t want to fight with you. Forget about work, we need to talk aboutthis. About us.¡±


    ¡°Not now we don¡¯t. I¡¯m going to bete.¡±


    He¡¯s still holding my hand, and I have yet to pull away. To be honest, I love the contact. The soft way his thumb strokes my skin sends shivers racing down my spine. The heat fromst night is still there, brimming beneath the surface.


    ¡°Fine,¡± Coltonsays, staring me down. ¡°We¡¯ll talkter then. I¡¯m not letting youget offthat easy.¡±


    When I get to The Diner, a sense of relief and calm washes over me. I know that whatever happens in my life, The Diner is always there waiting for me. I know who I am here, what I do here. It¡¯s like an old friend, greeting me with a warm hug.


    Kelly arrives about twenty minutester. Before anyone else gets here, I give her a quick rundown of the evening¡¯s events.


    ¡°Sera! I can¡¯t believe you and yourhusbandhooked up.¡± Kelly squeals softly.


    ¡°That¡¯s the only thing you¡¯re taking from my story? We didn¡¯t hook up. Wealmosthooked up. We half-hooked up.¡±


    ¡°Well, still. You went from ¡®I¡¯m not touching you¡¯ to ¡®OMG touch me and kiss my clit¡¯ in a very short period of time,¡± Kelly says in awe.


    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m a woman! I haveneeds.¡±


    I swirl my spoon around my coffee mug, inhaling the wonderful scent of caffeine. I close my eyes, soaking up the atmosphere while I wrap both hands around the mug, letting the heat warm them.


    When I open my eyes, Kelly is giving me a soft smile.


    ¡°I¡¯m too cautious, Kelly, too serious,¡± I say. ¡°I think that¡¯s really what this boils down to. Everything was happening so fast and so spontaneously. I got scared. Really scared.¡±


    I pick up the sugar and pour a liberal amount into my coffee.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay to be scared,¡± Kelly says. ¡°Trust me, I get scared like all. The. Time. Everyone gets scared sometimes. Even someone as tough as you.¡± She nudges me with her elbow yfully.

 36

    ¡°Sexplicates things,¡± I say.


    ¡°Boy, does it ever.¡±


    Kelly is religious, but has had sex. A few times. When I first met her in Gwen¡¯s secret creative writing book club, she had been torn between saving herself for marriage and her own urges. In the end, several monthster, she decided to make her own decisions and concluded that she didn¡¯t want to wait. Being her best friends, Gwen and I supported herpletely.


    ¡°He¡¯s not your bully anymore,¡± Kelly says. ¡°Right? When I was young, Mom told me that bullies bully others because they feel bad about themselves. They try to get some sort of attention and power because they are helpless in their own sad lives. Of course, that¡¯s not an excuse, but she said that eighty percent of our brains are developed by the time we¡¯re five years old, and early childhood experiences shape us more than anything else. It¡¯s tragic, really.¡±


    Kelly¡¯s words remind me of what Coltontold me when he briefly talked about his time growing up. The few things he mentioned were devastating, to say the least. He didn¡¯t have a nice childhood. He had a horrible and sad youth.


    ¡°Okay, to be perfectly honest,¡± I say, ¡°he was the bully who bullied the bullies. That¡¯s why all the girls were so madly in love with him. I get that. That alone would have been so brave and admirable-but I was the one girl he pushed around and tried to intimidate in mean and yucky ways.¡±


    ¡°But you stood up to him, didn¡¯t you? I can¡¯t picture anybody bullying you, ever. Nobody has more backbone than you.¡±


    Is that why we tangled with one another as kids?


    He bullied mebecausehe was unhappy, and I was the one kid who stood up to him?


    Something in me detes.


    Maybe he didn¡¯t hate me. At least, not that much. Maybe I pushed his buttons like he did mine.


    When she looks me in the eye and says, ¡°Amen,¡± I know she knows exactly where I¡¯ming from. It¡¯s what she says next that throws me for a loop. ¡°You should do it.¡±


    My eyes go wide. ¡°Kelly?¡±


    Always the caring friend, I realize I shouldn¡¯t be too surprised by her response. However, this is the first time she¡¯s ever told me to just up and sleep with someone.


    Her cheeks turn pink. ¡°If you¡¯re attracted to this guy, I say go for it. He¡¯s your husband. Also, he has really kind eyes.¡±


    Shit, she¡¯s got me there. ¡°Technicallyyes. I mean, he is my husband. And yes, sometimes he¡¯s¡­friendly. Even protective. Of me.¡± Okay, he¡¯s annoying with his constant bickering about me working too much-it¡¯s not like he works any less. But he was considerate enough to gift me an adjustable easel. In the fourteen days of our marriage, he has thought about me and my needs a thousand times more than my ex did in all the months of our rtionshipbined.


    Kelly nods happily at my confession of Coltonhaving a good side too. ¡°You¡¯re allowed to have sex with your husband. Actually, it¡¯s pretty much encouraged.¡±


    I chuckle and take a big sip of coffee. Mmm, nothing beats coffee from a diner. I don¡¯t care what any of those fancy coffee shops tell you.


    Kelly sits next to me. ¡°I¡¯m going to ask you a question, and I want you to answer with the first thing thates to mind. Don¡¯t think, just speak. Are you attracted to him?¡±


    I don¡¯t have to think. ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Do you know if he¡¯s attracted to you?¡±


    Again, I don¡¯t have to think. ¡°He¡¯s made it abundantly clear that he is.¡±


    ¡°Do you want him to spank your butt and call you princess?¡± The moment she says it, Kelly throws a hand over her mouth. I can¡¯t help butugh. Quickly, she says, ¡°Sorry, that¡¯s a line I read in a blog once back during our secret book club time. Somehow, it caught my attention. It just slipped out.¡±


    Well, well, well. Still waters run deep.


    I¡¯m always thrilled when sweet, innocent Kellyes out of her shell, especially now that it¡¯s happening more and more often.


    I don¡¯t have to think. ¡°Ah, girl, you have no idea, and the answer is:of course.¡±


    Kelly titters. ¡°There¡¯s your answer.¡±


    I take a deep breath. ¡°Oh! I almost forgot, Kelly. I have something for you.¡± I pull out my phone and shoot her a quick text. ¡°There. Don¡¯t say I never did anything for you.¡±


    ¡°I would never say that.¡± Kellyughs, checking her phone. ¡°What did you just send me?¡±Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Justin¡¯s number.¡±


    Her cheeks turn bright red. ¡°Justin¡¯s number?¡±


    ¡°Yup.¡±


    ¡°As in the gorgeous guy who hangs out with your hubby?¡±


    I nod. ¡°Yup, that¡¯s the one. Apparently, he¡¯s got a little crush on you. Coltontold him he¡¯d pass his number along.¡±


    ¡°No way.¡± Kelly¡¯s cheeks somehow grow even redder. ¡°Oh, my gosh,¡± she says, staring at her phone with wide eyes. ¡°Oh, mygosh.¡±


    It¡¯s so cute to watch her go from disbelieving to excited.


    ¡°A little crush on me? Are you sure that¡¯s what he said?¡±


    ¡°Very sure. That¡¯s what my hubby¡±-dammit-¡°I mean Cal, said he said.¡±

 37

    SERAR¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    I¡¯m back at the apartment. A nervous thrill races up my spine. Geez, I¡¯m nervous about seeing him. I¡¯m nervous abouttalkingto him.


    I¡¯m not expecting Coltonto be here.


    It¡¯s around noon, and he¡¯s almost always out having lunch with the guys or handling things at the dealership. I toe out of my sneakers and ce them neatly next to his boots (which are not in the way).


    But wait, if his boots are here, that means he is, too.


    Quickly, I peek around the apartment. He¡¯s not in the kitchen or living room.


    ¡°Cal?¡± I call out.


    No answer.


    Remembering how exhausted he looked earlier and that he spent the night on that couch, I figure he¡¯s probably taking a nap to catch up on sleep. I put my bag in the living room and look around for myptop. Since I¡¯m home early and no talk is happening-thank you, heaven-I want to take the time to go through my old ArtGal site and start cleaning it up for a runch.


    Myptop is probably in the bedroom, where I had tucked it away before the dinner the night before. Crap. I walk quietly toward the room. I¡¯m assuming he¡¯s sleeping, and I don¡¯t want to wake him.


    I¡¯m just being considerate, okay?


    It¡¯s not until I¡¯m right outside the door that I hear rustling. The door itself isn¡¯t closed all the way. Inside, it sounds like the bed sheets are moving, and I can hearbored breathing.


    Okay, now I¡¯m nosy. Perfectly nosy.


    Is he changing the sheets? They aren¡¯t even dirty! His cleaning mania sure knows no bounds.


    Without a second thought, I put my hand on the door and push it open.


    I¡¯m greeted by the hottest sight in the world. A sea of tattoos.


    He isnotchanging sheets.


    Coltonis lying in the middle of the bed, fully naked with the nket pooled around his waist. His firm hand is wrapped around his cock, and he¡¯s stroking himself roughly, his chest heaving as he pants.


    My brain short-circuits.


    Holy shit.


    Holyshit.


    My mouth goes dry, my mind goes nk, and an ache unlike anything I¡¯ve ever felt settles between my legs. I thought I was turned on before. But this¡­ This is the hottest thing I¡¯ve ever seen in my life.


    You should back away, says the goody-goody on my shoulder.


    No, you should join him, says the naughty seductress on the other.


    No, back away! No, join him! The two halves of my brain are arguing, and they need to shut the fuck up. I can¡¯t think straight.


    I¡¯m too stunned and can¡¯t look away, so I don¡¯t do either. But what happens next sends me into a mental tailspin.


    ¡°Oh, yeah, Sera,¡± he groans as he¡¯s stroking his thick cock, the veins in his neck tightening.


    At first, I think he knows I¡¯m here.


    Fear has me standing still as a freaking statue.


    It¡¯s only when I tear my gaze from his dick and look at his face that I find his eyes are still closed. He hasn¡¯t noticed me yet. Which means-holy shit-he¡¯s thinking about me.


    He¡¯s touching himself and thinking about me.


    ¡°Fuck, Sera,¡± he moans loudly, throwing his head back, and I watch as hees, jets and jets ofe erupting over his hand and stomach, his cock pulsating. He¡¯s still panting my name throughout his climax.


    So. Fucking. Hot.


    My brain finally catches up.


    I back away, pulling the door closed behind me.


    Quieter than I¡¯ve ever been in my life, I quickly move down the hall, turning the corner and leaning against the wall, trying to catch my breath.


    Oh, shit.


    Oh, shit.


    I can¡¯t believe I just saw that. What do I do? Do I tell him, ¡°Honey, I¡¯mho-ome.¡± Do I pretend like I didn¡¯t see anything? You know, all cool. ¡°Cal? You in?¡±


    I don¡¯t think I could if I tried.


    I need to go.


    I need to be somewhere other than here.


    As quick as I dare, I silently rush back to the living room, grab my bag, and leave, closing the front doorsilentlybehind me.


    Out in the hall, my mind is spinning. I mean, I knew Coltonwanted mest night. I guess I assumed once the impulsiveness was gone, things would go back to normal. Our talk this morning smashed that to pieces, and what I just witnessed only cemented things.


    I take a deep breath, the spark of an idea taking hold.


    I need to go for it. I said I was going to go for it. Hell, Iwantto go for it. But I don¡¯t want it to be a spur-of-the-moment thing. Also, it would be too awkward. It might ruin the moment if I just burst in there with him naked and all hise still hot and sttered on his stomach. I want to do things right. I want to blow his mind.


    I need something sexy. And condoms.


    Determined, I exit the building and hop on the subway.


    There¡¯s a lingerie shop not far from here.


    ¡°Can I help you find something?¡± the saleswoman asks, approaching me with a graceful purple lipstick and a smile.


    ¡°Yes, yes, you can. I need something that¡¯s going to make his eyes pop out of their sockets.¡±

 38

    Sheughs, motioning to the store around us. ¡°You¡¯vee to the right ce. Tell me a little something about him.¡±


    ¡°Tall, buff, tattooed, rides motorcycles, who I¡¯m super attracted to-even though he drives me crazy.¡±Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    Her smile morphs into a wide grin. ¡°I see. Something to drivehimcrazy for a change?¡±


    ¡°Yes. See, you get me.¡±


    ¡°I have just the thing.¡±


    I leave about an hourter, my new lingerie carefully wrapped in tissue paper and tucked into an elegant burgundy bag.


    As I stroll down the drug store aisles, I¡¯m distracted by their collection of magazines. Right in front is the newest issue ofArt Dream Monthly. The cover mentions a certain critic, and I buy the magazine without hesitation, though I might end up burning it and throwing the ashes in the Hudson River.


    I flip through it to the review section. Yup, Mr. Douchey Art Critic is still writing reviews. This time he rips apart an amateur art show in Manhattan. Okay, some of the exhibits do look like a jumbled hot mess-it seems that due to a charity event, submissions weren¡¯t filtered as strictly as usual-but that¡¯s no reason for him to lump them together and not even leave one good word.


    I hate that I still keep up with him, and I hate that it still bothers me. What I hate the most is that more often than not, he isn¡¯tpletely wrong. Yet how can someone so tantly snobbish and dickish still be given a tform?


    What good does ripping new artists to shreds do? Ignoring someone¡¯s talent and favoring years of practice doesn¡¯t make any sense. If I ever meet this guy in person, I¡¯llsogive him a piece of my mind.


    Closing the magazine, I shove it into my bag, wondering what Coltonwould say if I ever decided to tell him about my disastrous fifteen minutes of fame fail.


    When I arrive back at the apartment, however, Cal¡¯s boots are gone.


    Dammit.


    Oh, wait. That¡¯s evenbetter. I can prep now.


    The bedroom is as neat as ever. If I hadn¡¯t seen him touching himself not an hour before, I would have never known he¡¯d been in here. Needing to make sure I have enough time to get things ready, I text Cal, trying to be casual.


    I decide not to tell him I¡¯m already home. It¡¯ll be a bigger treat for him to find me half-naked and waiting if he thinks I¡¯m not here.


    Me:


    Hey, stuck at work. When are you going to be home?


    Cal:


    Why? You checking up on me, wifey?


    Me:


    I thought you wanted to talk.


    Cal:


    Be home in about an hour.


    An hour. This is good. I can work with this. Impulsive enough to be excited, but not too impulsive that I have time to overthink. I¡¯m done overthinking. It hasn¡¯t done me any favors.


    I raid the linen closet to find fresh bed sheets, grinning at how I thought he¡¯d changed the bed already. He hasn¡¯t. He¡¯s clearly cking. Next time, I should leave him a note to please change the sheets after jerking off, ha-ha.


    After, I turn down theforter and make it nice and neat. There are a couple of candles sprinkled throughout the apartment, and I gather all of them to ce around the bedroom.


    Satisfied the room looks perfect, I go through my bag and pull out the lingerie I bought. The saleswoman presented several pieces to me, but as soon as I found this one, I knew I had to have it. The top is a blood-red corset with ck ents. Ribbons hang from the sides and a small ck bow rests between my breasts as if they¡¯re a present. Which, let¡¯s be honest, they pretty much are. The corset pushes my boobs up and makes them look amazing. I can¡¯t wait to see Cal¡¯s face. The bottom portion of the little number is only a matching red thong with a little ck bow (can¡¯t wait to see Cal¡¯s face for that one either).


    Simple but effective, which is what I love about it.


    In the mirror above the dresser, I put on ¡°fuck me¡± red lipstick (you know, subtle), which I picked up to match what I¡¯m wearing.


    Just as I¡¯m running a brush through my hair and adding product to get the frizz out, I hear the front door open.


    He¡¯s here. Oh, my God. Oh, my God.


    Excitement bubbles in my stomach, and I scurry onto the bed, adjusting my boobs for the full non-plus-ultra boob experience.


    From the living room, Coltoncalls out, ¡°Sera? You in?¡±


    ¡°Juuuhu. I¡¯m inhe-ere,¡± I call seductively.


    Suddenly, I hear Justin¡¯s voice, and my heart drops. ¡°Hey, Sera! The guys are heading out to eat-but we¡¯re gonna have a few drinks here. Want to join us?¡±


    Shitshitshitshit.


    See, this is why I don¡¯t do anything impulsive!


    Multiple footsteps starting my way, and I scramble off the bed, racing for the wide-open bedroom door.

 39

    CAL


    A few hours earlier


    I¡¯m meeting with ¡°the garage crew¡± for the first time since all positions have been filled.


    A couple of them are already waiting when Justin and I walk in. Most are mechanics with years of experience. It takes Justin and me a little while to show the new guys around the ce, but once we¡¯re done, Justin offers to take the guys out for dinner. It¡¯s something we¡¯ve done with my other businesses as a way to get to know each other.


    ¡°I have a date,¡± I tell Justin with a grin. ¡°But why don¡¯t you and the guys stop by the apartment for a quick drink before you go out?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m game. Are you sure Sera isn¡¯t going to mind? Given you have a date and everything?¡±


    ¡°Nah, she won¡¯t mind. She¡¯s not home yet.¡±


    We all grab our bikes and roll out, heading toward my ce. In the back of my mind, I know Sera wants to talk, but I¡¯m assuming she¡¯s still tied up at work. Which is why, when I walk in and find her shoes by the door, I¡¯m surprised.


    ¡°Sera? You in?¡± I call as the guys file in behind me.


    ¡°Juuuhu. I¡¯m inhe-ere!¡±


    Huh. Odd.


    There¡¯s something different about her voice. Her calling me from the bedroom is also strange. Juuuhu? That¡¯s not Sera. I hope she¡¯s not getting sick or anything. Ignoring the guys, I walk down the hall toward the bedroom.


    Is she all right? Why is she in the room? Is she not feeling good?


    Jesus.


    Fucking.


    Christ.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    The second I step through the doorway, I¡¯m greeted with a fucking spectacr sight. Sera is lying on my bed, done up in some of the hottest lingerie I¡¯ve ever seen. For fuck¡¯s sake, she¡¯s wearing a corset? Is that what it is? My mind is nk.


    And then I remember the guys are here.


    ¡°Cal, Sera?¡± Justin calls, following me. ¡°Everything okay?¡±


    Sera¡¯s eyes suddenly widen when she realizes I¡¯m not alone.


    ¡°Sera,¡± I say. ¡°What-?¡±


    Justin is right behind me, and when she realizes it¡¯s him, she swears, bolts out of the bed, her mind-blowing tits bouncing, and ms the door in my face. It all happens so fast, it takes a second for me to catch up. My mind is stuck on the image of her waiting for me in bed, in barely-there clothing with candles around her.


    Shifting to face Justin, I¡¯m met with a confused expression. I get the feeling he didn¡¯t see anything. Good.


    ¡°Is Sera okay?¡± he asks, concerncing his tone.


    ¡°You guys need to go.¡±


    ¡°Why? What happened?¡±


    ¡°Just go.¡±


    He knows by my tone of voice that I¡¯m not in the mood to argue.


    Also, he¡¯s a man. He ain¡¯t dumb.


    ¡°K.¡± Turning around, he heads back into the living room, and I hear him say, ¡°Hey, guys, we need to bounce. Now.¡±


    There¡¯s confusion, but Justin ushers them out the door. It pains me to step away from the bedroom door, but I do so I can lock up after them.


    All I can think about is getting my hands and mouthonSera-and my tongue and dickinSera.


    Alone atst, I waste no time banging on the bedroom door. ¡°Sera, let me in.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± she shouts from the other side.


    Shit. I was afraid of this. That look of horror on her face is burned into my memory. Fuck, fuck.


    Gotta smooth this over.


    I knowexactlyhow.


    So, I say, ¡°You got all sexed up and aren¡¯t even going to let me ravish you? Now that¡¯s justfuckingselfish.¡±


    ¡°Goaway, Cal.¡±


    ¡°Come on, the guys are gone. Pretty sure nobody saw anything.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m never going to be able to look Justin in the eye again. I¡¯m sofreakingembarrassed.¡±


    ¡°Babe, chill-you have nothing to be embarrassed about.¡± She really doesn¡¯t. I did get a good look at her, and all I know is, what I saw would drive any man fucking crazy. ¡°Nobody saw nothing.¡± I try the doorknob again, but it doesn¡¯t budge. ¡°Sera, unlock the door.¡±


    ¡°Of course I have a reason to be embarrassed! I tried to do something slightly impulsive, and it blew up in my face. I can¡¯tbelieveJustin saw me in lingerie.¡±


    Chuckling, I lean against the doorframe with one hand, using the other to push my hair from my face. ¡°Babe, he didn¡¯t see anything. All he saw was my back. I was in his way. I¡¯m the only one who saw what you¡¯re working with. I gotta say, I have a smoking-hot wifey.¡± My dick is still semi-hard from the view she gave me.


    She doesn¡¯t answer right away. ¡°I¡¯m not in the mood to be teased right now.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not teasing you,¡± I rumble deeply. ¡°Seriously, who cares about those guys? This isn¡¯t about them. It¡¯s about us. Right now, I want you to open this door and give me a better look at that sexy little number you¡¯re wearing.¡±


    There¡¯s silence.


    I wait impatiently.


    ¡°Open, baby. I¡¯m not gonna repeat myself,¡± I growl. ¡°Or do you wanna get a spanking?¡±


    I¡¯m just about to bust down the door when I hear the click of the lock.

 40

    CAL


    The door opens slowly, and I¡¯m once again greeted by the hottest fucking thing I¡¯ve ever seen.


    Sera is wearing a red lingerie corset with matching thong, and my dick stands at attention immediately, roaring against the fly of my jeans. I push the door open and stroll through. Sera takes a step back, but I stop her with my arm around her waist.


    ¡°Oh, no, sweet thing, you¡¯re not going anywhere. Let me take a look at you.¡±


    Fuck, she looks hot. Where the hell has she been hiding this body? I mean, I already got a few sneak peeks here and there, and was pretty sure she had great tits, but not likethis. Ten out of ten. I run my hands up the corset, tracing my thumbs across the peaks of her mounded curves. Sera inhales sharply. She grabs my wrists, her eyes flicking up to meet mine.


    ¡°Maybe next time, shoot me a text if you¡¯re going to wait in my bed,¡± I tease.


    A hint of a smile tugs at her lips. ¡°Maybe next timeyoushoot me a text if you¡¯re bringing people over.¡±


    ¡°You were the one who said you weren¡¯t home.¡±


    ¡°I was trying to surprise you. You know, without overthinking.¡±


    ¡°Well, color me fucking surprised. I will never bring anyone over ever if this is how you¡¯re going to greet me from now on.¡±


    I yank her into a kiss, then flip her around.


    ¡°And now for the spanking you so richly deserve.¡±


    ¡°Oh, my God. No, Cal, I don¡¯t! No! Nospanking.¡±


    I sit down. ¡°On myp. Head down. Ass up,¡± I order calmly.


    ¡°Wait. Why, because I didn¡¯t open the door? Iopenedit.¡±


    I shoot her a look that says, ¡°Don¡¯t make me repeat myself,¡± and with my eyes, gesture to myp. I¡¯m thrilled (and fucking astonished) when sheplies. With hardly any hesitation, she positions herself across my legs, and situates her ass just high enough, giving me perfect ess.


    It¡¯s fucking superb.


    She wants this. I fucking can¡¯t believe she doesn¡¯t protest.


    ¡°Ready?¡± I rumble.


    ¡°No! I¡¯m scared now.¡±


    ¡°Oh, you should be.¡± I smirk, rubbing my palms together to warm them.


    All right. Here we go.


    ¡°You look exquisite on myp. Hold still.¡±


    She does hold still. Unbelievable. The hot number and that thong she¡¯s wearing gives me a delicious view of her bare ass cheeks. I take full advantage.


    Smack.


    Sera moans and jerks on myp. ¡°Ouch. Are you not going to call me princess?¡±


    Huh. Kinky. I grin. That¡¯swhat she wants to be called while I spank her? Sure. Good idea.


    ¡°Take that thong off, princess. I want your ass bare.¡±


    ¡°Oh, my God.¡±


    She peels the thong down, and I help get it off her, impatiently tossing it to the side.


    I grab her ass and caress it, squeezing, spank it a couple more times (equally sharp), giving her the delicious pain and pleasure she enjoys. I call her princess, and Sera gasps and moans. Her ass is already turning into a pink blush. I spank her a few more times after that, enjoying how she¡¯s whimpering under my touch, before brushing my hand down her ass cheeks.


    I reach between her folds, brushing over her slit, finding her dripping wet. Whoa. That¡¯s what I¡¯m talking about. She¡¯s loving this. I¡¯mloving this.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m going to have so much fun with you, princess.¡±


    ¡°Cal¡­¡±


    I spank her pussy and call her my queen, because why not, and-to my delight-she starts dripping down her thighs.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    The desire that has been building for days is at its boiling point, and Sera wiggles and moans under my hand as soon as my fingers brush along her pussy to her clit.


    ¡°Will you behave from now on?¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­oh,¡± she yelps as I rub her where she needs it the most.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°No fair¡­yeah¡­I will¡­¡±


    Sounds perfect to me.


    When I release her and flip her onto her back, she kisses me eagerly, grabbing me by the front of my shirt. I let her. We¡¯re just getting started. Scooping her into my arms, I walk toward the bed. Her hands are on my chest, all over me really, and she can¡¯t stop kissing me. Whoa. No woman has ever kissed me like that. She kisses me like she hasn¡¯t kissed in years, like her life depends on us kissing, and my kisses are her only salvation. Fuck, she¡¯s into me, and I¡¯m here for it. She¡¯s kissing me into oblivion, and I almost lose control from sensation overload.


    ¡°Hey now,¡± I growl between her fevered kisses. ¡°Should have known you¡¯d like it rough.¡±


    My knees hit the edge, and Iy her down onto the bed. All the while, her hands can¡¯t stop grabbing at my body.


    Jesus Christ. I¡¯m going to fuck her senseless.


    I relish how much she wants me, and soon enough, my hands are all over her body, mapping the tight corset and knowing that very soon, there won¡¯t be any fabric in the way so I can touch that smooth skin of hers. She works the buttons of my shirt, hastily undoing each one as our mouths wrestle for dominance. She¡¯s determined to keep the lead, while I¡¯m determined to make her putty in my hands.


    Spoiler alert: I¡¯m winning (naturally).


    Stradling her hips, I break away only so I can get rid of my shirt. I¡¯m bing addicted to those fucking kisses, the beautiful amount of suction, her tongue, soft and demanding, needing to have her lips moving against mine. Before diving in for more, I take a second to just admire the fucking gorgeous beauty that¡¯s sprawled underneath me.


    Her lips are red and inviting. Her chest moves up and down as she pants, those alluring eyes clouded with passion. She reaches up, and I think she¡¯s going to go for the button of my jeans. Hell, yeah. But instead, she runs her hands up my stomach to my chest, tracing my tattoos with her fingertips. The light caress sends a shudder zing down my spine, and my body erupts in goosebumps. It¡¯s like she¡¯s mapping me, trying to memorize everything she¡¯s seeing.


    ¡°You like what you see?¡± I rumble.


    ¡°Please, hurry,¡± she murmurs.


    ¡°Hush, baby, you have no control in the bedroom, sorry. I¡¯m going to take every precious second.¡± The urge to fuck her immediately isn¡¯t winning the war inside me. ¡°I want to savor this,¡± I growl. ¡°I want to savor you. I want to take my time, to kiss you until you can¡¯t breathe, to unwrap you from this lingerie like you¡¯re the best present I could¡¯ve ever asked for.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I hate you,¡± she whisper-moans.


    ¡°Oh, yeah?¡±


    ¡°Please do it already¡­¡±


    She¡¯s impatient, and I couldn¡¯t care less. Slowly, I slide my hand up the corset, between her tits, up her neck, and around to the back of her head before leaning down to im her lips again. Her nails drag up my back when she puts her arms around me, making me grind down to relieve some of the pressure in my jeans.


    ¡°Now exin why you very obviously want the man you hate to fuck you.¡±


    She gasps, ¡°Ehhh¡­no¡­I mean¡­¡± and starts kissing me again.


    With patience, I take my time undoing theces of her corset, all the while not letting our kisses break. The way her lips and tongue dance with mine will be the death of me, meeting each of my movements with her own. I¡¯m as eager as she is, tasting and touching while I rid her of the annoying barrier of fabric that separates us.

 41

    The corset falls open, and that¡¯s when I break the kiss to look down.


    Finally. It feels like I¡¯ve waited an eternity for this.


    She is mesmerizing.


    ¡°Fuck, baby.¡± To finally have herpletely naked beneath me is everything I wanted it to be. Full, round breasts with goddamn perky nipples I wanted to devour, marvelous hips, wless creamy skin. No, she is beyond mesmerizing. My hands touch her soft skin. ¡°You¡¯re fucking perfect.¡± I shake my head. ¡°I¡¯m determined to have you naked from now on.¡±


    Sera moans softly, her hands immediately sliding into my hair.


    With a grunt of arousal, I bend my head to take one of her pink nipples between my lips.


    ¡°Oh¡­,¡± she moans, wanting me to do it again.


    It reminds me ofst night when she was on the counter, holding onto me for dear life. I absolutely need a repeat before I go insane. But I¡¯m still not rushing it this time.


    I slip my hand between her legs, my taste buds already anticipating her strawberry sweetness. ¡°You still owe me an exnation as to why you want the man you hate to y with your little cunt and make youe.¡±


    ¡°Hhh¡­¡± She jerks when my fingers find her heat and gasps.


    ¡°Because youdohate me, don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°I¡­do,¡± she whispers.


    ¡°Tempt me. Lie to me and act like you don¡¯t want me to y with your wet little cunt.¡±


    She breathes, a smirk ying at her lips.


    ¡°Oh, bad girl. Bad, bad girl,¡± I growl dangerously. With ease and determination, I move down her body, loving the way my mouth glides effortlessly across her velvety skin. I¡¯m kissing her stomach. Kissing her softly beneath her belly button, and nudging her thighs apart, I continue kissing her soft pussy lips.


    When my mouth finally gets to the spot she wants me to touch the most, it¡¯s like I¡¯vee home.


    ¡°You drive me crazy with your perfect little clit.¡±


    I flick my tongue across it.


    ¡°Yes¡­ right there¡­¡± Her head tips back. ¡°Do that again¡­¡±


    Sera is sounding more and more desperate, and it¡¯s driving me insane. ¡°Oh¡­so good.¡± She¡¯s lost in pleasure, her thighs tight around my head and my name on her lips. It¡¯s never sounded sweeter. I lose myself in her. Her touch. Her taste. Her sound. Every little thing makes me crazy. My dick is stuck between my jeans and the mattress, begging for more.


    But I tell him to calm the fuck down. We¡¯ll get there.


    Her breathing changes. She¡¯s close.


    I slide two fingers inside her and hiss my approval at how wet she is. And warm. And tight. ¡°You¡¯re such a goddamn liar.¡±


    ¡°Oh, my God.¡±


    ¡°Come around the fingers of the man you im to hate,¡± I growl.


    ¡°Oh, my God¡­oh, my¡­ohhh.¡± Her pussy begins to pulsate around my fingers. I feel her sex quaking, trembling and spasming uncontrobly, and then her back arches. Sera¡¯s body rocks with pleasure, and she locks around me before copsing in a satisfied heap.


    Smiling at her, I watch the quick rise and fall of her chest, the corset crumpled underneath her and forgotten. ¡°Atta girl.¡± I lick her clean and ce a kiss on her clit. As I pepper kisses on my way back up, she squirms and throws the lingerie off to the side before she grabs for me.


    Our lips barely connect before she¡¯s pushing and rolling me onto my back while she perches herself on my waist. I allow it, because staring up at her is the hottest fucking image I could¡¯ve ever asked for. Her blonde hair is loose and wild, her pupils blown wide with desire, while those perfect tits beg for my touch.


    ¡°What are you doing to me, woman?¡± I tease as I slide my hands up her torso to cup her breasts.


    She sucks in a deep breath, her lips twitching into a smile. ¡°I¡¯m going to wipe that smirk off your face.¡±


    ¡°I wouldloveto see you try.¡±


    ¡°Smug jerk.¡±


    She kisses me, her hands falling to my jeans. I feel a tug as she yanks on the button and pulls the zipper down. Yes. Perfect. I lift my hips to give her space to pull them off, and she doesn¡¯t disappoint. It¡¯s her turn to kiss a trail down my body, her mouth tracing the tattoos on my chest as she rids me of my pants. I kick them down the rest of the way.


    Palming my rock-hard dick, I give myself a couple of strokes, then grab for her.


    My hands need to feel her skin again.


    Why didn¡¯t I, idiot, think about buying condoms?


    I can feel her heat and lift my hips to grind against it. Her response is instant. Eyes fluttering closed, Sera moans, her forehead falling to mine. I knock her hands away and lock my arm around her waist. I cup her face, kissing the breath out of her. We grind together slowly, falling into a steady rhythm. I know I could enter her with a quick snap of my hips.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    With one arm around her waist, I grab her thigh with my free hand, using the leverage to put her on her back again.


    My fingers circle her wrists, and I pin her arms down on either side of her head, her face inches from mine.


    Her fingers push between mine as I hover above her. ¡°Cal¡­¡± she breathes between kisses.


    ¡°Yes?¡± I murmur against her mouth.


    ¡°I want to feel you inside of me. Now¡­please.¡±


    My breath catches in my throat.


    ¡°I did take my birth control today, but I also bought condoms. We are good.¡± She points to her purse by the bed and fishes out a packet of condoms.


    I rip open the packaging. ¡°You want this cock, do you?¡± I roll the condom on. Next time she will put it on me, but now I¡¯m in a hurry. I can¡¯t wait anymore. There¡¯s a time and ce for going slow, and we¡¯re well beyond that.


    There¡¯s a smile on her gorgeous, flushed face. ¡°Yes, Cal. I do.¡±


    All right.


    Fingers digging into her thigh, I position myself, my cock nudging at her entrance.


    ¡°Look at me while I fuck you,¡± I growl, and our eyes lock. ¡°Ready to be mine, princess?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Her voice is barely above a whisper.


    My heart clenches in anticipation of what¡¯s about to happen.


    Slowly, I push inside her, one agonizing inch at a time, smooth, smooth thrusts, my eyes never leaving hers. I¡¯m big for her, and I take my time filling her.


    ¡°Rx, you can take it,¡± I grumble, and she nods subtly. ¡°You¡¯re gonna take every inch I give you.¡±


    Even through the condom, she feels soft, hot and slick. Maybe it¡¯s better that way, because entering her bare would y me, would be my death. The breath leaves her lungs, and she throws her head back in a silent moan. Slowly, I feel her opening up, taking all of me. It¡¯s so. Fucking. Good.


    ¡°That¡¯s my good girl.¡±


    My lips find her neck, and I begin fucking her with slow, measured thrusts. It¡¯s everything I wanted it to be, and unlike anything I ever imagined.


    ¡°Is that deep enough for you?¡± I ask, and she nods against my cheek. Her body fits perfectly underneath mine, like she was fucking made for me. Only me.


    ¡°I love this already,¡± she whimpers.


    ¡°You¡¯re mine-there¡¯s no going back,¡± I growl, driving deeper, making her gasp. ¡°Only Mine.¡±


    ¡°Mmm¡­Colton


    ¡°From now on, you¡¯ll onlyeverbe mine. That¡¯s clear?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± she breathes. ¡°Yes.¡± Her hands grab at my back as she tightens her arms around me in a vise grip. It¡¯s evident by the way she moves, the way she responds to me, that no part of her wants to let me go.


    Why? Why didn¡¯t I ever know how good it would be between us? I mean, I suspected. I had an inkling. But nothing could prepare me for this. No matter how fast, or how deep I go, it¡¯s never enough. Between kisses, she moans my name until I angle my hips in just the right way, and her speech disappears.


    After that, all she can do is kiss me.


    I never want it to end.


    A few momentster, her body shudders and rocks, and her pussy squeezes my cock in the tightest embrace. I can barely move-her walls clench and pulse, squeezing my dick for all it¡¯s worth. This is paradise, I¡¯m sure. I tilt my head back to observe the expression on her face. It¡¯s fucking beautiful. She¡¯sfucking beautiful-devastatingly gorgeous. I kiss the moan from her, gripping her thigh for leverage. I keep going, keep pumping in and out of her. Her long legs tighten around my waist, her heels digging into my lower back, urging me to keep going.


    ¡°Yes¡­ohh¡­like that,¡± she pants in my ear. The unmistakable press of her teeth on my earlobe pushes me over the edge.


    ¡°Fuck¡­ fuck¡­fuck!¡±


    The next thing I know, my balls tighten, and I¡¯ming harder than I ever have in my fucking life. My mouth crashes against hers, tongue slipping past her lips for another taste. Our bodies lock together until the pleasure recedes, and I¡¯m left breathless.


    ¡°You¡¯re mine now.¡±


    I wait until her breathing slows, then I roll onto my side, bringing her with me so I can keep kissing her. Sera¡¯s hand caresses my arm until her fingers intertwine with mine. My eyes take in the absolutely stunning vision of her, post-sex. Her hair is a cute frizzy mess, her lips and skin are glistening red from my stubble, and her eyes are soft as she stares back at me with a smile.


    ¡°Wow,¡± she says softly. ¡°That was fantastic. It was¡­indescribable.¡±


    ¡°Told you so.¡±


    She chuckles. ¡°Told me what?¡±


    I cup her face with my free hand, my palm fisting her hair tenderly. ¡°You don¡¯t hate me. There¡¯s not a single fiber in your body that hates me. Not anymore. You¡¯re attracted to me. You can¡¯t get enough of me.¡±


    Sera rolls her eyes, sliding her hand into my hair when she pulls me into another kiss. ¡°Oh, hush, Colton.¡±

 42

    SERA


    My body is buzzing, aftershocks of pleasure still coursing through my veins. I want to say something more clever and sassy to Coltonthan ¡°hush¡± after his little quip, but I¡¯m too satisfied. As far as I¡¯m concerned, he¡¯s more than earned the right to be smug. Holy shit. Normally, I¡¯m unable to have more than one orgasm, if even that. But not this time. My body still hasn¡¯t recovered-it¡¯s trembling, and after a few more kisses, I reach for the nket, but I¡¯m too shaky to grab it.


    Coltongrabs the bedspread for me, bringing it up to cover us both. ¡°I love how passionate and impulsive you are, baby,¡± he rumbles, pushing my hair from my face.


    ¡°Yeah, but we both know, typically I amnotimpulsive.¡±


    ¡°I beg to differ. You epted the kiss deal, onimpulse. You drew me naked, onimpulse. You greeted me in lingerie, onimpulse.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t think I took my time to think about all that? I did. Brand-new lingerie, by the way.¡±


    ¡°You saying you picked out that little number just for me? I¡¯m beyond ttered.¡±


    ¡°I was trying for ¡®making you speechless.¡¯ But I should have realized it would take more than lingerie to get you to keep your mouth shut.¡±


    ¡°How can I be quiet when you greeted me looking likethat? And you can deny it all you want, but there was still some impulsiveness about it. Especially considering the fact thatst night, you wanted nothing to do with me.¡±


    ¡°Keep talking, and this will be the firstanst time we have sex.¡±


    ¡°Liar.¡±


    When he¡¯s right, he¡¯s right. I absolutelywillhave sex with him again. How can I not? I¡¯ve never experienced such visceral and carnal lovemaking in my life. The second we crashed into bed, every other thought flew out of my head. All I could focus on was him and what he was doing to my body.


    Even now, a fervent desire to have him again is building hard and fast within me.


    ¡°Yeah, well¡­maybe.¡±


    I kiss him. I can¡¯t seem to get enough of his mouth-everywhere. He chuckles, but kisses me back, his firm hand cupping my cheek with gentleness. I believe that¡¯s what surprises me the most. For such a strong, take-charge personality, the way he touches me, it¡¯s as though he¡¯s trying to take care of me.


    Like he wants to memorize every inch of my body with his hands and mouth. I¡¯m absolutely going to let him. After all, that¡¯s exactly what I want to do to him. He slides his arm around my waist and pulls me flush against his chest. Even though we just finished, he¡¯s hard again, if what¡¯s poking me in the stomach is any indication. I slip my hand under the nket, needing to feel the weight of him against my palm.


    Oh. My. God.


    Yes.


    The man is sex personified, and I¡¯m all about it. I palm his dick and start stroking, and it growsrger beneath my touch.


    Coltongrunts, grabs both my hands, and rolls me on my back, kissing me deeper while spreading my legs with his knees. He has me slide a condom onto him, and we rock together like this for some time, his bulge against my center (so hot), but I couldn¡¯t tell you how long. It¡¯s like everything in my head that isn¡¯t Coltonexits stage left.


    All I can do is focus on our bodies and how to make him moan.


    Because a guy moaning-no, Coltonmoaning-has got to be the hottest sound I¡¯ve ever heard. I¡¯ve been with guys who are silent in bed, which isn¡¯t a bad thing, but sometimes you want tohearhow good you¡¯re making him feel. Coltonisn¡¯t shy about letting me know that he likes what I¡¯m doing.


    ¡°I love hearing you,¡± I whisper, lightly digging my nails into his skin to drag a grunt out of him. ¡°It¡¯s hot¡­your voice is so manly and deep and¡­sexy.¡±


    ¡°Oh, yeah?¡± he growls.


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Do you know what else is hot?¡± he whispers against my lips before descending to my neck.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°How your whole body shakes when I do this.¡±


    He finds the sensitive spot on my neck and gently sucks, sending powerful shudders of desire racing down my spine.


    ¡°That so?¡± I ask, already breathless. ¡°Hmm. No idea what you¡¯re talking about.¡±


    He chuckles again, nuzzling my throat. ¡°Oh, really?¡± His palm curls around my neck, and I gasp. He does it again, and I moan, ¡°Oh, thatspot.¡± My body is screaming for more, and I¡¯m all too happy to listen. No holding back. No overthinking.


    ¡°Cal¡­again,¡± I moan as my legs almost automatically part wider for him, and I feel his thick dick at my opening, with the wonderful promise of being filled.


    ¡°Again?¡± With his palm around my throat, Coltonlets out a satisfied growl, and the sound makes my freaking toes curl. ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for you to say that for a long fucking time.¡±


    When he slides into me, it¡¯s just as breathtaking as it was the first time.


    The way my body stretches around him makes it seem like we were meant to fit together. ¡°Fuck¡­ fuck,¡± he hisses through clenched teeth, his hair hanging over my head.


    The moment my gaze meets his, he starts to move, and I¡¯m lost in the pleasure and sensations of everything Cal. ¡°Oh¡­dear God, you really know what you¡¯re doing.¡± I don¡¯t know why I¡¯m surprised. His confidence has toe from somewhere. Clearly, it¡¯s well-earned.


    Even as he¡¯s thrusting in and out of me, I can¡¯t get enough of his kisses. I can¡¯t help it. My mouth is always moving, always going for his lips. He¡¯s nudging me closer, caging me in with his arms, his tongue is in me, his dick is in me, and I couldn¡¯t be any more aroused. His kisses leave me breathless, wanting more.


    Everything he does makes me want more.


    Coltonsuddenly pulls back, and my body shivers with the loss of his warmth. Still buried inside me, he sits back on his knees, hair falling into his piercing eyes when he gazes down at me. With that all-too-familiar smirk, he studies my face. Those fantastic hands of his grab my hips, moving me along with his thrusts, the new angle making me see stars. One hand moves to my sex, and his thumb brushes against my clit.


    I moan, reaching up to grip the pillow beneath my head.


    Cal¡¯s smirk widens, that cocky smile that used to annoy me, adding fuel to the raging fire low in my belly. Damn jerk. Stupid, handsome, very-good-at-sex jerk.


    The pillow isn¡¯t solid enough to hold onto.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°Hold on to the headboard,¡± hemands, sensing my dilemma and causing my heart to pound rapidly.

 43

    I reach above to grip the headboard while tossing my head back, needing something to grab onto, to ground me. Coltongroans, one of his hands sliding up my stomach, between my breasts, a movement he performed earlier but still hot a second time. He grips my chin, his palm against my throat and forces my head back down so our eyes meet.


    ¡°Look at me,¡± he orders breathlessly. ¡°Look at me when I fuck you.¡±


    At his words, my insides flutter, and I do as he says. I find myselfwantingto listen, wanting to please him, and obey whatever he says. Our eyes lock, and that smirk shifts into something else. His top teeth dig into his bottom lip every time he thrusts inside me, and I clench around him.


    ¡°Jesus, Sera.¡±


    To make a man like Coltonpant and moan, to feel the tremors through his body and know that I¡¯m the reason he¡¯s like this, fills me with sheer joy. I lose track of how long we¡¯re together like this. It¡¯s like now that we¡¯ve finally had each other, we can¡¯t get enough. I know I can¡¯t, and my heart races, knowing I¡¯m not alone.


    In an explosion of passion, we bothe.


    Coltonhas learned my body quickly. He knows where to touch me and how to draw an immense reaction out of me. It¡¯s like he gets off by getting me off, and boy, does heeverget me off. I don¡¯t bother keeping count.


    By the time I¡¯m spent, and my body is aching for rest, the sun has set, and in the darkness of night, the stars gleam through the bedroom window. The bedroom is bathed in shadow, giving everything a dreamlike quality. Makes sense. I must be in a dream if I¡¯m feeling this good.


    Coltonrolls over to face me. ¡°Fuck, we both needed that.¡±


    I curl against his side, draping myself across his chest. His arms automaticallye up to hold me close. ¡°I think I¡¯ve lost the use of my legs,¡± I admit, kissing his heart tattoo.


    ¡°That means I¡¯ve done my job right.¡±


    We take a quick shower together and return to bed. I can¡¯t help but giggle breathlessly at the switch that¡¯s happened. I went from never wanting him to touch me to not being able to get enough of him. All in a very short period of time.


    I¡¯m struck by how beautiful he is. The glow from the city lights cuts through the shadows just enough for me to see his handsome face. His green eyes are soft and gazing at me with indescribable emotion-it¡¯s almost too much to stand.


    ¡°You¡¯re a sweet angel.¡± He shifts to grab the nket again, and when it¡¯s draped over both of us, we getfortable. He¡¯s warm and inviting, and I can¡¯t bring myself to break contact. Not that he wants me to, if his grip is any indication.


    He¡¯s holding me close, as if he¡¯s afraid I¡¯m going somewhere.


    There¡¯s nowhere else I¡¯d rather be.


    My eyes start to droop, and I yawn, realizing how exhausted I am. At least it¡¯s the good kind of exhaustion this time. The kind thates from doing naughty things with a super-hot man. I nce at the rm clock, startled to see howte it is.


    ¡°Whoa. I should get some sleep. Definitely lost track of time.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I have that effect on women.¡±


    ¡°Geez, why do you have to ruin the moment by talking?¡±


    ¡°Same reason you have to ruin the moment by overthinking. It¡¯s just what we do.¡±


    His voice is light, and I know he¡¯s teasing me. Instead of being annoyed, it only makes meugh. I slide off him andy my head on the pillow next to his. Coltonscoots closer, draping his arm around my waist and tucking me under his chin, against his chest.


    ¡°You¡¯re right though. We should get some sleep,¡± he says through a yawn. ¡°If you¡¯re good, maybe I¡¯ll give you a little something-something before you go to work tomorrow.¡±


    I would roll my eyes if it didn¡¯t sound like the best idea in the world. ¡°Sounds good to me. Also, I guess you don¡¯t have to sleep on the couch tonight.¡±


    ¡°Good. Because I wasn¡¯t nning to. Nor are you sleeping on there again. You¡¯re staying right here with me. That way I can have quick ess.¡±


    ¡°Quick ess to what?¡±


    ¡°Take an educated guess,¡± he says.


    ¡°Only if I get quick ess too.¡±


    ¡°To what?¡±


    ¡°Take an educated guess.¡±


    ¡°Deal. As much as I respect all the antiques around here, the first thing I¡¯m going to do once the month is up, is sell that fucking couch.¡±


    I crane my neck to look at him. ¡°Are you going to sell everything?¡±


    ¡°For the most part. I¡¯ll keep a few family heirlooms, such as the photograph of her, Justin and me, and the rolling pin, with which she threatened to beat him and me up, but never followed through on the warning. The rest will be sold once the apartment goes. My new ce is going to be a hell of a lot bigger than this one.¡±Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    The reminder that our time in this apartment isn¡¯t long for this world is not lost on me. It¡¯s funny. When this whole thing started, I couldn¡¯t wait for the month to be over. But now that we¡¯re getting closer, the thought upsets me a bit.


    Deep down, I¡¯ll be a little sad to see the ce go.


    I tuck myself back under his chin and snuggle in. ¡°Does this mean I don¡¯t have to pick up my bra anymore?¡±


    ¡°Only if I don¡¯t have to move my shoes.¡±


    ¡°Nah, you still need to move them.¡±


    ¡°Then you still need to pick up your bra.¡±


    ¡°Okay, fine.¡±


    Heughs sleepily, burying his face in my hair. ¡°Goodnight, sweet thing.¡±


    ¡°Night, Cal.¡±


    He falls asleep almost immediately.


    I listen to the sound of his breath evening out, feeling the soft rise and fall of his chest against my cheek. But I don¡¯t sleep. Not right away, at least. A million things race through my mind. I rey every kiss, every gasp, every thrust of his hips.


    More importantly, I think about how he made me feel.


    Like I was the most gorgeous woman in the world.


    Like he only has eyes for me.


    Like I was the happiest girl alive.

 44

    SERA


    FIFTEEN DAYS LEFT


    I¡¯m humming to myself as I open The Diner. Coltonrevs the engine of his bike, and when I turn to look, he waves before riding off. How cute. Kelly walks up just then, watching the exchange with wide eyes.


    ¡°How was your family visit?¡± I ask her.


    ¡°Oh, well, the usual. Did you ride on a motorcycle this morning, Sera?¡± she asks.


    ¡°I sure did,¡± I tell her, grinning as I unlock the front door.


    ¡°That¡¯s so cool! Did you wear a helmet? Because, safety first.¡±


    ¡°I did,¡± I chirp.


    ¡°Andyou¡¯rein a good mood. Does it by chance have anything to do with that husband of yours who just dropped you off?¡±


    I don¡¯t even care that she used the H-word. ¡°Yes, yes, it does.¡± I open the door, and we step inside.


    ¡°Honey,¡± Kelly says, eyes wide with excitement. ¡°Did something happenst night?¡±


    ¡°So many things happened. But you¡¯ll just have to wait until girls¡¯ night to find out just what those things were,¡± I tell her. ¡°Tonight.¡±


    ¡°Oh, you tease!¡±


    ¡°Seriously, Kelly. It was wonderful. The only reason I¡¯m not telling you right now is that everyone else is due in any second, and I want to give you a y-by-y.¡±


    She does an excited little jig. ¡°Yes! Okay, I¡¯ll be patient then. This is going to be the best girls¡¯ night ever.¡±


    Afew hourster, I hear a customer groan in a thick, tipsy voice, ¡°Come closer, doll.¡± I look up and see Kelly a few tables down. It seems like deja vu, only this time, the dude is clearly drunk. The second I notice the jack-off reach out to touch her ass, my vision goes red, and I rush toward them.


    My mouth drops open.


    To my surprise, Kelly isn¡¯t flustered or shy.


    ¡°I¡¯m not serving you,¡± I hear her say. She¡¯s holding her own, and when the douche-canoe says something douchey back, she speaks up even louder. ¡°I don¡¯t care, and I¡¯m not repeating myself. If you¡¯re not gone in ten seconds, I¡¯m going to press charges. Out, now!¡± She¡¯s pointing to the door to really drive home the message.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    The drunk prick is out of the door before I can blink.


    ¡°Hey there, wow,¡± I tell her when I pull her into a hug. ¡°Good job, hon.¡± I couldn¡¯t be prouder. I hardly ever get emotional, but now, I almost want to cry. ¡°Get the girl a chocteva cake,¡± I call out to Deacon. ¡°Wait, make that two. Extra ice cream on top. And two French Vanis.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the best.¡± Kelly beams.


    ¡°No, you¡¯rethe best,¡± I say, pressing a big kiss to her forehead.


    ¡°I wassonervous. I¡¯m shaking all over.¡± Kelly shows me her shaky hands.


    ¡°But the prick deserved it. Doesn¡¯t it feel good?¡±


    ¡°Oh, yes, it sure does.¡±


    We sit and eat and enjoy the deliciousness of the rich chocte and melted ice cream Deacon provided, and we can¡¯t stop smiling at each other.


    ¡°Have you texted Justin yet?¡± I question, knowing if I don¡¯t ask, I¡¯ll forget, and Coltonwill likely bug me about itter.


    She shakes her head.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t? Why, hon?¡±


    She sighs. ¡°I can¡¯t reach out first. I¡¯ve never been the one to call first. What do I do? What do I say?¡±


    Laughing, I ce my hands on her shoulders. ¡°It¡¯s all right, sweets. If it¡¯s freaking you out, we¡¯ll draft a text together tonight, sound good?¡±


    Kelly nods, exhaling with relief. ¡°What would I do without you, Sera?¡±


    ¡°You never have to find out, hon. BFFs, remember?¡±

 45

    SERA


    My good moodsts throughout my entire shift. Even a couple more annoying customers can¡¯t rain on my parade. By the time four o¡¯clock rolls around, I¡¯m ready for food and much-needed best friend time.


    Kelly and I clock out together.


    ¡°You hungry?¡± I ask her.


    ¡°I¡¯m always hungry,¡± she says with a smile. ¡°You know me.¡±


    On the way back to the apartment, we stop to grab a pizza and some wine-the dinner of champions.


    When we arrive at Mrs. Bianca¡¯s apartment, Kelly surveys the ce with a sad smile. ¡°It¡¯s been ages since I¡¯ve been here,¡± she says as we make ourselvesfortable in the living room. ¡°It looks exactly the same as when the Baroness lived here.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, she was pretty adamant that we couldn¡¯t change anything,¡± I tell her, opening the pizza box, and she grabs the first steaming slice of cheese. ¡°I think it¡¯s because she wanted to force us to share a bed.¡±


    ¡°Speaking of which,¡± Kelly says as I pour two sses of wine, handing her one before taking my own. ¡°All right, now that we¡¯re alone, spill all the details. Don¡¯t skimp!¡±


    No need to tell me twice.


    The longer I talk, the wider her eyes grow.


    God, it feels good to talk about it.


    To get it all out.


    ¡°Sera, honey.¡± Kelly¡¯s voice sounds low and soft once I finish my detailed retelling. ¡°That¡¯s¡­wow.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°I mean, you make it sound so passionate.¡±


    ¡°It was, Kelly. It really was. I¡­¡± Pausing, I take a second to gather my thoughts. ¡°After all this time, I can¡¯t believe that I¡¯m drawn to Colton Ashton, of all people!¡±


    People say there¡¯s a fine line between love and hate.


    And as much as Coltonfrustrates me, there¡¯s so much about him that doesn¡¯t. So much that proves what an amazing man he is. Hearing him talk about his rtionship with his gran, the way his voice softens, or how his eyes light up when recalling something funny she did, like the time she chased him and Justin with her rolling pin because they identally parked their bikes on her newly nted roses. Or his rtionship with Justin. Two best friends who have stuck with each other no matter what. Last but not least, the way he stands up for people like he did for me during the Osborn dinner. We were a team. United. That feeling was incredible and one I¡¯ll cherish forever.


    Oh, geez, I do like him.


    But that¡¯s the worst thing that could happen to me.


    ¡°I can¡¯t stop thinking aboutst night, and how Coltonwas with me,¡±and in me. ¡°So intense. Fiery. Hot. He was passionate, and more than generous. Nothing he did was half-hearted. It made me finally realize that hedoescare for me.¡±


    At least on some level.


    No man can look at a woman the way he looks at me if they don¡¯t care about her.


    ¡°Well, from what you told me, you¡¯ve had a rough start, but it looks like he¡¯s redeemed himself. If you ask me, it was fate. A heavenly intervention.¡± She puts a hand on her heart and sighs. ¡°It¡¯s so romantic. It¡¯s amazing how iprehensible and unfathomable some paths are, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to develop feelings for him,¡± I admit, taking a sip of wine. ¡°But¡­here weare.¡±


    ¡°What are you going to do about it?¡±Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    Great question. ¡°I havenoidea.¡±


    We¡¯re almost halfway through the month, and myst day in his apartment is two weeks on Sunday.


    As far as my understanding goes, Coltonis going to live here until he finds something more ¡°bacheloresque¡± for himself. I¡¯ll move back into my ce until I find something bigger.


    Kelly gives me a sympathetic look and rubs my shoulderfortingly. ¡°I think you need to tell him. You¡¯ll feel much better when you get it off your chest.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s easier to just keep it to myself. We¡¯re going our separate ways at the end of the month, and we lead two very different lives. I can¡¯t even properly articte how I¡¯m feeling. How on earth am I going to exin it to him when I can¡¯t even fully exin it to myself? Trust me, he shouldn¡¯t know.¡±


    I clink my ss against hers.


    We spend the next two hours eating, drinking, and talking. It¡¯s been so long since we¡¯ve hung out like this outside of work, it reminds me why I love her, and I¡¯m d she¡¯s my best friend.


    ¡°I have some news,¡± Kelly says at one point.


    ¡°Do tell.¡±


    ¡°Marie pulled me aside the other day and asked if I thought I was ready to take on more responsibility.¡±


    I gasp in excitement. ¡°Kelly, that¡¯s wonderful.¡±


    Kelly works hard. I know she¡¯s been wanting to take on more of a leadership role. I¡¯m wondering if Marie chose this moment to ask her because she ns to ask me to take over. If that¡¯s the case, we¡¯re going to need another supervisor, and Kelly is the obvious choice. She¡¯s smart, dependable, great with customers, and overall, a fantastic employee. Today I experienced firsthand that she¡¯s gained a ton of confidence around crappy customers-something Marie has surely noticed too.


    ¡°Nothing is set in stone yet,¡± Kelly says. ¡°But I¡¯m still excited.¡±


    ¡°You should be! No one deserves a promotion more than you.¡±


    ¡°Well, except you.¡±


    I wave off herment. ¡°Enough about me. We¡¯re talking aboutyouand how awesome you are. I¡¯m d Marie sees it.¡±


    ¡°Okay, enough of that. What do I text Justin?¡± she asks.


    ¡°Oh, right. Text him: Hi Justin, this is Kelly, we met at The Diner. Thank you for your number. Smiley face emoji.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°No question like ¡®How are you?¡¯ or ¡®Will you take me on your bike with you¡¯ or-¡±


    ¡°Do you want to spank my ass and call me princess?¡± I interrupt her.


    Weugh.


    ¡°Can you imagine?¡± she asks, her face beaming with mischief.


    ¡°Oh, he¡¯d be all over it, I¡¯m sure. I mean, what man wouldn¡¯t be?¡± I grin inwardly at the naughty memory Coltonand I shared. It couldn¡¯t be any more different from the ones we have from our time at school together.


    ¡°Yeah! See, I don¡¯t want him to think I¡¯m boring. That couldwork.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­well, no, I was kidding. It¡¯s enough that you¡¯re friendly. Let him do the work. Let him work for that pussy.¡±


    ¡°Oh. Good thinking. But are you sure about the smiley face? He¡¯s a cool guy. Won¡¯t he think it¡¯s childish? Too cute?¡±


    ¡°Trust me, the tougher the dudes, the more they like smiley faces. It makes them think that they did something we like. It strengthens their ego.¡±


    ¡°Okay, good. Perfect. When should I text him? In a day or two, right? Or should I wait a bit longer? A week? I don¡¯t want him to think I¡¯m desperate.¡±


    ¡°Hon, at this point, he¡¯ll probably think you¡¯re not interested.¡±


    ¡°Hello,dies,¡± Coltonarrives home. He¡¯s wearing loose jeans with holes in the knees. His dark-blue T-shirt hugs his chest, revealing his muscles through the fabric. ¡°Hope I¡¯m not intruding on girls¡¯ night,¡± he says charmingly, entering the kitchen just as we do. ¡°Don¡¯t stop on my ount.¡±


    ¡°I was just leaving,¡± Kelly says, handing me her empty winess, so I can put it in the sink with mine. ¡°But before I do, Sera honey, let me give you the number of that art gallery owner I mentioned.¡±


    ¡°Give me that damn card. Now promise you will leave me alone?¡±


    ¡°Maybe.¡± She smirks, rifles through her purse, and hands me the business card. ¡°It was just one douchebag¡¯s opinion. Youhaveto show him your new work. It¡¯s spectacr.¡±


    Chuckling, I take it and hug her. ¡°Love you.¡±


    ¡°Love you too.¡±


    The card is in. The off-white structure represents a canvas, with small lettering right in the center in Charleston green. Just his name, Bryce Amoria, and a mobile number. It¡¯s neat-and menacing.


    ¡°Thank you. I¡¯ll seriously consider it this time. Now get out of here. It¡¯ste, and I want to go to bed.¡±

 46

    ¡°Awesome! You won¡¯t regret it, promise.¡±


    After I walk her to the door and lock up behind her, I turn to find Coltonleaning against the doorframe of the kitchen, watching me.


    ¡°What was all that about?¡± he asks.


    ¡°Kelly has a neighbor who¡¯s got a friend who owns a gallery and is looking to showcase loColtonartists,¡± I exin. ¡°She¡¯s been begging me to reach out to him, but I don¡¯t think I¡¯m ready to do something that big again.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a long story.¡±


    ¡°I assume it has to do with the douchebag you two were talking about?¡±


    ¡°Yup. Osgood Ramstraat, the top art critic forArt Dream Monthly.¡±


    Coltonfrowns. ¡°Last name sounds vaguely familiar.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. He¡¯s a big deal in the NYC art scene. When I had my first-and only-show a few years ago, he ripped it to shreds. It was a massacre.¡±


    ¡°What did he write?¡±


    I mimic a deep seventy-five-year-old pompous highbrow male voice: ¡°¡®Ms. Seraphine Gray¡¯s uninspired work of art-if it can even be called art,¡¯ yes, that¡¯s what he wrote, ¡®iscking in all essential and all irrelevant elements. Her approach is an affront to the human body specifically, and the art world in general. No context, no innovation, and worse, no truth. More power to her¡­for picking the pinnacle of historiColtonart-the human nude portrait-and mocking it-that¡¯s what Gray is truly terrific at.''¡±


    His eyes bulge so much they look like billiard balls. ¡°Dick.¡±


    ¡°Right?¡±


    ¡°Dick.¡±R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    Obviously, Coltonmust have forgotten that he wasn¡¯t particrly nice about my artwork at school either. Ironically, his words are the mostforting I can imagine. ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯ve been saying. It¡¯s unforgivable.¡±


    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s be calm. What¡¯s done is done. Fuck him. Who cares what some stuck-up art idiot had to say?¡± He pauses for a beat. ¡°Your girlfriend¡¯s right: Your work¡¯s amazing, especially your new stuff. I¡¯m not just saying that because you¡¯ve massively improved your taste in subject.¡±


    I can¡¯t help smiling as he talks about himself. Pushing past him and returning to the kitchen, I finish cleaning up. I haven¡¯t gotten a chance to immortalize him on paper since the secret drawing night, only in smaller sketches drawn from memory.


    ¡°If you decide to exhibit again, would the idiot be there?¡±


    ¡°Of course he would be, yes. He¡¯s everywhere.¡±


    Coltonrolls his eyes exaggeratedly, making me want to hug him. ¡°How long ago was his review?¡±


    ¡°A few years. Three.¡±


    ¡°Oh, you definitely have to call the gallery,¡± Coltoninsists. ¡°You¡¯re raw, real talent. I told you that, everybody can see it, and every time I catch a glimpse of what you¡¯re working on, it blows me away.¡±


    I consider his words and what Kelly told me before she left. In the back of my mind, I feel myself giving in a bit. Itwouldbe nice to get back into the loColtonart scene. I¡¯ve been away from it for so long.


    Of courseI¡¯m mad at myself for cing so much value on someone else¡¯s opinion that it crushed my confidence. Made me think that art wasn¡¯t my calling, even though it¡¯s my favorite thing in the world.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t even know what to say.¡±


    ¡°You say, ¡®Hi, I¡¯m Sera, and I¡¯m exactly what your gallery needs.¡¯ It¡¯s not that hard.¡±


    ¡°For you, maybe. It is for me.¡±


    ¡°Babe. You gotta take risks.¡± He grabs a sponge and cleans the counter with me. ¡°You said it yourself: You¡¯re going to jump back into art. This is the perfect time.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just not confident that I have enough strong work prepared yet to seed,¡± I exin, cing the business card carefully in my sketchbook. ¡°I can¡¯t go in unless I am one hundred percent confident I¡¯m showing the best I¡¯ve got. You only get so many chances in life.¡±


    The next thing I know, strong arms slide around my waist.


    ¡°Listen up, I¡¯ve got something to tell you,¡± he says. ¡°It¡¯simportant.¡±


    I freeze.

 47

    CAL


    ¡°Are you listening?¡± I brush a strand of blonde hair from her face.


    ¡°I am,¡± she says stiffly, probably expecting the worst.


    ¡°I¡¯m not a preacher, and I hate preaching, and I feel it¡¯s a fucking joke when I, of all people, give fucking advice, because I barely know what I¡¯m doing myself half the time.¡±


    I notice the corners of her lips curve upward a little. ¡°Okay, I¡¯m listening.¡±


    ¡°Good. Because you need to get something into your head.¡± I softly tap her forehead twice. ¡°There¡¯s no shame in hitting the ground. There¡¯s no disgrace in being wounded, lying there at rock bottom. There¡¯s no humiliation in fucking up. Everybodyfails. Everybodyfucks up. Look at me. I hired the wrong contractor. I gave him a second chance, never should have. I involved the wrong investor. There are a million things I regret, things I wish I could take back, but the only thing I can do is to move on, make fucking better decisio-¡±


    ¡°Yeah, but nobody¡¯sughing at you,¡± she interrupts, her voice loud.


    I stay collected. ¡°What do you mean? Everybody¡¯sughing at me. The construction world¡¯sughing at me, so is the investment world, and let¡¯s not forget about all the damn motorcycle dealerships. People talk. They¡¯re having the time of their lives over this. The only difference is, I don¡¯t give two shits. Fuck them. This is my dream. Yep, you heard that right, I¡¯m chasing a crazy stupid dream too. Just like you. What I¡¯m saying is, everybody falls. Everybody has nasty voices in their heads. Everybody deals with fucking demons trying to fuck up their lives. It¡¯s how you rise from the ashes when everything around you burns.¡±N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    A shiver.


    Her eyes lock with mine.


    I see a radiant shimmer.


    Then a soft breath, and she whisper-says, ¡°That¡¯s the best thing you¡¯ve ever said to me.¡±


    She goes on her tippy toes and kisses my lips, more tenderly than ever before, holds her lips on mine for several seconds, releases and gazes back up into my eyes, beautiful and full of warmth. I see the angel smiling back at me.


    My heart thunders at the sight.


    ¡°Are you sure that¡¯s the best?¡± I growl. ¡°I mean, I¡¯ve said some pretty good shit since we¡¯ve-¡±


    I lose my train of thought when she reaches down, stroking my cock over my jeans, then starts unbuckling my belt. Hey there. Uhhh. ¡°Fuck, baby.¡±


    She strokes me eagerly, over and over-damn, and I¡¯m so fucking hard-then ces her hands over mine and leans back into the touch, grinding herself against myp.


    ¡°Can you tell what I¡¯m thinking right now?¡± she whispers.


    Running my lips down her neck, I growl, ¡°I havenofucking idea. Show me.¡±


    CAL


    TEN DAYS LEFT


    Ten days left? Since when did I fucking start counting? We¡¯re two thirds of the way in. Thest twenty days have rushed by like booze hogs on steroids. On a good note, the preps for the grand opening of Ashton Motors next month areing along nicely, and I can¡¯t wait.


    Justin¡¯s office has been done for some time, and he¡¯s been working out of it for thest week or so. While he handles the day-to-day, I organize and reorganize the rare bikes in the showcase room. The rest-four Gixxers (Suzuki GSX-R sport bikes) a GS (BMW GS dual-sport model) and several ssics from one of the collectors I met the other day-will arrive within the week.


    We¡¯re ready for a soft opening in a few days. Nothing major. Mostly fellow bikers and close friends with connections who we know will get the word out. Our official grand opening will beplete with food, music and gifts.


    I¡¯m absolutely in my element. Between my contacts in the city and the great construction crew, we have plenty of new clients waiting for us to open. Not only that, but my dealerships on the West Coast have also brought in record sales for the month. Osborn didn¡¯twyer up, after all. His wife urged him to, ording to word on the street. Vance informed me that a certain use in the contract he set up after consulting Sanford himself (his infamous boss and strategist at thew firm), prohibited Osborn from pressing charges if a party involved decided to retract within a given time frame due to an insurmountable viewpoint, and if the full amount was refunded by that date. In a nutshell: We were in the clear.

 48

    Everything is exactly how I want it. Yet, I can¡¯t help but be bothered. Just a little. I know exactly why. Thest week with Sera was fun. Now I can¡¯t help the nagging feeling in the back of my mind.


    Because at the end of next fucking week, the month with Sera will be over.


    ¡°Hey,¡± I say, entering Justin¡¯s office. ¡°I¡¯m hungry. Let¡¯s grab some lunch.¡±


    A ride is exactly what I need. We grab our bikes and ride through the city. But even when doing my favorite thing in the world, I¡¯m still not entirely focused. After riding for about half an hour, Justin and I stop at a loColtonstreet vendor to grab pizza slices. We eat them while sitting on our bikes.


    ¡°So, not long until the end of the month,¡± Justin says. He wipes some tomato sauce off his beard. ¡°Divorce time is right around the corner.¡±Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    I¡¯ve been dreading thinking and talking about it for days.


    ¡°I gotta say, Justin, I¡¯m gonna miss it.¡±


    His eyebrows shoot up. ¡°Say that again?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to miss being married to Sera.¡±Damn, it feels good to say it out loud. ¡°This month has been fucking amazing, and I don¡¯t know what to do when it¡¯s over.¡±


    ¡°Just tell her you don¡¯t want the divorce,¡± he says.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that simple. She¡¯s already talking about finding a new ce. She¡¯s ready to move on. Besides, things are going well now, but I¡¯m sure it¡¯s only a matter of time before we¡¯re at each other¡¯s throats again.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe that.¡±


    He¡¯s right. Deep down, I don¡¯t believe it either. The words sounded hollow even when I said them. We¡¯vee so far since our wedding day. Granted, we still annoy each other, but it¡¯s changed. It¡¯s evolved. Not to mention we have fun too.


    ¡°Maybe not,¡± I say. ¡°But there are other factors to consider. She¡¯s made it pretty clear that once this month is over, we¡¯re going to go our separate ways.¡±


    ¡°Did you ask her? Maybe she¡¯s having second thoughts like you are.¡±


    ¡°She talks about finding a bigger ce all the time. She hasn¡¯t changed her mind. Have you ever known Sera to change her mind?¡±


    We share a look and shake our heads. ¡°No, not really,¡± Justin agrees, chewing. ¡°But there¡¯s a first time for everything. You won¡¯t know until you talk to her about it.¡±


    ¡°If I can,¡± I say. ¡°She¡¯s hardly ever at home.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll find the time.¡±


    ¡°She has back-to-back doubles the next few days to train the new staff.¡±


    Justin lowers his pizza slice, staring at me with wide eyes. ¡°Oh. My. God.¡±


    It makes me stop eating and I frown at him. ¡°What? What¡¯s that about? Why are you looking at me like that?¡±


    ¡°I never thought I¡¯d see the day where Colton Ashton isscaredto talk to a woman.¡±


    ¡°Oh, fuckyou. I¡¯m not scared. The fucking situation is justplicated as shit.¡±


    ¡°You can say that again.¡± Justin chuckles while taking a huge bite of his pizza. After he chews it down, he says, ¡°Want me to talk to her for you?¡±


    We grin.


    ¡°Get out of my ass.¡±


    He¡¯s notpletely wrong. If I¡¯m being honest with myself, a part of me is apprehensive to broach the subject. Things feel like they are falling into ce, and I hate the thought of iting to an end.


    We fall into silence, chewing, and finishing our lunch.


    Once he¡¯s done, Justin hops back onto his bike to head back to the dealership.


    ¡°Keep the rubber side down.¡±


    ¡°No cement surfing.¡±


    I decide to swing by The Diner before going home. Maybe I¡¯ll be lucky, and Sera will be about done with her shift, so I can drive her home. When I arrive, Daphne, one of the waitresses, tells me that she¡¯s already left. That¡¯s good news.


    Let¡¯s see if I can dig a little deeper-subtly, so as not to scare her away and ruin everything-and find out where she stands.

 49

    CAL


    To my delight, Sera is home already, lounging on the couch as she sketches. She¡¯s wearing earbuds, so she doesn¡¯t hear me right away. I take a moment to study her. She¡¯s wearing a longer blue flowery skirt and arge fuzzy sweater. Nothing really sexy about the clothes on their own, and yet she looks more beautiful than ever. All she¡¯s doing is casually drawing, lose strands of hair in her concentrating face.


    She must feel me watching her because she suddenly looks up and jumps. ¡°Goddammit, Cal! You scared me half to death,¡± she snaps and removes her earbuds. ¡°How long have you been standing there?¡±


    ¡°Half an hour.¡± I cross the room to her, enjoying her facial expression. ¡°I¡¯m kidding. I just got back. I thought you were working a double today?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t need to,¡± Sera says. ¡°One of the new girls was able to take over the shift. I think Marie feels bad for all the shifts I¡¯ve been covering.¡±


    ¡°Good, she should.¡±


    ¡°Says the man who¡¯s busy from morning to night with his opening.¡±R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right,¡± I admit. ¡°But as soon as the shop is up and running, I¡¯ll take time off.¡±


    Sera moves her legs so I can sit next to her. We¡¯ve been much morefortable with each other since we started having sex.


    She leans into my touch with a soft smile. ¡°I keep thinking about what Kelly suggested. I know I don¡¯t have the time, but I also need to get back into doing more than just sketching. I need to stretch my art muscles again.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got just the thing.¡±


    I get to my feet immediately, and with one swoop from behind my neck, pull my shirt off. I toss it onto the couch.


    Sera¡¯s eyebrows shoot up. ¡°I said stretch myartmuscles. Sex doesn¡¯t exactly do that.¡±


    ¡°I know what you said.¡± I unbutton my jeans and pull them down over my dick before I ce a hand on the back of my head and strike a masculine pose. ¡°Draw me.¡±


    Sera snorts, but there¡¯s a spark in her eyes I can¡¯t overlook. Maybe because of my nakedness, maybe because of my offer.


    ¡°What, just like this?¡± she asks, motioning to me standing there with my jeans and boxers around my ankles.


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± she says, though her lips are twitching like she¡¯s trying not to smile. ¡°I¡¯ve drawn people I¡¯ve been involved with before-and it doesn¡¯t end well.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not your asshole ex. First, you know I support your art and want you to seed. Second, I have a bigger dick, and bigger balls. Clearly. Third, what better way to get attention than by showcasing this extraordinary example of masculinity?¡± I gesture to myself, hoicking a thumb at all mydeliciousmanhood, and raise and lower my eyebrows.


    ¡°Fucking delicious, right?¡± I tease.


    Sera studies me for a second, unable to stop herself from grinning. The next thing she says has me happy along with her.


    ¡°Get to the bedroom,¡± she says in a low voice. ¡°Take off all your clothes. I¡¯ll get my stuff.¡±


    She doesn¡¯t need to tell me twice.


    I step out of my clothes, hop out of my socks, foregoing picking them up in favor of getting to the bedroom (fuck me). Before lying on the bed, I do several quick push-ups-you know blood flow and all-then stretch out on the mattress as if it¡¯s nothing, waiting. I nudge my dick into a better position. And re-nudge it to an even better one. When Seraes in, she¡¯s carrying the wooden easel I gifted her and a big nk canvas, plus charcoal sticks and pencils, a kneaded eraser (a soft, moldable, gum-like eraser, as she recently exined to me), and a stumping tool (they are used to blend, smear or smudge). It makes me happy that she¡¯s using the easel, and has even started treating herself to more art supplies.


    The girl means business.

 50

    So do I. Stay down, boy.


    She tries to find a spot to set up, and I hear her mumbling to herself as the easel bumps into various pieces of furniture. ¡°This ce is so goddamn small,¡± she grumbles when she finally finds a spot. ¡°But at least it¡¯s bigger than my own ce.¡± The easel is in the smallest space between the bed and dresser. She gets a stool, sits down, and sets herself up, before taking a deep breath and finally looking my way.


    I¡¯m lying on my back with my arm resting under my head. One leg is bent, and the other is straightened out. Even just lying here and thinking about her sketching me has me half-hard. It¡¯s very obvious, and I notice Sera eyeing me with appreciation.


    ¡°Hot,¡± she says.


    ¡°I know, right.¡± Iugh. ¡°d you finally noticed.¡±


    ¡°Stay still.¡± She begins to draw.


    I love the focus she has when she¡¯s doing artwork. Her eyes narrow, and she bites her bottom lip while her hand moves wildly across the canvas. She¡¯s using charcoal, she¡¯s telling me, and within seconds, the tips of her fingers are ck. I rx, letting her work. Her eyes swivel between me and the canvas. At one point, she removes her sweater and continues only in a white tank top. It¡¯s so tight. No bra. I can see the outline of her tits, plus I can see her pebbly nipples through the thin fabric.


    I start to touch myself.


    Sera doesn¡¯t notice at first. She¡¯s focused mostly on the canvas. But then her eyes slide over, and her hand pauses for a second. I observe the way her chest rapidly starts to rise and fall, and her pupils dte.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, am I not staying still enough?¡± I tease, keeping my tone calm and neutral, still stroking.


    There¡¯s a beat of silence until Sera smirks. ¡°Do what you want.¡± She¡¯s trying to sound aloof but failing miserably. ¡°I¡¯m done with the outline anyway.¡±


    ¡°Great.¡±


    I keep my eyes on her. Her hand pauses, and her focus is entirely on me.


    ¡°How¡¯s the drawing looking?¡± I ask.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Can¡¯t focus on it anymore.¡± She stands up.


    ¡°But you can finish it without me?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, sure, the shape from my reference is done, I can refine itter¡­¡±


    ¡°Focus,¡± I order, getting up. ¡°Finish the drawing. How long will it take?¡±


    She sits back down and looks at the canvas. ¡°Well, the ¡®bare bones¡¯ of my sketch are done. About ten to fifteen minutes for the rest,¡± she says. ¡°But, seriously, I can finishter.¡±


    ¡°No. Do it now. I want to watch you while you¡¯re working on it.¡±


    The stool is a little low, but it¡¯ll do. In one scoop I lift her up, slide onto the stool under her and put her back on myp, both of us facing the canvas. Her legs are on the left and right side of mine, and she feels amazing against my body.


    She squeaks when I adjust her hips until her ass sits perfectly against my straining dick.


    ¡°I will not be able to draw like this, Cal.¡±


    ¡°Concentrate on your drawing, not on me.¡±


    She shrugs her shoulder. ¡°Okay, I will try, but¡­¡±


    ¡°No buts. Hand back on the canvas,¡± I order. ¡°We know you¡¯ll enjoy it.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± I hear a small chuckle, and she picks her charcoal stick with her already-ck fingers, cing it sideways on the canvas. Because of the charcoal¡¯s thin consistency, it gets everywhere-her hands, wrists, arms, cheek-but she¡¯s a pro, there are no unwanted smudges on her paper. The frame disys a beautiful scale with gradations from ck to gray to white. Sera¡¯s hand moves quickly to contour herposition, creating a variety of different lines, using the edge of her charcoal for harder lines, then smudging it with her fingers to shade it, and removing small sections for highlights.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    Watching her draw, my face close to hers, my stubbly cheek on her ear is increasing my desire. With wicked intention, I run my hands up her side beneath her white tank top to her tits, and she shudders.


    ¡°You like this, baby?¡± I murmur, hearing her gasp as I pluck and twist her nipples. ¡°Does that make your pussy wet?¡± My lips are all over her neck, kissing and biting.


    ¡°Very much, but it¡¯s hard to concentrate,¡± she rasps breathlessly, now concentrating on adding shadow lines on the shoulder area of my replica.

 51

    I widen my legs, spreading hers. She only fights it a little, and I spread them so far, it causes her skirt to fully ride up, allowing me a perfect view of her naked legs. When I run my hands down her waist, over her legs, and under her skirt, she moves her hips.


    She wants my touch.


    The fabric of her thong is wet, and I feel her dampness against my thighs. My hand reaches into her thong, and her ass writhes against my cock. Softly, I brush my finger across her clit. Just once. A feather-light touch, but it¡¯s enough to cause her to jerk against my finger, with restless need for more friction-friction I don¡¯t give her.


    ¡°Cal,¡± she pleads in protest, then points at her canvas, ¡°I messed this up.¡± She picks up her kneaded eraser to remove a bigger section, and sets it back down. Next, she creates a highlight on my shoulders and arms and settles back into refining the overall tone of the drawing. Subtlety andyering seem to be key, with great attention to the edges. The edges appear to create a sense of realism and depth. Elements in the foreground have harder edges than those more in the distance. Not gonna lie. It¡¯s fascinating to watch her breathe life into the male figure on the canvas, who is looking more and more like me.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get rid of these.¡± I yank on her thong, and it rips easily.


    ¡°Hey,¡± she exims, her words raspy. It¡¯s hardly a protest at all. ¡°I liked those.¡±


    ¡°Then next time youe to our bedroom, don¡¯t wear any.¡±


    She knows better than to protest again. Because here she is, fully aroused and perfectly bare for me. It is in her breathing, in her gasps. Feeling more of her wetness against my thighs has my cock hard as steel.


    My fingers slide down to her pussy, glide over her folds, keeping away from her center, depriving her of what she really wants, sensing her body shudder with each stroke.


    She moves her hips in protest, struggling to keep her hand on the canvas, ceasing to draw. ¡°I¡­can¡¯t¡­concentrate.¡±


    ¡°Keep going. Don¡¯t stop.¡± She returns to the canvas, now smudging and blending some of the lines into lighter, finer areas. Her moves are jerkier than before, but she has enough experience to not let that stop her.


    Her skill turns me on, not a question.


    Grabbing her hips, I lift her up to position her over my dick.


    ¡°Cal,¡± she bites out. ¡°What¡­are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Let me be inside you while you continue,¡± I growl, smiling.


    ¡°Really?¡± she breathes, turning her face to mine. ¡°I won¡¯t be able to keep my hand steady¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not fucking you. I want you to work on your masterpiece with my cock inside of you,¡± I say, grabbing her face and forcing it back to the paper.


    I want to reach for a condom, but at this point, I can hardly think straight. She¡¯s on the pill. We¡¯ll be fine. Holding her hips, I slide her down my length slowly, her wet pussy more than eager to take me in.


    She moans as she glides down my cock.


    Feeling her bare makes me ck out a little. Nothing¡¯s between us, she feels like silk-soft, hot, slick silk. Downright perfect.


    When I nce down, I can¡¯t hold back a groan. My cock is fully inside her, basically spearing her. Sera ces the charcoal back onto the canvas.


    I¡¯ve stopped moving, allowing her to regain herposure and pace. She¡¯s capturing the rougher texture of the fabric beneath me and the smoothness of my naked hips. Next, her hand is refining my abs, adding more and more gradualyers with her skillful hand, resulting in matte, deep cks, and a fascinating contrast between light and dark values. For the most part, I hold still, watching her, giving her time to concentrate.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    Now and then I move a little, push my dick in a little, flex it, pulling gasps and protests from her lips. My hands are back on her tits, and each time I squeeze her nipples, her pussy squeezes my cock, and gushes juices down my thighs. It¡¯s beautiful. It takes everything not to start mming into her, fuck her senseless.


    My eyes shift back and forth between the canvas and her. ¡°You look quite exquisite with my cock inside of you. But don¡¯t move. Concentrate.¡±


    She nods.


    I let my left hand slide down her stomach, down between her folds. She¡¯s warm, drenched, swollen. Sera¡¯s breath sharpens at my touch. Her sweet cunt feels like satin, her pussy is so soft, but it has the opposite effect on me. My thumb glides across her clit in slow,zy circles, giving enough pressure to cause her body bliss. Her little button is sensitive and erged, and incredibly receptive to my touch.


    ¡°Oh, my God¡­so good.¡± Her body jerks, and she drops the charcoal stick. ¡°Cal¡­¡±


    I withdraw my hand mid-circle and deliver a sharp, precise p on her clit. Her hips buck and a startled cry sneaks past her lips. ¡°I said don¡¯t stop. If I catch you disobeying one more time, I won¡¯t let youe.¡±


    ¡°So¡­unfair,¡± she croaks from the loss of pleasure and picks up a charcoal pencil, wiping away a mistake with her finger, before cing the tip of her pencil back on the paper. She¡¯s now drawing my dick, quickly capturing the sharpest-looking detail, lifting lighter areas of midtones to smooth transitions.


    I resume my tease between her folds, keeping my movements slow, drawing her closer to an orgasm.

 52

    By this point, I¡¯m so hard inside of her I can¡¯t think. Watching her detail my dick on paper while I¡¯m stiff, buried deep inside of her, her pussy dripping with need, is one of the most erotic moments I¡¯ve ever experienced.


    I let my finger linger on her clit, now and then resuming my teasing, bringing her to the edge, feeling her pussy clench around me each time I brush across her swollen bud. She¡¯s fucking drenched. I want her orgasm to build at a slow speed. At a painful speed. When I pinch her sensitive clit, her back arches and a sexy moan is released from her parted lips. I know it¡¯s taking everything in her not to start moving her hips, not to start riding me. But it doesn¡¯t stop the delicious long moansing from her lips. Her eyes are glued to the canvas.


    ¡°Cal¡­it¡¯s¡­torture,¡± she whispers in a raspy tone.


    She¡¯s on the edge, trying her best not to move, not toe all over my cock. ¡°Please, Cal¡­please¡­I need toe¡­I need you,¡± she begs.


    ¡°Hush. I¡¯m going to edge you to the brink until you¡¯re done.¡±


    She breathes out in protest, her desperate pussy aching, but she continues her work on the canvas, now adding more detail to my legs.


    ¡°Finish the drawing, and I promise we¡¯ll fuck. Long and hard. Then I¡¯ll let youe.¡±


    She clenches that sweet pussy around my cock, answering me.


    Three minutester, Sera drops the pencil. ¡°Done.¡±


    On the canvas, I look at a perfect replica of myself. Fuck me. What a talent. ¡°Jesus Christ, Sera.¡±


    ¡°The shadow¡­right?¡± She breathes heavily, pride in her words.


    I nod. ¡°That too. The detail. Everything, really.¡±


    I turn her on my wetp so she¡¯s facing me, my cock still deeply immersed in her.


    Softly, I kiss her lips. ¡°And now for your reward.¡±


    ¡°Thank goodness. I need the reward.¡± Sera grins when I release her. She reaches for the hem of her tank top to yank it off. ¡°Oh, shit,¡± she says, her hem patchy from her ck fingers.


    ¡°Don¡¯t touch anything,¡± I warn, my palms curling around her hem.


    ¡°Let me run to the bathroom to wash my hands.¡±


    ¡°No. Later. Let me take it off for you.¡± I yank her tank over her shoulder and toss it somewhere behind us. ¡°You¡¯re sofilthy.¡±


    Sera is straddling my waist, smiling and holding her dirty little hands away.


    I slide my hand up her back and pull her down into a kiss. Her mouth is as hungry as mine. Her tongue juts past my lips, and a muffled moan escapes her.


    ¡°Be a good dirty girl and ride me until youe,¡± I order.


    ¡°That¡¯s my reward?¡± She smiles, my teasing not lost on her.


    ¡°That¡¯s your reward.¡±


    Without hesitation, she raises her hips. I¡¯ve never been this sensitive in my damn life. When she slides onto me, she takes her time. But I¡¯ve got no patience for that right now. Grabbing her hips, the skirt still pooling around them, I yank her down while thrusting upward, burying myself in her with one swift movement. Sera gasps, her hands wanting to dig into my chest, but she remembers she can¡¯t, and instead, flexes her fingers.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°That¡¯s a good fucking girl. Yeah, take it. Take every inch.¡±


    ¡°Cal¡­ohhh¡­¡± She rocks her hips while I¡¯m buried inside her, and it¡¯s un-fucking-believable.


    God, I fucking love her body. Watching her move above me, her hands not allowed to touch, is the most erotic thing I¡¯ve ever experienced. She looks deliciously dirty. The way her teeth dig into her bottom lip, the way her tits bounce while she moves, the way her wet clit glistens, and the way my fingers look digging into her skin.


    Good. I want her to see the marks and think of me. To see them and know she¡¯s mine.


    ¡°Cal,¡± she gasps.


    I thrust roughly. ¡°Again. Say my name again.¡±

 53

    ¡°Cal. Colton.¡±


    Everything bes a blur of writhing flesh and moaning. It¡¯s fucking amazing every single time we¡¯re together. Nothingpares to this. No matter how much I drive myself into her, it¡¯s never enough.


    I want more. I want all of her. I need all of her.


    ¡°Babe, Sera,¡± I grumble, fucking her name with my growl. ¡°I need you toe.¡±


    When her body is trembling, I brush my thumb over her clit, thrusting into her while my mouth captures hers. Shees a few secondster, shuddering while she¡¯s calling my name. I leave kisses all over her face and don¡¯tst much longer. Losing myself in her body, I grip her hair tighter, exploding inside her, shooting jets-and jets-and jets-ofe inside her, filling her.


    My mind is blissfully nk, all worries and troubles aside, now that I¡¯m with Sera again.


    ¡°That wassohot. I loved it.¡±


    ¡°Jesus, woman,¡± I gasp a few momentster, still breathless. ¡°I can¡¯t get enough of you.¡±


    Giggling, she attempts a hug, but remembers that her hands are still dirty, so I scoop her up and carry her to the bathroom, where we clean up and she washes the charcoal off her hands and everywhere else it left a mark.


    Once we¡¯re nice and clean, I carry her to the bed to stretch out next to her. My body is humming, and I¡¯ve never been more content in my life. Sera drapes herself across my chest. ¡°If you¡¯re going to model for me, we should limit sexy times because otherwise I¡¯m never going to finish any of my work.¡±


    ¡°Or it can be the little treat that inspires you to finish.¡±


    ¡°Well, you do inspire me tofinish.¡±


    I yfully gasp. ¡°Oh, my God, did Sera just make a dirty joke?¡±


    ¡°Maybe she¡¯s not the goody-goody girl you think she is.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯ming to realize.¡±


    ¡°Maybe she¡¯s a naughty-naughty girl.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s perfectly fine with me.¡±


    She rolls off me and sits up.


    But before she can go anywhere, I wrap my arms around her waist and yank her back. ¡°Nope, you¡¯re not leaving yet.¡±


    ¡°Cal, I¡¯ve gotta keep this inspiration going.¡±


    ¡°I know, but you¡¯re always on the go. Take ten minutes to rx.¡±Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m always on the go? All I¡¯m doing is working. You¡¯rethe one always running out the door to hang with Justin or the guys.¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m not going anywhere tonight. Neither are you. We both have the time to rx.¡±


    ¡°You just want me to rx so you can grope me some more.¡±


    ¡°And your point is?¡± Sheughs at my response, and I say, ¡°I¡¯ll make you a deal. You rest for a bit, andI¡¯lldrawyou.¡±


    She looks at me with wide eyes. ¡°Are you serious?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely.¡±


    ¡°Okay, this I have to see. Let me at least get my sketchbook.¡±


    I sit up and gently toss her onto the pillows. ¡°I¡¯ll get it.¡±


    It takes me a few seconds to collect her book from the living room where she had abandoned it earlier. When I return, she¡¯s stretched out in the middle of the bed, on her stomach, and I take a second to admire all her naked glory.


    ¡°Pencil¡¯s over there by the bed,¡± she tells me.


    ¡°Jesus, woman.¡± I give her a p on that delicious round ass because: man. Sera squeaks and wiggles it delightfully in response. She pushes her ass up higher, and I smack it again, of course, because: same reason.


    ¡°Okay, getfortable,¡± I tell her, grabbing the pencil and sitting on the edge of the bed. There, I flip the red book open to a nk page. She has been busy. There are hardly any nk pages left.


    Sera props her chin on her hand as she lies on her stomach, her legs kicked up in the air and crossed at the ankles. Sexy. Very sexy.


    Well, let¡¯s see.


    This should be doable.


    I¡¯ve been watching her enough to basically be an expert.


    I start to sketch her, my eyes darting between her and the page as I fill it with lines. Ha. I¡¯m not half bad at this. Another line here, and one there, very good. More and more of her beauty is uncovered in my drawing. ying hooky from art ss wasn¡¯t a detrimental mistake after all. Sure, it¡¯s tough, and it takes most of my concentration, but not enough that I don¡¯t admire how fucking sexy she looks. God, she¡¯s wless. Just like the girl on my paper.


    ¡°Okay, ten minutes are up,¡± Sera says not too long after. I should have known she was keeping an eye on the clock.


    ¡°All right, you ready to see this masterpiece?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Absolutely.¡±


    I turn the page around.


    And Sera bursts intoughter.


    Yeah, okay, the drawing is questionable. Barely a step above a stick figure. This shit is harder than it looks. Still, I¡¯m incredibly proud of it, and seeing Sera amused makes me grin.


    ¡°I know, we should do a joint art show,¡± I say with exaggerated pride. ¡°I don¡¯t like to throw the term ¡®genius¡¯ around, bute on. Just look at this.¡±


    Sera is still cracking up, and now tears are streaming down her cheeks. Her face is bright red, and she¡¯s on her back, her hand pressed to her stomach. ¡°Oh, my God,¡± she blurts through peals ofughter. ¡°I¡­can¡¯t¡­breathe.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not an exact interpretation. I took some liberties,¡± I continue, loving what the ongoing joke is doing. I¡¯m determined to keep it rolling as long as I can. I¡¯ve never seen her this carefree and happy. I keep talking and talking, exining my profound thinking process behind my artistic triumph, my opus-the defining masterpiece of my career.


    Once in a while, she looks at the drawing only to burst out inughter again. ¡°Cal¡­I can¡¯t stop. It¡¯s so funny it hurts.¡±


    Eventually, I crack and join in,ughing along with her and tossing the sketchbook off to the side. ¡°All right, fuck motorcycle dealership, new career, and I¡¯m going all in. Mr. Art Douche won¡¯t know what hit him,¡± I say, lying next to her.


    Once I squeeze her against my chest, I caress her soft cheeks. ¡°At least you know whatever you draw will never be as fucking bad as that,¡± I rumble softly.


    ¡°Fair point,¡± she says, still giggling.


    This is paradise. A beautiful naked woman in my bed, happy and carefree and looking at me like I¡¯m everything she ever wanted.


    Like I¡¯m the fucking king of the world.

 54

    SERA


    NINE DAYS LEFT


    I¡¯m humming to myself as I head back to work. The image of Cal¡¯s ¡°utterly exquisite drawing¡± creeps into my mind now and then, and I start giggling all over again. I¡¯ve never seen something so peculiar and hysteriColtonin my life. It was like Coltonstarted the drawing with a stick figure and just added on body parts. Hrious. He¡¯s still a mystery to me. How can the boy who made fun of my picture and set it on fire back then have no trouble making fun of his own drawing style?


    We had such a great time yesterday.


    We spent the night in that room with Coltondoing various poses while I filled canvas after canvas. By the time we went to bed, I had several new drawings. They¡¯re mostly done too. I just need to go in and work on some finer details.


    Coltonis the best model. I¡¯m not kidding.


    True, he¡¯s striking and an Adonis of a man. But he¡¯s also patient. He doesn¡¯tin, doesn¡¯t make a face, or give me attitude when I ask him to move slightly, or when he had to stay perfectly still. When my ex would pose, he was always bitching about it, to the point where I felt so rushed and eventually stopped asking him to do it.


    Coltonis the exact opposite. Some poses were his idea, and while I drew, we chatted about everything and nothing. My heart hurts knowing that our time together is limited. There are only a couple of days-nine, to be exact-left in the month before we get divorced and return to our separate lives.


    I¡¯m so lost in thought when walking into The Diner that I don¡¯t even notice Marie is here already. Her office door opens as I head to the back to clock in.


    She pokes her head out. ¡°Sera! I¡¯m so d you¡¯re here. Come into my office. I want to talk to you.¡±


    A sinking feeling settles in my stomach, and I swallow past the lump in my throat. ¡°Sure thing.¡± I enter her office and close the door behind me.


    Marie gives me that sweet smile of hers and motions to the other chair. ¡°Please, sit. Just give me a second to finish something¡­¡±


    I sit, my hands tightly sped together. She doesn¡¯t talk to me right away, too busy going through the mountain of paperwork on her desk. The result is me stewing in anxious silence, waiting for her to speak up. When she¡¯s done with whatever it is she was doing, she turns to give me her full attention.


    ¡°I take it you know why I want to talk to you,¡± she starts brightly.


    ¡°I have an idea.¡±


    Her smile widens. ¡°Sera, it¡¯s no secret that I want you to take over for me. Over thest month, I¡¯ve purposefully been taking time off to see how things run in my absence. You¡¯ve done such an amazing job. I¡¯m ready to finally ask you, officially-will you take over the diner for me when I retire?¡±


    Marie has already told me that when I take over the diner, she will retain ownership of the property until I can afford to buy her out, and at that point in time, I¡¯ll only be running the business. She¡¯s offered me a more-than-fair price for the property when I¡¯m ready (Marie is so, so sweet!). With the inheritance-and given the economy stays the course-I should be able to afford the sum she¡¯s asking for in a few years, and without the inheritance, in about two decades. One of her conditions, however, is that I can¡¯t resell the ce before she dies and must be the one actively managing it. She¡¯s going to consult with a real estatewyer to draw up the paperwork and discuss payment options to find the best possible solution. As of now, and based on our research, a lease to buy agreement seems to be the best way to go. It¡¯s a binding, legal document that reveals ownership, and an ountant will keep track of payments until the remainder of the loan is paid off. It¡¯s perfect.


    Still, the answeres to me without even needing to think about it. I want to turn it down. I want to tell her no, that as much as I appreciate her and her offer, it¡¯s not what I want.


    I open my mouth-and nothinges out.


    I can¡¯t speak. I look into her wide, hopeful eyes, and the protest dies in my throat.


    Will it really be so bad? I mean, The Diner has a full staff and will run fine. Being the manager and owner will give me all the flexibility I need, and I¡¯ll still be able to work on my art on the side. Besides, it¡¯s going to take a while for all that to take off. And what happens if my art never takes off? The Diner is my safety. I can do both for a while if I need to.


    I also don¡¯t want to disappoint Marie for no reason.


    ¡°Okay,¡± I agree, before I can talk myself out of it.


    Marie beams, standing from her seat and pulling me into a tight hug. ¡°Oh, Sera. Thank you! I¡¯msohappy. This takes such a weight off my shoulders, sweetie. I¡¯m not going to be leaving immediately. There¡¯s a lot I still need to take care of logistically before I sign everything over to you. We¡¯ll need to hire another waitress which shouldn¡¯t be too difficult¡­¡±


    I lose track of what she¡¯s saying after that.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    She¡¯s so happy, beaming with the brightest smile I¡¯ve ever seen. I want to be happy for her. Part of me is. It really is. She deserves to retire and spend the rest of her life doing what she wants. She¡¯s earned it after the blood, sweat, and tears she¡¯s poured into this ce, making it as sessful and beautiful as it is. But my stomach still has a sinking feeling, a feeling I don¡¯t think is going to go away anytime soon.


    I have to ignore it-I have to push forward with my decision. This is the right thing to do. It¡¯s something I knew wasing and had been putting off deciding until now. It¡¯s going to be fine. Everything will be fine.


    ¡°Any questions?¡± Marie asks.


    I realize I missed half of what she said. ¡°Not right now. I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m just taking it all in. You¡¯ve given me a lot to process.¡±


    Marie smiles, stroking my shoulder. ¡°I understand. Itisa lot. Again, I¡¯m not leaving right away, so there¡¯s plenty of time to learn everything.¡± She looks at her watch. ¡°Oh, breakfast is going to start soon. You should head out and get prep going.¡±


    I nod, getting to my feet. ¡°Sure thing.¡±


    Marie stands again as well and gives me another hug, which I return. ¡°You¡¯re the best, Sera. I hope you know that.¡±


    Kelly is in the dining room, and has already started the morning routine. When she notices me, she knits her brow. ¡°Sera, are you okay? You look a little pale.¡±


    ¡°Marie just talked to me,¡± I tell her.


    ¡°And?¡±


    ¡°And¡­she did exactly what we thought she was going to do.¡±

 55

    Her eyes widen. ¡°She asked you to take over?¡±


    I nod.


    ¡°What did you say?¡±


    ¡°I told her I¡¯d do it.¡±


    Instead of congratting me, Kelly steps closer and says in a low voice, ¡°And you are not happy about that.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a huge opportunity. Besides, it¡¯s not like we didn¡¯t know this wasing.¡±


    Kelly¡¯s expression softens. ¡°If this is really what you want, you know I¡¯ll support you.¡±


    Of course it¡¯s not what I want. Not deep down. I know that now more than ever. But how can I disappoint Marie? After everything she¡¯s done for me? She¡¯s been counting on me to take over for years. This was always the n. I can¡¯t do that to her.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine, Kelly,¡± I assure her. ¡°It¡¯s going to be good. Besides, this means you and I can finally implement some of those changes we¡¯ve been wanting to make for a while. Like the schedule ovepping and stuff.¡±


    Kelly¡¯s smile doesn¡¯t quite reach her eyes, and I know she can sense I¡¯m putting on a brave face. ¡°That¡¯d be awesome,¡± she says. ¡°You¡¯re going to besogreat.¡±


    I give her a quick hug. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s get to work. We open soon.¡±


    When the breakfast rush starts, I¡¯m grateful to throw myself into my work. It keeps my mind focused on something other than the momentous changes quickly approaching. It also reminds me how much I love this job and the people I encounter. The more of the day that passes by, the more I warm to the idea of taking over.


    I¡¯ve always wanted to move the tables around for better flow. Oh, my God, and I can paint over this-let¡¯s face it-hideous pink color and get cuter uniforms for the waitresses. All this might have been cute in the past, but I believe we can do so much better. In between rushes, Marie has me sit with her while she goes over some of the finer details of restaurant management.


    By the time I get home, my head is spinning.


    Coltonisn¡¯t home when I get there. It¡¯s crazy how, without realizing it, I¡¯ve started thinking of the apartment as my home. I haven¡¯t thought about my old ce in weeks, aside from the asional text from my friend who¡¯s subletting the apartment in my absence. I take some time to unwind, but can¡¯t seem to turn off my brain. Not even my sketchbook provides relief. I start to draw, but get so distracted that I end up staring off into space.


    When Coltonarrives home, that¡¯s how he finds me: sitting on the couch, pencil loose between my fingers, as I stare out the window.


    ¡°Hello, Earth to Sera,¡± he says, his fingers softly brushing my head.


    I blink, returning to myself. ¡°Oh, hey. I didn¡¯t hear youe in.¡±


    ¡°Clearly.¡± He copses next to me on the sofa, throwing his arm around my shoulders. ¡°What¡¯s up? You look like you have a lot on your mind.¡±


    ¡°You can say that again.¡±


    ¡°Come on, talk to me. What are husbands for?¡±


    I take a moment to gather my thoughts, busying myself with closing my sketchbook and putting my supplies away. ¡°Marie pulled me aside this morning to talk to me.¡±


    ¡°Everything all right?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, yeah, it¡¯s fine. She wanted to officially ask me to take over The Diner when she retires.¡±


    Coltonrubs my shoulder soothingly. ¡°How did she take it when you turned her down?¡±


    I bite my lip and look away from him. ¡°I didn¡¯t.¡±


    His hand stops moving. ¡°What do you mean you didn¡¯t?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t turn her down. I said I¡¯d do it.¡±


    When I look up at Cal, he¡¯s frowning. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean ¡®why¡¯?¡±


    ¡°I mean, itisa good financial opportunity, but there are better financial opportunities out there-especially if you factor in the inheritance. Why did you agree to take over running a diner when you have other ns, when you have no interest in it?¡± It¡¯s apparent by his tone of voice that he¡¯s upset.


    ¡°That¡¯s not entirely true. I mean, I havesomeinterest in it. Besides, it¡¯s not like her request blindsided me. I knew it was going to happen.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, and I thought once you got your inheritance you were going to focus on your art.¡±


    ¡°I still am.¡±


    ¡°How the hell are you going to be able to do that when you have a whole other business to run? Do you know how much time goes into running a business?¡±


    ¡°Why are you getting all bent out of shape about this?¡± I ask, growing frustrated. ¡°It¡¯s my life and my decision.¡±


    Coltonsnorts and gets to his feet. ¡°Yeah, sure it is.¡±


    I don¡¯t like his tone of voice or what he mumbles under his breath. ¡°What the hell is that supposed to mean?¡±


    ¡°It means that once again, Goody-Goody Sera is doing what she¡¯s told, instead of deciding for herself.¡±


    I hate when he calls me that.


    Who the hell does he think he is?


    Just because we¡¯re sleeping together doesn¡¯t mean that he gets to judge me or the choices I make. ¡°Screw you, Cal,¡± I snap, getting to my feet. ¡°You have no idea what kind of situation I¡¯m in. I couldn¡¯t just turn her down.¡±


    ¡°Of course you could. It¡¯s easy. All you had to say was, ¡®I¡¯m not interested.¡¯ Simple as that.¡±


    ¡°Nothing iseverthat simple.¡±


    ¡°It is if you¡¯re not scared to take a risk!¡±


    ¡°This has nothing to do with taking risks,¡± I snap. My anger mounts the longer we argue. I can¡¯t help it. I¡¯ve been taking care of myself and making my own decisions my entire adult life. I don¡¯t answer to anyone, especially nothim. Him, of all people! He doesn¡¯t get a say in what I do. He doesn¡¯t get to makements on my choices.


    ¡°Then what¡¯s stopping you, Sera?¡± he presses. ¡°What¡¯s scaring you about moving on from that ce?¡±


    ¡°Marie was there for me when no one else was! She¡¯s been like a mother to me thesest few years. How can I look her in the eye and tell her that all the time and energy she put into helping me, teaching me, was for nothing? Besides, it¡¯s not like I was going to quit the diner once the inheritance came through. There¡¯s no harm in staying on longer. As the manager and owner, I¡¯ll be able to set my own schedule, do things my way-¡±


    ¡°We both know that you will work harder than anyone else. Don¡¯t kid yourself. But that¡¯s not the point, Sera,¡± Coltoninterrupts. ¡°The point is that you¡¯re an artist. You¡¯re meant to be drawing and creating. Don¡¯t use the diner as an excuse not to follow your dreams.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not what¡¯s happening here,¡± I nearly shout.


    ¡°Bullshit! That¡¯sexactlywhat¡¯s happening.¡±R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    ¡°No, it¡¯snot. What¡¯s happening here is someone is depending on me, and I¡¯m not going to let them down. I can¡¯t let them down. Not thatyouwould know anything about that.¡±


    There¡¯s a pause.


    Cal¡¯s eyes re. ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    My body is shaking with rage, and I have to clench my hands into fists to stop the trembling. I¡¯ve never been this angry in my life. ¡°You don¡¯t know me! You don¡¯t get to judge me,¡± I snap. ¡°You only have yourself to worry about! You have no idea what it means to have someone depend on you so much that you can¡¯t even entertain the thought of disappointing them. You do whatever you want, when you want. You always have! So don¡¯t youdarestand there, trying to tell me how to live my life when you¡¯veneverbeen in my shoes.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s unfair and not true, and you know it. But we¡¯re not talking aboutme,¡± Coltonsnaps back. ¡°We¡¯re talking aboutyou. This is not me judging you. We¡¯re talking about how you never stand up for yourself.¡±


    ¡°I never stand up for myself? Are you kidding me?¡±


    ¡°Sera, for fuck¡¯s sake, you have a chance here to make your dreamse true, and you¡¯re throwing it away.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not throwinganythingaway. I¡¯m still going to do my art. And sell it.¡±


    ¡°When? Because Kelly has given you this amazing opportunity to do just that, and you keeping up with excuses.¡±

 56

    ¡°They¡¯re not excuses!¡±


    ¡°Of course they are.¡±


    He doesn¡¯t get it. He¡¯s not listening. Why did I ever think something could happen between us? There¡¯s a reason Coltonand I have always butted heads. He just doesn¡¯t get it, and he¡¯s not even trying to.


    ¡°I¡¯m done here,¡± I say, making a move toward the hallway. I need to get out of this room before I do or say something I regret. ¡°I¡¯m not having this argument with you. I don¡¯t have to answer to you or exin myself. God, I can¡¯t wait for this month to be over!¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t mean that.¡±


    It¡¯s the tone of his voice that makes me stop and turn back around.


    Cal¡¯s expression is no longer angry. His features have softened, and his eyes are so goddamn piercing that I can¡¯t look away.


    ¡°Tell me you don¡¯t mean that,¡± he demands.


    His words do little to sway my anger. Stepping up to him, I poke him in the chest with my finger. ¡°Stop trying to tell me what I do and don¡¯t mean or want,¡± I say. ¡°This is my life, Cal. My decision. If you care for me at all, then you¡¯ll respect that.¡±


    He reaches out and closes his hand around mine. ¡°It¡¯s because I care for you that I¡¯m telling you to change your mind,¡± he says. ¡°Sera, don¡¯t think about what others want or expect from you. What doesyourheartdesire most?¡±


    I stare at him, my body charged for an entirely different reason now that his hand is touching mine. ¡°A lot of things.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Coltonshakes his head. ¡°Sorry, baby girl, not good enough. Why don¡¯t you think about it some more?¡±


    With that, he leaves the room.


    SERA


    ONE WEEK LEFT


    How did everything be so messy? Before this whole inheritance thing, I knew what each day held.


    I had consistency and some level of security.


    Now, everything has changed.


    Cal¡¯s made me question my life, my desires, and it¡¯s turned me upside down.


    What does your heart desire most?


    I never gave him an answer, and he didn¡¯t push.


    Huh. It¡¯s funny that I didn¡¯t have that answer until he asked the question. I want to throw my arms around his neck.


    But I can¡¯t.


    I know I shouldn¡¯t.


    Wanting to kiss Coltonso badly scares me more than anything.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    In just under three weeks, he-the man I¡¯ve hated almost all my life-has be the linchpin of my world. Everything stands and falls with him. With his smile. His touch. Being close to him like this is unlike anything I have ever experienced.


    I don¡¯t want to think about what happens next. Believing in a happy ending would be madness. It would be so dumb.


    How can I really trust his heart? How will I know that he won¡¯t dash mine into a million little pieces once I open it up to him? We can¡¯t even have civilized discussions instead of shouting (guilty), bickering (guilty), and death stares (guilty).


    What does my heart desire most?

 57

    Doing what feels right when ites to Marie.


    Expressing myself through my art. Drawing and creating, no matter what the result is, putting my whole heart into it.


    Knowing that Coltonwon¡¯t ever drop me. That he encourages me. Drives me. Getsme. That he¡¯ll hold me in his arms and protect me. That I can argue with him and never have to worry about losing him after a disagreement. That I can for once in my life experience feeling perfectly safe.


    Feeling understood.


    This. Thisis what my heart wants.


    And so, for my sake, for my sanity, this is where it has to end.


    I start sleeping on the couch again.


    As much as I love sharing a bed with Cal, love waking up in his arms, our time together is almost over, and I need to put space between us. It¡¯ll be easier if I break things off now. If I don¡¯t, I won¡¯t be able to when the timees. Doing it is just going to get harder, the longer it goes on.


    ¡°Why are you sleeping out there?¡± Coltonasks the first night.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s best this way.¡±


    ¡°Sera, don¡¯t.¡± He shakes his head in protest. ¡°You don¡¯t have to do this. You don¡¯t have to be this way.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I do.¡±


    He studies me with an unreadable expression and drops the subject.


    A strange tension settles between us. It¡¯s not hostile or angry. I almost wish it was, because then I would know how to respond to it. What settles between us is uncertainty. We don¡¯t know where we stand with each other. Does he know he has turned my world upside down? That I¡¯m terrified of what will happen to me if I bite the bullet and follow my heart?


    One thing is for sure: I will never be the person he wants me to be. I¡¯m not spontaneous. I just can¡¯t live for the day, or jump headfirst into the abyss without a safety.


    I don¡¯t know where I stand with him.


    No, that¡¯s not entirely true. I don¡¯t know where Iwantto stand. I¡¯m a mess of confusion and conflicting emotions.


    Our time together is ending. Do I want it to end? It¡¯d be crazy to stay married. Do I want to remain married, or just stay with Cal? Does he want to stay with me?


    I haven¡¯t seen much of Coltonover thest few days, and I imagine he¡¯s also taking the opportunity to distance himself. He¡¯s busy preparing for his grand opening.


    It¡¯s hard to fall asleep the first night back on that couch. Questions race through my mind over and over until I fall into an uneasy sleep. But after that, it gets easier. It makes me believe that putting space between us is the best option. Exhaustion from work over the next few days also helps me pass out quickly.


    SERA


    THREE DAYS LEFT


    Friday


    Marie is in full training mode. I spend most of my day bouncing between her office and the dining room. I never fully realized how much was involved in managing The Diner. There¡¯s a lot more to organize behind the scenes (that is: behind the office door) than I ever imagined. If one of my colleagues got sick or had to take care of a sick child, Marie would ask me, and I¡¯d fill in. Now I have to organize recements, make sure that food deliveries arrive as scheduled and are sorted as quickly as possible, that the cleaning crew does a good job, that the cash register is correct at the end of the day, and if it¡¯s not, determine why. From serviettes to frying fat and fresh eggs, nothing should be missing, which is why I check the stocks and reorder. I have to ensure food quality and safety, maintain cleanliness, and track reports to monitor the diner¡¯s operating costs. I need to see topliance with regtions, and of course, n and keep an eye on marketing and promotion. The list goes on and on and on. I¡¯ve done many of these things many times, but never all in one day. It¡¯s super exhausting, and I¡¯m whirling around like a dervish, knowing I¡¯ll go to bed tired and content tonight.


    I suppose it would be different if my heart was fully in it. But as hard as I try to get excited about it, it¡¯s quickly bing apparent that I¡¯m not.


    ¡°I know it¡¯s a lot to take in,¡± Marie says one day. ¡°But I also know you can do this. I have every bit of faith you¡¯ll do just fine, sweetie. You¡¯re my superstar.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be okay,¡± I assure her. ¡°It¡¯s a big adjustment. I¡¯m sure after some time I¡¯ll get used to it, no problem.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely. Which is why I want you to take over the managerial duties starting Monday.¡±Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    My heart rate spikes. ¡°Monday? Do you mean, thisMonday? I thought you weren¡¯t going anywhere for weeks.¡±

 58

    Marie gives me a bright smile and a nod. ¡°That¡¯s right. Thising Monday. It¡¯s the perfect day. Monday¡¯s the first day of the month. I haven¡¯t forgotten-your obligations as Cal¡¯s wife will be done on Sunday evening. You¡¯ll be back in your old apartment and regr life. See, I¡¯ve thought of everything. I even set up an appointment with awyer with the n to hopefully sign the papers next Friday. How exciting is that? You¡¯ve got a whole week to get the hang of things, and I¡¯ll be here every day to help out and answer any questions you¡¯ve got. Wait, it gets better. Instead of you shadowing me over the next few weeks, I¡¯m going to shadowyou. Let you get a feel for it before I officially step down. How does that sound?¡±


    It sounds terrifying. Not because I can¡¯t do it, but because the whole thing about taking over the diner is getting serious. I should be happy. After all, this is what I¡¯ve been working towards. This was the agreement between Marie and me. The Diner has always been an integral part of my future, even after I found out about the inheritance.


    ¡°Great. Whatever you think is best.¡±


    Marie¡¯s smile widens, and she reaches out to pat my hand. ¡°I¡¯m so happy that you agreed to take over. Knowing the old girl is in good hands makes me feel better about retiring.¡±


    At that, I smile back and squeeze her hand. ¡°You¡¯ve done so much for me over the years, Marie. You¡¯ve been like a mother to me.¡± I need to tell her this, to get it out, because it¡¯s true. In her eyes, I see she needed to hear my words as well. ¡°I can¡¯t even begin to repay you for your kindness and support. I hope this is a start.¡± When her warm eyes meet mine, I feel terrible. I need to believe I¡¯m making the right decision. Because I am.


    * * *


    When I arrive home that night, I take a moment to catch my breath. Coltonisn¡¯t home.


    Kicking out of my shoes, I decide to take advantage of the sudden burst of energy I have and start to pack my things. There¡¯s so much more stuff than I had when I arrived on my first day, and what I do have has made its way around the apartment.


    Especially my art supplies.


    Luckily, Coltonhasn¡¯t given me a hard time about it. I toss my phone to the side and scramble around the room to collect my sketchbook and canvases. Looking at all the many drawings in my hands makes my heart ache. I flip through the pages of my book. They are so good. Surprisingly, there are many good ones.


    I flip, and flip, and flip, feeling happier as I go.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    A card falls out.


    I pick it up, and see it¡¯s the art gallery business card.


    I stare at it, flipping it around in my fingers. For once, I can¡¯t find a single excuse for not calling Bryce Amoria.


    What it boils down to: I hate being stagnant.


    And, Cal¡¯s right-I have to take a risk.


    I have to shoot my shot.


    After not even one minute of collecting and organizing my things and mulling things over in my brain, I¡¯ve made a decision that even flusters me.


    I¡¯m going to call the art gallery guy.


    You know, give the good old impulse another shot.


    Right now.


    Because honestly, screw off, Professor Osgood Ramstraat. Screw. You. Screw you, and your mean, stupid article, and for being such a jackass on the biggest day of my life. I¡¯m going to prove you and the whole art world wrong. For years, your criticism was my mantra-I¡¯m not good enough.


    It¡¯s over. Revenge is a dish best served cold, so they say. My revenge burns like a thousand fires-and it is a need to prove Ramstraat wrong.


    I can draw.


    I am an artist.


    Now, if you¡¯ll excuse me, Mr. Chumphead, I have an important phone call to make.


    The art world is waiting.


    Gosh, I miss the girl I was before the review.


    Talking to Kelly¡¯s friend Bryce won¡¯t hurt-at all. I take out my phone and dial his number with trembling fingers.


    ¡°Hi, this is Seraphine,¡± I say. ¡°I got your number from my friend Kelly, who¡¯s a friend of a friend.¡±


    ¡°Hey, Seraphine. Bryce Amoria speaking. You¡¯re not Seraphine Gray by any chance?¡±


    ¡°The one and only,¡± I reply jokingly, wondering for a moment if he knows my name from the Ramstraat magazine article three years ago. Surely, he must know.


    Amoria chuckles. He has a smooth, calming voice, and even though my heart is going a mile a minute, I¡¯m instantly put at ease. ¡°Seraphine? May I call you Seraphine?¡± he asks, but doesn¡¯t wait for my answer. ¡°Meet with me next week. No obligations. No expectations. We¡¯ll just talk about art, and you can show me your newest portfolio.¡±


    ¡°Sure, let¡¯s meet,¡± I agree before I lose my nerve. ¡°When would be good for you?¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m deep in this month¡¯s show, so the only time I have avable is Friday. Friday the fifth. Does that work?¡±


    Friday. Why does it have to be Friday? Life is crazy. That¡¯s the day I¡¯m supposed to sign the papers and officially take over from Marie.


    ¡°What time?¡± I ask. The meeting with thewyer isn¡¯t untilte afternoon.


    ¡°Around 9:00 a. m.? Here in my office¡­or you know what? There¡¯s a cute little cafe right across the street that makes a mean cup of coffee.¡±


    ¡°Great. I¡¯ll be there.¡±


    ¡°Wonderful! Can¡¯t wait to meet.¡±


    I end the call before I can change my mind.


    Dammit. Why did I do that?


    But this is such a huge opportunity, deep down I know I can¡¯t let it pass me by. Also, the meeting won¡¯t take any longer than an hour or two. Tops.


    I find myself more excited than anything else. Stirred, intoxicated, almost feverish. I sink onto the couch, twirling my phone nervously between my fingers.


    It¡¯ll be fine. This is a good thing.


    My stomach rolls, and a wave of nausea washes over me. Oh, God, herees the anxiety. I close my eyes and take a deep breath in through my nose before exhaling through my mouth. The nausea doesn¡¯t subside for some time.


    It¡¯s going to be okay. It¡¯s going to be fine.


    Oh, crap, I need to update my portfolio. I need to take out the drawings of my ex and put in the newer ones of Cal. They¡¯re some of my best work, and the more I think about showing my stuff to Mr. Amoria, the more enlivened I get.


    I can¡¯t wait to tell Coltonabout my meeting.


    I won¡¯t bring my sketchbook and the canvases to the cafe of course, that¡¯d be too much to carry. My portfolio is digitized in a folder on the cloud. I¡¯ll need to take photos and add them to my online folder. But which ones to add? I¡¯ve done so many over thest month that there¡¯s a wide range to choose from.


    Coltonfinds me in the living room about an hourter, surrounded by artwork. I must look like a madwoman with my hair in a messy bun and my work clothes still on. Charcoal covers my hands and arms from handling my drawings. Actually, I might have smudges on my face too. Not entirely sure.


    ¡°Hey,¡± he says on his way to the bedroom. When he sees the mess of artwork and the look on my face, he halts. ¡°What¡¯s going on? You okay?¡±


    I look up from my sketchbook. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    ¡°Sera, you have crazy eyes.¡±


    ¡°Do I?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, and charcoal across your forehead. And on your cheek. What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°I called Mr. Amoria a little while ago.¡±


    He pauses.


    ¡°The art gallery guy.¡±


    His lips curve up slightly. ¡°And¡­?¡±

 59

    I take a deep breath and get to my feet. ¡°I agreed to meet with him. Next Friday, 9 o¡¯clock. In a cafe across from his gallery.¡±


    Cal¡¯s face breaks into a grin. ¡°That¡¯s awesome, Sera! I¡¯m d I didn¡¯t have to call him myself.¡±


    ¡°Call him yourself? I would have beensopissed if you¡¯d decided to butt in!¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have butted in.¡±


    ¡°Wait. Pushed me? Smoothed the bumpy road for me? Made sure I didn¡¯t cave?¡± I can feel my temper boiling up.


    ¡°No. Helpedhimout. I would have made sure he didn¡¯t let the opportunity to meet New York¡¯s finest up-anding artist fly by.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Not what I expected. My shoulders drop. My temper dissipates in a heartbeat. That was actually so sweet. ¡°Well, good.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± He gathers me into his arms and spins me around.


    I shout in surprise. ¡°Oh, God, put me down! You¡¯re going to make me sick!¡±


    My stomach rolls again, and I have to hold my breath until he puts me down. I must look awful because Cal¡¯s smile fades. ¡°Hey, hey, you okay? You look pale.¡± He uses his hand to rub the charcoal from my face.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not okay,¡± I admit. ¡°I¡¯m freaking out and aplete mess. The meeting is on Friday¡­¡±


    ¡°You got this, babe.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°One hundred percent.¡±


    ¡°But Friday is also the date I¡¯m supposed to officially take over from Marie.¡±


    ¡°What are you going to do?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll just tell Marie that I¡¯ll be inte.¡± She¡¯ll understand. I don¡¯t need to tell her more than that.


    Coltongrins again. ¡°Great. I¡¯m so d you¡¯re going through with the meeting. Go kick ass.¡±


    Just when I have the funniest retort of my life ready, the nausea returns. ¡°I¡¯m going to throw up.¡±


    ¡°Well, don¡¯t do that.¡±


    ¡°Gee, thanks. I¡¯ll keep that in mind.¡±


    Coltonchuckles and sits on the couch, pulling me down with him. ¡°Rx. Take a deep breath. Is the meeting why you made our living room a mini gallery of your stuff?¡±


    I nod, looking around. ¡°First, it was because I started packing, but after the phone call, I realized that I need to update my portfolio. I¡¯m trying to decide which new works to add.¡±


    ¡°Okay, why don¡¯t you work on that, and I¡¯ll order us some food.¡±N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    ¡°I¡¯m not hungry.¡± Anxiety and exhaustion have taken away my appetite.


    ¡°Babe, you need to eat something,¡± he says, concerncing his voice. ¡°You¡¯ve barely eaten over thest few days. Don¡¯t think I haven¡¯t noticed.¡±


    He called me ¡°babe¡± again. Twice. A (foolish) part of me feels madly excited, even though I know I shouldn¡¯t. But I¡¯m d we¡¯ve left our fight in the past. ¡°I¡¯ve been too exhausted.¡±


    ¡°Not eating isn¡¯t going to help. I¡¯ll order something light.¡±


    For the first time in days, he pulls me into a hug and presses a soft kiss to my forehead. My body seems to breathe a sigh of relief. I didn¡¯t realize how much I craved his touch until I went days without it. There¡¯s still a bit of tension, but it¡¯s not as thick as before. Maybe we can be friends, after all. That¡¯s better than nothing. I don¡¯t want to lose himpletely.


    ¡°Or you can just get the cheesiest, greasiest pizza you can find,¡± I suggest.


    Coltoughs. ¡°Deal. That actually sounds really good.¡± He studies me for a second, tucking my hair behind my ear. ¡°Are we okay?¡±


    I can¡¯t help but close my eyes and savor the touch, no matter how brief. ¡°We¡¯re okay,¡± I assure him, smiling. ¡°For now. Maybe not in twenty minutes if you don¡¯t order that pizza.¡±


    Coltonkisses my forehead. ¡°Yes, wifey.¡±

 60

    CAL


    TWO DAYS LEFT


    Saturday


    The soft opening was bumpier than expected, but still fairly positive, given the size of the shop. We tested our systems and procedures, and a select group of fellow bikers gave feedback. It was a good opportunity to showcase the facility and models to close prominent friends. We have a couple of days to nail any necessary adjustments before opening to the general public next Saturday. Thest bikes should arrive by then, as well.


    ¡°Hey, are we going for drinks tonight?¡± Justin asks after everybody has left. It¡¯ste.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m beat.¡±


    ¡°How about tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t,¡± I tell him. ¡°It¡¯s my and Sera¡¯sst day. Technically. Vance, thewyer, is going to be there at 8:30 p. m.¡±


    ¡°Man, I¡¯m sorry. I know how much you care about her.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not giving up without a fight. I¡¯m going to make her dinner and tell her I want her to stay with me. Before Vance arrives.¡±


    Justin quirks an eyebrow. ¡°Dude, that¡¯s a fucking great idea. You cooking?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous.¡±


    He chuckles. ¡°Kelly thinks Sera doesn¡¯t want to leave either.¡±


    It¡¯s my turn to raise my eyebrows. ¡°You two talking?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve been texting almost every day. I like her. She writes cute texts. With smiley faces and shit. Her first message cracked me up.¡±


    ¡°Oh, yeah?¡±


    ¡°She told me thank you for my number, and that she¡¯s single.¡±


    ¡°What did you say?¡±


    He finds the message and reads it aloud: ¡°It¡¯s okay that you don¡¯t have a man. Let me be the man to take you out on a date.¡±


    ¡°She liked it? Despite the overuse of the word ¡®man?''¡±


    ¡°Hell yeah. I told her I¡¯m game for anything. She¡¯s been super busy with work, but we¡¯re going on our first date next week. Maybe.¡±


    ¡°Maybe?¡±


    ¡°Well. She saidmaybe.¡±


    I p Justin on the back. ¡°I¡¯m happy for you, man.¡±


    ¡°Nah, you better wish me luck. She¡¯s still living with her parents. She¡¯s told me stories of her dad. Looks like he¡¯s gonna shoot me the second I show up on his porch. Should I get a haircut? Trim my beard? Cover up some of these tats somehow? You know?¡±


    ¡°Loser.¡±


    He sighs. ¡°With a capital L.¡±


    ¡°Sounds like you need a bulletproof vest, not a haircut.¡±


    His eyes grow huge. ¡°Anyway. Back to Sera, I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll be thrilled when you ask her to stay.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s hope so. I mean, if she¡¯s going to be looking for a new ce anyway, it doesn¡¯t make sense for her to go to her old apartment only to move againter. We should just stay together and find a bigger ce for both of us.¡±


    Justin studies me for a second. ¡°You¡¯ve thought this through a lot, haven¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Ever since she started sleeping on the couch again. I hate the distance between us, hate that this stupid timeline from the will is keeping her from seeing what¡¯s right in front of her.¡±


    ¡°I hope for your sake she says yes. You¡¯re my bro, and I like Sera. But if she breaks your heart, I¡¯m gonna have to have words with her.¡±


    ¡°You better wear that bulletproof vest.¡±


    ¡°Right.¡± He grimaces. ¡°I¡¯d probably wear two.¡±


    We grin.


    I appreciate Justin¡¯s words. He¡¯s my brother, and I know he¡¯s got my back, just like I have his. ¡°I¡¯ve got this, bro. Not to worry.¡±


    He inclines his head, reaching for his phone. ¡°Let me help you out, loser. I¡¯ve got a good realtor on hand. An English girl. Jane Deets. She¡¯s a bit bitchy, probably doesn¡¯t getid enough, but she¡¯sthebest of the best. Give her a call.¡±


    That¡¯s perfect.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    Yes.


    That¡¯s it. That¡¯sexactlywhat I need.


    I¡¯ve been meaning to hire a real estate agent to find arger apartment for me, but haven¡¯t had the time yet. An apartment for both of us will be a nice surprise. I bump Justin¡¯s fist.


    Before I head home, I dial Jane¡¯s number. It¡¯s past 11:00 p. m. and I only get her voicemail. I give her a few notes on what I¡¯m looking for, and ask her to call me back tomorrow. I tell her it¡¯s urgent.


    When I get home, Sera is still awake. She¡¯s waited up for me. I can¡¯t help but stare at her. She looks at home here, like she belongs.


    Shedoesbelong-withme. We share a ss of wine, and she asks me about my day. I ask her about hers. There¡¯s still that lingering tension.


    Mid-sip, Sera pauses, eyes meeting mine. ¡°Is everything all right?¡±


    I smile. ¡°You¡¯re gorgeous.¡±


    She smiles back and empties her ss.


    Just when I¡¯m about to say, ¡°Sera, I want you to stay with me,¡± she stands and reaches for our empty sses to take them to the dishwasher. I grab her hand instead and pull her into a sweet, soft embrace. I want to kiss her, but I don¡¯t want to overwhelm her. Our mouths are touching, but we don¡¯t kiss, we just breathe each other in.


    Sera pulls away and says goodnight.


    ¡°Wait, one more thing,¡± I say.


    She looks tired. In the better light, I see that her eyes are bloodshot, and there are dark circles underneath, leading me to believe she didn¡¯t get much-if any-sleep the night before. ¡°Long day. Can we talk tomorrow?¡±


    I want to kiss her like the starving, obsessed, mad man I am for her. I¡¯m determined to make her see that we¡¯re meant to stay together. I have to show and tell her how much she has changed my world.


    ¡°Sure, first thing, all right?¡± I say. ¡°Sleep well.¡±


    Not telling her about my ns and our apartment right now is one of the hardest things I¡¯ve ever done in my life. But I pull myself together, because I can see that Sera isn¡¯t receptive.


    If my n works out tomorrow, she¡¯s going to stay.

 61

    CAL


    LAST DAY


    Sunday


    The next morning brings rain and a sinking feeling in my stomach. Before I even get up, I know Sera isn¡¯t here. I roll over and nce at the time. It¡¯s barely seven, which means she must have gotten up and dressed super early, knowing I wouldn¡¯t be awake.


    With determination, I get out of bed and pull on the first set of clothes I can find. Blue jeans and a soft blue hoodie.


    Sunday is the busiest day of the week for Sera, but hopefully she won¡¯t be gone all day. I have all kinds of ns for the evening. First, I¡¯m going to order a nice dinner with her favorite dessert. Then, when she¡¯s happily eating, I¡¯ll tell her that she belongs with me. Hopefully, I can surprise her with a new, big apartment. If she¡¯s on the fence, I¡¯ll use my voice to be persuasive. Then I¡¯ll use other means. I¡¯m ready and willing to ¡°convince¡± her all night if I have to. Or, until Vance shows up, that is.


    It¡¯s crazy that I miss her already. She¡¯s not even officially gone yet, and my heart feels like it¡¯s going to fucking crack.


    On the bathroom mirror, I find a sticky note:


    Good morning Cal,


    Two of the girls got sick, and I¡¯m filling in.


    My shift ends at 7:30 p. m.


    Sorry! I¡¯ll be home before we¡¯re expecting thewyer.


    Sera


    Goddammit. She literally ran away this morning. I don¡¯t care if she¡¯s a manager now and has a lot of shit to do. There¡¯s too much to talk about, and there¡¯s no way we¡¯ll be able to hash it all out before Vance gets here tonight, not while Sera is hiding out at work.


    As I march through the apartment, heading for the door, I pause long enough to find Sera¡¯s things gathered in aneatpile in the living room.


    Aneatpile?


    What the fuck?


    It adds fuel to the already-raging fire. She¡¯s already packed, and she made sure to put everything in anorderlystack. Since when is this woman orderly? I nce at the couch-even the fucking pillows are neatly arranged. What the actual fuck? And why did she pack? If she thinks she can brush me off and move on like that, she has another thinging.


    No.


    I¡¯m not letting her go.


    We¡¯re good together. She knows it as well as I do.


    I¡¯m keeping her.


    Fuck this.


    What the hell is she still so fucking scared of?


    Iget on my bike and haul ass to The Diner. It doesn¡¯t open until eight. I can catch her before she starts her shift. But midway, I m on my breaks and take the exit to the shop. I¡¯m not going to push any more than I already have. I¡¯m done reminding her over and over again of who she is-an artist dammit-and that her ce is in my arms.


    The rain is a cold drizzle, but I don¡¯t feel it. I¡¯m too fueled by adrenaline to realize I¡¯m not even wearing a coat.


    My shirt is almost soaked through when I pull up in front of the dealership. I get in before everyone else. We¡¯re keeping an all-star team ready to handle the weekend rush. It¡¯s a blessing that states like New York don¡¯t enforce Blue Laws.


    I move my bike into ¡°the garage¡± and over to a smaller workstation in the corner I¡¯ve had set up for my use, at least for the time being. There are shelves everywhere, for quick ess to the tools I need. My hands are steady while my mind races, thinking of Sera and our appointment with Vance this evening. A couple staff members greet me, however, when they notice the look on my face, they quickly go the other way.


    ¡°How the hell are you?¡± Justin asks as soon as he gets in.


    ¡°Justpeachy.¡±


    ¡°Uh-oh, what happened?¡±


    My voice is short and clipped. ¡°She packed.¡±


    ¡°Bullshit.¡±


    ¡°Seriously, Justin, she fucking packed.¡± I try to stay calm. ¡°But she¡¯s not going to leave.¡±


    He grins and ps me on the back. ¡°Fucking-A. I¡¯m d you two worked it out. But if it¡¯s all cool, why the brooding?¡±


    I brush his hand off and give him a dark look.


    ¡°Ohhh, I get it,¡± Justin says, realization dawning. ¡°Sera¡¯s not officially staying, is she?¡±


    With a heavy exhale, I grab a rag to clean my hands. ¡°We¡¯re going to talk about it after she gets off work. I texted her that I¡¯ll pick her up at 7. 30.¡±


    ¡°What about your romantic dinner ns?¡±


    ¡°Scratch that. Not happening.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the problem? She¡¯s not attracted to you?¡±


    I re at him. ¡°Sheisattracted to me, for fuck¡¯s sake. Stop pestering me about the same shit.¡±


    ¡°What the fuck is the fucking problem then?¡±


    The million-dor question. ¡°The fucking problem is that she¡¯s pushing me away, that¡¯s the fucking problem. She¡¯s too scared to acknowledge that our rtionship means much more now than when this whole thing started.¡±


    ¡°Dude, I¡¯m your best friend and you know I¡¯m on your side, but, bro, if she wants to leave, there¡¯s nothing you can do to stop her. She¡¯s headstrong as fuck.¡±


    ¡°I know. That¡¯s the thing. I also know for a fact shedoesn¡¯twant to leave. I know she feels what I do. She¡¯s just too scared.¡±


    ¡°Oh, in that case, it¡¯s easy, bro.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°Remind her that there¡¯s nothing to be scared of.¡±


    With thosest words, he pats me on the shoulder and leaves me to my brooding. How? How can I convince her that she doesn¡¯t need to be scared? That she can take the plunge, and I¡¯ll be there to catch her?


    Isn¡¯t that what I¡¯ve been fucking doing all along?


    Slowly but surely, I¡¯ve reached my wit¡¯s end.


    My cell rings.


    ¡°Yes. Hello?¡± I bark, annoyed as fuck.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°Oh, good morning, Mr. Ashton, my name is Jane Deets.¡± A chipper female voice in a heavy British entes through the speaker. ¡°I¡¯m the realtor you called yesterday to help you find another apartment. I¡¯mmorethan happy to assist you.¡±


    I breathe out, calming myself. Jane Deets?


    ¡°Hello, Mr. Ashton? Are you there?¡± the pleasant voice asks before I have a chance to respond.


    ¡°Right, Jane.¡± I would¡¯ve never guessed it was her. She doesn¡¯t sound bitchy like Justin had warned me she was. She sounds delighted. ¡°Hey, good to hear from you.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely! I was wondering if you had time today to see some potential candidates. I have found a few rather smart ces matching your criteria, and I think you¡¯re going to love them.¡±

 62

    I ponder her request, and the wheels in my head start to turn.


    An idea pops into my head. At the same time, it¡¯s incredibly stupid, something Sera will have my ass for. I can already see her angry eyes shooting daggers at me for deciding over her head without consulting with her.


    Well, too bad.


    If my words aren¡¯t enough for Sera, then I have to let actions speak for themselves. She won¡¯t like me presenting her with a fait apli, but I also don¡¯t like her running away from herself and her potential.


    ¡°Actually, Jane,¡± I say after a few moments of consideration, ¡°I¡¯ve got a few other things I¡¯d like the new ce to include.¡±


    There¡¯s a shift. ¡°I see.¡± I hear the sudden annoyance in Jane¡¯s voice. ¡°We do already have a ratherextensivelist of non-negotiable features you were adamant about, if you don¡¯t mind me saying. Have any of these changed, Mr. Ashton?¡±


    There is the bitchiness Justin talked about earlier. ¡°No, they haven¡¯t,¡± I respond calmly. ¡°I just have more that I¡¯m looking for.¡±


    She sighs. ¡°More? Such as?¡±


    ¡°Big windows and arge, open room. Something that would work as an art studio.¡± If sharing an apartment with a studio doesn¡¯t relieve Sera¡¯s anxiety, then what will?


    Bingo. That¡¯s it. That¡¯s what might convince her to stay.


    It¡¯s more perfect than perfect.


    A pause. ¡°Hmm. Okay, I think we can work with that,¡± Jane says after a few moments. ¡°Actually, hang on. I think I have the loveliest ce for you. And I don¡¯t say that lightly, you know. It istheloveliest ce. If you can afford it, that is.¡±


    ¡°Well, we¡¯ll see about that. Text me the address. I¡¯ll meet you there in one hour.¡±


    ¡°One hour? Gosh. I do have other clients and appointments, you know. I¡¯m a very, very busy woman, Mr. Ashton. You¡¯re not the only client who requires my services. I¡¯ll make an exception this time though. Just this once, mind you. Don¡¯t let this be a habit. You hear? And don¡¯t bete, Mr. Ashton. OK, ta-ta for now!¡±


    Jesus Christ.


    Jane is younger than I expected her to be, an elegant woman in her thirties and-despite her questionable attitude-a damn good realtor. The apartments she shows me check most of my boxes. Unfortunately, she doesn¡¯t show me anything that wows me. I¡¯m starting to think my list of expectations is too specific for what¡¯s on the market.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m terribly disappointed we couldn¡¯t find something that you like-miffed, to say the least.¡± Jane sighs after we leave thest ce on her list and tightens her already perfectly tight topknot. ¡°Oh, well, let¡¯s not get our knickers in a twist just yet. Did you want me to keep looking? Or have you changed your mind, Mr. Ashton?¡± She adjusts her sses. ¡°I¡¯mmorethan happy to keep looking.¡±


    I¡¯m unsure if she means what she says or if she¡¯s giving me attitude. ¡°I have a thought, actually,¡± I say, unperturbed by how high she raises her eyebrows at the mention of me having a thought. ¡°Are there any apartments under construction or others that require renovations on sale? I know it¡¯ll take longer, but I¡¯m not opposed to working with a team to design and build a ce. In fact, given what I have in mind is non-negotiable, it¡¯ll be a better way to go.¡±


    Jane¡¯s eyes light up. ¡°Hmm. That¡¯s a marvelous idea if you ask me. But are you sure this time? I¡¯m a busy woman, you know. But all right, if that¡¯s the direction you want to go, I¡¯d bemorethan happy to see what¡¯s on the market.¡±


    ¡°Good. Let¡¯s do it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you a bell as soon as something pops up. Ta-ta!¡±


    Jane and I part ways with her promising to get back to me as soon as possible.


    Feeling a little better about the apartment situation, I drive to The Diner to pick Sera up after her shift. At least it¡¯s stopped raining. She¡¯s already waiting at the curb when I pull up.


    ¡°Did you have a good shift?¡± I ask politely as I hand her the helmet.


    ¡°It was fine. Thanks for picking me up.¡±


    She puts the helmet on, and doesn¡¯t say anything else. Shit. There¡¯s that tension in the air thates around when two people are purposefully not speaking. When there¡¯s too much left unsaid.


    Our talk might be trickier than I thought.


    She¡¯s built up a wall I can¡¯t seem to breach.


    Once we get home, I want to tell her about my ns, tell her where I stand, and I want her to tell me why she¡¯s running away from me so I can understand. I know I can fix the problem. If she refuses again, that¡¯s it. If Sera evades me again, she¡¯ll be the one who has toe to me.


    This is myst attempt to convince her that we belong together.

 63

    I kick down.


    The first thing I do when we get home is head to the kitchen to grab a bottle of wine. I have a feeling we¡¯re going to need it. I pour two sses and carry them into the dining room, where Sera has taken a seat at the table.


    After a big sip of wine, she lowers her ss and finally meets my gaze. ¡°If we¡¯re going to talk about this, I don¡¯t want to fight.¡±


    ¡°Who says that I do?¡±


    ¡°Years of knowing you and knowing how you like to push my buttons.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± I admit. ¡°But can¡¯t you see that I¡¯ve changed? I¡¯m not twelve years old, Sera. You¡¯re the one who¡¯s still living in the past and can¡¯t grow up.¡± I can see that myment has hit her and it hurts me, but Sera has to face her problem, has to face us. ¡°In all seriousness though, I don¡¯t want to fight either.¡±


    ¡°Then whatdoyou want?¡±


    ¡°I want you to stay with me.¡± It¡¯s all I want and all I can put on the table.


    She takes a shuddering breath. It¡¯s the only thing that gives some kind of hint as to what she¡¯s feeling. ¡°Cal¡­¡±


    ¡°Just hear me out. You know I care about you, and I know you care about me. We¡¯re good together. We don¡¯t have to end our rtionship because the month is up. We can give this a go, for real.¡±


    ¡°Just like that?¡± Sera asks. ¡°You want us to stay married so we can start dating?¡±


    ¡°A strange way to put it but, yes, that¡¯s exactly what I want.¡±


    For the first time since she got on my bike, she cracks a small smile. ¡°Everything about this is strange. I¡¯m pretty sure dating is supposed toebeforemarriage.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s how that kiddie rhyme goes, isn¡¯t it? Firstes love, thenes marriage, thenes Sera with a baby carriage.¡±


    She gives a sweet chuckle. ¡°So they say.¡± Taking a deep breath, she slowly sips her wine. ¡°Cal, you make all of this sound so easy.¡±


    ¡°It is easy.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not. I¡¯ve thought about this for days and days now.¡±


    I raise one brow.


    ¡°Yes. We are two very different people. We lead two separate lives. We both want different things. This was all temporary. You have your dealership and your businesses. I¡¯m starting this new job at The Diner and trying to get my artwork out there¡­ It¡¯s just a lot to handle right now. I¡¯m not somebody who reacts on impulse without a second thought to the consequences. I¡¯d rather wait things out, take my time. Yeah, in Justinry staying together sounds great, but what is that actually going to look like?¡±


    ¡°Anything we want it to!¡±


    Sera sighs. ¡°I can¡¯t make a permanent decision based off a temporary emotion. Please try to respect my decision. There are feelings between us, yes, feelings I was not anticipating or ready for. But if you¡¯re not willing to even attempt to see things from my point of view, what kind of rtionship could that be? Honestly, it¡¯s better if we just stay friends.¡±


    Is she joking? ¡°Are you fucking kidding me?¡±


    ¡°Eh¡­it¡¯s better than nothing, no?¡±


    ¡°No. It¡¯s worse than nothing. Get a grip, woman. Anyway, I¡¯m asking you to follow your heart, not your head,¡± I exin, keeping my voice calm. ¡°Okay, yeah, sure, we don¡¯t know where this is going. But that¡¯s okay. We don¡¯t need to have every little detail nned out. What¡¯s the fun in that? Life is about seizing the day because tomorrow isn¡¯t set in stone. You have feelings for me, so choose me. Choose us.¡±


    After a moment¡¯s pause during which she stares at me in disbelief, I add, ¡°You changed my world, Sera. For the better. I can change yours-if you just let me.¡±


    ¡°Please, Cal. Let¡¯s not make this any worse.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve hired a realtor to look for a big new apartment for us.¡±


    For a moment, she¡¯s speechless.


    First, I take it as a good sign. But then she slumps back in a way that makes me d I didn¡¯t present her with signed papers and keys to our big new apartment.


    ¡°Youwhat? Unbelievable. See? That proves my point exactly. You want to change my life by making decisions, on important things, without asking me. You want to mold me into something that fits your fucking world, not the other way around. We¡¯re just too different-¡±


    ¡°No. You¡¯re scared and taking the easy way out.¡±


    ¡°You think this is easy?¡± she asks, shaking her head. Her voice reflects her frustration. There¡¯s disappointment in her words. ¡°Do you honestly think that ending this is easy for me?¡±


    ¡°Certainly seems that way. It seems like you¡¯re going to throw away what we have to y it safe.¡± I lean back in my seat.


    ¡°Who¡¯s ying it safe? I have a huge opportunity that I¡¯ve worked half my life for. How is taking over a restaurant and being responsible for all those people working there ying it safe?¡±


    ¡°Because you¡¯re staying where you feel at ease and in control. Sera, you have to branch out, especially if you want to be happy.¡±


    ¡°But Iwashappy with my life,¡± she insists. ¡°Hell, Istim.¡±


    ¡°You were content. Not happy.¡±


    ¡°I have Marie and Kelly, and everyone else at The Diner. They¡¯re my family-like Justin and everyone at your dealership is yours. They make my heart smile, and what I do or don¡¯t do is going to affect them in the long run. Marie was there for me when my mom became sick, and she helped me time and time again when I was in a jam, especially in thest three years. I can¡¯t just blow that off because I feel like it. This isn¡¯t just a business decision, it¡¯s a personal one. Why can¡¯t you see that?¡±


    I want to shout. I want to shake her. I don¡¯t know how to make her understand what I¡¯m saying, what I envision for our future. We¡¯re talking in circles, and it¡¯s getting us nowhere.


    Then I remember that this is Sera. My Seraphine. The most strong-willed, unyielding, stubborn woman on the. If I push, she pushes harder. Not much has ever been able to change her mind once her heart is set on something. She¡¯s a feisty little thing, so goddamn bull-headed-and that¡¯s exactly why my pull to her is so fucking huge.


    Maybe she¡¯s right. Maybe not. In any case, we won¡¯t get any further.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    I fucking hate it.


    I hate that I can see her point, that I understand where she¡¯sing from, not because of some stupid childish need to be right, but because it means I¡¯d have to ept that as much as I care about her, as much as I love her, if she doesn¡¯t want to stay, isn¡¯t ready or willing to see where this rtionship can go, then there¡¯s nothing I can do about it.


    I¡¯ve gotten to a point where she needs to take the next step.


    A heavy atmosphere settles around us, and we fall silent, staring at each other. She¡¯s waiting for my response, waiting to hear what I have to say.


    And for once, I can¡¯t find the words.


    The silence is broken by a heavy knock at the door.

 64

    SERA


    Knock. Knock.


    Without a word, Coltongets to his feet and answers. I hear him exchange greetings with the person as their footsteps head in my direction.


    Vance enters the dining room after Cal, giving me a warm smile and extending his hand. ¡°Buonasera! Good evening, Ms. Gray. It¡¯s a pleasure to see you again,¡± I don¡¯t correct him. Technically, I¡¯m not Ms. Gray, but to him, of course, this is still all a temporary thing.


    ¡°Hello,¡± I say, my voice stiff in an attempt to steel my emotions. ¡°It¡¯s great to see you too.¡±


    He takes a seat while Coltonremains standing, his hands resting on the back of the chair he just vacated. While Vance makes himselffortable and starts to pull paperwork out of his briefcase, Cal¡¯s eyes areser-focused on me. I ignore him, unable and unwilling to look him in the eye, mostly because I don¡¯t know what I¡¯m going to see reflected back.


    ¡°I take it you had a pleasant enough month,¡± Vance says in a cheerful voice. ¡°I¡¯ve spoken with you both on several asions to verify the arrangement was still being honored.¡±


    I nod, recalling that Vance called us on Mrs. Bianca¡¯sndline at least twice. ¡°That¡¯s correct,¡± I say, not waiting for Coltonto respond. ¡°We¡¯ve both lived in the apartment for the entirety of the month.¡±


    ¡°Fantastic.¡± Vance pulls a pen from his pocket, clicking it as he does. ¡°I have drawn up paperwork that states as much, exining that you both legally swear that you followed the terms of the will and therefore are entitled to your inheritances. If you would just sign here¡­¡±


    Taking the pen, I scan the document before signing my name on the dotted line. Finished, I slide it over to Coltonand hold the pen out for him. He doesn¡¯t move, barely even blinks before procuring it from my hand, his fingers lingering on mine a second too long. He signs without looking, pushing the paper over to Vance once he¡¯s done.


    ¡°Excellent,¡± Vance says, gathering the document. He carefully ces it back in his briefcase before pulling out two thicker packets. He hands one to each of us. ¡°Here is the breakdown of your inheritances and the amount each of you are entitled to. If you agree with the numbers, all you have to do is sign the bottom, and I will be able to release the funds to your bank ounts.¡±


    My hands are shaking when I take this particr packet. I knew I was getting arge sum of money, but seeing it all in writing makes it real, solidifies that my life is going to change forever. As if it hasn¡¯t already.


    I sign where indicated and hand it back without hesitation. Coltondoes the same.


    ¡°Wonderful.¡± Vance is a little less cheerful this time. I catch him swiveling his gaze between me and Cal, likely feeling the strange energy in the room and wondering what the hell he¡¯s stepped into. ¡°And now for our final piece of business. As announced during my first visit, I took the liberty of drawing up annulment papers. We can have this all squared away and handled tonight, so you both can go your separate ways.¡±


    ¡°Divorce papers,¡± Coltonsays suddenly.


    Vance frowns. ¡°I¡¯m sorry?¡±


    Coltonfinally looks at Vance. He¡¯s still standing, still hunched over the dining room chair. But now he straightens up, his face a smooth mask of indifference. ¡°We¡¯re going to need divorce papers,¡± he exins. ¡°Considering the circumstances, and what I know about divorce versus annulment, this was a legitimate marriage we both entered into with personndlegal consent, and it waster consummated. Legally, it would be more honest to go with a divorce.¡±


    A look of understanding passes across Vance¡¯s face, and needless to say, I¡¯m embarrassed.


    Why is Coltondoing this? Does he want to drag the whole thing out because he thinks I¡¯ll suddenly change my mind? TypiColtonman. TypiColtonCal. Annulment or divorce makes no difference to me.


    Vance lowers the new paperwork back into the briefcase. ¡°I see,¡± he says slowly. ¡°Well, that shouldn¡¯t be a problem. I will prepare the paperwork for you.¡±


    I wouldn¡¯t have been surprised if Vance had miraculously whipped out the divorce papers from his briefcase.


    ¡°Is there anything we need to do while we wait?¡± I ask to drive away the silence. ¡°Anything you need from us?¡±


    ¡°No, no, I have all the information and can draft divorce papers with what I know. Besides, you don¡¯t have any property or joint assets, and the wording in Mrs. Ashton¡¯s will is quite clear and specific about who is entitled to what. You have nothing to worry about, Ms. Gray. I¡¯ll get this all squared away as soon as I am able.¡±


    He closes the briefcase with a snap and stands.


    ¡°In the meantime, with the terms of the will satisfied, and your inheritances squared away, you no longer have to live together.¡±


    And just like that, it¡¯s done.


    Coltonshows Vance to the door.


    While he does, I take the time to go into the living room and gather my things. I¡¯m sad. But ¡°sad¡± doesn¡¯t seem like arge enough word to describe my feelings.


    Everything feels odd, and weird, and right, and wrong, at the same time.


    This is always how it was meant to end.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    We knew that going in.


    Coltonand Vance speak of his grandmother¡¯s storage room, and Vance offers to bring spare keys the next day, but I¡¯m too focused on what I¡¯m doing to give it much thought. Instead, I request an Uber. I know Coltonwould drive me to my ce if I asked, but I think it¡¯s better this way.


    The door opens and closes, and then I hear Cal¡¯s footstepsing my way. He stands in the doorway, watching me gather my things.


    ¡°So that¡¯s it then,¡± he says. ¡°You¡¯re leaving?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am.¡±


    His expression is unreadable, his bodynguage stiff. ¡°You don¡¯t have to go right this second.¡±


    ¡°I think it¡¯s best if I do.¡±


    More silence.


    With a heavy sigh, I cross the room with my various bags, trying to stay strong and determined, even while looking like a damn pack mule. ¡°I think a little space is a good idea,¡± I say when he doesn¡¯t speak. ¡°We both have a lot going on and this, whatever it is, is just too much. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Coltonfinally moves. Slowly, he reaches out, tucking a loose strand of my hair behind my ear, his hand caressing my cheek. ¡°If this is really what you want.¡±


    ¡°It is.¡±


    He nods, slipping his hand behind my neck and pulling me into one final, mind-numbing kiss. My bags drop from my hands. My knees buckle, and he holds me firmly. I indulge, fall into it because I desperately want it. One final kiss goodbye before we return to our lives.

 65

    It¡¯s over quickly.


    It¡¯s me who pulls away, because I can feel the beginning of tears stinging my eyes and nose, and I don¡¯t want to cry. I don¡¯t want him to see me cry.


    ¡°Take care of yourself, Cal,¡± I say, my voice choked with emotion.


    After I reach for my bags and the easel, I move to push past him, and he stops me, his hand on my arm. I look up at him. With emotion-filled eyes, Coltonstares at me one more time, and for once, has nothing to say.


    What else can be said?


    We¡¯ve said it all, we¡¯ve told each other where we stand. This is the result. I only nod with understanding, leaning in to press my forehead to his briefly before I break all contact.


    And walk out the door.


    My old apartment is a sight for sore eyes. As much as I loved Mrs. Bianca¡¯s ce, part of me missed this. The friend of my friend had left the day before, and the apartment is spotless, probably the cleanest it¡¯s ever been, if I¡¯m honest.


    With a deep sigh, I copse face-first onto my couch. My heart is heavy as I sink onto the cushions. Oh, my God, this is not perfect, but way, way better than that lumpy old thing I¡¯ve slept on, and I almost feel bad that a part of me is humming in satisfaction.


    It¡¯s quiet andfortable.


    My stomach grumbles, and I remember that I barely ate anything today while running around.


    I look toward the door where I kicked off my shoes, almost as if I miss seeing Cal¡¯s boots next to them. Even though he was always out and about, I knew he¡¯d always return home. Home. Shit, Mrs. Bianca¡¯s ce did be my home when I wasn¡¯t paying attention.


    My stomach churns, and I¡¯m suddenly no longer hungry. I decide to call it a night and go to bed. The second I lie down on my mattress, I know I¡¯m not going to be able to fall asleep. Before I realize what I¡¯m doing, I¡¯m grabbing the pillows and nkets I bought for Mrs. Bianca¡¯s ce and making myself a little bed on the couch.


    It takes a long time for me to fall asleep.


    CAL


    Monday


    Everything is cold and empty without Sera.


    That morning when I wake up alone, I feel lonely for the first time in my life. It¡¯s different, and I don¡¯t like it. My chest aches. My stomach feels like lead. My insides tear me apart. This woman is ying me alive. One month sharing a space with Sera, and now that she¡¯s gone, it¡¯s like she took a piece of me with her.


    Instant fucking regret.


    That¡¯s what I experienced the moment she walked out the door.


    For what I said. For what I didn¡¯t say. For letting her go.


    I get up and spend the early-morning hours exercising, trying to work out my thoughts. It doesn¡¯t help.


    In a ridiculous attempt to make me feel less like shit, to make me feel like she¡¯s still here, I throw the pillows into a messy pile like she always did because it helped her to get morefortable when she was drawing. After that, I rush into the bathroom, squeeze the fucking toothpaste in the middle, really anywhere, until it looks like a wild animal chewed on it, and I do the same with my tube of hair gel. For good measure. I feel better immediately.


    After that, I return to the living room and toss the couch nkets around. A vase falls down in the process and shatters.


    I stare at it. Motionless.


    The stench of a burning cigarette fills my nostrils. I close my eyes to fend off the memory, but to no avail. I see myself opening the door-carefully and quietly, because when Dad was home, the slightest noise could take him from zero to a hundred.


    The sound of the belt buckle hitting soft flesh is unmistakable.


    Weakness is not an option.


    I open my eyes.


    It¡¯s pathetic.


    My blood freezes when I look around and realize how right Sera was. My past. My childhood. Why I shed all the time with the one girl who was courageous enough to stand up to me, why I did what I did, using her as my outlet, why I never even felt bad about it.


    Why I kept pushing her. To this day.


    Years ago, I beat my demons back into submission. But that¡¯s not an excuse. It will never be an excuse. No wonder she carries apprehension, maybe even resentment toward me.


    I used to push her back then, and I¡¯m still pushing her now-relentlessly.


    Fuck. No wonder she got out as soon as she could.


    Knock. Knock.


    It¡¯s 8:42 a. m. Who¡¯s that? It¡¯s her. My heart lurches. ¡°Coming, baby!¡± I reach the door within a second.


    It¡¯s not her. It¡¯s Vance.


    He stands there, mouth open, staring at me, at my messy hair, the squished toothpaste in one hand, a jumbled couch nket in the other. His eyes fall to the mess behind me.


    ¡°Buongiorno, Mr. Ashton,¡± he finally says, his poker face back. ¡°Is everything all right?¡±


    ¡°Just having fun, what¡¯s up?¡±


    He hands me the divorce papers. And a set of keys for Gran¡¯s storage room.


    As soon as he¡¯s gone, I rip the papers apart and toss them into the trash can. Nobody¡¯s getting a divorce on my watch.


    I want to tell her toe home, tell her I need her.


    I don¡¯t just want to be inside her body.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    I belong in her heart.


    But given my realization just now and how we left thingsst night, with Sera saying she needed space, I need to tread carefully. I need to give her the time and space she asked for. Luckily, there¡¯s enough to upy my mind with the opening, scheduled for this Saturday.


    But a text just to remind her that I¡¯m still here for her, and flowers to celebrate her sess with Amoria (which I don¡¯t doubt for a second) won¡¯t hurt.


    I will not rush her. I¡¯ll just tell her I¡¯ll be there, arms wide open, if she needs me.

 66

    SERA


    Friday


    Iwake up to the sun searing my eyeballs through my tiny window. Lying on the couch, I stare at the cracked ceiling and listen to the cars going by outside. My neighbor is ying music so loudly I can hear the low bass through the wall.


    No more quiet apartment.


    No Cal. No smell of him. No strong arms wrapped around my waist. I knew it was going to be a tough adjustment, a challenging first few days, I just didn¡¯t realize how much I¡¯d miss him. I¡¯ve hardly slept all week.


    It¡¯s for the best, I tell myself. It¡¯s the same mantra I¡¯ve been trying to hammer into my mind ever since I moved out. You need to work through all the new changes before throwing another variable into the mix.


    I heave myself up into a sitting position, looking around. I try a smile. While everything still feels weird, there is the sense of calm serenity thates with being in your own space. It¡¯s familiar, warm, safe-all the things you want your home to be. That being said, there is excitement at the realization that I can get something bigger, a better ce to suit my growing needs.


    I have to think positively. I can¡¯t dwell on the ¡°maybes¡± and ¡°what-ifs.¡± Coltonand I may not be together right now, and yes, it hurts, but it will get better.


    Besides, it¡¯s not like he¡¯spletely out of my life.


    Right?


    I grab my phone from the coffee table to check my messages. None are from Cal.


    He sent me a ¡°I miss you¡± voice message on Monday sometime close to midnight and a ¡°Thinking about you¡± text midday on Wednesday. I was both excited and sad when I saw the messages. I didn¡¯t respond, even though I really, reallywanted to. I don¡¯t want to give him false hope.


    My heart drops when I note the time. Holy shit! My meeting with Mr. Amoria! It¡¯s almost a quarter to nine. I¡¯mte!


    Bolting from the couch, I sprint around my room trying to find something to wear. The clothes in my closet had been packed away to make room for my tenant¡¯s stuff, and I still haven¡¯t bothered to unpack all of them. I start throwing clothes left and right, trying to find the right thing to wear.


    Finally, I throw on my pretty blue flowery skirt that Kelly gave me for my birthday and a white short-sleeved blouse. A pair of sandalsplete the look, and I grab my bag while running out the door. I return to quickly grab myptop off my bed, duh. Luckily, I had it loaded and ready to go before I fell asleepst night (mostly because I was still obsessively tweaking files).


    Storming to the subway a street down, I feel both excited and anxious.


    * * *


    Inside the cafe, it¡¯s busy, and when I walk in, my nerves kick up. It¡¯s 9:22 a. m. Damn. It hits me that I have no idea what this guy looks like. It turns out I don¡¯t need to, because I notice a smartly dressed man around my age sitting at a table in the corner. He¡¯s doing something on his phone but looks up when I enter.


    His face breaks into a smile and he waves me over. ¡°Sera?¡±


    Here goes nothing.


    I return his smile and approach with my hand outstretched. ¡°Mr. Amoria? It¡¯s nice to meet you. I¡¯m sorry for beingte.¡±


    He motions for me to join him, and I do. ¡°No worries, I just arrived myself. Can I get you anything?¡± he asks, sitting up and adjusting his suit jacket. ¡°On me.¡±


    My stomach is a wreck. ¡°No thank you, I¡¯m good. I do want to start by saying thank you for asking me to meet with you. To tell you the truth, it¡¯s been some time since I¡¯ve done an art show.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m aware,¡± he says, inclining his head. ¡°After Kelly mentioned your name, I did a little digging.¡±


    My heart sinks. ¡°Oh?¡±


    ¡°Nothing crazy, just searched for samples of your work and your ArtGal. I wanted to know what experience you have. You did an art show about three years ago, correct? Was that your one and only?¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, it was.¡±


    ¡°I was impressed that it was covered inArt Dream Monthly, considering it was your first show. First-time artists aren¡¯t usually featured. Although, well¡­that review from Professor Ramstraat was a¡­let¡¯s say, interesting read.¡±R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    My hope detes. I try not to appear defeated when he mentionsthatman. No. I¡¯m not going to let him ruin this for me. Chin up, Sera. You got this. ¡°Well, as you said, it was my first show. I believe I¡¯ve grown from there. I¡¯ve always had an eagerness to learn all about art and drawing, and I¡¯ve been drawn to the study of human anatomy. It has always fascinated me, now more than ever. Being able to capture the human body fills my heart with joy, and my soul too.¡±


    Mr. Amoria nods, then puts his hand up, and I feel like I¡¯ve talked too much. ¡°Please, I don¡¯te into this with any preconceived notions. But I will be frank with you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d prefer if you were.¡±


    ¡°Good. I was on the fence at first. I believe Kelly¡¯s a sweet girl, but I¡¯m not a fan of people trying to use me as connections for their friends. I gave her the benefit of the doubt because I knew it wasing from the heart. To tell you the truth, the few pieces she showed me didn¡¯t speak to me. It wasn¡¯t until I started looking into you a little more that I thought about taking this meeting.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m d you did,¡± I tell him, my determination building. I reach into my bag and pull out myptop. ¡°I¡¯ve added many new pieces to my portfolio that I think you¡¯ll appreciate.¡±


    He doesn¡¯t take the device from me at first. ¡°Before we continue, I want it to be absolutely clear that I cannot guarantee anything without careful consideration.¡±


    His voice has a sternness to it that takes me a little off guard. It urs to me that someone in his position must get a ton of unsolicited requests to meet with him. It makes me even more determined to prove myself.


    ¡°Of course. I¡¯m not naive, Mr. Amoria. I¡¯m ready to prove to you that I have what it takes to do another show. But if either of us believes this wouldn¡¯t be a good idea, a good fit, then there will be no hard feelings.¡±


    His smile returns, and he nods in acknowledgment. ¡°Fair enough.¡±


    I flip myptop open and hand it to Mr. Amoria. He asks a few questions as he goes, but mostly we sit in silence as he flips through the drawings one by one. My hands are sped tightly on myp. I try to read his facial expressions, but he has a damn good poker face, and I get nothing. All I can do is sit there and wait.


    Oh, boy, this nausea is bad.

 67

    My stomach isnothappy.


    After several long moments of silence, I realize my stomach is not easing up. ¡°Will you excuse me for one moment?¡± I say in my nicest voice. ¡°I need to visit the restroom.¡±


    ¡°By all means.¡±N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Trying to walk calmly, even though my stomach is rebelling, I have to weave through the throngs of people. The restrooms are in the back, and I make my way through the cafe. Thank God there¡¯s not a line. I hurry in, lock the door behind me, and instantly empty the contents of my stomach into the sink. Granted, since I haven¡¯t eaten anything this morning, there isn¡¯t much but bile and spit. I dry heave for another few moments until the feeling slowly subsides.


    God, this whole thing is stressful. I¡¯ve never been stressed to the point of sickness.


    I take a few deep breaths, rinse my mouth, and ssh cold water on my face. Looking at my reflection in the mirror, I hear Cal¡¯s voice.


    You got this, babe.


    ¡°I got this,¡± I say, drying my face with a scratchy paper towel.


    He was so sure. Doubtless. Completely unwavering, not even for a second. And fearless. He makes me believe in myself and my dreams. This impossible, pushy, forceful man makes me believe I can achieve anything. Be anybody. Be the best version I can be.


    ¡°Igotthis.¡±


    Amoria is deeply engrossed in theptop when I return to the table. ¡°Sorry about that,¡± I apologize, all smiles. ¡°Well, what do you think?¡±


    He moves his chair closer to mine, allowing me to share theptop with him, and flips to the first drawing I made of Cal. He looks up at me. ¡°Some of these are good¡­quite good, actually. Newer work?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± I tell him, feeling my heart burst in excitement and a huge weight dropping off.


    ¡°This model you like, I can tell. You have a fantastic eye, and the way you captured his body speaks to me. The attention to detail is remarkable.¡±


    I incline my head. ¡°What can I say? He¡¯s a muse.¡±


    ¡°Apparently.¡± Amoria flips through a few more drawings. There are many of Cal, and seeing his rxed visage and all the hours and hours he spent posing for me, trying to help in all ways he could, makes my heart ache. My chest tightens. When Mr. Amoria looks at me again, his eyes are shining. ¡°This is exactly the kind of work I¡¯m looking for: raw, candid, unfiltered. You have talent, Sera. Sure, there¡¯s still some work to be done, but I think a show is exactly what you need to get your name out there. I know a lot of people who would pay a ridiculous amount of money to buy these or have their portraits done.¡±


    Did he really just say that? Deep inside, I jump and release a warrior scream. I want to shout and hug somebody. Not somebody. Cal. ¡°I¡¯m happy to hear that.¡±


    Amoria taps at one of the drawings. ¡°You have a style and a preference, and that¡¯s good. It gives your work a voice, a cohesiveness without being repetitive.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know how d I am to hear you say all that,¡± I tell him, trying not to let my emotions overrun me. With confidence, I say, ¡°When can we get started?¡±


    Amoria chuckles, moving his chair back to where it was before. ¡°Oh, we start as soon as possible. We have a long road ahead of us. Art shows are normally booked out months and years in advance. But, as luck has it, we had a cancetion. So, I have an opening in a couple of months.¡± He takes out his calendar, starts scrolling, and gives me the exact date. ¡°Are you up for it? Take it or leave it.¡±


    ¡°Let me be frank now, Mr. Amoria. The problem is, currently, I don¡¯t really have the physiColtonspace to work on something as intense as an art showcase. I might not have for several weeks. Maybe months.¡±


    He waves a hand in dismissal. ¡°Not a problem. Many of my younger talents face the same issue. There¡¯s arger empty space in the back of the gallery you can use to work on your art. If you don¡¯t mind the street noise-there¡¯s a jazz coffee shop that ys loud music during the evening and night-and sharing the ce with other artists, you¡¯re wee to use it until then. So, what¡¯s your answer?¡±


    I beam at him. ¡°I¡¯ll take it!¡±


    The next hour goes by in a blur, I can hardly wrap my head around it. Mr. Amoria was standoffish at the start, but now he¡¯s open, excited, even animated. I almost can¡¯t get him to shut up, but I¡¯m notining. There¡¯s a lot to discuss, and a lot of details to work out, but it¡¯s a start.


    A start to something incredible.


    I feel like a gazillion bucks.


    We part with a handshake and a promise to continue nning next week.


    With an extra pep in my step, I¡¯m grinning like crazy when I step outside. It¡¯ster than expected and I have to head to the diner.


    A sleek ck town car is waiting. The driver steps out, tipping his hat. ¡°Mrs. Ashton,¡± he greets me, opening the back door. ¡°My name is Dennis. Your husband sent me. I¡¯m his driver. I assisted his grandmother, Mrs. Bianca Ashton in thest few years of her life.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s right, Dennis. I remember you. Hi!¡±


    I¡¯m surprised when he pulls out the biggest bouquet of poppies I¡¯ve ever seen.


    ¡°What-?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Ashton asked me to present these to you when your meeting was over,¡± the driver exins. ¡°Judging by your smile, I take it that it went well.¡±


    I¡¯m transfixed by the flowers. Coltongot me flowers. Not roses, which are nice, but somehow too impersonal, too conventional. But bright-red poppies with the most delicate petals in a color that reminds me of his heart tattoo.


    He didn¡¯t know how the meeting was going to go, but he believes in me enough to assume I¡¯d get the show.


    I take the bouquet with watery eyes. How beautiful it is!


    Burying my face in the soft petals, I inhale their sweet scent.


    I get a little dizzy.


    ¡°Whoa! All right, all right, have a seat.¡± Dennis opens the back door and helps me sit. ¡°Are you all right, Mrs. Ashton?¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, I¡¯m fine. Sorry.¡±


    Feverishly, I try to collect my thoughts. Did I make a mistake by leaving Cal? He held me, encouraged me, admitted that I changed his world. Of all people, he¡¯s the one who cared the most. Besides telling me he loves me, he¡¯s said everything a woman wants to hear from the man she loves.


    But will that be enough? Above all, will it be enough for a lifetime? When the rush of first infatuation wears off, Coltonwill start pushing me around again, making decisions for me and trying to force his carefree way of life on me. Unless he at least tries to see the world through my eyes, our marriage, our love, is doomed.


    ¡°Can I drop you off somewhere? I¡¯m happy to take you wherever you need to go.¡±


    ¡°Yes, thank you, I¡¯d like that.¡±


    How can I ever make the right decision when my head is spinning like mad? All I know is that, no matter how much everything in me wants to jump into his open arms, I cannot allow my treacherous heart to make a foolhardy decision that will make us both miserable.


    What it all boils down to, is that neither of us are ready. I¡¯m not ready.


    It¡¯s hell having second thoughts. It¡¯s hell being in love.


    Tears roll down my cheeks, and I quickly wipe them away. Although I vowed never to cry over Colton Ashton again, he¡¯s done it again. He doesn¡¯t even have to be here in person. It¡¯s enough that he pays attention and thinks of me.


    I have to believe I¡¯m making the right decision, or I will lose my mind.


    Dennis takes a seat in the front. ¡°Where to?¡±


    ¡°To The Diner, please.¡±

 68

    CAL


    Friday


    Ispend a few hours at the dealership, getting everything ready for the big day tomorrow. Normally, when I open a new ce, thest few days are hectic while we get everything up and running. I like to be onsite to smooth any bumps in the road or manage anything unexpected. But Justin has everything handled. He knows what he¡¯s doing, and there¡¯s honestly not much left for me to do.


    No text from her.


    I call Dennis. He confirms that he delivered the bouquet and dropped her off at The Diner, and that concluded his service.


    Once it reaches noon, I decide to call it a day, and leave.


    ¡°Hey, bro, youing to Mom¡¯s this evening?¡± Justin asks on my way out. ¡°A bunch of us are getting together for a few beers.¡±


    ¡°Maybe,¡± I grumble.


    I won¡¯t. A hundred percent I won¡¯t. I¡¯m in a fucking bad mood. With Sera gone and the apartment empty, I¡¯m in hell, and in no state to celebrate with the boys.


    ¡°Maybe?¡± Justin asks. ¡°What kind of answer is that? Come out with us. It¡¯ll take your mind off everything. Let¡¯s toast to tomorrow¡¯s opening.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s bad luck,¡± I tell him, pping him on the back. Bad luck is thest thing I need. ¡°I¡¯ll see youter. Have fun.¡±


    Ihead to my car, ncing at my watch. Finally, I have the time, nerve, and mental capacity to make the long drive to Gran¡¯s storage unit. I take my BMW in case it rains. She had the storage unit for a long time. Gran could never throw anything away. Vance had urged me to visit-not that he needed to, I wanted to see what was in there. If there¡¯s space, I¡¯ll store the valuable stuff from her apartment there until I have a chance to go through everything. If there¡¯s not, I¡¯ll see if I can get rid of anything.


    The unit is bigger than I thought it would be. I open it, immediately coughing as the door kicks up dust. The first thing I notice is the furniture. It¡¯s not antique stuff that matches what¡¯s in her apartment. This is old, but in a different way. With a heavy but smiling heart, I recognize the stuff from our old ce, the ce where she raised me. All the furniture that used to be in my room: my old bed, dresser, desk, everything-it¡¯s all here. There are boxes of photos and toys from when I was a kid, and I take the time to go through them all.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    I hadn¡¯t realized she¡¯d kepteverything. In one box I find my baby pictures, which I haven¡¯t seen in years. There¡¯s not a single photo of my parents, and I¡¯m d. Love you, Gran. Hey, look at that, I was a cute kid. One day, maybe I¡¯ll be a dad too. I¡¯ll do a fucking hell of a job. Not now, of course. Maybe in several years. Now is not the time. I picture a baby with Sera¡¯s deep chocte-brown eyes and have to put the picture back before I punch myself in the face.


    Picking my way through the rest of the items and boxes, way in the back I see something that makes me pause. The elegant wooden frame of a brand-new king-sized bed is propped against the back wall, its mattress still wrapped in protective stic with a rose envelope with my name taped to it.


    I take the envelope off and open it. There¡¯s a folded piece of paper inside.


    My Colton,


    Consider this bed a wedding present.


    Love you,


    Gran


    I start tough. I can¡¯t help it.


    ¡°You sneaky, sneaky woman,¡± I say, staring at the ceiling of the storage unit.


    I bet she¡¯s looking down at me with that smug smile on her face. There¡¯s a smaller red envelope with Sera¡¯s name handwritten across the front. Shaking my head, I tuck the envelope into my pocket.


    She knew. She absolutely knew that if Sera and I were forced to spend time together, we would fall for each other. Man, she yed the long game. She yed it well. Gran always did have the patience of a saint. I leave the unit, my mind made up.


    Back in my car, I call Sera. I want to tell her what I found. She loved Gran and will be happy to know. It goes straight to voicemail.


    My first thought is to show up at her ce, but I have no idea where that is. It wouldn¡¯t be difficult to find out her home address from Vance, but I¡¯d prefer not to be a grade-A stalker. Sera would have my dick on the chopping block if I just left Gran¡¯s note in her mailbox, let alone barged into her apartment unannounced.


    Driving to The Diner doesn¡¯t seem like the better alternative at this point. So, I call.


    ¡°Oh hi, Cal!¡± Sera¡¯s friend Kelly answers. ¡°How can I help you?¡± she asks after a short exchange in which she enquires about Justin and I tell her he¡¯s fine.


    ¡°I need to talk to Sera.¡±


    ¡°She isn¡¯t here.¡±


    My heart drops, and concern starts to seep in. ¡°What do you mean she¡¯s not there?¡±


    ¡°She and Marie left for thewyer¡¯s office to sign papers. They won¡¯t be back in today, I¡¯m afraid. Is everything okay?¡± she asks, sensing my agitation.


    ¡°Yes. Thanks, Kelly.¡±


    Well, shit.


    With no other options, I drive home. When I get to the garage, I dial her number onest time. I know I won¡¯t change her mind, but I have to get something off my chest. Something I didn¡¯t realize when we saw each otherst, and that I¡¯ve been mulling over all week. I step out of the car and wait for her recorded greeting to finish.


    Knowing that my scheming grandmother saw Sera and me as husband and wife gives me the resolve-and strength-to say what I need to say.


    I need to get it out, now.


    ¡°Hey, Sera, it¡¯s me,¡± I say, making my way to the elevator. ¡°I¡¯ve been trying to reach you. Called the diner to let you know I have a note from Gran. I found it in her storage room, with your name on it. But the main reason I¡¯m calling is because I know I fucked up. I don¡¯t like how we left thingsst Sunday. There¡¯s so much we have to say.¡±


    I pause. Focus, idiot.


    ¡°Okay, so muchIhave to say. The thing is, this is all new for me. I love you, Sera. I fucking love you. Madly. Irrevocably.¡±


    I pause again. I shouldn¡¯t be telling her this over the fucking phone, but I need to get it out.


    ¡°You¡¯re my woman, babe,¡± I continue. ¡°You get me. You always have. You were right about why we butted heads when we were younger. I was a dumb kid with fucked-up parents, and you saw me better than I saw myself. I¡¯m sorry I gave you so much shit about living in the past. I had no right to do so. I will spend my time making up for the harm I did to you. I promise. I don¡¯t deserve a chance, but please listen.¡± I sigh. ¡°Baby, I don¡¯t want this to be over between us. I don¡¯t want a fucking divorce, and I don¡¯t want to fucking stop seeing each other. I get it. I really do. I get that you need to live your own life¡­¡±


    The entire time I¡¯m talking, I¡¯m riding the elevator upstairs. When I get to my front door, the words are flowing faster than I can process them. I fumble with the keys, trying to get them in the lock, talking on the phone, ¡°¡­and that your heart is in The Diner. Okay, fuck it, I¡¯m not going to pretend that I agree with it, but I love you, and I promise to let you make your own decisions-and support you no matter what, please know that. No matter what. I will never stop loving you¡­¡±


    Stop talking. You fucked this up.


    Stop creeping her out.


    The flowers were too much.


    This is too much.


    I hang up.


    Fuck.


    Fuck.


    Of course she¡¯s not going to be texting or answering my calls. Why would she? She¡¯s made her decision. She has her own life to live. We¡¯re not together anymore.


    Well, I guess we were never really ¡°together.¡±


    I unlock the door. For one month, I entered the apartment, looking forward to seeing Sera. Now I enter emptiness.

 69

    CAL


    GRAND OPENING


    Saturday


    Amid the blinding shes of photographers, I cut the ribbon halfway and hand the scissors to Justin to do the honors. I couldn¡¯t have done it without him. He grins, grabs the scissors and squeezes. The ribbon floats apart.


    ¡°Bad to the Bone¡± starts ying and everybody cheers.Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    Justin hollers, bringing me into a man hug. ¡°You did it, bro.¡±


    ¡°Wedid it. We,¡± I correct him.


    The grand opening of Ashton Motors is here. Sweet Jesus. I can¡¯t believe it. It¡¯s so damn nice. Charlie¡¯s words ring in my head as we shake hands: ¡°There ya have it. A feckin¡¯ motorcycle enthusiast¡¯s kingdom on 22, 740 square feet of state-of-the-art showroom and workshop space for repairs and all sorts of custom shite, now officially one ofthrgest dealerships in the New York City area. Feckin¡¯ cheers to that, boss.¡±


    We¡¯ve been working on this dream for months, and now it¡¯s a reality.


    Justin and I are on hand to greet guests and give tours of the facility with ¡°Riding with the King,¡± ¡°Runnin¡¯ Down a Dream,¡± and our anthem, ¡°Born to be Wild¡± booming out the speakers around us. Pizza trucks from our favorite go-to ce are present, and free gifts are handed out: ck custom hats and keychains with our shop¡¯s logo, free motorcycle inspections, and-my favorite-free test rides on selected bikes.


    Guests enter the showroom, and they are greeted with gleaming chrome and polished finishes. Justin and the rest of our team did one hell of a job. Ducks, Hawgs, and Kawis (Ducatis, Harley Davidsons, Kawasakis) and other brands as far as the eye can see, in a wide range of models, from ssic and vintage to sport and touring. Each motorcycle is disyed as a work of art, undoubtably capturing the hearts of all whoy eyes on them. We also have a cozy lounge area where our customers can sit and rx while they browse our collection of leathers (protective gear, jackets and pants), or just hang out and chat with fellow bikers.


    The opening is a huge sess, with hundreds of visitors pouring in.


    When a grinning Justin informs me that he¡¯s spotted Jake Whitlock fromRevved Up, I offer him my fist, and he bumps it. I can¡¯t help but feel a sense of aplishment, even pride. I¡¯ve put my heart and soul into this dealership, and seeing the excitement and admiration on the faces of the visitors today is a fulfilling experience that makes me excited about my ns to expand.


    But one thing is missing. No. Not one thing. One person.

 70

    She won¡¯te.


    ¡°Absolutely, wow, thanks, man! We¡¯re thrilled to finally open our doors here in New York City,¡± I hear Justin say to Jake. ¡°We¡¯ve put our heart and soul into making this space a true celebration of motorcycles, and we couldn¡¯t be happier with how it¡¯s turned out.¡±


    ¡°What made you take the leap and open this big-ass bike shop, Cal? I¡¯m curious!¡± Jake asks me.


    ¡°I¡¯ve always loved bikes,¡± I say. ¡°I love the sense ofmunity among riders. We¡¯re family. When I found the perfect location in the city, I knew it was the right time. Our goal is to be more than just a ce to buy a bike.¡± I point to my left. ¡°Our showroom is about creating an immersive experience. We want to be a destination for riders, a ce where they cane and fall in love with the beauty of motorcy-¡±


    A blonde woman walks in and takes my breath away. Dressed in a sleek brown leather jacket and a flowy white dress, she immediately catches my attention as she floats through the showroom.


    I excuse myself mid-sentence and start walking toward her.


    Is she an angel?


    Is this paradise?


    Her smile widens when she sees me. ¡°Hey, husband.¡±


    Have I died and gone to heaven?


    ¡°Hey, wifey.¡±


    ¡°I dressed for the asion.¡± She points to her jacket and boots and twirls around.


    I¡¯m still trying to gather my senses. ¡°You perfect angel.¡±


    Sera¡¯s eyes dance. ¡°I have a gift for you. Two gifts, to be precise.¡±


    She hands me a bottle of wine with a huge silver-ck ribbon around it. It¡¯s a merlot, a 2019 Chateau Marzy. ¡°This is from Marie and Kelly,¡± she deres. ¡°It¡¯s Bianca¡¯s favorite wine. That¡¯s the one she used to drink when she visited our diner.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the blood running through her veins?¡±


    We bothugh. She nods. ¡°The very same.¡±


    ¡°I love it. Thank you.¡±


    Next, she hands me a thick, half-rolled-up paper. ¡°This is from me.¡±


    When I carefully unroll it, I see it¡¯s a sketch of the shop-a view from the street, with the main building in the foreground. There¡¯s ourrge sign and today¡¯s wee banner above the entrance and some balloons. The lot is full of shining motorcycles and people, showing the excitement with a lively and dynamic feel. It¡¯s so cool. She must have sat outside for over an hour to finish it.


    ¡°Careful, don¡¯t get charcoal all over you,¡± she warns. ¡°I thought it might be something for your office space. A little memory, you know.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a wonderful gift. Thank you, Sera. It means a lot.¡±


    With my thumb, I wipe a cute smudge of charcoal off her chin, quickly grab her hand, and pull her into one of the offices. After I ce the gifts on the desk, I close the door behind us.


    Without warning, I pull her into a kiss.


    I kiss her like a starving man. Our kiss is fierce, hungry, and passionate, filled with all the emotions we want to say.


    It¡¯s like the world explodes into color again.


    My body breathes a sigh of relief, and I slide my arms around her waist, crushing her against my chest so she can¡¯t get away.


    ¡°Sera,¡± I mumble against her lips. ¡°Babe. I was worried I wouldn¡¯t see you again.¡±Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Cal, there¡¯s so much I want to say, to tell you. You were right all along. I didn¡¯t sign the contract for The Diner.¡±


    ¡°What? You didn¡¯t? When I called the diner, Kelly told me that you and your boss had left to sign the papers. You didn¡¯t sign them?¡±

 71

    ¡°No. I couldn¡¯t. I told thewyer I needed some time to think it over. Poor Marie. I¡¯m dreading telling her my final decision, but I¡¯ll take the plunge and draw as you suggested. I¡¯m sorry forst Sunday, for thest few days, I was so blind and scar-¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t matter anymore. What matters is you¡¯re here now. Now tell me what I think this means.¡±


    She draws back from our embrace only far enough to look me in the eye. ¡°The only thing I know for sure that my heart wants is-you. To draw and be with you. Somehow, both you and my desire to create have merged into a single fire within me. Inseparable. Being without you is just as unimaginable as not being able to draw anymore. I love you, Cal. I love you so much. I choose you. I choose us.¡±


    Relief washes over me.


    Jesus Fucking Christ.


    ¡°Sera, you don¡¯t have to choose. I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t listen to you. I¡¯m sorry for our past. I¡¯m sorry for being such a fool. I¡¯m sorry I gave you shit for not standing up for yourself, for ying it safe. Loving you is easy for me, falling for you happened so naturally and effortlessly, I hoped you felt the same way. I didn¡¯t want to let you go.¡±


    ¡°I know, I know that,¡± she says, fiddling with the cor of my shirt. ¡°You don¡¯t need to be sorry. I know how much you were hurting, and it kills me. I understand why you did all that, I do. We¡¯re both stubborn people, Cal, and we butt heads-it¡¯s still going to happen. And Idofeel the same way. I do, I have¡­ God, there¡¯s so much we need to work out, so many things¡­¡± She trails off.


    ¡°You have to promise me one thing,¡± I whisper in a hoarse voice. ¡°You¡¯ll never again be scared. Together we can do anything. Anything.¡±


    ¡°Anything.¡± She nods and gives me the sweetest smile. ¡°I promise.¡±


    I have her up against the wall in no time. Next thing I know, I¡¯m unbuckling my belt.


    In one swift stroke, I push into her.


    Sera gasps.


    I don¡¯t move right away.


    ¡°And I love it when you dothat,¡± she says.


    ¡°I know, baby.¡±


    I stay there, buried deep inside her tight heat, holding her, pulling the toughest girl with the softest heart close to me, savoring her nearness, my eyes reaching hers, and absorbing all the warmth she has in them. Our gazes lock, and I start moving slowly.


    God, I fit inside her so perfectly.


    She knows that she¡¯s mine. I¡¯m meant for her, and she is meant for me.


    I take her slowly. Deeply. With measured thrusts.


    ¡°Hold me tighter,¡± I rumble, rocking in and out of her.


    ¡°Okay,¡± she breathes. Her legs wrap more firmly around my waist, and she clings to me, crushing me against her chest. More of that vani scent hits my nose.


    ¡°Just like that.¡± The room is filled with the sounds of moans, sighs, and skin-on-skin contact. We move together like one. Fuck, we are one person. Two halves of the same soul, finally connected atst.


    ¡°Cal?¡± she moans.


    ¡°Yeah, baby?¡± I look up, still thrusting, not losing my pace.


    I meet her eyes, but she doesn¡¯t say anything. She just looks at me.


    I can¡¯t let her go.


    When that thought goes through my head, I pick up the pace.


    ¡°Ohmygod.¡± She¡¯s quickly lost herposure, I¡¯m about ready to burst. But not yet. Not until I feel her body squeeze me one more time. I slide my hand between our bodies, searching until I find what she needs to push her over the edge.


    ¡°Cal¡­¡± Sera calls my name, waves of pleasure making her mouth form a beautiful ¡°O.¡±


    The grand opening is in full swing, and I¡¯m here next door fucking the girl I love, feeling here in my arms. Life can¡¯t get any better than this.


    I kiss her, mming myself into her body, not letting go. Her wet heat is squeezing eagerly all around me, hard, over and over, caressing my dick in raw waves of pleasure. Ie inside of her with a deep final thrust, jets ofe funneling into her body. Her hands cradle my face as she returns my kisses with panting ones of her own.


    We can¡¯t stop ourselves. We can¡¯t get enough of each other.


    My pleasure ebbs, but I stay where I am, holding her close. I¡¯m not ready to pull out yet, not ready to break apart.


    Our heart rates slow, and we keep kissing. I only stop when my arms are on fire. Carefully, I put her down on her feet. She¡¯s wobbly. Drawing back to suck in a deep breath, I look down at Sera.


    She has closed her eyes.


    ¡°Oh, oh¡­¡± she says, opening them. All the blood has drained from her face. She sways a little.


    ¡°Sera?¡± I hold her tighter.


    Her wide eyes stare into mine, and she purses her lips. I can sense something¡¯s off.


    Her eyes grow huge.


    Sweat forms on her forehead.


    ¡°Sera, are you okay?¡± I ask, smoothing her hair back softly. ¡°Hey, hey. Babe, what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    I reach up and wipe away a strand of loose hair.


    She takes in a shuddering breath. ¡°I¡¯m going to puke.¡±Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

 72

    SERA


    Isqueeze Cal¡¯s hands, so I can turn and puke right there on the ground.


    My mind is spinning. What the hell? I¡¯m not anxious or nervous anymore. My stomach shouldn¡¯t still be upset. It can¡¯t be food poisoning, since the Chinese food Marie and I ate after meeting with thewyer yesterday was hours ago. I never get sick. I can count on one hand the number of times I¡¯ve puked in my adult life. Everything has worked out great. There¡¯s no reason for me to still be like this.


    Unless¡­it¡¯s not nerves.


    I do some quick math in my head and my eyes go wide when I realize what¡¯s actually going on.


    Oh. Oh, no.


    ¡°Babe?¡± He reaches into his pocket to grab a handkerchief. Handing it to me, he gives me a concerned look as I clean myself.


    ¡°I think I¡¯m pregnant,¡± I tell Cal.


    Coltonblinks.


    Then blinks again.


    And a third time.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    Uh-oh. I think he¡¯s broken. I think I broke him.


    Taking a step back but keeping my arms around him, I look at him with concern. ¡°Cal, are you okay?¡±


    It takes him a second to respond. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I think I had a mini-stroke there. For a minute, I thought you said you were pregnant.¡±


    ¡°I think I am.¡±


    He takes a shaky breath. ¡°Just now? You got pregnant right now?¡±


    I can¡¯t help butugh. ¡°No, it happened earlier.¡±


    ¡°Really? Are you sure?¡±


    I nod. Then shake my head. ¡°Not a hundred percent, but I wasn¡¯t feeling well this morning. Actually, looking back, I haven¡¯t been feeling well for days. Please take me to the drug store.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, babe.¡±


    Hourster


    One trip to the gynecologist confirms the test. It¡¯s very early on, but the results are the same. I¡¯m pregnant with Cal¡¯s child. Our child.


    ¡°I attest to the validity of your results. Congrattions, you two,¡± the friendly doctor says and smiles at us. Luckily enough, Dr. Din Maxwell is one of Cal¡¯s biker buddies who agreed to see us as soon as Coltoncalled him up.


    The moment Dr. Maxwell leaves the room, Coltongathers me into his arms and spins me around. ¡°Oh, my fucking God! Sera, I¡¯m happy!¡±


    My heart is ted, but my stomach is pissed. ¡°Please don¡¯t spin me. I¡¯ve been throwing up all day.¡±


    ¡°Oh, sorry, babe.¡± Coltonhastily puts me down. Grabbing my hands, he starts to pepper them with kisses. ¡°This is amazing. Holy shit. I¡¯m going to be a dad!¡±


    I smile.


    ¡°You forget, Sera, that I knew the second you walked into Gran¡¯s apartment you were attracted to this.¡± He gestures to himself. ¡°Also, I know what a headstrong person you are. If you didn¡¯t want to be here with me, you wouldn¡¯t be. Fuck, okay. All right. I need to call Jane Deets, the realtor, and tell her to speed up the process. She¡¯s not going to like it, but fuck it. If I¡¯m going to build us the perfect ce, we need to get started right now. Shit, we¡¯re going to need so much more room-¡±


    ¡°Wait, realtor?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Remember I¡¯ve been looking for a big new ce? I asked Jane to find something that wecan make our own. With lots of space for an art studio.¡±


    I¡¯m speechless. Utterly speechless.


    His eyes grow big, and a shadow of concern clouds them.


    He pauses.


    It¡¯s clear he¡¯s wondering if he¡¯s gone too far, again, if I¡¯ll be mad or not, again-but in this case, how could I be? I can¡¯t help butugh a little inwardly when I see his worried ¡°uh-oh, I fucked up¡± face. Coltonhas the funniest ¡°uh-oh I fucked up¡± face in the whole world. This situation is different. Not in itself, but¡­I have changed. Love, Cal¡¯s love, has changed me. He did it for me-so I could have an art studio. If I want it. I don¡¯t have to agree, but it¡¯s there for the taking. My heart melts into a puddle of goo. It¡¯s such a sweet and kind gesture and shows how much he loves me. ¡°You were thinking of finding a new cewitha studio for me?¡±


    His features rx instantly at the sound of my gentle voice. ¡°Of course, I was. A big one.¡± He gives me that smug smile that used to make me want to smack him but now makes me want to kiss him. ¡°I knew you¡¯de around.¡±


    I hit him yfully on the shoulder. ¡°Smug jerk.¡±


    ¡°But I¡¯myoursmug jerk.¡±


    ¡°Oh, my God, youare.¡±


    Laughing, he pulls me into another kiss.


    * * *


    Coltonand I spend the night together at our ce, talking about the baby and ns for the future. There is still a lot we need to figure out and focus on, but for now, things are good. Things are solid. He tells me about what he found in his gran¡¯s storage unit, and I have tough. That woman was crafty, that¡¯s for sure. At least the new ce will have a wonderful new bed.


    Then, he hands me a small red envelope, the word ¡°Sera¡± on it. When I pull out the note, I recognize Mrs. Bianca¡¯s neat handwriting, scrawled with her little wrinkly hands. I tear up when I read it.


    My Sera,


    You were always family.


    I always knew one day, you would be officially too.


    Love you,


    Bianca (The Merlot-Baroness)


    Guess what is on the back of the note? Her secret butter cookies recipe!

 73

    I¡¯m not even a little nervous when I head to work the next morning. Kelly is stocking the counter when I arrive. She notices me and immediately drops what she¡¯s doing to hug me. ¡°Sera! How did it go? Have you guys made up?¡±


    I smile and hug her back. ¡°It went fine, Kelly. Better than fine.¡± I wink at her and her eyes light up. ¡°He loved the wine and says thank you. It¡¯s been a crazy twenty-four hours. We¡¯ll talkter, okay? Where¡¯s Marie?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s in the back.¡±


    I squeeze her hands before seeking out my boss. I find her in her office, which is surprisingly organized. ¡°Whoa, what happened here?¡± I ask, looking around.


    ¡°Kelly stepped in to take care of some things yesterday when you called out,¡± Marie says with a smile. ¡°I¡¯m d to see you, sweetie.¡±


    It¡¯s now or never.


    ¡°Marie, we need to talk,¡± I say, closing her office door behind me.


    ¡°Uh-oh,¡± she says. ¡°Of course, you know you can talk to me about anything.¡±


    I sit down across from her, looking into her kind eyes. I think about the first time we sat like this when I was a nervous teenager trying to make ends meet. We¡¯vee a long way, and I¡¯ll forever be grateful for the chance she took on an unexperienced younger me.


    ¡°I can¡¯t take over for you. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Her smile doesn¡¯t fade. ¡°I know, honey.¡±


    Surprised, my mouth falls open slightly. ¡°You know?¡±


    She nods, reaching over to take my hand. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to see it, but once we started training, I suspected you weren¡¯t as enthusiastic about the idea as I was. When thewyer asked you to sign the papers yesterday, you asked for time to think it over. I wasn¡¯t born yesterday. It¡¯s okay, Sera. I¡¯m not offended in any way. I know you wanted to spare my feelings. But, quite frankly, I¡¯m sorry you couldn¡¯t tell me sooner.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t realize it sooner,¡± I admit. ¡°I mean, I¡¯ve known it in my heart for a while, but you know I love you and I love this ce. But other things are happening, good things. I need to follow my heart. I¡¯m sorry to disappoint you.¡±


    Marie stands, pulling me with her into arge hug. ¡°Oh, sweetheart, you could neverdisappoint me. You¡¯re very special to me, and I¡¯m proud to see the strong independent woman you¡¯ve grown into. If your heart lies elsewhere, I¡¯m not going to stand in your way.¡±


    ¡°But what about you? What about The Diner?¡±


    Marie pulls back. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about this old girl. She¡¯ll be just fine.¡±


    ¡°You or the diner?¡±


    ¡°You brat.¡±


    Weugh and hug again. Eventually, Marie asks, ¡°All right, I need to know, does this have anything to do with your hot tattooed buffhusband?¡± She puts air quotes around thest word.


    ¡°Just regr husband now. No air quotes. Full-on,mitted husband.¡±


    She smiles. ¡°I¡¯m so happy for you, Sera. I really am.¡±


    I take a deep breath, and it¡¯s like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. ¡°You know,¡± I say. ¡°Kelly is a really hard worker. She took care of most of the training herself and loves this ce as much as we do. If you¡¯re looking for a recement¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t say a word. I¡¯ve had my eye on her for a while,¡± Marie admits. ¡°You know, in case you wised up and said something. I¡¯ve been testing the both of you.¡±R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    Happy for Kelly, I grin. ¡°Can we tell her together?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely.¡±

 74

    An hourter, I leave The Diner for thest time (as an employee and almost-owner). Dennis is waiting for me by the car, and he opens the back door when I approach. ¡°All right, Mrs. Ashton? There are crackers and water back there if you need them.¡±


    Iugh. ¡°Thanks, Dennis. The morning sickness isn¡¯t so bad today.¡±


    ¡°d to hear it.¡±


    At my request, he drives me to the dealership. Time to surprise Cal! This is my second time here at Ashton Motors. I hadn¡¯t thought to stop by and see it for myself until the grand opening-I¡¯m such a bad, bad wifey. I¡¯ll have to remind him tonotspank me for itter. I¡¯ve got to say, it¡¯s an even more impressive sight than it was thest time. Several salesmen are out in the parking lot, showing off the rows of shiny bikes to potential customers.


    On the way here, I noticed several billboards advertising Amoria¡¯s gallery. There¡¯s a billboard across the street too. It is visually striking, in bold red and yellow, with strong lines, showcasing the innovative style of the featured artist. I wonder if Coltonhas anything to do with it being directly opposite his dealership. God, I love that man.


    Dennis lets me out near the entrance, bidding me goodbye before he drives away.


    I take the time to walk through the ce, where all of Cal¡¯s hard work hase to fruition. When I rushed through here to surprise him on the day of the opening, I was too nervous to take any of it in. He and Justin have managed to turn the ce into a stunning dealership. Granted, I don¡¯t have much knowledge about selling cars and bikes. However, aesthetically, it¡¯s sleek and modern, using lighting, disy cases, and other elements to create a sense of drama and excitement. The logo is illuminated, creating a bright, inviting presence. The walls are decorated with huge creative disy sses that showcase photographs of bikers enjoying the freedom of the open road.


    In the shop, I recognize some of the guys from the night I went to Mom¡¯s Dirty Dogs bar with Cal, and they wave to me. I smile and wave back. I ask where I can findmy man(love it!), and they¡¯re kind enough to steer me in the right direction.


    Coltonand Justin are at a workbench tucked away from the main workspace.


    ¡°Hey, you,¡± Coltonsays with a big smile as I approach. ¡°This is a wonderful surprise, babe. What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°Thought we could do lunch.¡±


    I reach out to hug him, but he hugs my middle instead, saying, ¡°Hi, baby.¡±


    Huffing, I look at Justin over Cal¡¯s head. ¡°Thing is smaller than a pea, and he¡¯s more focused on her than me.¡±


    Justin chuckles. ¡°If you think he¡¯s annoying now, just wait. He¡¯s been talking baby names all morning.¡±


    Coltonstands up straight. ¡°Did you just call the baby ¡®her?''¡± he teases, giving me a tender peck on the lips.


    ¡°It just slipped out,¡± I say. ¡°It¡¯s way too soon to tell, but I¡¯ve got this feeling.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll love them either way. How did it go with Marie?¡±


    ¡°It went well. She suspected I was going to turn her down.¡±


    ¡°And how do you feel now that you have?¡±


    I take a deep breath. ¡°Excited. Nervous as hell, but ready to move forward. Free.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s my girl.¡± Coltongrins and kisses me.


    Justin makes a noise of disgust. ¡°Ugh, I know you¡¯re technically my boss, but this is a workce, Ashton. Take it outside.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right, I am your boss, and I can make out with my wife wherever I want,¡± he teases. ¡°Get back to work.¡± He kisses my nose. ¡°I have something to show you.¡±


    He whips out his phone and flips through several photos showing a spacious and luxurious penthouse with breathtaking views of the city.


    ¡°My realtor, Jane, called me this morning. I¡¯ve hired her to my team, and she¡¯s found the perfect ce for us. Nice area. The art gallery isn¡¯t too far. It¡¯ll keep you and the baby close, and we can make it exactly how we want. Here¡¯s the best part.¡± He flips to the next photo. ¡°Check this out.¡±


    My eyes widen, and I almost start to cry. I look at a photo of a dream art studio with high ceilings andrge windows in a U-shape, letting in an abundance of natural light.


    ¡°Really?¡± I ask and face him. ¡°Isn¡¯t that going to be expensive?¡±


    Coltonshrugs. ¡°I recently came into some money.¡±


    I snort. ¡°Oh, really? You don¡¯t say?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, my gran wanted me to marry some goody-goody with legs for days. If I did it for a month, I got an inheritance. Crazy-ass idea, I know, right? Well, I got lucky, but I think my wife got lucky as well. And a good chunk of change too.¡±


    ¡°She sounds clever.¡±


    ¡°Oh, she is.¡±


    I kiss him deeply, my heart swelling. I swear it¡¯s grown two sizes in two days. ¡°I love it. Let¡¯s do it.¡±


    ¡°I meet with Jane tomorrow. Now, I believe I need to feed my pregnant wife because she barely touched her breakfast.¡±


    ¡°Yes, please. I know a little diner around the corner.¡±


    Coltontakes my hand and leads me to a side parking lot where his bike is waiting. I motion to the billboard across the street. ¡°Just think,¡± I say as Coltonclimbs onto his bike, ¡°next month, your dick is going to be on that, and in the gallery for all the world to see.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Well, Mr. Amoria and I picked several of the new drawings depicting you to disy. Including the first one I drew of you. And some of theter ones.¡± I wink at him.


    Heughs.


    Iugh too.


    While putting my helmet on, and still grinning, I climb onto the bike with him. I wrap my arms around his waist tightly, a thrill of excitement rushing through me.


    ¡°Ready to go, Mrs. Ashton?¡± I hear him say, muffled.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    ¡°Step on it, Mr. Ashton.¡±


    The motorcycle roars to life, and we speed off.

 75

    Many monthster


    ¡°Oh, dammit,¡± I swear as I turn around, only to knock something off the counter. It falls to the floor, meaning I can¡¯t see what it is. Not withthispregnant belly. I told Coltonthat once something hits the floor, it¡¯s dead to me.


    ¡°You all right out there?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, just throwing things around the room as usual.¡±


    Coltonemerges from the bedroom. He looks hot in a pair of dark-blue form-fitting jeans and a ck button-up. The sleeves are pushed past his elbows, and he¡¯s left the top buttons undone so you get just a peek at his tattoos. I¡¯m too busy admiring his hotness at first to realize he¡¯s picking up a fluffy duck (an early baby gift from Kelly) that has fallen down.


    Coltonpulls me into a hug from behind, his handsing around to rub my belly. ¡°You¡¯re going to do great. I can¡¯t wait to see it all put together.¡±


    Everything is happening all at once. I love every second of it.


    Excitement takes hold, and I squeeze Cal¡¯s hands. ¡°I still can¡¯t believe I have an art show!¡±


    ¡°I told you, you¡¯re talented and amazing.¡±


    ¡°What did you say? I¡¯m not sure I heard you.¡±


    Coltonchuckles and turns me toward the bedroom again. ¡°Yes, you¡¯re a star. Now get dressed. Dennis will be here in a few minutes.¡±


    For the art show opening, I slip on a dark-blue maternity dress that is super adorable. I¡¯m due in eleven days, but even though the timing couldn¡¯t be more inapt, I didn¡¯t want to miss the exhibition for the world. Part of me knows it was stupid to still say yes to the show after I found out about the pregnancy, and knowing the timing would fall together like that, especially given we were moving as well. But this was an important milestone for me. It could have been worse. Luckily, the date didn¡¯t fall after the delivery-that would have been even more stressful.


    Somehow, I¡¯m happy to have my baby here with me in my belly. Yes, of course I¡¯ve been having nightmares of giving birthright therein front of the art critic-that would make for another unforgettable article, I¡¯m sure.


    One day though, I¡¯d be able to tell my child that she was right there with me that day.


    Coltonhas alreadyid out my slip-on shoes (so sweet of him)-this way I don¡¯t have to attempt to do it myself. Seriously, I can¡¯t wait to be able to see my feet again.


    Coltonwatches me from the doorway, a smile on his face. ¡°I love you. I¡¯m proud of you. I¡¯m so fucking proud of you.¡±


    We drive to the art show, holding hands in the back seat. I¡¯m starting to feel more nervous than excited, and not even a smoothie from my favorite ce is enough to calm me down. Cal¡¯s hand drawszy circles on the back of mine, helping me stay focused.


    ¡°Rx. You have nothing to worry about,¡± he tells me. ¡°Don¡¯t be nervous.¡±


    ¡°So, areyounervous too?¡± I ask him.


    ¡°No.¡± He arches an eyebrow. ¡°What do I have to be nervous about?¡±


    ¡°People are going to see a ton of naked drawings of you. I mean a ton. Like, half the pieces being showcased are you.¡±


    ¡°Then they¡¯ll all be jealous of Mrs. Sera Ashton¡¯s trophy husband.¡±


    Iugh, leaning over to give him a kiss. ¡°You¡¯re the best trophy husband a girl could ask for.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    We pull up outside the art gallery, and my heart does a little flip-flop. There are a lot of people around. And I mean, a lot. Fancily dressed people are filing into a building that has tworge blown-up pieces of my artwork hanging on either side of the door, with my name in big letters.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Showtime,¡± Coltonsays with a grin.


    My jaw wants to drop on the floor, and it takes everything in me to act calm and cool.


    Dennis pulls up to the curb and gets out to open the door for us. Coltonsteps out first and extends his hand to me. I graciously ept.


    Everything after that is a whirlwind.


    We¡¯re swept inside where Mr. Amoria is waiting with flowers and open arms. Immediately, he starts to introduce me to people, and I smile and shake hands, trying to remember their names but knowing there¡¯s absolutely no way to keep them all straight in my head. Especially with pregnancy brain.


    Thank God Coltonis here.


    ¡°And, Sera, this is someone I¡¯ve been dying to introduce you to,¡± Amoria says, leading us over to an older man. He¡¯s about as tall as Cal, with salt-and-pepper hair slicked back from his face and sses over his brown eyes. He¡¯s wearing a sharply tailored suit with rings on almost every finger. ¡°This is Mr. Pedro Piersanti,¡± Amoria introduces. ¡°He¡¯s the new art critic forArt Dream Monthly.¡±


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s nice to meet you,¡± I say, my heart skipping a beat. ¡°Thenewart critic ofArt Dream Monthly?¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, sadly, Osgood retired recently,¡± Pedro says with an impatient wave. Then he leans into me, and in a low voice, he says, ¡°It was about time too, if you ask me.¡± He stands tall again, and continues in his loud voice, ¡°I¡¯m happy to meet you, Seraphine. I like your work.¡±


    His eyesnd on Coltonand go wide.


    ¡°My goodness¡­and is this your model?¡± he asks, sidling up to Cal, eyeing him up and down. ¡°How do you do? Pedro Piersanti. Nice to make your acquaintance.¡±


    ¡°Colton Ashton,¡± Coltonsays as he extends his hand. ¡°Model, stimulus, muse-and husband to this talented woman.¡±


    ¡°Oh. Well, color me jealous,¡± Pedro says, shaking Cal¡¯s hand, not letting go. ¡°Seraphine, you have smashing taste. Smashing. May I steal your husband away for a few minutes? Come, Mr. Ashton. Show me which one of these is your personal favorite.¡±


    Giggling to myself, I watch Coltonget swept away by Pedro.


    Mr. Amoria shakes his head. ¡°Sorry, Pedro can be a bit much, but he means well and will give you an honest review.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just d I don¡¯t have to deal with Professor Ramstraat anymore,¡± I say. ¡°I was dreading the thought of him being here.¡±


    ¡°Sera, you have nothing to worry about. Just rx and enjoy yourself.¡±


    That¡¯s what Coltonsaid to me, and I feel silly for having stressed myself out way too much beforehand.


    Mr. Amoria wanders off to mingle, and I take a moment to breathe everything in. I can¡¯t believe it¡¯s really happening. I¡¯m standing in an art gallery, surrounded by my own work. I stare at the portraits, smiling at each piece as I take them in. Pedro and Coltonare standing in the center of the room in front of the one I did of Coltonsleeping all those months ago. I giggle again at Pedro¡¯s yful staring and flirting, and Coltontaking it all in his stride.


    Just as my shoulders rx, I see him only a few feet away: a white-haired man with a ck hat pulled low over his forehead contemting my art, his cane tapping against the polished wooden floor with each slow step. He¡¯s wearing a ck coat-and a stern expression. My body stiffens. I recognize him immediately. Professor Ramstraat. A recent article featured his photo front and center, portraying him as the ¡°The Art Judge,¡± emphasizing the critic¡¯s power to render a quick verdict on each work he encounters, and talking about how a positive review from him can make a career, while a negative one can destroy it. I even showed the article to Cal, just to get his hrious, over-the-top eye-roll reaction.

 76

    Being retired apparently doesn¡¯t stop Professor Ramstraat from making an appearance at the shows.


    His critiColtoneye darts from one canvas to another through thick sses that sit on the tip of his nose. He shows no sign of softening, and his expression remains unyielding. I watch him get closer, feeling the weight of his intense scrutiny.


    ¡°So you decided to reveal your true potential?¡± he asks, his voice thick and raspy. His wrinkled face turns to me.


    He remembers me. Hot and cold shivers prickle over me. I open my mouth-and nothinges out.


    I¡¯m too stunned to speak.


    ¡°Not many people have it in them toe back,¡± he proims. He points to the middle of the room with his cane, to Cal¡¯s sleeping drawing, and to two newer ones, then he lowers it again. ¡°I believe this is just the beginning of what you¡¯re capable of, and we haven¡¯t even scratched the surface of your talent yet. With some refinement in your technique and consequent practice, you have the rare potential to create truly remarkable art. Keep pushing yourself.¡±


    With that, he tips his hat and walks away. Just when he¡¯s about to leave the gallery, he pauses and looks back at the drawing in the center of the room. Then he¡¯s gone.


    My jaw drops. Something big in me detes. This was not what I imagined our encounter to be like. In all my scenarios, I was bold and witty, and he was on his knees begging my forgiveness-forgiveness I never granted him.


    What happened today is better. So much better.


    I see Cal¡¯s thumbs up from the back of the room, and I give him a happy nod. His facial expression says, ¡°told you so-didn¡¯t I tell you so?¡± and he bites back a cheeky smile.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    I love him so much.


    ¡°Sera!¡±


    I turn around and see Kelly and Justining my way. They¡¯re holding hands. ¡°Hey, you two! Long time no see!¡± They look cute. They look like they¡¯re very much in love.


    ¡°This issoexciting,¡± Kelly says, giving me a big hug. ¡°I¡¯m so proud of you.¡±


    ¡°You sure havee a long way since those study halls in high school,¡± Justin says.


    ¡°Thanks. I¡¯m so d you two are here. Come on, let me save Cal, and show you all what I¡¯ve been working on¡­¡±


    ¡°Remind me-how did you get her to go out with you?¡± Coltonasks Justin as soon as he¡¯s joined our little group.


    ¡°You tell him, princess,¡± Justin says to Kelly, a wide grin on his face.


    Kelly smiles. ¡°Well, he showed up at my porch one night, and then Dad stormed out, shotgun in hand, and the next thing I know, he¡¯s fixing Dad¡¯s old truck and changing tires.¡±


    ¡°Boom.¡± Justin shrugs. ¡°That¡¯s how you do it.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s how you do it.¡± She beams at him, and he leans down for a tender kiss. It¡¯s sweet, and it seems like they¡¯re taking their time and not rushing things. Looks like noteveryonegets married the moment they meet again.


    ¡°Did you wear a bulletproof vest?¡± Coltonasks.


    ¡°You bet your ass I did. And I¡¯ll wear it when we announce we¡¯re moving in together in a month.¡±


    I give Kelly a big hug at the fantastic news-as best I can with my big belly.


    ¡°Better make that two vests,¡± Coltonsays.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll borrow your spare one.¡± The men grin at each other.


    I spend the rest of the night with my husband, my best friend and his best friend. The four of us are inseparable, and it makes the night even more special that I spend it with the people I love. Even Marie makes an appearance.


    Everything is perfect.


    By the time we get to our new apartment, I¡¯m ready to strip off this dress and crawl into a nice warm bed. Coltonhad the king-sized bed removed from storage to ce in our spacious new bedroom, and what can I say, it¡¯s the best thing ever. I was definitelynotsad to see that terrible couch go. (Mrs. Bianca had obviously left it there on purpose, LOL.)


    My husband opens the suite door for me. ¡°Just a second,¡± he says, before lifting me into his arms.

 77

    ¡°Cal!¡± I squeak in surprise, holding onto him for dear life. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t lift a pregnant woman.¡±Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Look, I never got to carry you over the threshold. I¡¯m entitled to do it at least once. Today is a special day.¡±


    Laughing, we enter the suite, and he nudges the door closed behind us. I¡¯m already kicking off my shoes when Coltonputs me back on my feet.


    ¡°Wait,¡± he says, ¡°before we do anything else, I have a surprise for you.¡±


    He moves to his overnight bag, which is already sitting in the corner of the room. After rustling for a moment, he returns holding a stack of papers.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± I ask.


    ¡°It was months ago, but remember when I told Vance to draw up divorce papers? I¡¯ve been hanging on to them for a while. I remembered you saying that I tend to decide things for you and so, I want to give you a chance to decide on your own.¡±


    ¡°Ooo-kay?¡± Where is he going with this?


    He gets down on one knee. ¡°Sera, will you considernotdivorcing me?¡±


    He¡¯s grinning, and I know all of this is meant as a joke. He obviously knows that I have no intention of breaking things off. Iugh and take the papers.


    ¡°Yes, I will stay married to you.¡± It takes me a second to realize the packet is thick. ¡°Wow, divorce papers are hefty nowadays.¡± I start to flip through them, but immediately stop.


    These aren¡¯t divorce papers. There¡¯s nothing even on these papers. The middle of the stack has been hollowed out. Two rings sit innocently in the space. A golden band, and a ring with the biggest damn diamond I have ever seen in my life.


    I look down at Cal, and he¡¯s still grinning.


    ¡°Gotcha.¡±


    Tears start streaming down my face. ¡°Cal¡­¡±


    He takes the rings and tosses the papers aside. First, he slips the diamond on, then the wedding band. ¡°I figured it was about time to make it official.¡±


    ¡°But what about¡­?¡±


    Wordlessly, he pulls a matching band out of his jeans pocket. ¡°Do you want to do the honors?¡±


    With shaking hands, I slide the band onto his left ring finger while he gets to his feet. I¡¯m ovee with emotion.


    How could I have gotten so lucky with this incredible man?


    He¡¯s everything I could ever have asked for in a partner. He loves me, wants me to seed, and is proud of everything I do.


    ¡°I love you,¡± I tell him. ¡°Somuch. Always. Forever.¡±


    A mischievous expression appears on his face. ¡°Did you just confess your never-ending love to me?¡±


    ¡°I did¡­smartass.¡±


    ¡°Love you too, Nosy Sera.¡±


    I giggle. ¡°Always and forever?¡±


    ¡°Always and forever.¡±


    Coltongathers me in his arms, and we kiss and kiss and kiss.


    And then my water breaks.

 78

    I help Sera into the elevator, careful not to jostle the carrier with our sleeping daughter in it. Charlie and I worked overtime to make sure the apartment was ready before the baby was born. But you can¡¯t always have what you want. Notining. A lot ofte nights went into making our forever home. There are still a few rooms that need to be finished, but for the most part, all the important rooms are ready.


    We ride up to our floor, which now has a beautiful entryway that separates the elevator from our apartment. I open the front door and step aside to let them in. ¡°Home sweet home, babe.¡±


    Sera and I walk into the living room, and we¡¯re greeted by our close friends and family. A magenta banner is strung up and reads: ¡°Wee Home, Bianca!¡± Justin and Charlie are there, along with Kelly and Marie. Sera was adamant that she didn¡¯t want too many people around when we brought little Bianca home for the first time.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    But I knew she¡¯d appreciate having our family there to greet our newest member.


    She¡¯s beaming when she looks up at me. ¡°Did you organize this?¡±


    ¡°Nope, not me. This was all Kelly¡¯s idea.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Kelly says as she approaches us. ¡°You think I wasn¡¯t going to be here to greet my goddaughter when she came home? Let me see! Let me see!¡±


    Sera pushes back the hood of the carrier to show off our beautiful little girl. She¡¯s fast asleep, her soft curly light-brown hair sticking out from under the little rosy hat the hospital gave her. Her eyes are closed, but they¡¯re gray and have already started to lighten, which probably means she¡¯s going to have my green eyes.


    A perfect littlebination of me and Sera.


    Kelly and Marie coo over the baby.


    ¡°Oh, how precious!¡±


    ¡°Look at that little face!¡±


    Justin puts his arm around my shoulders. ¡°She¡¯s beautiful, bro. Can¡¯t believe she¡¯s yours.¡± His eyes say, ¡°She¡¯s pretty, you¡¯re-eh, not so much.¡±


    We smirk at each other.


    Charlie reaches out to shake my hand, smiling from cheek to cheek. ¡°Congrattions, chief. Love babies. Can¡¯t wait to have a few of me own.¡± Charlie¡¯s voice is shaky from the emotion, his eyes wet. His usually disheveled hair is smoothed to one side. It looks like he¡¯s trimmed his beard a little and put on a fresh shirt. Quickly, he wipes his tears away. ¡°Right. As soon as ye want me to finish thosest rooms, I¡¯m ready.¡±


    ¡°Seriously, Charlie. You¡¯ve been a lifesaver over thest few months. I appreciate you getting our home ready for our little family.¡±


    ¡°Ah, sure¡­you know me, ready any time, ya know that. Family man, meself. Well, not right now, but one day-hopefully.¡±


    ¡°Are you in a rtionship or are you single, Charlie?¡± He wears several silver rings, but none of them look like a typiColtonwedding or engagement ring. Not that I think he would wear a typiColtonring of that sort.


    ¡°It¡¯s just me right now.¡±


    I think for a moment. ¡°Well, I know a single girl. Her name is Jane. She¡¯s my realtor. English girl.¡±


    Charlie perks up. ¡°A realtor, ya say? Sounds pretty perfect with her being in my line of work. What¡¯s she like?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s very pretty, but to be fair, she can be, let¡¯s say-difficult.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m well used to difficult. I nearly prefer it! Can you put us in touch?¡±


    I forward him Jane¡¯s website.


    ¡°Thanks, and no worries, chief.¡± He winks. ¡°This Irishman knows how to tame her.¡±


    Sera sits on our new couch, while Kelly and Marie crowd around her. I¡¯m about to join them when Kelly whips out a newspaper. ¡°Tada!¡± It has an article about the art show, and I see Sera hold her breath. Quickly, we flip through the pages, and there it is.


    The headline in bold ck Times shines at us:


    Young Artist Wows the Art World


    as NYC¡¯s Toughest Art Critic Gives Rare Stamp of Approval


    It¡¯s followed by a glorious review. The article goes on and on, marveling at Seraphine Ashton¡¯s exquisitely skillful linework and her fresh view as well as unmatchable capture of the human body.

 79

    There are several drawings, starring my dick front and center. It could be worse, I guess. Anything to see the girl of my dreams smile.


    The article ends with a quote by Professor Ramstraat: ¡°The artist¡¯stest work is a bold departure from their previous style. Theposition is inventive, with a dynamic intery of light and shadow that draws the eye andmands attention. Confident and expressive charcoal strokes reveal a newfound mastery of the medium. The art show was a true achievement, a testament to the artist¡¯s dedication to their craft and willingness to take risks, push the boundaries, and create an unrelenting energy that is hard to ignore.¡±


    Fuck, I¡¯m happy.


    I couldn¡¯t be prouder of her, and I squeeze her into my arms. ¡°You did it, baby. You fucking did it.¡±


    Sera doesn¡¯t say a word, awestruck.


    Just when I lean down to kiss the happy tears from her speechless face, my gaze fall to a name that sounds familiar:


    Chad Vondue  Arrested


    for Embezzling Money from Elderly Wealthy Widow


    Sera and I exchange a nce that says, ¡°It¡¯s a good thing Gran knew what she was doing when she set up our real-fake marriage.¡±


    I lean down and kiss her cheeks.


    Knock. Knock.


    Curious as to who it could be, I answer, only to be surprised by Vance. ¡°Hey, Vance. I wasn¡¯t expecting you today.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I don¡¯t mean to intrude,¡± he says, his Italian ent as thick as always. ¡°I know it¡¯s a very big day, but there was something I needed to hand deliver to you personally today.¡±


    He holds out a cream-colored envelope, and I take it with a frown. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°It¡¯s one more thing that was in your grandmother¡¯s will. A use, so to speak, should a specific set of events take ce.¡±


    Well, now I¡¯m intrigued. ¡°Thanks. Do you want toe in?¡±


    Vance gives me a gracious smile. ¡°Perhaps I will, just to see the littledy.¡±


    I step aside to let him in.


    After closing the door, I examine the letter in my hands. My name is scrawled across the front in Gran¡¯s neat handwriting. Curious, I slide the letter out of the envelope. When I unfold it, it takes me a second to read the contents.


    I instantly burst intoughter.


    Sera looks at me from the couch with a smile. ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡± she asks, cradling Bianca to her chest while our friends get a good look at her.


    I¡¯mughing too hard to speak.


    Instead, I hand her the letter so she can read it for herself.


    It¡¯s just one line written in the center of the page.


    Congrattions on the baby. Hope she¡¯s named after me.

 80

    BONUS CHAPTERS (BIANCA ASHTON)


    ¡°Come on, Bianca,¡± Cherrel urged, fearing Jaxon¡¯s wrath if they missed the train.


    ¡°I¡¯ming,¡± panted Bianca, hastily grabbing her backpack. ¡°You didn¡¯t give me much time to get ready.¡± Breathless, she raced down the path, ignoring her untied shoces, muttering, ¡°Don¡¯t fall, don¡¯t fall.¡±


    Friends for 15 years since boarding school, Cherrel¡¯s assertiveness had always overshadowed Bianca¡¯s independence. ¡°Run, Bianca!¡± Cherrel shouted, making a dramatic entrance onto the train, pulling Bianca aboard. ¡°Jump!¡±


    Tripping and drawing stares, Bianca recovered in the carriage. ¡°The train wasn¡¯t leaving, Cherrel,¡± she whispered, embarrassed.


    ¡°It might have,¡± Cherrel retorted matter-of-factly. ¡°Let¡¯s find our seats. I hope Jaxon sorted it out.¡±


    Reluctantly heading home to Iowa with Cherrel for the break, Bianca felt emotionally coerced. Despite attending Columbia University together, she couldn¡¯t escape the tradition of staying with Cherrel¡¯s family, who generously housed them in an Upper West Side apartment.


    Bianca Cherrelished Cherrel¡¯s parents like her own, but the thought of facing Jaxon, Cherrel¡¯s older brother, made her uneasy. Despite her long-standing, unspoken crush on the handsome and brilliant Jaxon, he saw her as his sister¡¯s friend. Jaxon, heir to a billionaire¡¯s fortune, hadforted Bianca during her homesick days, creating fond memories of midnight snacks and scary stories. Bianca chuckled at her fantasies, resisting the urge to divulge them to Cherrel.


    Avoiding the subject, Bianca smiled as Cherrel thanked her for joining the holiday trip, expressing how much she meant to her. Touched, Bianca reassured Cherrel that it would be a memorable Christmas. Cherrel, excited about the uing shopping spree, hoped Jaxon would persuade her parents to buy her a new car.


    Mocking Cherrel¡¯s driving record, Bianca teased her about totaling three Mercedes in three months. Despite their banter, Cherrel was thrilled when Bianca suggested they share a car. Bianca appreciated Cherrel¡¯s non-judgmental attitude about their differing financial situations and looked forward to buying a 2004 Toyota Coro from her professor.


    As they discussed post-graduation ns, Bianca expressed concern about needing a job to stay in the city. Cherrel, filled with enthusiasm, envisioned them exploring the country after college, but Bianca¡¯s focus was on securing an ie for her future in the city.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    ¡°Sure, sure,¡± Cherrel replied casually, engrossed in her phone. Jobs held little significance for her, having grown up in one of the country¡¯s top 100 richest families ording to Forbes. She suggested Bianca ask Jaxon to hire her in one of theirpanies, assuring her it would alleviate financial concerns.


    Smiling, Bianca declined, expressing doubt that Jaxon would want to hire her. Cherrel insisted he would, praising Bianca¡¯s intelligence and mentioning how Jaxon often wished she were his sister.


    Remembering Cherrel¡¯s previousments, Bianca concealed her disappointment. She didn¡¯t want Jaxon to see her as a sister; her desires were more sensual. Recalling a painful moment when she witnessed Jaxon with another girl, she had longed for a different connection with him. Obligated to join Cherrel for Christmas, Bianca couldn¡¯t escape the emotional ckmail.


    Cherrel yfully suggested that Jaxon might like Bianca more than her, sparkingughter between the friends. They bantered about Bianca¡¯s pie-making skills and joked about Mrs. D¡¯s job, lightening the mood as the train departed from the station.


    ¡°Cherrel, wake up. We¡¯ve arrived,¡± Bianca said, shaking her friend¡¯s shoulder as she stood up, feeling a bit stiff. She brushed her long hair back, hoping it didn¡¯t appear as frizzy as it felt, and smoothed her skirt. Suppressing the urge to check her makeup in a mirror, she didn¡¯t want Cherrel to question her sudden vanity. Bianca wasn¡¯t about to reveal that she was aiming to look good for Jaxon, especially since many girls tried to befriend Cherrel just to get an introduction to him. She didn¡¯t want Cherrel to think she had joined the ranks of those seeking Jaxon¡¯s attention.

 81

    ¡°Oh, wow, can¡¯t believe I fell asleep,¡± Cherrel yawned. ¡°It¡¯s all that studying, I tell ya. Makes a girl tired.¡±


    ¡°Sure, that¡¯s it,¡± Bianca chuckled and rolled her eyes. Cherrel, naturally smart, rarely needed hours of study to do well.


    The girls gathered their bags, disembarking at the Winterside station after a little over four hours. The quiet station exuded a familiar charm. Inside, Mitch, the trainmaster, greeted them amid Christmas carols and a sparkling tree.


    ¡°Good afternoon, Ms. Aschmidt and Ms. Ashton,¡± Mitch stood up. ¡°Great to see you both back home for the holidays. Mr. Aschmidt is waiting outside.¡±N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    ¡°Thanks, Mitch,¡± they said in unison, heading out to find a big Range Rover. Jaxon, standing beside it, was on the phone. Catching Bianca¡¯s eye, he hung up, weing the girls.


    ¡°Jax!¡± Cherrel hugged him, dropping her bag. ¡°Thought Dad was meeting us. You¡¯re looking way too handsome for a hardworking man. It¡¯s not fair. Why didn¡¯t I get your gorgeous thick hair?¡±


    Bianca approached more cautiously. ¡°Hi, Jax,¡± she greeted shyly. His towering figure, jet-ck hair, and sparkling blue eyes always made her feel a mix offort and awe.


    ¡°Bianca,¡± he smiled, hugging her. Their bodies pressed together, igniting warmth in her. His lips on her cheek left her longing for more, contemting a strategic move.


    ¡°Come on, guys,¡± Cherrel interrupted. ¡°It¡¯s only been a year, not a decade.¡±


    Reluctantly stepping back, Bianca smiled at Jaxon, noticing his frowning gaze.


    ¡°Well, seems like a lot can happen in a year,¡± Jaxon¡¯s voice turned gruff. ¡°Bianca, you¡¯ll have to fill me in on everything you¡¯ve done.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s not going to tell you who she slept with, bro,¡± Cherrel teased, punching his arm.


    ¡°I said everything she¡¯s done, not who she¡¯s done, sis,¡± Jaxon replied, grimacing. ¡°I can see I don¡¯t want to ask you about your love life.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be a hypocrite, Jax. You must sleep with a woman a week. I can have some fun too,¡± Cherrel teased him.


    ¡°I¡¯m 30, Cherrel, and you¡¯re 22. Big difference,¡± Jaxon¡¯s voice was gruff. ¡°And I don¡¯t want to hear about my little sister having sex.¡±


    ¡°Oh, Jax,¡± Cherrelughed, iming the front seat. ¡°Shotgun. You can get shotgun next time,¡± she told Bianca.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine, Cherrel,¡± Bianca said, slipping into the backseat, hoping Jaxon would share more about his love life. She was curious about whether he had a girlfriend.


    As they drove to the Aschmidt manor, Bianca enjoyed the familiar scenery, smiling at the lush green countryside and cows munching on grass. Jaxon watched her through the rearview mirror, curious about herughter.


    ¡°What are youughing about, Bianca?¡± he asked, smiling.


    ¡°I was thinking about the time Cherrel and I feasted on grass to figure out why cows enjoyed it so much,¡± sheughed. ¡°We spent the whole night pretending to be monsters.¡±


    ¡°I remember that. And Jax stayed up, making fun of us,¡± Cherrel added.


    ¡°I called you both the Gobble-Geeks, and I got you to do my chores for days,¡± Jaxon grinned. ¡°I¡¯ll never make fun of your snotty nose again.¡±


    ¡°Jax,¡± Cherrel stuck her tongue out at him, turning to Bianca. ¡°I¡¯m so d you came home with me, Bia. This way there will be two of us to gang up on Jaxon.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll be too busy for us,¡± Bianca weakly smiled, hoping to be seen as a beautiful siren rather than the pukey Gobble-Geek Bianca.


    ¡°Oh yeah, forgot he¡¯s helping Dad run a multi-billion dorpany. Best not lose my fortune, big bro,¡± Cherrel said, noticing Jaxon¡¯s tensed shoulders.


    ¡°Maybe you¡¯ll join us when you graduate and actually help earn the dors you spend,¡± Jaxon said seriously.


    ¡°Yeah, sure. One day,¡± Cherrel replied. ¡°Oh, but if you have any positions going, Bianca¡¯s looking for a job.¡±


    Bianca groaned and tried to hide her blush as Jaxon looked at her with interest. ¡°Are you really, Bianca?¡± he asked.


    She nodded slowly, unsure about working around the man she loved.


    ¡°We have an internship program starting in January, leading to a job this summer, if you¡¯re interested,¡± Jaxon offered.


    ¡°Well, I guess so. When would my application have to be in?¡± she asked hesitantly, aware that top corporations had likely closed their internship programs long ago.


    ¡°I guess that¡¯s a benefit of knowing the boss. No application needed,¡± Jaxon said as he parked the car. Cherrel rushed into the house to greet her parents, leaving Bianca standing next to Jax as he locked the car doors.


    ¡°I¡¯m serious, Bianca. Come talk to me after dinner if you want to start,¡± he said, locking eyes with her. Bianca worried that her true feelings for him might be evident.


    ¡°Thanks, Jax. That would be great,¡± she replied, fidgeting with her skirt and putting on her backpack. It rustled against her tee shirt, lifting it slightly to expose her stomach. Quickly readjusting, she looked up to find Jaxon staring at her intently, a dark smile on his face.


    ¡°It¡¯s good to see you, Bianca. You¡¯ve definitely grown into a beautiful young woman,¡± hemented, licking his lips before walking away. Bianca waited for a moment, then followed him into the house. Jaxon was irresistible, and Bianca couldn¡¯t help but desire every little thing he did. She sighed, realizing it was going to be a challenging two weeks if she lusted after every move Jaxon made.

 82

    Bianca couldn¡¯t stop smiling to herself as she reyed Jaxon¡¯sments in her mind. He believed she was beautiful. Examining herself in the mirror, she contemted ways to enhance her allure. Feeling that she had a somewhat dull appearance with her long, dark brown wavy hair, green eyes, and a smattering of freckles across her cheeks and nose, she stood at 5 foot 6, an average height, and weighed around 145lbs. Aware that she wasn¡¯t overweight, she acknowledged she wouldn¡¯t qualify as a model. Enjoying food and never saying no to desserts, she looked at herself glumly, recognizing that while she wasn¡¯t a in Jane, she wouldn¡¯t be a striking beauty either, unlike Cherrel.


    Cherrel was the kind of woman who drew men like a ma  tall, slender, with long blond hair and mesmerizing blue-green eyes reminiscent of the Pacific Ocean. Possessing the self-assuredness typical of affluent girls, she was irresistible to men. In college, Bianca never stood a chance with guys as they all flocked to Cherrel, but she didn¡¯t mind, as her thoughts were always centered on someone else. Sighing, Bianca started feeling a bit like a loser; she¡¯d only casually dated and had never had sex, especially after witnessing what a real man looked like.


    Closing her eyes, Bianca reminisced about thest time she stayed at the Aschmidts. Not only did she catch Jaxon making out with a girl, but she also glimpsed him in the shower, etching a vivid image of his impressive anatomy in her mind. Blushing at the recollection, she found herself lost in the memory.


    Bang. Bang. Cherrel barged into her room without waiting for an answer to her knocks. ¡°Want to go out tonight?¡± she questioned Bianca before sprawling onto her bed. ¡°I¡¯m bored already.¡±


    ¡°Where are we going, El?¡± Bianca sighed, exasperated at her friend¡¯s penchant for easily getting bored. ¡°It¡¯s not like we¡¯re in the big city anymore.¡±


    ¡°We can go back into town. There¡¯s a small pub there,¡± Cherrel suggested eagerly. ¡°Judging by the number of women Jax picks up down there, there should be plenty of guys.¡±


    ¡°Jax picks up girls there?¡± Bianca was surprised, thinking most of Jaxon¡¯s conquests were from the city or daughters of other millionaires with family homes in Winterside.


    ¡°Oh, he gets girls everywhere. Look at him,¡± Cherrelughed, getting up. ¡°Tonight, we¡¯re going to go out and paint the town red.¡±


    ¡°Uh, sure,¡± Bianca groaned. ¡°I didn¡¯t even bring any party clothes.¡±


    ¡°I have plenty. You can wear something of mine.¡±


    ¡°Cherrel, I love you, but you¡¯re a size 2, and I¡¯m a size 8. Not much of what you own will fit me,¡± Biancaughed. ¡°Plus, I have a bust, and you¡¯re as t as a pancake.¡±N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    ¡°Hey, no need to insult me,¡± Cherrelughed. ¡°Let¡¯s check out my wardrobe and see what I have.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Bianca followed her friend out of the room, singing along as they walked to Cherrel¡¯s room, ¡°Tonight¡¯s going to be a good night.¡±


    ¡°What are you two hooligans singing about?¡± Jaxon stepped into the corridor, and Bianca gasped. He was wearing basketball shorts with no shirt, revealing a thin mat of hair on his chest. The urge to run over and feel its smoothness overwhelmed her.


    ¡°Nothing, dear bro. Bianca and I are going out tonight and checking out some outfits.¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah?¡± He winked at Bianca. ¡°Maybe I¡¯lle as well.¡±


    ¡°Won¡¯t we be cock blockers?¡± Cherrelughed, and Jaxon groaned.


    ¡°Cherrel, where do you get yournguage from?¡± He rolled his eyes. ¡°And no, I¡¯d love to spend the night with my sister and her best friend. I can make sure you guys don¡¯t get into any trouble.¡±


    ¡°Oh no.¡± Cherrel groaned. ¡°You¡¯re going to cock block me.¡±


    ¡°You have a cock dear sis?¡± He raised his eyebrows and Biancaughed at him.


    ¡°You¡¯re gross, you know that.¡± Cherrel hit him in the arm. ¡°Anyways, how should we dress? I¡¯ve never been to the pubs in town.¡±


    ¡°This may be the country but people still need to look nice girls. Dress as you wish. We can grab dinner there as well. I¡¯m going to hop in the shower now. We can leave in about 2 hours.¡±


    ¡°Yay.¡± Cherrel squealed with happiness and hugged her brother. ¡°Sometimes I love you big bro.¡±


    ¡°And sometimes I love you two dweeb.¡±


    ¡°And sometimes I think you both act like you are 15 years old.¡± Bianca interrupted them and they allughed.


    ¡°I know that none of the board of directors would have faith in me if they saw me and Cherrel¡¯s interactions.¡± Jaxughed. ¡°But I guess you never grow out of teasing your little sister.¡±


    ¡°Who can resist me?¡± Cherrel twirled around and Bianca pushed her into the room.


    ¡°Okay, what clothes do you own that will kind of fit me?¡± All of a sudden Bianca was excited to go out. She had a n forming in her mind and she didn¡¯t want to analyze it too closely. She was hoping that Jax would see her all gussied up and would be unable to resist himself. She felt her heart racing just thinking about it. Her and Jax, rolling around on the ground. His strong arms around her, his lips firm on hers, his hands on her breasts. She felt giddy just thinking about it.


    ¡°So what about this?¡± Cherrel interrupted her daydreams. ¡°Earth to Bianca.¡±


    ¡°Oh sorry.¡± Bianca grabbed the dress from Cherrel¡¯s hands and looked at it carefully. ¡°I¡¯m not sure if this will fit me but I guess I can try. Any other dresses that I can try on?¡±


    Cherrel handed her 2 more dresses and Bianca went into her bathroom to try them on. ¡°Okay, cross your fingers that at least one of these fits and doesn¡¯t make me look like a skank.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll be fine Bianca.¡± Cherrel turned back to her closet to decide what she was going to wear.


    ¡°Yeah. We¡¯ll see.¡± Bianca studied the dresses in her hand. The first one was sparkly silver that was more appropriate for a 70¡¯s disco. She was not sad when the dress would not even slide over her hips. The second dress seemed more promising, it was a simple ck dress and she slid it on eagerly, hoping that it would fit.


    ¡°Argh.¡± She groaned as she looked down at herself. The dress barely fit. It was extremely snug and short. It barely covered her ass and she felt like her boobs were popping out. It was definitely not a dress made for a girl with curves and boobs. The cut of the straps also made it so she wouldn¡¯t be able to wear a bra. Bianca groaned again. She wanted to catch Jaxon¡¯s eye but she didn¡¯t want him to think she was the local hooker. She pulled the dress off and tried on the next one. It was a slinky red and she was able to slip it on easily. She looked at herself in the mirror. The dress looked awful on her, something about the cut emphasized all the wrong parts of her body. She¡¯d never seen her ass look soo huge.


    ¡°How¡¯s it going Bia?¡± Cherrel called out, while singing along to the music sting out of her iPod.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Bianca sighed. It was going to have to be the ck dress then. One way or the over she was going to have someone noticing her tonight. There was no doubt in her mind. ¡°Are you sure you have no other dresses that may fit me?¡± Bianca popped her head out of the bathroom door and cringed. ¡°These are all way too small for me.¡±


    ¡°Sorry Bianca.¡± Cherrel frowned. ¡°Will none of them fit?¡±


    Bianca sighed. ¡°I guess I¡¯ll wear the ck one then. Argh.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll look great. Let me do your makeup.¡±


    ¡°Uh ok.¡± Bianca was scared at what Cherrel was going to do to her face. She usually wore very simple makeup and didn¡¯t think Jax was going to be attracted to a scarecrow. ¡°Just don¡¯t make me up too much Cherrel, I don¡¯t want to look like I have a ck eye please.¡±


    ¡°That was only once Bianca. And it was your fault, you rubbed your eye and the mascara and eyeliner became a big blob.¡±


    ¡°I looked like a hot mess Cherrel!¡± Bianca growled at her friend. ¡°Just make sure it doesn¡¯t happen again.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, yeah. Go shower and change ande back here when you are done.¡±


    ¡°Yes boss.¡± Bianca ran out of the roomughing. She and Cherrel were more like sisters than best friends. She bit her lip as she walked to her room; she wasn¡¯t sure what was going to happen when they graduated. She was scared to lose her best friend, the person closest to her in the world. She honestly didn¡¯t know how she was going to survive without Cherrel there to talk to everyday.


    ¡°Hey Bianca, a penny.¡± The low voice behind her made her jump. ¡°Hey, it¡¯s just me.¡± Jaxon put an arm around her shoulder. ¡°No need to jump.¡±

 83

    ¡°Oh sorry.¡± Bianca smiled up at him shyly. ¡°I was thinking.¡±


    ¡°Yes, you did look deep in thought. Want to talk about it?¡± He looked at her in concern. ¡°You looked like you have a lot on your mind.¡±


    ¡°Hey, just a lot of college graduation thoughts.¡± She smiled at him, surprised by his concern.


    ¡°You know I meant it about the internship and job right?¡± He looked at her sternly. ¡°I¡¯m not joking Bianca, Aschmidt Enterprises would be lucky to have you.¡±


    ¡°I know. And thanks.¡± She sighed unconsciously.


    ¡°Something tells me that¡¯s not all that¡¯s on your mind.¡± He followed her into her room and sat on the bed as she went to her bag to take out her underwear. ¡°You know you can always talk to me right.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± She tried to ignore her beating heart. Jaxon Aschmidt was in her bedroom, and he was sitting on her bed. Breathe Bianca, breathe Bianca. She willed herself to calm down.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± He picked up her journal and it took every ounce of her being to not scream and snatch it out of his hand. Please God; do not let Jax open my journal. She sent up a silent prayer. She would die if he saw any of her posts talking about how much she loved him.


    ¡°My journal.¡± She held out her hand and grabbed the journal from his hands.


    ¡°Ah.¡± He grinned. ¡°Mopping around for your boyfriend are you?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have a boyfriend.¡± She answered quickly.


    ¡°Unrequited love?¡± He cocked an eyebrow at her. ¡°He¡¯d be a fool to turn you down.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡± She stared at him sitting on her bed and wondered what he was waiting for. ¡°I don¡¯t even think he knows I exist.¡±


    ¡°Then he¡¯s an idiot.¡± Jax patted the spot on the bed next to him. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about him Bianca. There will be plenty of other guys.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± She went and sat next to him, careful not to sit too close. It didn¡¯t matter. Jaxon still grabbed her hands and held them in his. ¡°You are a beautiful girl. Any guy would be happy to date you.¡±


    Don¡¯t you want to date me then? She stared at him, willing him to gush of his true love for her. Isn¡¯t that how movies always went? She stared at his lips and wondered what he would do if she just reached over and kissed him. She licked her lips and thought about just going for it.


    ¡°This reminds me of old times.¡± Jaxon¡¯s words broke her mental pep talk.


    ¡°Huh?¡± She looked at him confused.


    ¡°When you¡¯de running to my room because you were scared of the creaks.¡± He grinned at her.


    ¡°I don¡¯t remember that.¡±


    ¡°It was the first couple of times you stayed over. You were scared of the noises. I wouldfort you.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Hey back on her bed and closed his eyes. ¡°It seems like such a long time ago now.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± She leaned back and felt her shoulders rubbing next to his. ¡°We were just kids then.¡±


    ¡°Well, you¡¯re still a kid. I¡¯m an old man now.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not a kid.¡± She answered him indignantly. ¡°I¡¯m 22 you know.¡±


    He turned to face her on the bed and she turned to face him so that their eyes were gazing into each other¡¯s. She held her breath as he stared into her eyes deeply. ¡°22 is still a kid.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not.¡± She pouted at him.


    ¡°If you are still pouting, you¡¯re still a kid.¡± Heughed.


    ¡°I¡¯m not a kid.¡± She licked her lips and moved closer to him.


    ¡°I¡¯m too old for you Bianca.¡± He stared at her mouth.


    ¡°I¡¯m not a kid.¡± She moved her face so close to his that she could feel his breath on her mouth. ¡°I¡¯m not¡­¡± Her voice trailed off as Jaxon moved in closer to her and kissed her on the lips.


    She closed her eyes and sighed. His lips felt warm and sweet and perfect. She moved closer to him and pushed her tongue into his mouth hesitantly. He devoured her tongue and she felt him groan before he brought his arms around her and brought her into him. She opened her eyes and saw him staring down at her. He was now on top of her and she felt the weight of his body crushing down on her. She wriggled beneath him, delighting in the feel of his body on hers. She brought her hands up and rubbed his bare back; it felt smooth and hot to the touch. She ran her hands down his back until she came to the top of his shorts. She paused for a second before running her hand down to his ass. She heard his gasp of surprise and grinned up at him as she squeezed his butt. He reacted by pushing himself into her and she spread her legs so she could feel him closer to her sweet spot. She felt her skirt ride up a little bit and she wrapped her legs around Jaxon, willing him to push himself into her closer. He responded by slowing grinded himself into her and she could feel his hardness push up into her mound.


    She sighed happily and his lips left hers to kiss down her neck. She squirmed underneath him hoping he would pull her top off so that she could feel his naked chest on her skin.


    ¡°No Bianca. I can¡¯t.¡± He pulled away from her and sat up. ¡°This is not a good idea.¡±


    ¡°But I want to.¡± She looked at him uncertainly. ¡°I¡¯m not a kid.¡±


    He smirked as he stared at her. ¡°That I know Ms. Bianca.¡± He licked his lips. ¡°I shall never call you a kid again.¡±


    She stared at him wanting to reach out touch his chest. ¡°Kiss me.¡± She whispered.


    ¡°What?¡± He sat there still.


    ¡°Nothing.¡± She looked down at herp unable to keep his gaze. His blue eyes seemed to pierce right through her.


    ¡°Okay.¡± He sat there next to her and they listened to the grasshoppers outside the windows.


    Finally she looked up and he was watching her with a dark and bemused look. ¡°You can leave now Jaxon.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± He remained on the bed.


    ¡°Then go.¡± Her voice sounded angry. She was upset. She felt like she had been rejected and wanted to wallow in her misery. Another part of her wanted to delight in the fact that she had kissed Jaxon and that it had been as wondrous as she thought it would be.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to leave this room with you angry.¡± He frowned. ¡°Why are you angry by the way?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not angry. I¡¯m fine. I need to shower and get ready for tonight.¡±


    ¡°Is it a guy?¡±Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t let a guy get you down Bianca.¡± He looked at her with concern. ¡°Trust me, whatever putz has you feeling so down will regret it. Most college guys don¡¯t have a clue.¡±


    Bianca sighed loudly. ¡°Most men period don¡¯t have a clue.¡±


    Heughed and nodded his head. ¡°I¡¯ll agree with you there.¡± He looked over at the journal she had ced on the bed. ¡°So do you write about him in there?¡±


    ¡°Maybe.¡±


    ¡°What have you written?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to tell you.¡± She looked at him like he was crazy.


    ¡°I was just curious as to what goes on in a 22 year Old¡¯s head.¡±


    ¡°Then go and ask Cherrel what she¡¯s thinking.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to know about Cherrel.¡± His voice was soft and he looked at her intently.


    ¡°Oh.¡± She wanted to ask him what he meant. If he was saying that he cared about her as more than a sister but she was scared to ask him. ¡°Well, I guess I can read you an entry.¡± She paused and looked at him carefully.


    ¡°That would be great.¡± Hey back on the bed and Bianca wanted to run her hands through his hair. Lying down like he was, made him seem so much younger than his age. She reached for her journal quickly and opened it to a page randomly and started reading.


    ¡°I wonder what he¡¯s doing today. If he has thought about me at all. I¡¯ve thought about him so much that thew of averages would dictate that he has to have thought about me at least once. Maybe if I think about him one hundred times in the next two days that will make him think of me at least once. I had a dream about himst night. We were in the ocean and his eyes blended with the water and I asked him if he were a mermaid. And then heughed and Iughed and I was soo happy because we were together. I¡¯m going to go look at the stars tomorrow. I¡¯m hoping I see a shooting star and then I can make a wish on it. I¡¯ll wish for him to love me as I love him. Perhaps we¡¯ll wish on the same star together.¡±

 84

    Bianca stopped reading at that point. She found it hard to keep reading while sitting next to the man who had inspired so much writing.


    ¡°So you love him huh?¡± He looked at her carefully. ¡°How does he feel?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t even think he knows I exist.¡± Bianca sighed and smiled. ¡°It¡¯s quite the love story huh?¡±


    ¡°It sounds like life.¡± He smiled at her wistfully. ¡°But don¡¯t worry, tonight we¡¯ll have a good time and you can forget him.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± She smiled at him and then leaned forward and kissed him again. This time she was the aggressor and she pushed him down on the bed. She saw his eyes widen as she nibbled on his bottom lip and she sat on top of him. She felt his hands caressing her legs and she wriggled in his eyes so that her skirt rode up. She now had easy ess to sit on him and she rubbed herself against his crotch. He felt hard beneath her and she enjoyed the feeling of his hardness rubbing against her with only her panties and his shorts acting as a barrier. This time she kissed down his neck and to his chest. She rubbed her cheek against his chest and it was soft and warm. She kissed over to his right nipple and tugged on it before kissing down his chest to his stomach. She stuck her tongue in his belly button and then licked down his happy trail to the top of his shorts. She paused and looked up and she saw him watching her with desire in his eyes. Excited and horny, she continued kissing him and pulled his shorts down. She gasped as she saw his cock flop out right next to her face. She was certain that he would have had on boxer shorts and was shocked to see his manhood right there in front of her. She paused for a second, unsure of herself. But then she closed her eyes and took him into her mouth, she was awkward and slow at first, sucking on the tip lightly, scared that she would hurt him. As she grew more confident, she took more of him into her mouth and sucked harder and harder. She was rewarded with a guttural groan emanating from Jaxon¡¯s throat and this delighted her and prodded her to keep sucking harder and harder. She took him so deeply into her mouth that she thought she was going to gag, but she enjoyed the taste of him and she loved feeling him grow as she pleasured him.


    After a couple of minutes, Jaxon pulled her off of him and she frowned, worried that she had been doing something wrong but she felt him maneuvering her on the bed until her face was in his crotch and her legs were up by his head. She took him back in her mouth and she was rewarded by a deep groan from within him. She felt his hands go up her skirt and felt her heart beating quickly as she felt his hands pulling down her panties. She trembled as she felt him pull her down towards him and when she felt his breath on her pussy, she almost screamed. And then she felt the tip of his tongue running along her clit and she couldn¡¯t stop herself from grinding into his face. She needed to feel him on her harder and deeper. Unwittingly she started sucking him with more intensity, as she concentrated more on what he was doing to her pussy. When he stuck his tongue into her, she moaned with delight and found herself sucking on the tip of his cock like a lollipop. As he fucked her with his tongue, she felt the passion building up inside of her and she sat upright as she came in his mouth, bucking back and forth on his face. Jaxon didn¡¯t seem to mind because he kept licking and sucking her pussy as she came and flipped her body around after a few minutes.


    This time she felt his bare cock between her legs and on her naked pussy. She started rubbing up and down on his cock, loving the feel of it between her legs. The tip of it was making direct contact with her clit and she grinded on it hard, delighting in the moans emanating from his body. She adjusted her body slightly and felt him pull her up so that he could kiss her, she could taste herself on his lips and she kissed him passionately. She felt the tip of his cock in her pussy lips and she felt his hand adjusting his cock so that he could slide into her. She couldn¡¯t control her excitement and so she moved up quickly and the tip of his cock fell out of her. She couldn¡¯t to grind on him and a few minutester, she felt his hot sperm spurt all over her pussy and legs. He rolled her over and pulled away from her.


    ¡°Sorry. I didn¡¯t mean toe on you.¡± He smiled at her goofily. ¡°Do you mind if I wipe it off of you with your panties?¡±


    She shook her head shyly and he wiped his cum off of her pussy and from between her legs with her panties. He then pushed her panties in his pocket and kissed her.


    ¡°I hope that helped to take your mind off of that stupid guy.¡± He looked self-conscious and she leaned forward and kissed him.


    ¡°It did, thanks.¡± She wanted to push him down and sit on hisp and fuck him but she knew she didn¡¯t want their first time to be rushed. ¡°But I better shower now. We need to get ready for tonight.¡±


    ¡°Is that an invitation?¡± He grinned at her and she felt her heart thumping. She hoped that he couldn¡¯t hear it.


    ¡°If you want to join me you can.¡± She smiled at him, hoping he would say yes.


    ¡°I better not.¡± He sighed. ¡°We may not make it out tonight if I do,¡± He stood up and tucked his cock back in his shorts. ¡°I¡¯ll see you in a couple of hours.¡± He gave her a kiss on the forehead and walked out of her room.


    Biancay there feeling rxed and satiated. She couldn¡¯t believe that she had just had oral sex with Jaxon Aschmidt and that it had felt so good. She hugged herself and hummed songs from ¡®The Sound of Music¡± as she took a shower. Tonight was proving to be a very good night. For the first time that day, Bianca felt like it had been a good idea toe home with Cherrel for Christmas.


    Bianca met a giddy Cherrel in the hallway and they went down the stairs arm in arm. Both of them excited for different reasons.


    ¡°You look great in that ck dress Bianca.¡± Cherrel grinned at her. Bianca was grateful that Cherrel had forgotten that she had wanted to do her makeup. There was no way that she was banking on Cherrel not making her look like a 2bit whore.


    ¡°Thanks, you look great too.¡± Bianca spun around in her dress, giddy with happiness and anticipation. She was happy now that she had the ck dress on; it emphasized her ample breasts and she felt a secret thrill knowing that she had on no underwear under the dress. She was hopeful that Jaxon would see her and immediately have to have her. She even pictured them going into the bathroom stall for a quick shag; though that wasn¡¯t really the way that she wanted to lose her virginity.


    ¡°I do, don¡¯t I.¡± Cherrelughed and twirled around as well. She was wearing a metallic gold dress that emphasized the gold tones in her blond hair and she had applied a dark blue eye shadow that made her eyes pop. ¡°We are totally going to pick up some hot guys tonight.¡±


    ¡°I hope so.¡± Biancaughed and Cherrel grabbed her hands.


    ¡°Why Bianca. I do believe I am rubbing off on you.¡± They ran down the rest of the stairs and waited in the foyer for Jaxon to join them. ¡°Jaxon Aschmidt, hurry up.¡± Cherrel shouted up the stairs as the two girls waited.


    Bianca knew he wasing before she even heard him on the stairs. She had some sort of sixth sense where he was concerned and her body knew when he was within a 100 feet of her without having to see or hear him. She turned to look at him as he came down the stairs and she felt a ring in her ears as she watched him. He was gorgeous and he looked enigmatic. He was dressed in all ck: ck jeans and a ck shirt and he had never looked so divine. She smiled up at him and was met with a frown.


    ¡°You going to a funeral bro?¡± Cherrel teased him. ¡°I noticed you had gained a little weight but you didn¡¯t have to wear all ck for a slimming look.¡±


    ¡°Are you girls ready?¡± Jaxon ignored Cherrel¡¯sment and was all business. ¡°We can¡¯t stay out toote, I have to work in the morning.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Cherrel¡¯s voice was sad. ¡°That sucks.¡±R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    ¡°That¡¯s life Cherrel.¡± Jaxon looked unconcerned at her frustration. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Bianca tried to catch his eye but he ignored her. She suddenly felt tense and tried to ignore the feeling of foreboding that she felt in her stomach.


    ¡°Hi Jaxon, you look nice.¡± She smiled at him, willing him to look at her and share an intimate moment with her with his eyes.


    ¡°Thanks.¡± He answered dismissively without turning around. He walked quickly out of the main door and Cherrel and Bianca followed him.


    ¡°What a sourpuss.¡± Cherrel sighed. ¡°What is it about adults that make them so grumpy all of the time.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re adults too Cherrel.¡± Bianca¡¯s voice was sharp.

 85

    ¡°I know. I know. But you know what I mean. Career people. Businessmen. Workers. They always seem to be so serious. That¡¯s why I prefer being in school. Seems to be a lot less stressful.¡±


    ¡°Life is hard in the real world Cherrel.¡±


    ¡°Ok. Don¡¯t bite my ear off.¡± Cherrel looked at Bianca in surprise. ¡°Let¡¯s go get drunk and have some fun.¡± Cherrel walked out of the door and Bianca followed, all of a sudden she wasn¡¯t so happy to be going out. She wanted to talk to Jaxon and see what was wrong. Could he be regretting their passionate encounter already? Was he mad at her? She frowned and bit her lip. There was no way she could cry now. It would ruin her makeup and make her look like a baby.


    ¡°You can sit in the front seat this time Bianca.¡± Cherrel called out before she slid into the backseat of the Range Rover. Bianca got into the car and looked over at Jax; his hands were on the steering wheel and she saw his gold Rolex shining on his wrist.


    ¡°Nice watch Jax.¡± She attempted to talk to him again.


    ¡°Huh?¡± He looked at her annoyed and she shirked back.


    ¡°I said nice watch.¡± She pointed at his wrist. ¡°That¡¯s a Rolex right?¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah.¡± He looked at his wrist. ¡°Thanks.¡± He pulled the car out of the driveway and they drove to the pub in silence.


    ¡°What a girl wants, what a girl needs. Whatever makes you happy sets me free.¡± Cherrel started singing from the backseat and Bianca hummed along with her. ¡°Come on Bianca, you choose the next song.¡±


    Bianca thought for a moment and decided to sing one of feel good songs by Fun. ¡°Tonight, we are young. So let¡¯s set the world on fire, we can burn brighter, then the sun.¡±


    ¡°Oh I love that song.¡± Cherrel danced around in the backseat and Bianca noticed Jaxon ring at them. ¡°Yay, we are here.¡± Cherrel opened the door as soon as the car stopped and jumped out. Bianca took that opportunity to turn towards Jaxon and speak to him.


    ¡°Is everything okay?¡± She touched the arm of his shirt and he jumped back. She tried not to show the hurt in her eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± He sighed. ¡°Look Bianca, what happened earlier was a mistake. I¡¯d appreciate it if you didn¡¯t tell Cherrel.¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t going to tell Cherrel.¡± She couldn¡¯t prevent the whine from her voice.


    ¡°Good. You need to find a guy around your own age. Have some fun tonight. Get over the asshole from college.¡±


    ¡°But,¡± she tried to interrupt him.


    ¡°But nothing Bianca.¡± He looked at her sternly. ¡°I am a professional businessman running a multi-billion dor corporation. I do not have time for little girl games or dalliances. Do you understand me?¡±


    She red at him and felt her blood boil hot. She had just about had enough of Jaxon Aschmidt. ¡°Get over yourself Jax. You are 30, not 65. I just wanted some fun, and if you can¡¯t provide that, then maybe some else will be able to.¡± With daggers darting from her eyes, she jumped out of the car and mmed the door. She was done with Jaxon. She had loved him for years and had hoped that perhaps they would have something special, but she wasn¡¯t down for dealing with some bipr maniac. She ran into the pub after Cherrel and ordered a scotch on the rocks. It wasn¡¯t a drink she normally got but she knew that she needed some hard liquor to get her drunk as quickly as possible.


    ¡°Yay Bianca. Time to get drunk.¡± Cherrelughed as she downed her second Rum & Coke in about ten minutes and she was dancing around the bar. All of the men in the pub were staring at them in interest and Bianca could see several of them were checking her out with lust in their eyes.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get skunk and drunk.¡± Biancaughed, feeling the alcohol burn away all of her inhibitions. ¡°Another order of shots please. Let¡¯s get blowjobs this time.¡± Sheughed at her joke and walked up to Jaxon. He looked at her with fury in his eyes and she whispered in his ear. ¡°No blowjob for you Jaxon Aschmidt.¡± And then she turned around and downed another shot.


    Cherrel was busy chatting to a young blond guy at the bar so Bianca decided to dance around the room. She was pleasantly surprised when a young man with light brown hair and green eyes tapped her on the shoulder and asked her for a dance and she soon found herself grinding with him in the middle of the pub to some hip-hop music.


    ¡°So what¡¯s your name hon?¡± The guy whispered in her ear as she backed her ass up on him. His arms were around her waist and she tried to ignore the stench of his cheap cologne.


    ¡°Bianca.¡± She smiled. ¡°You?¡±


    ¡°Mitch.¡± He grinned at her and she felt his hands running up and down her body. She felt slightly ufortable at his familiar touch but she didn¡¯t pull away because she saw Jaxon standing at the bar talking to a cute blond. She didn¡¯t want him to think she was some sort of loser.


    ¡°So do youe here often Bianca?¡± Mitch had somehow positioned them in a corner and she felt herself pushed up next to a wall. She could feel him hard behind her and he was grinding himself into her ass. She then felt his hands running up and down her breasts and she started to feel ufortable.


    ¡°Uhm, not really.¡± Her voice was low and she tried to stop his hands from touching her breasts. All of a sudden she didn¡¯t feel so happy to be wearing such a tight and revealing dress.


    ¡°That¡¯s a pity.¡± Mitch¡¯s hands easily broke away from hers and now he had them on her breasts and was squeezing her nipples through her dress. ¡°I¡¯d like to see you every Friday night for a quick bang.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± She squeaked out, unsure if she had heard him right. She was starting to feel queasy from all the alcohol.


    ¡°I said, I¡¯d love to have the opportunity to fuck you on a weekly basis.¡± He whispered in her ear andughed. She felt him pop her right boob up out of the dress and she could feel his fingers squeezing her nipple directly. ¡°I love a woman with big breasts. And yours feel natural as well.¡±


    Bianca swallowed hard, unsure of what to do. She could feel the back of her dress riding up and she was scared that her bare ass would be rubbing against the mans crotch as well. She was about to push the man away when she felt someone jerk Mitch away from her.


    ¡°Get off of her you jerk.¡± Jaxon stood there fuming and staring down at Mitch.


    Mitch frowned at him and went to punch him. ¡°What¡¯s it to you?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll find out if you don¡¯t back off in 5 seconds.¡± Jaxon growled at the man and stepped towards him menacingly. Bianca looked at him in shock and quickly pushed her boob back into the dress. ¡°Bianca, go and grab Cherrel and meet me by the car.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± She looked at him furiously. ¡°I don¡¯t want to go yet.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you know what you want. Go.¡± He growled at her.


    ¡°No.¡± She stood there obstinately and Mitch walked over to her.


    ¡°Leave me and mydy alone punk.¡± Mitch pushed Jaxon and received a right hook in the face. Jaxon grabbed Bianca and held her to him closely.


    ¡°Listen to me Bianca. Go and get Cherrel and meet me by the bar now.¡±


    ¡°Or what?¡± She slurred at him.


    ¡°Or I am going to take you over myp and smack you until you get some sense into your head, do you hear me?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Bianca smiled at him and flushed. She would love him to take him over hisp right now. She leaned close to him and whispered in his ear. ¡°I understand.¡±


    Jaxon sighed as he looked at her and this time his voice was gentler. ¡°Please Bianca, just go and get Cherrel and go to the car.¡±


    ¡°Yes Jaxon.¡± Bianca¡¯s heart pored over with love for Jaxon and she wanted him to take her into his arms. However, she listened to his words and walked over to Cherrel. ¡°We have to go now.¡±


    For some reason Cherrel didn¡¯t object and she followed Bianca to Jaxon¡¯s car. They waited by the car patiently and Bianca¡¯s heart caught in her mouth when she saw Jaxon walking towards them with a bloody nose. He looked at them furiously and silently and opened the door.


    ¡°Are you okay Jax?¡± Cherrel looked at him with concern.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± He wiped his nose on his shirtsleeve and grimaced at the blood. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you two were ying at.¡±N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Bianca kept quiet but Cherrel took him on. ¡°What are you talking about? We just came to have some fun.¡±


    ¡°And fun is what you gave all of the guys.¡± Jaxon started up the car and went speeding out of the parking lot.


    ¡°What?¡± Cherrel eximed and sat back in the seat. ¡°What is your problem Jax? I saw you cozying up to that cute blond at the bar.¡±


    ¡°I can take care of myself.¡±


    ¡°So can I.¡±


    ¡°Well Bianca sure can¡¯t.¡± He looked sideways at Bianca and she shivered at his stare.


    ¡°Bianca is fine.¡± Cherrel shouted. ¡°She was just dancing with a guy.¡±


    ¡°I think she was doing more than dancing.¡±


    ¡°What do you care?¡± Cherrel¡¯s voice sounded exasperated.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just get you both home.¡± Jaxon¡¯s voice was low and they drove the rest of the way in silence. Cherrel hugged Bianca and ran up to her room.


    ¡°Hey, I think I need to throw up. I¡¯ll see you in the morning.¡± Cherrel grimaced and made her way up the stairs quickly.


    Bianca stood in the foyer and waited for Jaxon to walk in from parking the car in the garage. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± She muttered as soon as he walked in the door. His nose was full of dried blood and his shirt was a red mess.


    ¡°You need to think about what you are doing Bianca.¡± He red at her. ¡°You can¡¯t go around acting like some sort of innocent fool.¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t.¡± She protested angrily.


    ¡°Yes, you were. That guy could have raped you tonight.¡± He growled at her.


    ¡°But he didn¡¯t.¡± She swallowed hard, knowing how close she hade to being vited. ¡°Thanks.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t be there every time you decide to let a man vite you Bianca.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t ask him to vite me.¡± She hit him in the arm mad. ¡°Why do you talk to me like some sort of dimwitted kid?¡±


    ¡°Because that is how you act. What did you expect to happen when you decided to go to a local pub with a short ck dress with your tits and ass hanging out?¡±


    ¡°They are not hanging out.¡± She red at him.


    ¡°Were you looking to get fucked tonight? Is that it? You didn¡¯t care who had you, just so long as you forgot your college beau.¡±


    ¡°No. No.¡± She cried out, sad that he would think that. ¡°That¡¯s not true.¡±


    ¡°You could have fooled me.¡± He grabbed her wrists and held her arms above her head. She stared at him, her chest heaving, unable to stop the quick beating of her heart; He stared back at her, his blue eyes dark with fury. She could see a nerve in his neck throbbing. She tried to move her arms from his grasp but she couldn¡¯t.


    ¡°It seems to me that there was only one thing you wanted tonight Bianca.¡± He growled menacingly and he brought his other hand to the bottom of her dress and yanked it up. She felt the cool air on her ass and she gasped with shock.


    Jaxon stood in front of her staring at her naked pussy and stepped towards her. ¡°You have no shame Bianca. You didn¡¯t even bother wearing a thong.¡± He stared into her eyes and casually pushed his hands between her legs; his fingers rubbed against her pussy and she shivered. ¡°Yup, that¡¯s a bare naked pussy I¡¯m feeling.¡± He ran one finger up and down her slit and pushed it into her. She stood there gasping with shock and desire and stared at him as he yed with her.


    ¡°And to top it off, you¡¯re horny as hell.¡± He removed his finger and brought it up to his mouth and sucked on it. ¡°Your pussy is slick and wet and I can taste your sex aching to be taking.¡± His voice was low and deep as he sucked on his finger.


    She stood there staring at him sucking her juices off of his fingers and she felt herself wetten even more. She was so turned on by this man. He pulled her towards him with her wrists and he stared at her with desire. ¡°I guess I¡¯ll give you what you want, seeing as I made you leave the bar.¡± He growled in her ear. He released her arms and reached down and used both of his hands to pull her dress off of her. She stood there naked in front of him and swallowed. She was scared that Cherrel or her parent¡¯s woulde downstairs and see them standing there.


    ¡°Do you want me to fuck you Bianca?¡± He grunted into her ear before grabbing her breasts in his hands. At first he held them softly, caressing them into his hands and then he started squeezing them harder and harder until he eventually pinched her nipples. ¡°Do you want me to bend you over and fuck you so hard that you can¡¯t walk straight tomorrow?¡± He bent his head and took her right nipple in his mouth and sucked hard. She felt him nibble and tug on it and she held on to his shoulders tightly because she thought might faint from the extreme pleasure running through her body. He pulled away from her and stood up straight. ¡°No answer huh?¡± He made to walk away from her. ¡°I guess I¡¯m one person you didn¡¯t want to fuck tonight.¡±


    ¡°No wait.¡± She walked towards him hesitantly and pushed up against his back. The fabric of his skirt tickled her tender breasts and she giggled.


    ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡± He turned around and red at her, he put his hands around her waist and pulled her towards him.


    ¡°Nothing.¡± She gazed up at him and moaned as his hands reached down to her ass and pushed her up against him. He left his hands there and squeezed her butt cheeks, slipping his fingers between her legs every now and then.


    ¡°Do you want me to fuck you tonight Bianca?¡± He stared at her intently and she nodded. ¡°Answer me.¡± He ordered.


    ¡°Yes.¡± She whispered.


    ¡°Yes what?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I want you to fuck me.¡± She squeaked out. She was rewarded by a zing look in his eyes and he reached down and kissed her roughly. His lips crushed into hers and she felt his tongue invade her mouth, seeking some sort of refuge in the dark corners. She responded by sucking on his tongue firmly, wanting to show him that she could give as good as she got. He inhaled swiftly as she reached down and squeezed his cock through his jeans. He was already hard and throbbing and it excited her that she had been able to make him that horny.


    She reached over to his shirt and started unbuttoning it. She ripped thest couple of buttons in her haste and eagerly took it off of him. She pressed her breasts into his chest and delighted in the feel of the warm mat of hair against her nipples. Her buds were so sensitive that it made her feel even hornier. She bit down on one of his nipples and he yelped at the roughness of her bite. She sucked and nibbled on both of his nipples and he grabbed her ass and squeezed it firmly.


    Jaxon undid his belt and pulled his jeans off and Bianca quickly grabbed his boxer shorts and pulled them off of him as well. She stood back to admire his engorged cock and then took him in her hands and started to run her fingers up and down his shaft. He grunted and put his head back before pulling her towards him again and kissing her. They then heard a creak from thending at the top of the stairs and they both stood there frozen.


    ¡°Come on.¡± Jaxon grabbed her and pulled her along with him to the kitchen. He opened the door to the pantry and they stood there in silence as they heard someone walk down the stairs. ¡°Shit.¡± He stared at her with desire in his eyes and pulled her towards him.


    Bianca melted against him and kissed him and froze against him as they heard someone turn on the kitchen light. ¡°Let¡¯s hope they don¡¯t need to use the pantry.¡± Jaxon whispered in her ear, his eyes sparkling. Bianca stifled augh and Jaxon ced his hand over her mouth. He pushed her down to the ground on her knees and he followed suit. ¡°Ssh.¡± He whispered. She felt him push her hands onto the floor as well and he brought himself up against her from behind as they listened to someone opening the fridge. She turned her head to look at him in fear but he just grinned at her and started rubbing the tip of his cock against her clit and the entry to her pussy hole. She groaned as she felt the tip of him push in and out of her and he once again covered her mouth, to stifle any noises she was making. She pushed back against him and bit his hand as he pushed himself into her all the way and started to fuck her. She screamed into his hand at the sharp pain but soon got into the rhythm of him mming in and out of her.


    Bianca felt her body trembling as he fucked her and she moaned with pleasure. Her heart was thudding quickly in fear that they would be caught but she was overtaken with the buildup of pleasure in her stomach and pussy as he pounded into her. She had wanted to lose her virginity to Jaxon but she would never have guessed it would be under such circumstances. She felt herself about toe when Jaxon stilled. There were footsteps walking towards the pantry and Bianca bit her lip in panic. Jaxon once again started up his movements, this time moving in and out of her slowly, she could feel her pussy lips clinging to his cock as he slid in and out of her and they both sighed in relief as the footsteps went past the pantry and to some other part of the kitchen. Whoever was in the kitchen turned off the lights and left the kitchen and Jaxon increased his pace so that he was mming in and out of her like he was in a race. Bianca felt her body moving and she had to hold herself steady on the floor as she ed ferociously onto his cock. She heard him start to moan as he mmed into her a few more times and then his cock stilled inside of her and she felt a warm sputtering of cum fill her. Jaxon withdrew from her slowly and stood up, pulling her tired body up with him. He grinned at her and opened the pantry door slowly; he stuck his head out and then pulled her out with him.

 86

    ¡°All clear. Come on.¡± He ran across the kitchen and up the stairs and Bianca grinned when they ran past her room and barged into his. He locked the door and pushed her up against it and bent down and kissed her. ¡°That was the hottest fuck I¡¯ve had in a while.¡± He muttered in her ear and Bianca blinked up at him. She tried to erase the sudden image that popped into her mind at his words; she didn¡¯t want to hear or think about him with other women. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back.


    He pulled back suddenly and swore. ¡°Shit, I fucked you without a condom. Sorry.¡± He grimaced as he looked at her and tried to pull away.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± She smiled at him, sad that she no longer felt the warmth of his body next to hers.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± He looked at her with a frown on his face.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± She pulled him towards her. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re protected?¡± The words were so simple and pure and Bianca could see the relief in Jaxon¡¯s eyes so she lied.


    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m on the pill.¡± Bianca felt a burden of guilt at the lie weigh down on her. But she figured, she would make him wear a condom from here on out and she should be okay. It was really unlikely that anything would happen from one sexual encounter with no protection.


    ¡°Great.¡± He grinned at her and pulled her over to the bed. ¡°That means I can ravish you all night long then.¡± He pushed her down on to the mattress and got on top of her, she felt his cock stirring against her pussy lips and she realized that she was eager to feel him in her again.


    ¡°But we can use a condom from now on if you want.¡± She whispered up at him.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    ¡°Hell no. I want to feel skin on skin.¡± He grinned down at her and took her mouth in his before guiding his once-again hard cock into her. ¡°Now doesn¡¯t that feel good?¡±


    Bianca grunted in reply, too overwhelmed to think straight. She could feel his cock deep inside of her and her breasts jiggled against his chest as he fucked her once again. Jaxonughed at her response and proceeded to fuck her senseless ande in her once again.


    Bianca woke up feeling sore and achy. She looked around her and realized she was in Jaxon¡¯s room. She stretched and grinned to herself remembering the previous night. Jaxon had made love to her 5 more times after they hade up from the kitchen and each time had seemed more passionate and urgent than the next.


    ¡°Morning Bianca.¡± Jaxon emerged from his bathroom fully clothed and looked at her with a distant look. ¡°I take it you slept well.¡±


    ¡°Yes, thanks.¡± She smiled at him shyly hoping that he woulde and kiss her in the bed and make love to her again.


    ¡°¡±Good.¡± He smiled briefly and then walked towards the main door. ¡°I have some work to do now and will be in the study. Come find me after breakfast and we can talk about the internship position.¡±


    ¡°Uh ok.¡± She looked at him confused. Was he really going to pretendst night hadn¡¯t happened?


    ¡°I think you will like working at Aschmidt Enterprises. We have a lot of great opportunities for college grads.¡± He was about to walk out of the door, when she jumped out of the bed.


    ¡°Wait Jaxon.¡± She stood there naked and walked over to him slowly. ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± He looked at her casually but she could see his pupils dte as he looked at her naked breasts.


    ¡°I mean, are you just going to pretendst night never happened?¡± She pressed herself up against him bravely, trying to ignore the butterflies in her stomach.


    ¡°It was a mistake Bianca. It shouldn¡¯t have happened.¡± He looked at her coolly but didn¡¯t move away from her.


    ¡°Really?¡± She pressed her lips against his and kissed him. ¡°It didn¡¯t seem like a mistake when you fucked me 6 timesst night.¡± She slipped her tongue into his mouth and put her hands in his hair. He kissed her back and she felt his arms around her waist. He brought his hands up to cup her breasts and squeezed them. She sighed with happiness and reached down to his pants and slipped her hand in to grab his cock.


    He groaned and picked her up and carried her to the edge of the bed. He pulled his pants down andid her t on her back. She felt him lift her legs up and rest them on his shoulders and then he pushed himself into her hard. He looked down at her as he mmed into her and she felt her breasts bouncing up and down as he fucked her. He came quickly and she saw him grab a napkin to clean himself up before he grabbed his cock and put it back in his pants. He zipped up again and stood looking at her naked on the bed.


    ¡°Like I said, it was a mistake.¡± He looked at her with clouded eyes and walked to the door. Shey there feeling like a tramp and didn¡¯t bother wiping the tears that fell from her eyes. She showered and went to her room to change and then went down to breakfast. She felt numb as she ate and when Cherrel walked in, it was all she could do to fake a smile.


    ¡°Hey.¡± Cherrel beamed at her. ¡°Last night was soo crazy huh?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± If only Cherrel knew just how crazy it had been. Bianca thought to herself and sighed. ¡°It was really crazy.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe Jax beat up that guy.¡± Cherrel eximed again.


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Sometimes I feel like I don¡¯t even know him.¡±


    ¡°Me too.¡± Bianca responded glumly while eating her cereal.


    ¡°I mean I thought he was over that craziness.¡±


    ¡°What craziness?¡± Bianca looked at Cherrel curiously.


    ¡°Oops,¡± Cherrel looked taken aback. ¡°I forgot I¡¯m not meant to say anything.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Bianca looked at her in shock. ¡°You mean you have a secret from me.¡±


    Cherrel looked at her guiltily. ¡°Well, I promised my folks I wouldn¡¯t tell anyone. It¡¯s about Jax and well, if people knew it could ruin the family business.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not people Cherrel. I¡¯m your best friend.¡± Bianca spoke sharply, wondering what Cherrel knew about Jaxon that was too dark to share with her best friend. Maybe it would exin the way he had treated her.


    ¡°I know Bianca. It¡¯s just really bad.¡± Cherrel pleaded with her friend. ¡°Please don¡¯t press me now. I¡¯ll tell youter.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Bianca knew not to press it. But she was really hurt that Cherrel would hold back on her. ¡°Tell me when you can.¡±


    ¡°Thanks Bianca.¡± Cherrel smiled at her gratefully.


    They finished breakfast pretty quickly and Cherrel went back to bed because she wasn¡¯t feeling well. Bianca decided to go and see Jaxon in his office to talk about the internship. She walked in while he was on the phone and he motioned for her to sit down.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not going to just sell you 4 million shares Chuck. They are worth $100 Million, not $25 Million.¡± Jaxon shouted into the phone. ¡°I will not be ckmailed into this Chuck.¡± And with that he turned off the phone.


    ¡°Sorry, is this a bad time?¡± Bianca looked at the man she had loved for so long and wondered to herself what were the deep dark secrets that he was hiding that made him act the way that he did.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± He sat down across from her and pulled out a file and handed it to her. ¡°I want you to read this now and let me know what you think.¡±


    ¡°Ok.¡± She took it from him and the first form was a confidentiality agreement. She frowned with surprise. ¡°What¡¯s this form for?¡± She looked at him and he was staring at her intently.


    ¡°You have to read the rest of the folder to find out.¡±


    ¡°Ok.¡± She swallowed hard. This didn¡¯t seem like any ordinary internship to her. The next piece of paper was titled, ¡®The Rules And Conditions Of Being Jaxon Aschmidt¡¯s Personal Assistant¡¯. She looked up at him and spoke. ¡°I think you gave me the wrong file, this is the paperwork to be your assistant.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± He nodded and got up and closed and locked the door behind her. ¡°That¡¯s the position I want you to take.¡±


    ¡°But I thought you wanted me to be an intern.¡± She looked at him confused.


    ¡°I changed my mind.¡± He smirked at her. ¡°I¡¯m a billionaire. I can do that.¡±

 87

    ¡°I see.¡± But she didn¡¯t. She had no clue what was going on. ¡°You know I still have a semester left in school right?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll postpone it.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t repeat myself twice.¡± He frowned at her. ¡°So listen very carefully Bianca.¡±


    ¡°Ok.¡± She swallowed. This was a very different Jax than she was used to.


    ¡°Read through the papers and tell me your answer.¡± He sat on the table in front of her and unzipped his pants, pulling his cock out. She looked at him in surprise and with lust wondering what he wanted to happen next. ¡°Read the papers Bianca.¡± Hemanded her while ying with himself.


    Bianca nodded her head and tried hard to concentrate on the words as he grunted and moaned while jerking himself off. She could barely read the papers when he patted her on the shoulder. ¡°What do you say?¡± He grunted and for some reason unbeknown to her she muttered, ¡°Yes.¡±


    The next thing she knew he was pushing his cock in her mouth anding. She tried not to gag as his sperm flooded her mouth. She managed to swallow everything and lick his cock clean.


    ¡°Good girl.¡± He smiled at her and got up. ¡°I think we are going to have an excellent working rtionship.¡±


    She sat there feeling stunned and confused, unsure of what she had just agreed to.


    ¡°Be sure to go on the patch.¡± He ordered her. ¡°The pill is too unreliable, way too easy to forget.¡±


    She nodded her head in agreement, suddenly feeling queasy.


    ¡°We don¡¯t want you falling pregnant now do we?¡± Heughed at the look of fear on her face.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    ¡°No.¡± She tried to smile at him but felt her heart ticking quickly. ¡°Not at all.¡± He came over to kiss her and she kissed him back passionately, happy to be in his embrace. But she couldn¡¯t stop worrying and thinking: What if I¡¯m pregnant already?


    The piece of paper flew away quickly in the wind. She watched it go without trying to catch it. It wasn¡¯t that she didn¡¯t want to run after it with all of her might. She did. Her head told her to go and grab the paper and hold on to it tightly. It told her to leave Winterside and to nevere back again. It told her that Jaxon Aschmidt was bad news. But she didn¡¯t listen to her head; she listened to her head. She watched the paper that contained her school schedule for the next semester float away and she walked back to the house.


    Bianca had made a decision. One she wasn¡¯t really sure of, but it was a final decision. She was going to work for Jax as his assistant, no matter what the position entailed. She owed it to herself. She loved him. And she always said that love woulde before everything else in her life, even her education. Her precious Columbia education. What would her aunt and uncle say? Could she break it to them? They wouldn¡¯t understand what possible reason she could have to take herst semester off. She decided that she wasn¡¯t going to tell them. They were too old to have to worry about her future. She knew that they used their retirement money to help pay her living expenses; no life insurance policysted that long.


    She walked into the house and stood in the lobby, thinking back to the night a few days before when she and Jaxon had done unspeakable things to each other. She walked over to therge mirror that hung in the hallway and stared at herself to see if she looked any different. Dark brown frizzy hair. Check. Green eyes. Check. Freckles. Check. Average build. Check. Look of terror in the eyes. That was new. She was terrified that she was making a mistake; that somehow she was about to embark on a path that she had been lucky to avoid but was too weak to stop going down. All of a sudden she wished more than anything that she could run up the stairs and ask Cherrel what she should do. Her wonderful best friend Cherrel. The one who always had the best advice. The one person she couldn¡¯t ask. She wasn¡¯t even sure how she was going to tell her about the time off. She was scared that Cherrel would guess that she was in love with her brother. There was no way she could talk to Cherrel about the way she was feeling.


    ¡°Hey Bianca.¡± The husky timbre of his voice made the hairs on her arm stand on end. She turned around slowly, not wanting to show her eagerness to see his face.


    ¡°Hi.¡± She smiled briefly, taking in his appearance. His face looked unkempt and unlike the Jaxon she knew. He hadn¡¯t shaved in a few days and had a thickyer of stubble, which made him look even more brooding and foreboding.


    ¡°Where have you been? I¡¯ve been looking for you.¡± His words were harsh and they made her jump.


    ¡°I was just outside Jax.¡± Her words came out high and annoyed. ¡°I was just enjoying the day. Am I able to do that?¡± She was mad at herself for allowing herself to take his bait. Could they never just have a normal conversation?


    ¡°You didn¡¯t tell anyone.¡± He looked at her usingly. ¡°I asked Cherrel.¡±


    ¡°Cherrel¡¯s not my keeper. I can go for a walk.¡±


    ¡°Do you want Mitch toe and rape you?¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll be targets now Bianca. After what happened at the pub. You need to be more careful.¡±


    She looked at him in shock and astonishment. He was crazy. Really crazy. Why would Mitch stalk her down just to rape her?


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m fine.¡± She looked at him coldly. ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, I¡¯d like to go to the kitchen and have a ss of water now.¡±


    His gaze softened and he sighed. ¡°That¡¯s fine. Come find me in my study afterwards so we can talk.¡±


    ¡°About?¡± She was pretty sure she already knew the answer.


    ¡°The job.¡± He frowned at her. ¡°Did you finish reading all of the papers I gave you?¡±


    ¡°Yes sir.¡± She thought about bowing but didn¡¯t think he was in the mood for a joke.


    ¡°Good.¡± He stared into her eyes and she felt herself getting lost in the blueness of his eyes. How funny that they looked as blue as the sky today when the previous night they had looked almost ck. There was a glint of excitement in her eyes that was reflected in her stomach and she felt a ball of nervous anticipation well up inside of her.


    ¡°I¡¯ll see you in about an hour then.¡± He broke their gaze and strode off to his study. Bianca stared after him breathing deeply before she went to the kitchen. Part of her was still unsure of what she was getting herself into. She clutched the gold cross that hung from the ne around her neck and she prayed that she wasn¡¯t making a huge mistake.


    She walked to the kitchen slowly thinking about how quickly her rtionship with Jaxon had changed. He had been her rock growing up. He hadn¡¯t known it but he had been the catalyst that had helped her to heal from her heartbreak. When her parent¡¯s had died, she had be numb inside. Her Aunt and Uncle had done their best to wee her into their home; but they hadn¡¯t known how to understand andfort her. 15 year-old Jaxon had broken through her barriers with his brutish and cocky teenage self in ways he would never be to know. She had looked up to him as a teenage God; handsome and confident, yet still unsure of himself as teenagers are. And in the days and evenings when it was just the two of them, he would be soft and gentle and kind. Kinder to her than he was to his own sister Cherrel. Maybe it was because he knew that she was an orphan, and she always had a lost look in her eyes. Her friends used to tease her and say she could give Little Orphan Annie a run for her money but Bianca had never realized the sad air she gave off.


    Jaxon had brought her out of herself with his games and stories. He had told her of dates and pranks he had pulled because he needed a confidante and he was too scared that Cherrel would tell their parents. Their friendship had blossomed throughout the years, as she had spent most of her summers with the Aschmidts. But everything had changed in her 17th year. She had been excited to show Jaxon that she had finally blossomed and had immediately ran to his room when she and Cherrel had arrived at the train station. He had been sitting at his desk writing something and she had squealed and hugged him from behind. He had gotten up and twirled her around and she had giggled as he kissed her on the cheek. At 25 Jaxon was already on his way to being the brilliant businessman that he currently was and he had already embarked on his trip down stony junction. He had an almost imprable wall around him to most people and he didn¡¯t let people get too close.


    ¡°Bianca.¡± He had smiled at her with genuine happiness in his eyes. ¡°It¡¯s great to see you.¡±

 88

    ¡°You too goof.¡± She had hit him on the arm, pleased that she had caught him giving her the once over.


    ¡°You¡¯ll have to tell me how the semester has been.¡± He looked away from her quickly. ¡°But not now, I¡¯m busy.¡±


    ¡°Oh, okay.¡± She jumped up quickly from his bed. She had sat down eagerly; ready to tell him about her first kiss and how boys had started to notice her. ¡°I wanted to tell you about Harry.¡± She spoke eagerly as she walked to the door.


    ¡°Who¡¯s Harry?¡± He looked at her with a frown.


    ¡°My quasi-boyfriend.¡± She grinned at him.


    ¡°Boyfriend? Aren¡¯t you too young for a boyfriend Bianca?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± She twirled and danced around. ¡°Not at all.¡±


    ¡°Well we can talkter. I¡¯m busy now.¡± He walked her out of his room and she felt a sliver of disappointment run through her. Bianca didn¡¯t see Jaxon again that summer; he had gone to London on an emergency business trip and stayed. And they had never had the same easy friendship on any of her subsequent visits. She didn¡¯t know what made him distance himself from her like that. On the surface, they had the same casual easy friendship but it was strained with tension and oddments.


    Bianca sighed as she thought back to their rtionship. Now they had added a whole newyer to their dynamic and she wasn¡¯t sure if it would bring them closer together or drive an even bigger wedge between them. Especially if he found out that she lied about being on the pill. She resolved to herself that she would never let him know the truth.


    She knocked on his study door hesitantly. She was scared to make a decision. Scared to move forward in his crazy world with his crazy contract and ns. She walked into the room when he beckoned her in because she knew she was too scared to walk away.


    ¡°Did you get your water?¡± He smiled at her softly. He looked calm and gentle and he reminded her of the Jaxon from her childhood.


    ¡°Yes. Thanks. It was high quality H2O.¡± She grinned at him and heughed at her quote from ¡®The Water Boy¡±. They had spent many a weekend watching Adam Sandler movies.


    ¡°That¡¯s good to hear. I wouldn¡¯t want you drinking non high quality H2O.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± She looked at him cautiously not sure what to say or if she should sit down.


    ¡°Sit Bianca, you are making me ufortable just staring down at me.¡±


    ¡°Ok.¡± She sat opposite him and looked at his desk. It was strewn with papers and folders and a MACptop. ¡°Is that the new MacBook Pro?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I got it a few weeks ago.¡± He nodded and his expression changed. Suddenly he looked serious and annoyed. ¡°But that¡¯s not what you came to talk about, is it Bianca?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Her voice was quiet. ¡°It isn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡± Let¡¯s cut to the chase Bianca. What we have done cannot happen again.¡± He looked at her harshly. ¡°Do you understand me?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± She looked at him furtively, trying to not let him see the panic and hurt in her eyes. ¡°I thought you want me to be your assistant?¡±


    ¡°I made a mistake Bianca.¡± He grimaced and looked away from her. ¡°It won¡¯t happen again.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Her voice was angry.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to be upset Bianca. I will still get you into the internship program.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to be in the internship program.¡± Her voice sounded like she was pleading and she winced. ¡°I want to be your assistant.¡±Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°No you have to finish school.¡± He looked at her coolly.


    ¡°I already withdrew from my sses for the semester Jax.¡± Her voice was strong. ¡°This will be a good experience for me. It will help me in my career.¡±


    He grinned at her. ¡°Well, who knew you had it in you to be calcted Bianca?¡± He frowned to himself. ¡°Maybe you aren¡¯t as pansy as I thought.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± She red at him. ¡°I¡¯m not a pansy.¡± Except around you she thought to herself.


    ¡°Well I hope not. Not if you want to seed in this business.¡±


    ¡°So, am I still going to be your assistant?¡± She looked at him passionately, praying with all of her might that he would say yes.


    ¡°I¡¯ll have to think about it.¡± He looked at her curiously. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen anyone so excited to be an assistant before.¡±


    ¡°You were the one who told me I was going to do the position in the first ce.¡± She cried out.


    ¡°That was a different kind of assistant position.¡± He looked at her and licked his lips. ¡°But that is no longer on the table.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± She wanted to ask him exactly what that position would have consisted of and ask him to still consider her but she wouldn¡¯t resort to begging. She wasn¡¯t that far gone and she would die of a broken heart before she would let him know just how deeply she cared for him.


    ¡°So we¡¯ll start in a week.¡± He wrung his hands as he spoke to her. ¡°You can help me here in the study and then you¡¯ll start fulltime in the City in 2 weeks.¡±


    ¡°Ok.¡± She tried to hold back her grin but she couldn¡¯t. ¡°Sounds good.¡±


    ¡°Oh and Bianca.¡± He called after her as she walked out of the study.


    ¡°Yes.¡± She turned back to look at with sparkling eyes.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get into any trouble.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll try not to.¡± Sheughed as he groaned and ran up the stairs to her room to write in her journal. Shey on the bed and opened a new page. She was excited that finally she had something to write that was positive and happy as opposed to gloomy and naive. She was going to write a poem to express her feelings but she bit her lip and paused. Everything hadn¡¯t gone exactly as she wanted it to: she wanted Jaxon to want her and love her. She had hoped that after they had slept together he would have realized that he had feelings for her and that he wanted to be with her. But the opposite had happened. Not only did he not dere his love for her, he didn¡¯t even want to sleep with her again. Had she been that bad? Maybe she had been too eager. She sighed. She didn¡¯t even know what the other type of assistant position had really consisted of but she wanted to know. She was also worried that he would get someone else to fit that role. Pangs of jealousy reverberated through her and she wanted to cry. She needed to think of a way to get him back into her bed and maybe then she could try and reconnect with him again. Break through the shell he had developed. She also wondered what Cherrel had been talking about the previous evening.


    What had Jaxon done that had been so bad? Because it had to have been really bad if Cherrel wouldn¡¯t tell her. Cherrel told her everything; she was incapable of keeping a secret. Bianca knew that she needed to find out. She wanted to know about Jax more than she wanted to write about her feelings so she put her journal down and decided to go and see what she could get out of Cherrel.

 89

    ¡°Cherrel?¡± Bianca knocked on her door a couple more times before walking into her bedroom. ¡°Cherrel?¡±


    ¡°Bianca.¡± Cherrel¡¯s face popped out from underneath the covers. Her eyes were blotchy and red and she looked like she had been crying.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Bianca rushed across the room tofort her friend. ¡°What¡¯s wrong Cherrel?¡±


    ¡°Nothing.¡± Cherrel smiled weakly and brushed her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    Bianca paused as she reached the bed and sat down. ¡°You don¡¯t look fine.¡± She spoke softly and took her friends hand. ¡°But if you don¡¯t want to talk about it right now, I understand.¡± She smiled at her friend with love and squeezed her hand. ¡°I¡¯m here for you whenever you want.¡±


    ¡°Oh Bianca.¡± Cherrel burst into tears. ¡°You are really the best friend a girl could ask for.¡± She ced her face on Bianca¡¯s shoulder and sobbed. Bianca drew her friend close and hugged her as she cried. She rubbed her back and prayed that nothing too serious was bothering her friend.


    ¡°Ssh. It¡¯ll be okay Cherrel.¡± Bianca soothed her friend and pulled back to stare at her. ¡°Whatever it is Cherrel, we can get through it.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll never be okay Bianca.¡± Cherrel sniffed. ¡°I can¡¯t talk about it now but it¡¯ll never be okay.¡± Her eyes welled up and Bianca could see that she was about to start sobbing again.


    ¡°It would have to be something absolutely dreadful for it to never be okay again El.¡± Bianca smiled at her friend softly and Cherrel looked at her with abject misery.


    ¡°Life as we know it will be changed forever Bianca.¡±


    Bianca felt a sudden jab of worry hit her stomach. Had something happened to Jaxon? Was this rted to the story that Cherrel couldn¡¯t tell her about? ¡°Is this about Jax Cherrel?¡± She gasped out, unable to contain herself.


    ¡°Huh?¡± Cherrel looked at her in confusion. ¡°Jax? What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Does this have to do with what you told me about yesterday? The trouble he got himself into?¡±


    Cherrel looked at her like she was crazy. ¡°Huh? No.¡±


    ¡°Oh okay sorry.¡± Bianca¡¯s breathing went back to normal and she felt the tension release from her body.


    ¡°It has to do with me Bianca and how my life will never be the same again.¡± Cherrel wailed.


    Bianca paused and tried topose herself. She had a feeling that whatever Cherrel was upset about had to do with a guy. She knew that Cherrel had been seeing someone before they left school but she had been very secretive about the guy. Bianca wondered if perhaps something hadn¡¯t gone wrong with the rtionship. ¡°Well, if you want to talk about it. Just let me know.¡±


    ¡°Ok, thanks Bia.¡± Cherrel smiled weakly and Bianca studied her friend. Even though her face was red and splotchy she still looked beautiful. If only she could look so serene with frizzy hair.


    ¡°So can you tell me what happened with Jaxon now?¡± Bianca grinned at her friend, she knew that if there was ever a time to get information from her friend, it was in an emotional period.


    ¡°Bianca!¡± Cherrel frowned. ¡°I told you I couldn¡¯t tell you.¡±


    ¡°I know but I¡¯m going to be Jaxon¡¯s assistant next semester and I wanted to know what to look out for.¡± Bianca frowned; mad that this is how she had to tell Cherrel that she was taking the next semester off.


    ¡°What?¡± Cherrel shrieked. ¡°Omg, you¡¯re noting back to Columbia with me next semester?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°I cannot believe this.¡± Cherrel¡¯s voice was full of theatrics. ¡°There is no way I¡¯m going back without you.¡± She paused and smiled. ¡°In fact, I think I¡¯ll work for the family business next week as well.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Bianca looked at her in shock.


    ¡°Jaxon is always saying I should take a greater interest in the business. And neither he nor my parents can say no, now that you are doing it too.¡± She grinned. ¡°In fact, I think this will solve a lot of problems.¡±


    ¡°Uh ok.¡± Bianca studied her friend and frowned. ¡°If you¡¯re sure.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m positive.¡± Cherrel jumped up suddenly full of verve and vitality. ¡°What should we do today?¡±


    ¡°What do you want to do?¡±


    ¡°Maybe we can convince Jaxon to take us out on the boat.¡± Cherrel grinned. ¡°That would be awesome.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, that would be fun.¡± Bianca smiled. She¡¯d love to spend the day with Jax.


    ¡°And I can make sure he gives me a position that doesn¡¯t require too much work.¡± Cherrel grinned and Biancaughed. ¡°Oh Bianca, thanks for making me feel better.¡± Cherrel gave her a hug.


    ¡°No problem El.¡± Bianca paused. ¡°But do you think you could tell me something, anything about Jaxon?¡±


    Cherrel sighed and stared at her friend. ¡°Oh Bianca. Look I don¡¯t really know exactly what happened but my parents had to get awyer and¡­¡± She paused to look around the room and lowered her voice. ¡°I know that he went to jail for a bit.¡±


    ¡°Jail?¡± Bianca¡¯s voice was shocked.


    ¡°Ssh.¡± Cherrel looked at her with concern. ¡°Be quiet. No-one talks about it and I¡¯m not sure exactly what happened but my parents sent Jax to London for the next year to let everything die down.¡±


    Bianca felt her heart ticking rapidly. ¡°When did this happen Cherrel?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t remember exactly. A long time ago.¡±


    ¡°When we were 14?¡±


    ¡°What? I guess, maybe.¡± Cherrel looked at her suspiciously. ¡°Did you already know?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Bianca looked at her friend thoughtfully. ¡°I didn¡¯t know but it exins a lot.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Cherrel narrowed her eyes. ¡°What aren¡¯t you telling me Bianca?¡±


    ¡°Nothing. I just felt that Jaxon changed after that summer.¡± Her voice sounded wistful. Inside she was bubbling with curiosity. What had happened to Jaxon? What had he done? And did she really want to know.


    ¡°Yeah. He did.¡± Cherrel¡¯s eyes zed over. ¡°I don¡¯t know what it was but from that point on it seemed like the light had gone out of his eyes.¡± She sighed. ¡°And now he¡¯s soo busy running thepany with Dad, it¡¯s like he doesn¡¯t have time for anything else.¡±


    ¡°But he still dates.¡± It was a statement of fact but Bianca really wanted to ask it as a question.


    ¡°I guess so. I wouldn¡¯t call it dating so much as fucking.¡± Cherrel grinned. ¡°You know men.¡±N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Bianca sighed.


    ¡°You¡¯ll most probably meet some of them as his assistant.¡±


    ¡°Oh. You think so?¡± Bianca¡¯s heart sunk.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Cherrelughed. ¡°I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll have you send flowers and stuff. Just don¡¯t sleep with him.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Bianca gasped.


    ¡°I said just don¡¯t sleep with him or you¡¯ll lose your job.¡± Cherrelughed again. ¡°I heard dad telling him that he had to stop sleeping with his assistants because apparently one of them started leakingpany information after he dumped her.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Bianca remembered the confidentiality contract that Jaxon had asked her to review and sign. ¡°Wow.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. It was crazy. Apparently, she tried to sell a story to a tabloid about him spanking her and handcuffing her.¡±


    ¡°Really? That doesn¡¯t seem tabloid worthy.¡± Bianca tried no to picture him with someone else. The churning in her gut was making her feel nauseous and she felt a headacheing on.


    ¡°Well, ¡± Cherrel lowered her voice again. ¡°Supposedly he did something extra.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Bianca leaned in with her heart in her mouth.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on girls?¡± Jaxon knocked on the door and the girls jumped apart guiltily and for the first time ever Bianca was disappointed to see Jax.


    ¡°Nothing. I was justing to see you actually.¡± Cherrel was smooth and ran up and gave her a brother a kiss on the cheek.


    ¡°Oh yeah?¡± He raised an eyebrow at her and looked over to Bianca whose cheeks were flushed.


    ¡°Yeah. We wanted to know if you¡¯d take us on the boat today.¡± She grinned up at him. ¡°Please.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m pretty busy today Cherrel.¡± He looked at Bianca as she spoke and she tried to maintain eye contact with him without looking too embarrassed.


    ¡°Please Jax.¡± She pleaded with her brother batting her eyelids up at him.


    ¡°Well Joshua is meant toe over to go over a contract with me this afternoon.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Cherrel looked surprised.


    ¡°You could invite him too.¡± Bianca added in her two cents. She liked Joshua, he was one of the Aschmidt¡¯swyers and she had met him and his wife several times.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Jax looked like he was debating it in his mind.


    ¡°I thought he was going to be in the City this weekend?¡± Cherrel interrupted.


    ¡°No, he got into Winterside with Lilyst night.¡± Jax spoke distractedly and didn¡¯t notice the Cherrel flinch. But Bianca did. Though she wasn¡¯t sure why Cherrel cared.


    ¡°I see.¡± Cherrel frowned. ¡°Well I don¡¯t think Joshua and Lily will want toe, let¡¯s postpone it.¡±


    Jax looked at his sister¡¯s sad face and sighed. ¡°No, no. I¡¯ll cancel with Joshua. The contract can wait to be reviewed until tomorrow. I haven¡¯t gotten to spend an afternoon with my sister and her best friend in ages.¡±

 90

    Cherrelughed. ¡°You may as well just say your two sisters.¡±


    Bianca frowned at Cherrel¡¯s words and looked at Jax¡¯s face. There was an evil glint in his eye.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if that¡¯s such a good thing to say.¡± He winked at Bianca and turned around. ¡°Let me go and finish up some work and we can head out after lunch.¡±


    ¡°Yay.¡± Cherrel danced around and ran to her closet. ¡°Okay, I need to choose an outfit. Want to help me Bianca?¡±


    ¡°No, I think I¡¯ll go and see if Jax needs any help.¡±


    ¡°What, he has you working already?¡±Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°No, but I figure I may as well get started now before he changes his mind.¡±


    ¡°Oh Bianca. You are a workaholic.¡± Cherrelughed and turned back to her clothes. ¡°See youter. Don¡¯t forget to wear a swimsuit, we can have a swim in theke.¡±


    ¡°Won¡¯t it be cold?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be a baby it¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    ¡°Okay Cherrel. See you in a bit.¡± Bianca walked out of the room and smiled to herself. She was excited to spend the afternoon with Jaxon and she was hopeful that she could try and find out some more information about his past.


    Bianca stood outside of Jax¡¯s office and counted to three before she knocked. She didn¡¯t want to seem too eager partially because she wasn¡¯t sure how he would react and partially because her inner conscious was telling her to run away as quickly as she could.


    ¡°Come in?¡±


    ¡°Hey Jax, I was wondering if you needed any help?¡± She looked at him cheerfully, unsure if he would be happy to see her or not.


    ¡°Really?¡± He looked at her in surprise.


    ¡°Yes. I know I don¡¯t officially start until next week but I would love to help out now if I could.¡±


    ¡°Actually that would be great.¡± He beamed at her and she felt her heart flutter. ¡°Joshua is stilling over this afternoon. He¡¯s going to go on the boat with us and wants to talk business afterwards. So I need to make a couple of changes to the contract now before we leave.¡±


    ¡°Oh ok. How can I help?¡±


    ¡°I want to read the contract and I¡¯ll tell you the changes to make in the open document ok? You can use thisptop.¡± He pointed to a second closedptop on his desk.


    ¡°Okay, sure.¡± She sat down eagerly and reached over for theptop to turn it on. ¡°Oh what¡¯s the password?¡± She asked him as she was stopped from going any further.


    He frowned at her and reached for theptop. ¡°Oh, I can put it in.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you trust me?¡± She looked at him with a sad face. ¡°I¡¯m not going to steal any corporate secrets.¡±


    ¡°No, I know, it¡¯s not that.¡± He sighed and let go of theptop. ¡°Bianca.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the password.¡± He sighed. ¡°Bianca.¡±


    ¡°Bianca as in me?¡± She looked at him in surprise as her heart pounded away.


    ¡°Yes. But it wasn¡¯t chosen because of you. I mean, Cherrel was talking about you the day I was setting it up and I thought it would make an easy password to remember. You know?¡±


    ¡°Yeah sure.¡± She smiled shyly at him and wondered what it meant. He had used her name as hisptop password, aptop he had had for at least a couple of years.


    ¡°Open word and open the file called ¡°Soundgarden Contract.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Her fingers moved nimbly across the keyboard, she realized that she was not going to be getting any answers right now.


    ¡°Okay, we are starting at section A, I want to include a few more names as guarantors to the loan.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± She typed away and they worked in solidarity for the next two hours with their minds on nothing but work. Bianca was justifying a paragraph and frowning because Word didn¡¯t want to cooperate with her when she heard Jaxonughing.


    ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡± She looked up with him and brushed her hair out of her eyes.


    ¡°You.¡± He smiled at her with mirth in his eyes. ¡°Who would have thought you¡¯d turn out to be such a good assistant?¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you d you hired me now?¡± She grinned at him.


    ¡°Yes. Yes I am.¡± His eyes took in her heaving bosom barely contained by her tank top and he licked his lips. ¡°I think it was a very good decision.¡±


    Bianca felt her skin starting to warm and her stomach started doing flip-flops. ¡°I¡¯m d as well.¡±


    ¡°Why are you d Bianca?¡±


    ¡°Because I get to work with you.¡± She licked her lips as she studied his face. He had a manly square face, his dark hair was still wet from his shower and his eyes bore into her, the brilliant blueness reminding her of the night sky. ¡°You know your eyes are soo many different kinds of blue.¡± She mumbled to him.


    ¡°Really?¡± He stared into her eyes. ¡°Did you know that you have enchanting eyes like a cat? They change from green to brown and back again but they never seem to be quite the same color.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± She gazed at him breathless.


    ¡°Your eyes remind me of sunny hills and the morning dew on the grass. They remind me of hot chocte on a hot night. They remind me of magic.¡±


    ¡°Magic?¡± She was caught up in his words.


    ¡°The magic of another day. The magic of believing and of trust.¡± He leaned into her. ¡°When I gaze into your eyes, I feel like another person.¡±


    They stared into each other¡¯s eyes for the next few minutes. Each hoping to see the answer to an unasked question; to see the salvation they both sought. Bianca felt like she was going to drown; her throat choked up and she felt overwhelmed with emotion staring into Jaxon¡¯s eyes. She felt like she wanted to tell him secrets that no one else knew, that she hadn¡¯t even addressed with herself.


    ¡°Kiss me beautiful.¡± He leaned within inches of her so that she could also taste his lips on her. She leaned forward and met his lips and returned his kiss. It was soft and sweet and full of passion. She urgently pushed her tongue into his mouth wanting to taste and feel more of him; wanting to be consumed and to consume.


    He sucked on her tongue and pulled back from her. She looked up at him surprised and hurt but was delighted to see that he had just broken their kiss so that he coulde around the table and grab her from her chair so that they could kiss properly. She put her arms around him and yed with his slick hair. She felt him bring her in closer to him so that their bodies were meshed together; and they were essentially two halves of the same whole. She felt like this was their first kiss; so sweet and powerful were the emotions running through her.


    ¡°You are such a sweet sexy thing Bianca.¡± Jaxon groaned into her ear. ¡°We shouldn¡¯t be doing this.¡±


    Bianca wanted to ask him what his hesitation was but she didn¡¯t want to ruin the mood so she just pushed herself into him harder and kissed him more passionately. She reached her hands down to the top of his jeans and unbuckled his belt. She smiled when she heard him groan but he didn¡¯t try and stop her. She pulled his belt out of his jeans and undid the button and pulled his zipper down very carefully. He stared at her intently and she smiled up at him. She pulled his jeans and boxers down and was rewarded by an already penis waiting to greet her. She got down on her knees and sucked it for a few seconds before taking him in her hands. He gasped and grabbed her head as she gave him a hand job. She grinned as she looked at the desk and saw he had a ss of water with some ice cubes in it. She pushed him down to the couch that was at the side of the room and got up quickly.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± He pouted at her.


    ¡°Hold on.¡± All of a sudden she felt very much in control and she loved it. She grabbed one of the ice cubes from the ss and put it in her mouth and sucked on it. She walked slowly back to him and saw him pleasuring himself.


    ¡°Oh no big boy, that¡¯s my job.¡± She grinned at him and pushed his hand away. He sat back and grinned at her.


    ¡°I was hoping you would say that.¡±


    She leaned forward to kiss him and transferred the remainder of the ice cube into his mouth. Then she bent down and took him in her mouth. He gasped from the intense coldness on him but as she continued bobbing up and down on his cock, she felt him rx and start groaning. She could feel him growing harder and harder in her mouth and she could taste his precum as she sucked on the tip of his cock.

 91

    ¡°Oh fuck Bianca. You are killing me here.¡±


    She looked up at him and she saw the desire she felt reflected in his eyes. She jumped up and pulled her shorts and panties off and lowered herself into him. She yelped as he took control and grabbed her ass pushing her down onto him hard. She leaned over to kiss him as she bounced up and down on his cock enjoying the feel of him, still slightly cold, inside of her. He squeezed her ass as she rode him and he pulled away from her so that he was staring into her eyes as they both came. She wanted to close her eyes as the orgasms ripped through her but the intensity of his gaze heightened her pleasure. She stilled and copsed against him as he slid out of her and she rested her head on his shoulder.Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Now, that is one reason why mid-afternoon sex isn¡¯t always good.¡± He grinned at her. ¡°It makes you tired.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not tired.¡± She yawned as she spoke and they bothughed as they rxed on the couch.


    ¡°Really?¡± He smiled at her tenderly.


    ¡°Really.¡± She felt happy curled up on top of him. His body felt so warm andfortable and he was still in a good mood. She didn¡¯t want this moment to pass.


    ¡°Well Bianca, you have worked very hard this afternoon. I suppose you do deserve a little nap.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± She smiled up into his eyes and was rewarded with another sweet smile.


    ¡°Yes.¡± He pulled her up and gathered her towards him so that they were both lying on the couch spooning. He was behind her with his arms around her and she could feel his cock next to her ass. ¡°We can take a quick nap.¡±


    ¡°Ooh that sounds nice.¡± She smiled and breathed in deeply. His scent was all over the room and she wanted every one of her senses to enjoy this moment. She closed her eyes and started humming to herself, something she had done since she was a little kid.


    ¡°The song game?¡± Jaxon whispered into her ear.


    ¡°If you want.¡± She grinned, delighted that he remembered the game from their childhood. When she had been unable to sleep, they had sometimes yed the song game. A game she had learned from her parents. Basically one person sang or hummed a song and the other one had to guess it and sing along and then it was their turn to choose the song.


    ¡°Who¡¯s first?¡±


    ¡°You can go first.¡± She was eager to hear his voice singing again.


    ¡°Ok, hmm. Let me think.¡± His hands caressed her stomach and she pushed back into him. ¡°Ok, I have one:


    ¡°Sweet baby, why won¡¯t youe around my way,


    Sweet baby, what do I have to say?


    I¡¯ve been missing your loving,


    I¡¯ve been missing your heart,


    Tell me that we can have a new start.¡±


    ¡°Ooh, I know this one. I know it.¡± Bianca squealed. ¡°It¡¯s ¡®The Frapp¡¯s¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Smart girl.¡± He grinned and snuggled closer to her. ¡°Your turn.¡±


    ¡°Okay, but you know I can¡¯t sing as well as you.¡± She started.


    ¡°You have a lovely voice Bianca.¡±


    ¡°Yeah right,¡± Sheughed. ¡°Said no one ever.¡±


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s lovely when you speak.¡± Heughed and she turned around to face him and hit him on the shoulder.


    ¡°You¡¯re an ass.¡± Sheughed at him.


    ¡°Go on, I want to hear this.¡± They stared into each other¡¯s eyes both happy to just be in the moment.


    ¡°Ok, here goes:


    ¡°Tell me, when did you know I wasn¡¯t the one?


    When did you feel the wind pass by the sun?


    When did the sky drop off of a hill?


    Tell me will our love ever be real?


    Will our love ever be real?¡±


    Bianca sang sweetly and with conviction, the words hers as much as the original singers. She stopped singing and she looked into Jaxon¡¯s eyes searchingly, hoping that maybe some real magic would happen and he would talk of his love for her.


    ¡°Hmm, I¡¯m not sure.¡± He broke eye contact with her and looked away. ¡°The Beatles?¡±


    ¡°No!¡±


    ¡°Bob Marley?¡±


    Bianca burst outughing. ¡°No, it¡¯s not Bob Marley you goof.¡±


    ¡°Mickey Mouse?¡±


    ¡°No, but you are close.¡± She grinned at him.


    ¡°Minnie?¡±


    ¡°Oh boy.¡±


    ¡°Oh boy. I tawght I taw a puddy cat.¡± He joined in with her Disney imitations.


    ¡°I did, I did. I know I taw a puddy cat.¡± Sheughed happy to have broken the odd mood that hung in the air.


    ¡°And he¡¯ll huff an he¡¯ll puff and he¡¯ll blow your house down.¡± He leaned towards her and whispered before he kissed her. ¡°You should watch out for big bad wolves Bianca.¡±


    Before she could respond she felt his fingers opening up her legs and his cock plunging into her. ¡°Ooh.¡± She said eyes wide with delight and surprise. He responded by rolling her over and getting on top of her. She wrapped her legs around his waist so she could feel him in her deeper and he responded by moving faster and faster. She felt her orgasm building up when he withdrew from her and spurted his cum all over her stomach. Shey there hoping he would finish off the job with his hands or mouth but he just grinned down at her. She moaned and wriggled around underneath him before he bent down and whispered in her ear.


    ¡°You see the trouble with wolves is they only care about getting what they want and need.¡± He winked at her and jumped up off of the couch.


    The boat ride felt ufortable. Bianca couldn¡¯t put her finger on it but everyone was acting weird and stilted. Thepanywyer Joshua had arrived with his wife Lily about an hour before they had left and Cherrel had not seemed happy to see either of them. Jaxon was also acting distant towards her. Something she should have expected after all the other times they had had sex. She had just hoped that this time was going to be different. She had felt like they had really had a connection and she didn¡¯t understand why he always became so cold towards her. She sighed and stared out on theke, it seemed so empty and vast and she shivered. Sometimes she felt like Jaxon was ake: cold and solitary with hidden depths.


    ¡°A penny for your thoughts.¡± Cherrel came up to her looking miserable.


    ¡°Oh, they¡¯re not worth a penny.¡± Bianca smiled at her friend. ¡°What¡¯s wrong Cherrel?¡±


    ¡°Nothing.¡± Her friend grimaced. ¡°I just thought that it would be a family outing. You, me and Jaxon.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Bianca frowned. ¡°But Joshua is like family, we¡¯ve known him so long now.¡± She looked over at the handsomewyer who was drinking a beer and staring at them. He waved and smiled as they made eye contact and she waved back.


    ¡°I guess.¡± Cherrel turned away. ¡°But we barely know Lily.¡±


    ¡°But Lily is his wife and seems sweet enough.¡±


    ¡°She just doesn¡¯t really seem his type though, does she?¡± Cherrel raised an eyebrow at he friend and Bianca looked at Lily, who was slightly overweight but always very cheerful. It was true, Joshua looked like a blond Hollywood star and Lily looked like she could pay weightwatCherrels a visit.


    ¡°She¡¯s wonderful though Cherrel, don¡¯t be a bitch.¡± Bianca chided her friend. She was slightly peeved because she knew she was no stick either.


    ¡°Yeah. She¡¯s a wonderful leech.¡± Cherrel bit back bitterly. ¡°You know she is only with him for his money.¡±


    ¡°As opposed to his good looks you mean?¡± Biancaughed and put her arm around her friend. ¡°Don¡¯t be bitter about love hon.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Cherrel looked at her suspiciously. ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°Nothing.¡± Bianca sighed. ¡°No need to bite my head off. It just seemed like you were bitter having to witness a perfect couple when we are both here alone. Trust me it¡¯s not easy for me either watching two people who are so very much in love.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, they¡¯re a perfect couple.¡± Cherrelughed bitterly. ¡°He¡¯s the doting husband and she¡¯s a proper CinderCherrel.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll find our Prince Charming¡¯s one day Cherrel.¡± Bianca smiled weakly at her friend worried. She¡¯d never seen Cherrel look so blue.

 92

    ¡°After we have sex. You act like I don¡¯t even exist.¡± She whispered to him, making sure no one was close. She noticed that Cherrel and Joshua were no longer on the deck and Lily was lying back getting some sun on her skin.


    ¡°No I don¡¯t.¡± He frowned. ¡°And I told you. I don¡¯t think it¡¯s a good idea for us to have sex anymore.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡± She stepped towards him angrily. ¡°You don¡¯t seem to be saying no when it is happening.¡±


    ¡°It just is.¡± He grabbed her hands. ¡°Look Bianca. This is not a good idea.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°You are too young. You are my sister¡¯s best friend. I¡¯m not a good guy.¡± He rasped at her.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you?¡± She squinted her eyes at him.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter.¡± His hands squeezed hers tightly and he stepped towards her. ¡°I am warning you that you need to stop this now Bianca.¡±


    ¡°Or what?¡± She spoke defiantly, upset that he wasn¡¯t just being straight with her.


    ¡°Or you are not going to like what happens to you.¡± He pushed himself into her and she was trapped between the side of the boat and his body. ¡°Or you are going to wish that you never met me.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t scare me Jaxon.¡±


    ¡°Then you are a fool Bianca.¡±


    ¡°Maybe.¡± She whispered. Maybe I¡¯m a fool in love she thought to herself.


    ¡°I y hard and fast Bianca and I don¡¯t care who gets caught in the crossfire.¡±


    ¡°Neither do I.¡± She lied. ¡°I y hard and fast too.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± His eyes glinted at her.


    ¡°Yes.¡± She swallowed.


    ¡°Turn around and bend over then.¡± He grunted into her ear.


    ¡°What?¡± She looked at him in surprise.


    ¡°I want to fuck you right here and right now. If you truly y hard and fast bend over.¡±


    ¡°But what about Lily, she nodded over to the woman who was lying on the deck just a few feet away.¡± She swallowed. ¡°And Cherrel and Joshua.¡±


    ¡°I knew you didn¡¯t y hard and fast.¡± He turned away from her andughed.


    ¡°Wait.¡± She grabbed his arm and pulled him towards her. She looked over to Lily once again, she appeared to be sleeping and Bianca bit her lip. She quickly turned around and bent over the side of the boat. She lifted her skirt up and turned back towards Jax who watched her with a wicked smile. He moved in towards her and pulled the front of his shorts down and removed his cock. She felt his rub it up and down on her clit for what seemed like an eternity before he pushed himself into her. She cried out from the shock of his thrust and he put a hand over her mouth and whispered in her ear. ¡°You have to be quiet my dear.¡± He kept his hand there as he plunged in and out of her. Bianca leant forward unconsciously and this allowed his cock to plunge into her even deeper. She bit his hand as he thrust into her harder and harder; she felt him in her so deep that she felt that he was trying to be one with her. He groaned into her ear and reached his hands down to grab her breasts. He groped them sensuously and squeezed her nipples as he fucked her relentlessly. She shuddered as she came and he increased his pace until she felt the warmness of his sperm fill her. He pulled out of her immediately after he came and pulled her skirt down.Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°We need to make sure you get on the patch immediately. I don¡¯t know how much I trust the pill.¡± He stared at her intently. ¡°You seem to be a drug I can¡¯t quit so we better make sure we are taking better preventative methods.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Bianca smiled weakly as her stomach churned. She suddenly felt very sick and faint.


    ¡°If you want to go down this road with me Bianca you will need to follow my rules.¡± He assessed her coolly. ¡°You need to know what you are getting yourself into.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± She stared back at him coolly. She saw Cherrel and Joshua walking back on the deck and she saw Joshua patting her friend¡¯s ass. All of a sudden she felt a shiver of cold inside of her.


    ¡°We can make this a new arrangement if you want.¡± He paused. ¡°You can be my special assistant.¡±


    ¡°Like the one¡¯s you had before?¡± She spoke casually but there was urgency to her words.


    He looked at her carefully. ¡°What do you know about my other assistants?¡±


    ¡°I know you¡¯ve fucked them as well.¡±


    ¡°How?¡±


    ¡°I just know.¡± She looked at him unflinchingly.


    ¡°Then you know how the arrangements ended?¡± He looked at her with a half smile, though his eyes were hard.


    ¡°No, not really.¡±


    ¡°They all wanted more and I fired them.¡± Heughed. ¡°This isn¡¯t a forever arrangement. When I¡¯ve had my fill I¡¯m done.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± Though she had a billion questions. How long did it take for him to be done? And did he see them outside of work? Did he ever date anyone regrly?


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you do.¡± Heughed and looked out at theke. ¡°I¡¯m not a good guy Bianca. You should walk away now. I can hurt you.¡±


    ¡°No you can¡¯t.¡± She lied. She would take any hurt just for the chance to be with him for any length of time.


    ¡°I can.¡± He looked at her with pain in his eyes. ¡°I am capable of hurting you in ways you do not even know about.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± She whispered, scared but hopeful to learn more.


    ¡°A long time ago, I did a very bad thing.¡± His voice was low. ¡°I can never let it happen again.¡±


    ¡°What did you do?¡± Bianca questioned him, her heart beating rapidly. She had a feeling this was rted to the information Cherrel had been talking about.


    ¡°I loved someone very much.¡± His voice was filled with emotion. ¡°I couldn¡¯t control myself.¡±


    Bianca felt her heart ripping apart. ¡°What did you do?¡± She whispered.


    He looked into her eyes and her heart ached for him. She could see the deep pain that lingered there and he looked like a lost soul. ¡°I did it for love. I was blind. I didn¡¯t know. How could I know?¡± His voice broke as he spoke.


    ¡°Do you still love her?¡± Bianca¡¯s heart was breaking and she didn¡¯t know if she wanted to know the answer.


    ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll always love her. ¡± His voice was low. ¡°She¡¯s all I ever think about.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Bianca felt crushed. ¡°And she doesn¡¯t want you?¡±


    He looked at her and heughed. A deep darkugh filled with pain and sorrow. ¡°She must never know of my love. Nothing good will evere of it.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Bianca didn¡¯t understand and she felt more confused and upset than ever. ¡°I see. So you don¡¯t want to date her?¡±


    ¡°There are some people so precious and delicate in life that they must be protected from all of nature¡¯s dark side.¡±

 93

    ¡°Ok.¡±


    ¡°She deserves better than me.¡± Heughed.


    ¡°So you¡¯ll just date someone else then?¡± Bianca wanted to break away from him and jump into the river to drown her sorrows.


    ¡°I don¡¯t date.¡± He paused. ¡°I¡¯ll never love anyone the way I love her.¡± He reached over and pinched he nipple. ¡°I just fuck instead.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± She swallowed, ashamed at how good his hand made her feel.


    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯ve had 10 assistants in thest year.¡± He looked at her intently as he rolled her nipple between his fingers. ¡°I¡¯m a bad boy Bianca.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a bad girl.¡± She lied, desperately hoping that she could somehowe out of this unscathed.


    ¡°No you¡¯re not.¡± He looked out to theke again. ¡°But I think you need to see who I really am for you to finally leave me alone.¡±


    She gasped and pushed him away deeply hurt by his words. She walked away from him quickly and stood by Cherrel, who was drinking a beer with a smirk on her face.


    ¡°Hey, what were you and Jax discussing so intently?¡±


    ¡°Just work stuff.¡± Bianca paused. ¡°So has Jax ever had a serious girlfriend?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Cherrel gulped back the beer she was drinking. ¡°Strange question but yeah, he used to date this girl called Alexandra. They have been on and off for years.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Bianca racked her brains to see if she could remember who Alexandra was.


    ¡°Yeah. I think they were really serious ages ago, back before things went bad.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡±Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Yeah, that summer when he went to jail.¡± Cherrel whispered, delving more secrets now she was drunk. ¡°I think it had something to do with her. I¡¯m not sure what though.¡±


    ¡°Wait, was she the girl that used to have the house next door?¡± Bianca thought of a beautiful girl with long ck hair who used toe over sometimes. ¡°The one we used to call modern day Snow White?¡±


    ¡°Yup.¡± Cherrelughed. ¡°Was she beautiful or what? If it¡¯s possible she is even more beautiful now.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Bianca frowned. ¡°So what happened?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Cherrel whispered. ¡°But a year or so ago, she came to the house and I heard her talking with Jax in his study. She told him she forgave him and hoped they could put it behind them.¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah? Put what behind them though?¡± Bianca felt anxious.


    ¡°I told you I don¡¯t really know.¡± Cherrel frowned. ¡°But Jax told her he wasn¡¯t good for her. He said he regretted what happened more than life itself. He said that the best thing he could do for those he loved was to stay away.¡±


    ¡°Wow.¡± Bianca scratched her forehead, willing herself not to cry. ¡°He must have really loved her.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. I guess.¡± Cherrel sighed. ¡°Love is fucked up.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes it is.¡± So there she had it. Jaxon was in love with beautiful Alexandra. She wondered what had happened to make him think that the best thing he could do for her was to stay away. If he had loved her she would have put up with anything just to be with him. ¡°Why was Joshua touching your ass Cherrel?¡± Bianca whispered to her friend, trying to get her mind off of Jaxon.


    ¡°What?¡± Cherrel looked at her in shock.


    ¡°Is something going on between you and Joshua?¡± Bianca tried to keep the judgment off of her face.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you are talking about.¡± Cherrel got up and swayed over to the cooler to get another beer. ¡°And I don¡¯t appreciate the insinuation either.¡± She shouted back.


    Biancay back and closed her eyes letting the sun beat down on her, hoping its rays would erase her mind from all of the information that had put in it that afternoon.


    The rest of their vacation in Winterside was tense and awkward. Bianca and Cherrelughed on the surface together but there was an obvious wedge between them. Cherrel went out most nights without inviting Bianca and they only really saw each other over lunch. They talked about superficial topics and neither one of them mentioned what had been said on the boat.


    Bianca had instead focused on her work with Jax. They hadn¡¯t made love since that day or talked about their conversation either. What hurt Bianca the most was that Jaxon had not even attempted to make a move on her. Shey in her bed every night, hopeful that she would hear a knock but it never came. The days were long and the work was hard but she found that she was beginning to understand the way that he worked and what he expected of her. He was also very kind towards her, so much so that she felt that there was hope for them to be friends again.


    And as much as she felt sorrow for herself, she felt sorrow for him as well. What a wicked trick God had pulled on them to have her love him deeply and to have him love Alexandra deeply. She wished every night that by some miracle he would forget Alexandra and love her. But every day she woke up to a professional Jaxon and they went along with their everyday tasks without mentioning any of their personal feelings or dilemma¡¯s.


    She¡¯de back to New York by herself. Cherrel had decided that she was going to take a month to vacation in France and Italy by herself before she started her internship. Bianca supposed that was one of the perks of actually being a Aschmidt, you could do what you wanted when you wanted. Bianca sighed as she tried on her outfit for the next day, the skirt didn¡¯t zip up properly and the jacket felt tight on her. She figured she had gained some weight in Winterside but she hadn¡¯t realized it at the time.


    She looked in her closet to see if she had any other suits to wear; even though she already knew the answer. She wanted to look smart on her first official day at work but it looked like she would have to wear her ck pants with the stic waist and an ugly white shirt she had gotten for Halloween a few years before when she went to a party as Tom Cruise from ¡®Cocktail¡¯. She tried on the outfit and groaned, she looked like an old maid, not a 22-year-old girl. No wonder Jaxon didn¡¯t want to be with her. She copsed on to the bed and cried. She let out all of her frustrations and pains and sobbed for a good twenty minutes before she jumped up and ran to the bathroom to puke.


    She sat on the floor with her head in the stomach and she tried to think about what she had eaten the night before that might be responsible for making her sick. She¡¯d only had a slice of pizza and some sd. She sat there and started retching again when she felt her body still with shock. She jumped up, flushed the toilet, washed her mouth out with some water and ran to her calendar. She felt panicked when she realized she had missed her period.


    ¡°Oh shit, shit, shit.¡± She ran to her room and grabbed her purse and ran to the elevator. She needed to go to the store to get a pregnancy test. She felt hot and cold flushes run through her body and she leaned against the wall. ¡°Please God, no.¡±


    She bought 3 different types of tests and ran back to her apartment. She felt her patience running thin as no urine came and ran to the kitchen and drank 3rge sses of water. ¡°Please please please.¡± She mumbled as she peed on the sticks. She felt like time had stood still as she waited and jumped up when her rm went off indicating that the waiting period was over. She walked slowly to the bathroom to cheek, telling herself that everything was going to be okay. She looked at the first stick, and then the second and third and pressed her head against the mirror. She walked back to her bedroom slowly, unsure of the feelings running through her. Part of her was extremely scared and worried but another part of her was delighted. She sat on her bed and bit her lip, she wasn¡¯t sure whaty ahead but one thing she did know was that she was going to keep the baby growing inside of her.


    ***


    Bianca arrived at work early the next morning. It was her first official day and she wanted to show everyone that she wasn¡¯t hired just because she was best friends with the bosses¡¯ sister. She was pleased with her appearance. She had been able to let out the skirt and decided to skip the jacket; she didn¡¯t think she had to be that formal anyways. It had been a week since she had seen Jaxon and she was eager to see his face. She also knew that he deserved to know about the baby. She was scared at what he would say. That maybe he would ask her to get an abortion or think she was a gold-digger after the family funds. She knew he would be angry and wouldn¡¯t understand. She didn¡¯t know how she was going to tell him that she had lied about being on the pill; who did that? She would think that she had tried to trap him.

 94

    The receptionist walked her to her desk outside of Jaxon¡¯s office and she sat there and waited for him to call her in.


    ¡°He¡¯s in there with someone right now dear.¡± The elderlydy smiled at her. ¡°But as soon as he¡¯s finished, you can go and walk right in.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡± Bianca smiled weakly at thedy and sat there ying around with some paperclips on the table. She tried to figure out what to say to him when she saw him, ¡°Hey Jaxon, I haven¡¯t seen you in a week but guess what? I¡¯m pregnant.¡± Or maybe, ¡°Jaxon I want you to know that I am having your baby but don¡¯t worry I can still be your assistant.¡± She hit her hand against her head and sighed. There was going to be no easy way to tell him.


    ¡°So I¡¯ll see you tonight?¡± The door opened and Bianca saw the back of adying out of his office. ¡°I¡¯ll make reservations at Barbuzza for 8 yeah?¡± Her voice was high and whiny and somehow sounded familiar to Bianca.


    Bianca heard a muffled reply from Jaxon but couldn¡¯t understand him. ¡°We can discuss everything else tonight Jax. I think this is one dinner you don¡¯t want to miss.¡± Thedy stepped out and closed the door.


    Bianca looked at her and gasped, the color draining from her face.


    ¡°Hello dear Bianca?¡± Thedy smiled coldly. ¡°I understand it¡¯s your first day today?¡±Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Her voice was low and strained. ¡°And you are?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t remember me?¡± Thedy looked at her with narrowed eyes. ¡°I¡¯m Alexandra, Jaxon¡¯s special friend.¡±


    ¡°Oh, yes. Sorry I forgot.¡± Bianca stood up and smiled and held out her hand.


    ¡°Sure.¡± Alexandra ignored her outstretched hand. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t get toofortable here Bianca. I don¡¯t think you¡¯ll be in this position too long.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t really like you. Never did.¡± Sheughed. ¡°And I think I can convince Jaxon to let you go.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± Bianca stared at thedy unsure of why she hated her so. She also didn¡¯t understand what Jaxon saw in her. Yes, she was beautiful but she was like an ice queen.


    Alexandra leaned in close to Bianca and whispered. ¡°I¡¯d watch your back Bianca. You don¡¯t want to see Jax back in jail do you?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Bianca looked at her in shock. ¡°What¡­¡±


    At that moment, Jaxon opened the door and walked out. ¡°Bianca.¡± He smiled brightly at her until he noticed Alexandra right next to her. ¡°You¡¯rete.¡± He frowned. ¡°I¡¯ll see youter Alexandra.¡±


    ¡°Yes dear.¡± She looked back at him and smiled sweetly before walking away.


    ¡°In the office.¡± Jax barked at Bianca and she stood there in confusion.


    ¡°I¡¯m notte Jax.¡± She spoke angrily to him, upset that he had spoken to her that way in front of Alexandra.


    ¡°Look I¡¯m doing you a favor here Bianca. My life would be a lot easier if I didn¡¯t hire you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not trying to put you out Jax. In fact, I can leave right now if you want.¡± She spun around and walked to the door and he chased after her.


    ¡°Stop.¡± He barked. He reached around her and closed the door and locked it before pushing her against it and reaching down to crush his lips to hers. She kissed him back passionately and violently, letting all of her emotions and worriese out in the kiss. He unbuttoned her shirt quickly and pushed her the cups of her bra down so that her breasts were hanging out. He reached down and took one of her breasts in his mouth and suckled on her nipple as he pushed her skirt up with his hands.


    She reached over and undid his shirt and pulled it off of him so that he stood there bare-chested. He groaned and ripped her shirt off and threw it on the ground next to his before unsping her bra. He pushed her against him so that her breasts were crushed against his chest. He reached under her skirt and pulled her panties off and pulled her skirt up to her waist.


    ¡°Fuck it.¡± He growled and pulled her skirt off as well so that she was standing there naked asides from her heels. She reached over and pulled his pants down and caressed his penis until it was hard. He lifted her up against the wall and muttered into her ears. ¡°Put your legs around my waist.¡±


    She obeyed and wrapped her legs around him and was rewarded by his hard cock pushing deep into her. She groaned as he fucked her; their bodies gyrating together so that her breasts bounced against his chest. He lifted her over to the ck leather couch in his office and pulled out of her. She sat there looking up at him and he pushed her down onto the couch.


    ¡°Spread your legs.¡± Hemanded before using his hands to open them wide. She felt his breath on her pussy seconds before she felt his tongue invade her. She buckled under the pressure of his lips as they sucked on her clit and she felt herself cum into his mouth as hepped up her juices. ¡°Good.¡± He grinned at her before flipping her over onto all fours. He then came up behind her and slid himself into her once more, she felt her pussy lips wee him home and they clung on to his cock as he slid in and out of her.


    ¡°There is something delicious about fucking a wet pussy that I can¡¯t resist.¡± He muttered before mming into her a few more times and thening. He turned her over and copsed onto the couch next to her. She cradled him in her arms and they smiled at each other. His head was resting on her breast and she felt a rush of pleasure run through her and she hoped that she was going to give birth to a boy so that she could always be reminded of his glorious wonderful angelic face. He reached over and suckled on her breast and she rubbed his head feeling satiated andplete. This is where she was meant to be: with this man, in this moment forever.


    ¡°I told myself I wouldn¡¯t do this.¡± He muttered as he pulled himself away from her. ¡°You are a witch Bianca.¡±


    ¡°No. I¡¯m not.¡± She smiled at him sweetly and decided that this was the perfect time to tell him the news. ¡°I need to tell you something Jaxon.¡±


    ¡°Yeah?¡± He looked at her sideways as he caressed her breasts with his tongue.


    ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s kinda important.¡±


    ¡°Ok.¡± She felt his hand slip down to her pussy and he rubbed on her clit.


    ¡°Yes.¡± She moaned and wiggled against him. ¡°I¡¯m pregnant.¡± She spurted it out.


    She felt him freeze and left his mouth from her breast. He looked at her in shock. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m pregnant.¡± She gasped it out as he slid two fingers into her. ¡°Please don¡¯t do that, I can¡¯t think.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t think?¡± He looked at her harshly and continued fingering her. ¡°What do you mean you are pregnant?¡± He got up and removed his fingers from her, instead rubbing the tip of his cock up and down her slit.


    ¡°Jaxon please stop.¡± She pleaded with him as she felt another orgasm build up.


    ¡°Who are you pregnant for?¡± He stared at her intently, slipping the tip of him into her slowly and then withdrawing it.


    ¡°You.¡± She groaned, aching to feel him fully inside of him.


    He stared at her with a murderous look in his eyes and slid the length of his cock in and out of her slowly. She grabbed his ass to get him to move faster but he withdrew from her and rubbed his cock on her clit a few more times before getting up and walking away from her. He silently walked over to get his clothes and he got dressed as she sat there on the couch. He walked back to his desk and sat down and stared at her stillying on the couch.


    His next words were low and contained his anger. ¡°What do you mean me? I thought you told me you were on the pill?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± She sat up and covered her breasts with her hands suddenly ashamed and embarrassed.


    ¡°I cannot believe this Bianca.¡± He put his face into his hands. ¡°I knew fucking you was a mistake.¡±


    Bianca cringed at his words and wiped away a tear that had formed in the corner of her eye. ¡°I¡¯m sorry Jax.¡±


    He mmed the desk with his fist. ¡°You should be fucking sorry. You have justplicated my life far more than I need at this point.¡±


    Bianca looked down at the floor scared; she had never seen him so angry before.


    ¡°I cannot believe this has happened. Not know that Alexandra hase back into my life.¡± He sighed and looked at her angrily. ¡°Do you know what you have done?¡±


    Bianca nodded her head overwhelmed by the guilt in her heart. She was costing the man she loved the love of his life. ¡°I¡¯m sorry but I¡¯m keeping the baby.¡± She bit her lip and rubbed her stomach.


    He looked at her and all of a sudden his features softened. He got up and picked up her clothes and walked over to her. He lifted her off of the couch and redressed her. She looked into his eyes and saw an emotion she had never seen before reflected there.


    ¡°I told you I was a wolf Bianca.¡± He sighed. ¡°I just don¡¯t think you listened.¡±


    ¡°What are we going to do?¡± She looked at him fearfully.


    ¡°We¡¯re going to make sure you don¡¯t get eaten.¡± He frowned at her and walked back to his desk. ¡°We¡¯re going to make sure that nature doesn¡¯t have its way.¡±

 95

    Bianca decided to go to the movies after work to think. They always made her feel calmer, even horror movies. She thought that it was because the best memories she had of her parents were rted to movies. She could remember watching ¡®Mary Poppins¡¯ and dancing around singing A Spoonful of Sugar with her dad. He would throw her up into the air and then sneak her a candy behind her mother¡¯s back. She would nibble at the candy and suck it slowly, savoring the sweetness in her mouth as she continued to watch the movie. She had developed a love of pigeons from the movie and whenever she walked around Times Square, she would always try to take some bird seeds so that she could feed the birds. It was something that she was sure her father would do with her if he were still alive. As Bianca studied the movie listings she sighed, there was nothing that she wanted to sit through, nothing that would take her mind off Jaxon and his dinner with Alexandra.


    She knew that this was going to be a long lonely night for her. She¡¯d had some hope when she had gone into the office that morning that she had a chance. But as soon as she had seen Alexandra she had known. The love of Jaxon¡¯s life was back and she wasn¡¯t going to be taking his rejection so easily. No matter what he had to say. Bianca felt a twinge of guilt in her heart, didn¡¯t loving someone mean letting them go? Maybe she had ruined Jaxon¡¯s life by getting pregnant. Maybe his one chance at happiness was forever gone because she had lied. She didn¡¯t me him for being upset-he had asked and she had lied. She was a bad person, an evil person. She didn¡¯t deserve happiness. Not after what she had done. But she knew she didn¡¯t regret it, she would always have a piece of Jaxon now. It didn¡¯t matter if he never wanted to see her again she would still have the baby. And she knew deep in her heart that Jaxon wouldn¡¯t desert his own baby. He wasn¡¯t made like that. No, he would take care of his baby, even if he didn¡¯t want to see her. She was confident of that.


    She sighed and decided to find a coffee shop to go and rx in, maybe being around a hustle of people would stop her from feeling alone. Just as she was about to go into a Starbucks, she had an idea. Something was still puzzling her and she hailed down a cab to take her to the local library.


    ¡°Do you have newspaper archives?¡± She smiled at thedy behind the counter as she walked into the library. ¡°And if so, how far back do they go? And which newspapers do you have? Big and small? And newspapers from other cities?¡±


    Thedy looked at her with a bored expression. ¡°No ma¡¯am. We just have book circtions here.¡±


    Bianca felt her stomach drop and the excitement seeped out of her.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you go and try NYU¡¯s or Columbia¡¯s library? Though you may need a student id or guest pass to get in.¡±


    ¡°Of course, of course. Thank you.¡± Bianca felt like pping herself across the forehead. Of course, she should go to the library at school. She couldn¡¯t believe that she hadn¡¯t thought of it herself. It seemed that she was experiencing pregnancy brain already. ¡°I¡¯ll go to Butler,¡± she spoke aloud to herself unable to stop the excitement racing through her. She wanted to know Jaxon¡¯s big secret. It just didn¡¯t make sense, if he loved Alexandra so much what had he done that was so bad that he wouldn¡¯t allow himself to be with her? She figured if he had been arrested, there might be a newspaper clipping about it somewhere. He was a Aschmidt, the only son of a billionaire. People cared about what happened to the rich and famous, it would likely be in magazines and newspapers galore. Sheughed almost giddy at the thoughts running through her mind, she was positive that she was going to find out a lot more information.


    Her phone rang as she was about to walk into the library and she took it out and paused. It was Jaxon. She wasn¡¯t sure why he was calling her. He never called her, not even tomunicate about the job. He had had an office secretary call and to give her all the details. She chewed on her lips as she watched the phone ring. Did he want to tell her to give up the baby? Maybe Alexandra was willing to still be with him if the baby was no longer in the picture. She cringed at the thought of having to have an abortion, she clutched her stomach knowing that there was no way she would abort her child. She wondered if he would try to convince her to give the baby up for adoption? Maybe he¡¯d find a family somewhere in the Midwest, maybe even someone in Iowa close to her aunt and uncle. And he would offer to be the child¡¯s benefactor, so he could make sure the child was financially taken care of without having to actually be in the child¡¯s life. She would never let that happen either. There was nothing he could offer her that would make her give up her baby. No amount of money, not thousands or millions. She wouldn¡¯t even do it for a billion dors. She sighed as the phone started ringing again, he was insistent that he wanted to talk to her. She answered the phone nervously. ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Bianca? Where are you?¡± Jaxon growled into the phone and Bianca rxed. Whatever he was calling about was not rted to the baby. She knew that his voice would have been super sweet if he had wanted to try to persuade her to get rid of his baby.


    ¡°I¡¯m at Columbia.¡± She sighed having to tell him her whereabouts.


    ¡°What?¡± His voice held disbelief and confusion. ¡°I thought you decided that you weren¡¯t going to go to school this semester.¡±


    ¡°I had,¡± she mumbled.


    ¡°You can¡¯t just bail out on me now. You are my assistant and you have a duty to me and the position.¡± He sounded angry. ¡°We need to talk, Bianca.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t owe you anything.¡± Her voice was loud and annoyed. ¡°I have to go now.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you hang up that phone, Bianca.¡± His voice was bossy and obstinate and Bianca grinned and promptly pressed the end button before powering off her phone. She walked into the library, shed her student id and then took the elevator to the fourth floor.


    As she was about to walk into the newspaper archive room, she realized that she didn¡¯t actually know what Jaxon had called her about because they had gotten into a stupid argument before he could even bring it up. She sighed and told herself that no news was good news and she was probably better off not knowing.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°I want to look up some newspaper articles from about five years ago, please.¡± She spoke to the librarian and tried to contain her excitement. This could be it: she may finally find out what had happened all of those years ago that had turned Jaxon from the weing, friendly man to the cold, austere, bipr man that she would never understand.


    ¡°Go to thatputer there,¡± thedy pointed to aputer in the corner. ¡°You can choose the search terms and the years you want to search through. Every article that mentions the search terms will pop up. Write down the numbers attached to the articles and we can find the microfiche and you can look it up.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good, thanks.¡± Bianca walked over to theputer quickly, typed in Jaxon Aschmidt and selected the years 1992-2012. Over 28, 000 corresponding articles popped up on the screen and she sighed. This was going to take a lot longer than she thought. As she was about to enter a new search term and narrow the years, she saw an article titled, ¡°Billionaire Jaxon Aschmidt to Wed Socialite Alexandra Gold¡± and she clicked on it with her heart in her hands.


    This was apletely new story now. She looked at the date of the article and saw that it was from three years before. She couldn¡¯t remember Cherrel ever telling her that Jax was engaged. That was something that she would have remembered. She perused the article quickly and there was no more information in it, other than their names and the names of their parents. It was more of a PR announcement. She quickly searched for Jaxon Aschmidt and Alexandra Gold in the search engine, distracted from her original search. This time only 150 articles popped up and they all seemed to be rted to the engagement, though none of them mentioned the end of the engagement.

 96

    She sighed and knew that that was something she would have to figure outter and looked over the article titles one more time to see if there was anything that she had missed. And then she saw it, ¡°Mitch Gold Not So Happy to Wee Jaxon Aschmidt to the Family.¡± Suddenly she was alert. Mitch Gold. The name sounded familiar, he was obviously someone rted to Alexandra but she wasn¡¯t sure whom. She didn¡¯t think that she had met any other members from the Gold family. She clicked on the article and gasped. There was a photo of Mitch Gold and Alexandra Gold cutting the ribbon at some event. She studied his face and cringed. There on the screen staring back at her with a huge grin was Mitch, the guy Jaxon had gotten into a fight with at the Pub on her first night in Winterside. The guy that she had been dancing with that had gotten a little too hands-on for her liking.


    She bit her lip and tried to think back to that night. They hadn¡¯t acted like they had known each other, she hadn¡¯t seen recognition in their eyes but she had been so drunk she wouldn¡¯t even have noticed. She thought back to the blood on Jax¡¯s face and wondered if the fight they had that evening was about a lot more than some dirty dancing. She looked at her watch and sighed. The library was going to be closed soon and she didn¡¯t have time to dillydally. She decided to try to find out more information from Cherrel about Mitch when she got back to town. She wanted to find out more about Jax¡¯s past now and she needed to focus on that.


    She spent the next thirty minutes furtively looking at newspaper articles but none of them mentioned anything about his being in jail. The librarian gave everyone a five-minute warning and Bianca started packing up her things. She was about to shut down theputer when she saw a headline that made her heart stop. ¡°Does Jaxon Aschmidt Have an Anger Problem?¡± She clicked on the headline that belonged to a small newspaper from Upstate New York and perused it quickly. The article stated that Jax had beaten up a guy so badly that he had to be hospitalized due to the severity of his trauma. It also stated that Jaxon had been sent abroad to evade jail time and that he should have been sent to a mental institute instead. Bianca frowned unsure of what to think. At the bottom of the article, there was a link to another article. She clicked on it quickly and saw a retraction stating that the author of the previous article no longer worked for the paper and had written the article in error. Jaxon Aschmidt had travelled abroad to learn the family business and he had no mental issues.


    Bianca quickly went back to the original article and wrote down the author¡¯s name. She wasn¡¯t sure what she was going to do with the information but something inside of her told her to write it down. She grit her teeth wondering what she was getting herself into, Jax¡¯s world was starting to seem darker and darker and she didn¡¯t know whether she wanted to be a part of it now that she was going to have a baby.


    She walked out of the library caught up in her thoughts. She loved Jaxon but she didn¡¯t think she really liked him. He had treated her horribly and she didn¡¯t think this was a healthy state of mind for her or her baby.


    Bianca arrived home feeling hungry. She hadn¡¯t eaten dinner, she¡¯d been too depressed but now she was feeling ravenous. She walked into the empty apartment and sighed: she missed Cherrel and wished that she were back home already. She walked into the kitchen and poured herself a ss of water before picking up some takeout leaflets and walking to the living room to check them out. Her mind felt numb from all the information she had read at the library and she just wanted to veg out and forget about everything for the evening.


    Her heart froze as she walked in the living room for there, sitting on the couch in the dark, was Jaxon. He was sitting back casually but his eyes were on her like a hawk. He looked angry and she stood still wondering what he was doing there.


    ¡°It was nice of you to call me back.¡± His voice was low and full of venom as he stood up and walked towards her. The streetlights shining through the windows illuminated his body, though his face still looked dark and thunderous.


    ¡°Oh sorry.¡± She smiled at him weakly and reached into her bag to grab her cellphone. ¡°It was off.¡± She powered it back on and six voicemails and text messages came through from Jaxon.


    ¡°You hung up on me.¡± He was standing in front of her now, so close that she could feel his body heat radiating onto her skin.


    ¡°I had to get off of the phone.¡± She looked up at his face and made eye contact with him. ¡°I figured we could talkter.¡±


    ¡°Did you now?¡± He grabbed her hand and took the leaflets out of it. ¡°You¡¯re hungry?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± That¡¯s why I have the leaflets in my hand, she thought to herself.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t eat?¡±


    ¡°Not yet.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not good, Bianca.¡± He sounded angry again. ¡°You need to eat.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± She was confused as to why he was so upset that she hadn¡¯t eaten as of yet.


    ¡°You are eating for two now. You and my child.¡±


    ¡°Your child?¡± She looked at him in resentment. ¡°Since when did you start caring about the baby?¡±


    He looked at her with incredulity on his face. ¡°I will always care about my child. No matter how much the mother lies or tries to manipte me.¡±


    Bianca looked at him in shock. ¡°How dare you call me a liar?¡±


    ¡°Well, aren¡¯t you?¡± He looked down at her, his tone sardonic and she turned away. His eyes once again captivated her. He seemed to have this uncanny ability to look directly into her soul.


    ¡°No.¡± She walked to the couch and sat down, needing to distance herself from this man who made her feel too many emotions at once. ¡°How did you get in?¡± She changed the subject.


    ¡°I have a key.¡± He walked over to the couch and sat next to her. ¡°I do own the apartment.¡±


    ¡°I thought Aschmidt Corp. owned it,¡± she tried to sound as snarky as possible.


    ¡°Actually no,¡± he smiled at her. ¡°I own the apartment personally.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Bianca wondered why he bought an apartment he didn¡¯t live in. She knew he wasn¡¯t making enough from her rent to make it worth it as an investment property.


    ¡°I wanted to talk to you today, Bianca but you didn¡¯t give me a chance.¡±


    ¡°How was dinner with Alexandra?¡± She looked at him hungrily, taking in his smart appearance. He was wearing a navy blue Polo pullover over a white shirt with grey trousers. She could still smell his cologne and she had an overwhelming urge to push her face into his chest and breathe him in.


    ¡°It was fine,¡± he answered curtly. ¡°What do you want to eat?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll decide when you leave.¡± She reached for the remote and turned on the TV.


    ¡°I¡¯m not leaving tonight.¡± He turned towards her and moved closer. ¡°In fact, not only am I not leaving, I also have ns for us.¡±


    ¡°ns?¡± She looked at him suspiciously. ¡°You want to talk all night?¡±


    ¡°No. The ns I have don¡¯t include talking.¡±


    ¡°What about Alexandra?¡± She looked at him incredulously.


    He frowned at her. ¡°She doesn¡¯t matter right now.¡±


    ¡°But you went to dinner with her.¡±


    ¡°And?¡±R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you spend the night with her?¡±


    Heughed and looked away. ¡°She¡¯s not who I wanted in my bed tonight.¡±


    Bianca swallowed, dismayed at how happy that made her feel but the happy feeling was fleeting. What really did hisment mean? Only that he wanted to have his cake and eat it too. Maybe he would go to Alexandra¡¯s bed tomorrow. Maybe he only wanted her because she had ignored his phone call.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want you in my bed tonight,¡± she lied.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care what you want,¡± he chuckled and came closer towards her. She moved down the couch until there was nowhere left to go. She sat there looking up at him and sighed as she felt his lips crush down on hers. They tasted salty and she found her tongue darting out of her mouth to lick his lips. He groaned and caught her tongue in his mouth and sucked on it slowly. She felt herself melting against him. She couldn¡¯t resist him. He was her drug and she was too doped up to care about the consequences. She felt his hand reach up to her breast and his fingers ran around her nipples before he cupped them.


    ¡°Seems like they are getting bigger already.¡± He grinned at her as he pulled back to pull up her t-shirt.

 97

    ¡°What?¡± She stared at him, mesmerized by the change in his face when he smiled.


    ¡°Your pregnancy breasts are divine.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve been pregnant long enough to have pregnancy breasts.¡± She blushed. She already had big boobs; she wasn¡¯t sure how she would feel if they grew even bigger.


    ¡°I can already tell the difference.¡± He leaned towards her as he unsped her bra and bent his head to suck on her nipples. She moaned as he nibbled on them and then pushed him away. ¡°What is it, Bianca?¡± He looked at her with concern.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to do this.¡± She crossed her arms. ¡°You don¡¯t even think it¡¯s your baby.¡± She turned away from him and felt a tear fall from her eye. ¡°I want you to leave.¡±


    ¡°Bianca, there is something I need to tell you.¡± His voice was gruff and full of self-condemnation.


    ¡°What?¡± She kept her back to him. She didn¡¯t want to look at his face. She knew it would only make her weaker.


    ¡°I know that it¡¯s my baby.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± She turned around and looked at him. ¡°How?¡±


    He sighed and this time he looked away. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to believe it, you know. I couldn¡¯t believe it.¡± He shook his head. ¡°I knew when we made love that you were a virgin, Bianca.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± She blinked, feeling embarrassed.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry that I took your virginity.¡± He sped her hands and drew them away from her breasts.


    ¡°It¡¯s ok.¡± She paused. She wanted to tell him that she was d it was him. That she didn¡¯t want to sleep with anyone else, ever. That she loved him and the feel of him. But she kept quiet.


    ¡°No. No. It¡¯s not.¡± He sighed. ¡°I should have known better. Been better.¡±


    ¡°Wait a second.¡± She stared at him puzzled. ¡°Why did you think I was on the pill?¡±


    ¡°I took your word for it, Bianca.¡± He looked at her seriously. ¡°Many women go on the pill to help them regte their menstrual cycle.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± She looked down feeling ashamed.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think you would lie to me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± She blinked up at him, letting her hair cover her face.


    ¡°Show me.¡± He dropped her hands and sat back on the couch. His eyes teased her and beckoned her at the same time and she felt a wave of desire hit her. In that moment, there was no one but the two of them in the world. No one else mattered. Nothing else mattered. And Bianca was going to take advantage of the situation. She walked over to the stereo in the corner of the room and turned it on. She had been listening to some jazz the evening before and the smooth notes filled the room. She walked back to him slowly, heart beating and breasts bouncing but she would not let herself be nervous or embarrassed. She pulled her skirt off so that she was standing there in just a thong. She got on the couch, straddled him, and started unbuttoning his shirt.


    Jaxon stared back at her wordlessly, allowing her to make all the moves. She pulled his shirt off and waited for him to do something but he just smiled at her, as if to tell her that the show was all hers. She pushed her breasts up against his chest and leaned forward to kiss him. She kissed his lips and then all over his face and finally down his neck and to his pecs. She licked his nipples and kissed down his stomach to the top of his trousers. She moved over to the side of him and undid his pants, fumbling with the button and rubbing his crotch through his pants. She smiled as she heard his intake of breath and then pulled his trousers off. He was wearing a white pair of boxer briefs and his cock looked hard and stiff as if it were fighting to break loose of his Calvin Klein¡¯s. She decided to keep his briefs on for now and got back on top of him.


    He looked at her with narrowed eyes and moved to pull his briefs off. ¡°No.¡± She stopped him and moved his hand away. ¡°This is my turn.¡± She smiled at him shyly and leaned toward him to kiss him again as she positioned herself on top of him. She felt his covered cock between her legs and started grinding herself against him as she kissed him hard. After a few minutes, Jaxon could no longer contain himself and she felt his hands on her ass, moving her up and down on him faster and harder. She felt her pussy pushed into him so hard that she could barely stand not actually feeling him skin to skin. She quickly stood up and pulled her thong off and pulled his briefs down. She got back down to straddle him and positioned his naked throbbing, hard cock between her legs and continued grinding on him.


    He groaned and pulled her towards him as she teased him with her naked body, sliding along his cock. ¡°Bianca,¡± he moaned into her ear and she paused as she felt the tip of his cock enter her pussy. ¡°Please.¡± He grabbed her ass to push her down on him but she wriggled away and smiled at him. She continued sliding up and down on him and felt her pussy grow heavy and wet. She wanted to feel him inside of her badly but she also wanted to tease him.


    Before she knew what was happening, Jaxon had flipped her onto her back and his long, hard cock was sliding into her with force. ¡°Wrap your legs around my waist,¡± he growled into her ear and sheplied relishing the feeling of his cock in her hard and deep. He fucked her with abandon, thrusting in and out of her with such force that she felt like she was going to burst into a million pieces from the wonderfulplete feeling he was giving her. He then rolled over so that she was on top and grinned up at her. ¡°Fuck me, now, Bianca.¡±R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only


    She looked down at him and started to swivel her hips. She felt his cock in different parts of her body and she started moving with even more abandon until she was bouncing up and down on his cock with fervor. She closed her eyes as he reached between her legs and rubbed her clit as she rode him. She had never felt such intensity before and screamed as she felt one his fingers also pinching her nipples. Her whole body felt frazzled and she felt her pussy trembling on his cock, as she was about toe. His fingers started rubbing her clit fervently as she rode his cock. She found herself mming down onto him harder and harder, wanting to feel his cock and his fingers between her legs as she came furiously, copsing on him from exhaustion as her juices flowed. Shey there for a few seconds before feeling herself getting wet again. His fingers were still ying with her clit and he grinned at her as he moved her hips back and forth on his still hard cock. He pushed her off him and pushed her to the ground on her knees before he came up behind her and entered her again. She felt him m into her from behind while grabbing her breasts. Then she felt him pull out of her, flip her onto her back and spurt his cum all over her mouth and breasts.


    She licked her lips and was surprised that she enjoyed the taste of his cum on her mouth. He looked down at her with a devilish smile and moved his cock towards her mouth. ¡°Why don¡¯t you lick it clean?¡± He grunted down at her before he stuck his cock in her mouth. She took it eagerly and sucked the tip like it was a lollipop, trying to get everyst drop out of him. She felt him growing hard in her mouth and she continued to suck hard, hoping to make love to him again. He pulled himself out of her mouth and bent down to kiss her.


    ¡°No.¡± He smiled at her. ¡°No more.¡±


    She pouted and looked at him in disappointment. She was still feeling horny.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been a bad influence on you.¡± He grinned half-heartedly. ¡°Let¡¯s just watch some TV and chat.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to watch TV.¡±


    ¡°Put this on.¡± He gave her his shirt and he pulled on his briefs. He grabbed her panties away from her as she went to put them on. ¡°No.¡± He smirked. ¡°You don¡¯t need those.¡± He threw them across the room and grabbed his phone. ¡°Let¡¯s order some food: Italian, Chinese or Sushi?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want food.¡± Bianca red at him, while delighting in the feel of his shirt next to her.


    ¡°Bianca.¡± His voice was low and warning.


    ¡°Chinese, please.¡± She sighed and her stomach growled. ¡°Sweet and sour pork with fried rice and egg drop soup.¡±


    ¡°That sounds good.¡± He kissed her on the nose and called in the order.


    ¡°Hey Jaxon,¡± she called him over to him softly. ¡°What did you call me for earlier today?¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter.¡± He looked at her grimly.


    ¡°I want to know.¡± She caught his eye and kept it.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you tomorrow. Let¡¯s just enjoy the night, okay?¡± He pulled her towards him and kissed her forehead. ¡°Now let¡¯s watch TV.¡±

 98

    They settled in front of the TV and watched Chopped. Bianca snuggled up to Jaxon and pictured this being her everyday life.


    ¡°Eww, that looks gross.¡± Jaxon¡¯s voice jolted her out of her daydream of them as a happy family.


    ¡°Yeah. I hate liver.¡± She looked at the screen and smiled. The contestants had to make a desert with liver and white chocte.


    ¡°I know.¡± He smiled down at her and stroked her hair. ¡°I remember that summer you grabbed a big bite and stuffed it in your mouth.¡±


    ¡°Only because I thought it was steak.¡± Sheughed.


    ¡°Only, it wasn¡¯t a big juicy filet.¡± Heughed along with her. ¡°It was a nasty piece of liver.¡±


    ¡°And I spat it into my serviette when no one was looking.¡±


    ¡°And then you threw it into the toilet and clogged it up.¡±


    ¡°And you lied for me and said it was you.¡± She smiled up at him. ¡°That was super nice of you, Jaxon.¡±Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Well, I didn¡¯t want you to get in trouble.¡± He smiled down at her.


    ¡°I know.¡± She grinned. ¡°And then that night, I snuck to your room and shared my Snickers bar with you.¡±


    ¡°And scared my girlfriend out of the room.¡±


    ¡°You weren¡¯t supposed to have girls in your room.¡±


    ¡°Well, when you are neen, you will sneak in as many girls as you can.¡± Heughed and started tickling her. ¡°I should really get you back for all the girls you scared out of my room by sneaking up in the middle of the night.¡±


    ¡°Well, maybe you shouldn¡¯t have be my confidant.¡± She shrieked withughter as he tickled under her arms and rolled around on the couch. She felt his hands still and he pulled her towards him.


    ¡°Am I still your confidant, Bianca?¡± He stared into her big green eyes, searching for an answer.


    ¡°No.¡± She bit her lip. ¡°Well, kinda.¡±


    He sighed. ¡°I want to know something.¡± He yed with her hair and tucked it behind her ear.


    ¡°Ok.¡±


    ¡°So the guy you told me about back in Winterside. Do you still love him?¡±


    She looked at him in confusion. ¡°What guy?¡±


    ¡°The guy you wrote about. The one who made you sad.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± She looked away and yed with the hair on his chest.


    ¡°Is that a yes?¡± His voice sounded sad and she turned to look at him, something in his voice made her heart start racing.


    ¡°No.¡± She paused. ¡°Well, yes. I still love the guy I wrote about.¡±


    ¡°Oh, okay.¡± He pulled away from her. ¡°He¡¯s a fool.¡±


    It was in that moment that Bianca did what she should have done that first night. She pulled him towards her and caressed his forehead. ¡°He is a fool, Jax. But that fool is you.¡±


    He looked at her in confusion and suddenly a light appeared in his eyes as he realized what she had said. ¡°You love me, Bianca?¡± His voice was disbelieving.


    She looked down, embarrassed that her secret was now out. ¡°Yes. Yes. I love you.¡±


    She heard his sharp intake of breath and felt him pull away from her. She felt bereft and saddened at his withdrawal from her. He stood up and started pacing back and forth.


    ¡°I have to go.¡± He turned to look at her with bleak eyes.


    ¡°Whatever.¡± She turned away from him too hurt to pretend anymore.


    ¡°Bianca, please.¡± His voice was pleading.


    ¡°What?¡± she screamed at him. ¡°What do you want from me, Jaxon? You sleep with me. Treat me like shit. Sleep with me again. Treat me like shit again and now you want to leave after I tell you I love you.¡±


    He stood there with a scared look on his face. Sheughed manically. ¡°Now you think I¡¯m having a breakdown or something right. Well you can fuck off Jaxon Aschmidt. Fuck off and don¡¯te back.¡± She screamed at him with tears running down her face and she started hitting his chest as he walked towards her and took her into his arms.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Bianca. I didn¡¯t realize.¡± He looked at her with pain in his eyes. ¡°I didn¡¯t want this to happen.¡± He held her close to him and she sobbed into his chest. She felt exhausted and tired and she no longer wanted to deal with all the thoughts in her head.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± She finally lifted her weary head and stared at him. ¡°You can go now. I¡¯m okay.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not going anywhere,¡± he whispered in her ear.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want this anymore, Jax.¡± She sighed. ¡°You make me feel used.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± He looked at her like a wounded deer. ¡°That¡¯s never been my intention, Bianca.¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. Please Jax.¡± She yawned and Jax felt his heart soften as he stared at the helpless and tired girl he had loved for as long as he could remember.


    ¡°No. I¡¯m not going.¡± He picked her up into his arms, his hands resting against her naked pussy and carried her to the bed.


    ¡°Jax.¡± She squirmed in his arms until his fingers were crushed against her clit. She sighed and tried to stop herself from rubbing herself gently against his fingers. The touch of him in her most intimate spot was almost too much to take and she felt herself growing wet.


    Jax smiled to himself as he carried her to her room. He knew what she was doing but pretended to ignore it. He shifted her in his arms, pretending to get a better bnce on her but he was really readjusting his fingers so they were syed directly against her pussy. The next time she shifted to adjust herself, one of his fingers pushed into her pussy opening and she squealed out. ¡°Jax.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡± He shifted her again and this time he stuck another finger into her so that he was slowly fingering her as he carried her. He could hear her start to moan and hey her down carefully on the edge of the bed.


    ¡°Nothing.¡± She looked up at him wordlessly waiting to see what he was going to do next.


    ¡°Close your eyes.¡± He ordered her and stuck his fingers in her again. She obeyed him and spread her legs open. He fingered her and pulled his briefs down, allowing his hardened cock out of its cage. He removed his fingers and slid himself into her and her eyes popped open.


    ¡°Oh.¡± She mouthed at him as he slowly pushed his cock into her deeply and then withdrew it again. She watched as he pulled it out and allowed the tip to rest on her clit. He rubbed the tip of his dick up and down on her clit until he could feel it throbbing and then he slowly entered her again, allowing her pussy lips to tighten around him as he pushed his way into her. He continued entering her slowly and withdrawing from her until she groaned. She reached up and pulled him down on the bed.


    She sat on top of him and guided his cock into her and then she rode him hard and fast, until this time they both exploded in passion together. She copsed on top of him and kissed his chest as she fell asleep. He waited until she had fallen asleep to wrap his arms around her and hold her close to him.


    ¡°I love you too, Bianca.¡± He whispered to her softly. ¡°I love you, too.¡±

 99

    Bianca kept her eyes closed when she awoke. She had had the most marvelous dream and she didn¡¯t want to wake up out of that world. She had been sitting on the front porch of a house in a rocking chair with a baby girl on herp. In the front garden, there were two young boys throwing a ball with their dad, her husband-Jaxon. After the game, they had alle running up to the porch to beg for cookies and milk and Jax had taken the baby from her and kissed her. She had kissed him back with passion and seen the love and devotion shining from his eyes before they had walked into the house. And then she had woken up. She wanted to go back to the reality of her dreams. If only, there was a way for her to do that.


    She felt an arm snake around her stomach and she stilled as she remembered that Jaxon was here with her. Only the circumstances were very different from her dream. She wondered how long it would take him to act like a jerk this morning. She could almostugh at the shock in his facest night after she had told him she loved him. He had looked like a deer in headlights. She would always remember his face the night he broke her heart. She was a fool. She wished she hadn¡¯t told him she loved him; at least then, she would still have her self-respect.


    As she felt his hand move up to her breast, she jerked away from him and jumped out of the bed. She walked quickly to the bathroom without looking at him and turned on the shower. The dream had made her realize that she didn¡¯t want to y this cat and mouse game with Jaxon anymore. It wasn¡¯t fair to her. She wasn¡¯t going to let him sleep with her and take Alexandra to dinner. She deserved better. She vowed to herself that she would be strong from here on out. As she washed her hair, she thought about Cherrel and wished that she could talk to her. Cherrel didn¡¯t even know that she was pregnant. She had a feeling that Cherrel wouldn¡¯t be shocked. She seemed to be in the middle of her own scandalous affair. Bianca felt positive that Cherrel was sleeping with Joshua, and it made her immensely sad; her friend was too sweet to be a mistress.


    ¡°Bianca.¡± Jaxon banged on the door. ¡°Are you nearly done? I have to leave soon.¡±


    ¡°Of course you do,¡± she mumbled as she washed the shampoo out of her hair.


    ¡°Bianca.¡± He banged hard again. ¡°Please open up. I have to leave in five minutes.¡±


    Bianca ignored him and starting humming to herself. After a few minutes, the banging stopped and the room went silent. A few secondster, she heard the front door bang shut and she scrubbed her skin until it was a tingling red. She felt the tears running out of her eyes. Tears that she didn¡¯t even know she was holding in until they were streaming down her face. She had secretly hoped that Jaxon would try harder, that he would wait for her to get out of the shower so that they could talk. That maybe he would tell her that he loved her too, maybe even propose to her so that they could be a family like in her dream. Her mind shed back to the headline she had seen the day before that dered that he was in engaged to Alexandra.


    As she walked back into her empty room, she stared at the tousled sheets and clothes on the floor and she knew that something wasn¡¯t adding up. If he loved Alexandra so much, why was heing to spend the night with her? And they hadn¡¯t yet had a conversation about the baby, at least not a serious one.


    She sighed as her phone started ringing and she saw it was Jaxon. She was going to ignore it but anger got the better of her and she grabbed the phone. ¡°What?¡± she snarled upset.


    ¡°Whoa, what happened to you, Bia?¡± His voice was soft.


    ¡°Nothing. I¡¯m just surprised you are calling me so soon. You normally fuck me and bail for at least 24 hours.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± He sounded confused.


    ¡°After you bed me, you don¡¯t talk to me for at least 24 hours.¡± She spoke slowly. ¡°Comprende?¡±


    Jaxon sighed, ¡°Bianca, it¡¯s not what you think, wait hold on a second.¡± Jaxon covered the phone with his hand and Bianca could hear a woman¡¯s voice in the background. She pressed the phone as hard as she could into her ear so that she could hear the conversation better but all of the words sounded muffled.


    ¡°Bianca?¡± Jaxon came back to the phone; this time is tone was brusque. ¡°We need to talk. There are some things we need to sort out.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± She was pretty sure that the baby talk was about to happen.


    ¡°Meet me for lunch?¡± He sounded distracted and Bianca wondered what was going on. And then she heard the woman¡¯s voice say, ¡°Jaxon,e. We have some unfinished business.¡± And then sheughed; a loud silkyugh and Bianca knew that it was Alexandra.


    ¡°You¡¯re with Alexandra?¡± Bianca¡¯s voice held disbelief. ¡°You hurried out of my bed to go and see Alexandra?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not like that, Bianca.¡± His voice was urgent. ¡°Please meet me for lunch.¡±


    ¡°You can fuck off, Jaxon.¡± She spoke angrily, the words tripping out of her mouth. ¡°I don¡¯t want to see you again.¡±


    ¡°Bianca.¡± His voice was strained. ¡°Look, I have to go. I¡¯ll pick you up in 3 hours.¡±


    ¡°Whatever.¡± Bianca hung up the phone and screamed. She threw the phone at the wall and looked around for other items to throw. She grabbed a brush and threw that and then went and banged her fists against the wall, tears streaming out of her eyes.


    ¡°I hate you, I hate you, I hate you.¡± She screamed and shouted as she banged her fists. ¡°I hate you.¡± She copsed onto the ground and sobbed, unable to keep in her frustration and sadness. A loud bang made her jump and she sat on the ground frozen in fear.


    ¡°Bianca?¡± Cherrel¡¯s voice called out to her and Bianca heard her walk towards her room. ¡°Bianca?¡± Cherrel peaked into the room and saw Bianca sitting there, wide-eyed and teary. ¡°Omg Bianca, what happened?¡± She ran over to her friend in concern, ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    Bianca nodded, unable to talk. She stared at Cherrel as if she was a stranger she was seeing for the first time. She looked different. She had cut off her long blond hair and now her face was surrounded by a pixie cut. She looked older and sadder. But Bianca was too distraught to ask her what was wrong.


    ¡°Oh Bianca.¡± Cherrel sat down next to her and hugged her. ¡°Are your aunt and uncle okay?¡±


    Bianca nodded once again and cried into her friends shoulder. They sat there for a few minutes before Bianca¡¯s phone started ringing. Cherrel reached over, grabbed it, and handed it to her. Bianca didn¡¯t recognize it and so she answered it.


    ¡°Hello.¡± She spoke slowly so she could regte her breathing.


    ¡°Hello, this is Mildred Hubble from The Gottesman Libraries at TeaCherrel¡¯s College, Columbia University.¡±


    ¡°Okay?¡± Bianca¡¯s voice showed her confusion. ¡°How can I help you?¡±


    ¡°You left a notepad at the desk yesterday. I thought you might need it. You seemed to be very caught up in your research.¡±


    ¡°Oh. Thanks.¡± Bianca didn¡¯t really care anymore. She didn¡¯t care about Jaxon¡¯s past or at least she tried to tell herself that. What was the point?Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Also, you didn¡¯t shut theputer down properlyst night.¡± The olddy sounded miffed.


    ¡°Sorry.¡±


    ¡°Well, as I was shutting it down for you, I noticed that you had done the search incorrectly and had only essed certain websites. If you cane in today before 5pm, I can show you how to ess all the sites and government files.¡±


    ¡°Government files?¡± Bianca¡¯s breath caught.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Thedy sounded excited. ¡°I can help you ess files that people don¡¯t even know exist.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡±


    ¡°I think you shoulde in, Bianca.¡± Thedy spoke with urgency. ¡°I don¡¯t know why you were looking up this Jaxon Aschmidt, but there is some information I think you should see.¡±


    ¡°Oh, ok.¡± Bianca¡¯s heart started beating fast. ¡°I¡¯lle in right away.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± And with that, thedy hung up.


    Bianca looked up and saw Cherrel staring at her in concern. ¡°Are you okay, Bianca? What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. I¡¯ll tell youter, okay?¡± Bianca didn¡¯t want Cherrel to know that it was her brother, Jaxon that had made her feel like this.


    ¡°It¡¯s a guy, I¡¯m guessing.¡± Cherrelughed bitterly.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Bianca paused as she stood up. ¡°Are you okay, Cherrel? When did you get back?¡±


    ¡°I got backst night.¡± Cherrel¡¯s voice caught. ¡°I went to see him. We spent the night in a seedy hotel. I thought things were going to change. That he would have missed me. But he is still the same.¡± Tears welled up in her eyes. ¡°I need to get over it.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re better than him, Cherrel.¡± Bianca spoke earnestly. ¡°You don¡¯t need a married man.¡±


    ¡°Who said he was married?¡± Cherrel answered her angrily.


    ¡°No one.¡± Bianca¡¯s voice was soft. She couldn¡¯t help her friend if she didn¡¯t want to acknowledge the truth.


    ¡°He loves me,¡± Cherrel mumbled. ¡°He told me I¡¯m the most beautiful girl in the world.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t they all?¡± Bianca mumbled back. Jaxon had made her feel like a million dors with his wonderful words.


    ¡°He meant it,¡± Cherrel shot back. ¡°He couldn¡¯t have made love to me the way that he did without loving me.¡±

 100

    Bianca remained silent, not wanting to burst her friend¡¯s bubble. She knew she had to leave soon but she couldn¡¯t just walk out on her friend. Not in this moment.


    ¡°I let him take my Cherrelry, Bianca.¡± It was Cherrel¡¯s turn to cry.


    ¡°You were a virgin?¡± Bianca¡¯s voice was shocked.


    ¡°No, silly.¡± Cherrelughed through her tears. ¡°My other Cherrelry.¡±


    Bianca looked at her in confusion. ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°I let him do anal, Bianca.¡± Cherrel sighed with exasperation. ¡°He fucked me from behind.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Bianca tried not to look at her friend in shock.


    ¡°He said it would be a way to show him how much I loved him.¡±


    ¡°Oh Cherrel.¡± Bianca wanted to go and p Joshua.


    ¡°He had to use lube there,¡± Cherrel kept talking, ¡°a lot of lube.¡±


    ¡°Ok.¡± Bianca looked at her friend and hugged her. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°It fucking hurt, Bianca.¡± Cherrel half cried and halfughed. ¡°And it was gross.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°I had an ident.¡± Cherrel made a face and burst outughing hysterically.


    ¡°Oh?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t wanna know.¡± Cherrel screwed her face up. ¡°He told me they were separated, you know.¡±


    ¡°Joshua?¡± Bianca¡¯s voice was soft.


    Cherrel looked at her in dismay and sighed. ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m so ashamed, Bianca.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Cherrel.¡± Bianca stroked her friend¡¯s hair. ¡°He took advantage of you.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Cherrel looked at her with zing eyes. ¡°But I don¡¯t want to talk about it anymore.¡± She stood up and brushed her clothes. ¡°Wanna grab lunch?¡±


    ¡°Can we do an early dinner?¡± Bianca asked. ¡°I have an appointment now.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡± Cherrel hugged her friend quickly and walked to the door. ¡°I missed you, Bianca.¡±


    ¡°I missed you too, Cherrel.¡± Bianca smiled, her first genuine smile in days. She was happy her friend was back and was being honest. ¡°I¡¯ll call you about dinner.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good. Let me go shower now.¡± Cherrel ran out of the room and Bianca could hear her singing a Rihanna song. As Cherrel sang about liking the way it hurts, Bianca closed her eyes. She would never love this feeling. She prayed that when she opened her eyes, she would find herself in a different ce, at a different time, and with this all being a dream. She counted to three and opened her eyes. Cherrel was singing about loving the way he lied and she sighed and walked out of the door.


    ¡°I have to leave in an hour.¡± Mildred, the librarian looked at her sternly. ¡°I called you hours ago.¡±


    ¡°Sorry,¡± Bianca apologized. ¡°I was helping a friend.¡±


    Mildred studied the young girl in front of her and decided to keep herments to herself. She¡¯d seen too many young girls get caught up by men in the city to not know what had caused the dark circles under this girl¡¯s eyes. She normally wouldn¡¯t care what the stupid girls got caught up in but this one seemed smart. The fact that she hade to the library to do some research showed that. And she looked to be a naive one. Too naive to be caught up with someone like Jaxon Aschmidt. Mildred had spent the previous evening looking him up after she had shut down the library. Her bridge group hadn¡¯t been able to meet and she hadn¡¯t felt like going to the bookstore. Jaxon Aschmidt looked very rich, very handsome and way too old for someone like Bianca.


    ¡°Well,e and let me show you the databases you didn¡¯t ess yesterday.¡± Mildred hurried her over to theputer. She didn¡¯t want to do all the work for the girl. ¡°Look here.¡± She pointed to one of the tabs and walked back to her desk.


    ¡°Uh, thanks,¡± Bianca called back to thedy. Her phone rang and she grabbed it quickly. She¡¯d forgotten to turn it off or put it on vibrate. She saw Jax¡¯s name on the screen and she quickly pressed end.


    ¡°Please put that phone on vibrate,¡± Mildred screeched at her.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± Bianca muttered back to thedy. She really did seem to fit the stereotype of an older sour librarian. She put the phone on vibrate and stuffed it back in her bag. She quickly got to searching the databases and a whole slew of new articles popped up. Mildred was right, she hadn¡¯t seen anything yesterday. She looked at the clock and realized she didn¡¯t have much time left and she decided to print out all the articles that had interesting titles.


    ¡°You have five minutes,¡± Mildred called over to her.


    ¡°I¡¯m almost done.¡± Bianca quickly kept pressing print and hoped she had enough money on her print ount. She jumped up quickly and went over to theputer to release the prints and waited for them to print out. She stood there with about 100 articles in her hand and quickly stuffed them into her bag before going back to turn off theputer properly this time. She saw Mildred staring at her as she shut it down and she smiled at her as she left the library.


    ¡°Thanks so much.¡±N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    ¡°Hopefully you can concentrate on your studies now.¡± Mildred dismissed her and Bianca walked out of the library and tried to hold in herughter. She knew that her situation was horrible but something about Mildred¡¯s holier than thou attitude had herughing. What a mess!


    She grabbed her phone to call Cherrel and see where she wanted to go for dinner when she noticed a limo by the Subway entrance on 116th Street. That was strange; she didn¡¯t really see many limos by the campus. But she supposed a lot of rich kids went to Columbia, maybe one of them had a date or something. She walked past the limo; deliberately not looking inside when she heard the door open and someone jumped out and touched her on the back.


    She screamed and looked back. Jaxon was standing there, looking handsome and stern. She held back a smile and tried to stop the happy feeling in her stomach. I don¡¯t like this man anymore. I don¡¯t like him. I will not be happy to see him. She kept berating herself.


    ¡°Bianca.¡± He grabbed her by arm and she jumped back.


    ¡°Don¡¯t touch me.¡± She red at him but he didn¡¯t remove his hand.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t answer my calls.¡± He red back at her. ¡°I told you that I wanted to meet you for lunch.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say yes,¡± she muttered.


    ¡°I tried calling you and sent you text messages.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t see any messages.¡±


    ¡°Your phone wasn¡¯t off.¡±


    ¡°What are you? My stalker?¡± She red at him. ¡°How did you know I was here?¡±


    ¡°I had a feeling.¡± He paused. ¡°What were you doing?¡±


    ¡°None of your business.¡± She pulled her arm away from him. ¡°Anyway, I have a train to catch.¡±


    ¡°Come with me.¡± He looked at her with a frown.


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Bianca, I swear to God, I will pick you up and put you in the car if I have to.¡±


    Bianca swallowed and felt her face flush. ¡°Whatever.¡± But she walked and got into the limo. The driver didn¡¯t even turn around to look at her.


    ¡°Drive us around for a bit, Miles. I¡¯ll let you know where we want to go in a bit.¡± Jaxon ordered the driver as he got into the car after her.


    ¡°Yes, Mr. Aschmidt.¡± With that, they were gone.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± Bianca spoke to the window.


    ¡°I was hoping we could talk.¡± Jaxon reached over and gripped her face so that she turned towards him. He leaned down and kissed her staring into her eyes as he did so. ¡°God, I¡¯ve wanted to do that all day.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± She stared at him with wide eyes.


    ¡°Kiss you.¡± He smiled at her and kissed her again. Only this time the kiss was harder and deeper and he slipped his tongue into her mouth. She found herself melting against him. He pulled away from her reluctantly and yed with her hair, tucking it behind her ears. ¡°You are so beautiful, Bianca.¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not.¡± She dismissed his words.

 101

    ¡°Yes, you are.¡± He yed with her ear. ¡°Even your ear is perfect.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not.¡± But she felt her body flushing as she spoke.


    ¡°Yes, Bianca, you are.¡± He kissed her ear and then her nose. ¡°Sometimes I wonder if you know just how beautiful you are.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what every guy says. You don¡¯t have to lie, Jax. We¡¯ve already had sex.¡± She tried to pull away from him remembering that Joshua had said the same sort of flowery words to Cherrel.


    Jaxon sighed and took her hands in his. ¡°Your hands are cold.¡± He rubbed them in his and then stared into her eyes. Bianca tried to avert her gaze but she couldn¡¯t. Something about the emotions reflected there made her hold her breath. ¡°I love you, Bianca.¡± His words were low, as if he were trying them out for the first time.


    ¡°What?¡± She looked at him in amazement, unsure if she had heard him correctly.


    ¡°I love you, Bianca.¡± He paused. ¡°I love every hair on your body, every single part of you and I cannot live without you.¡± He held a finger up to her mouth, as she was about to speak. ¡°No, let me finish first. I¡¯m sorry for my reactionst night. You see, I didn¡¯t think you could love me as I love you. I know that some college guy broke your heart and I didn¡¯t want to be second best. But I¡¯m okay with that, Bianca. I just need to be with you. And maybe one day, you can grow to love me as I love you. Maybe one day, we¡¯ll be the family that everyone wants. You, me and the baby. I think I love you enough to make it happen. I love you enough to be happy with whatever you can give me. But I can¡¯t stay away. Not anymore. I¡¯ve tried, by God, I¡¯ve tried. But I can¡¯t do it any longer. I don¡¯t want to. I want you to marry me, Bianca. Please. I want you to be my wife.¡± He removed his finger and stared at her shocked face. ¡°You can talk now.¡± He halfughed.


    ¡°You told me you didn¡¯t want to get married,¡± she spoke the first words that came to her mouth.


    ¡°There was a reason for my saying that Bianca, not something I want to get into now. But I thought that it would be best if I stayed single.¡± He paused as she spoke again.


    ¡°But you were engaged to Alexandra? And isn¡¯t she the love of your life?¡± Bianca¡¯s voice broke as she spoke. ¡°You don¡¯t have to marry me just because I got pregnant, Jax.¡± She looked down to herp.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how you know I was engaged to Alexandra.¡± There was a frown in Jax¡¯s voice, ¡°But that ended a long time ago. And no, she was never and will never be the love of my life.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand.¡± Bianca looked up at him. ¡°I thought you loved her.¡±


    ¡°Oh, Bianca.¡± Jaxon grabbed her into his arms. ¡°I love you more than life itself, please know that. I¡¯ve loved you for a long time.¡± He stared into her eyes. ¡°It¡¯s not something I¡¯m proud of Bianca, but I¡¯ve loved you far longer than you know.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Bianca¡¯s heart was beating rapidly and she suddenly felt like electricity was running through her veins. ¡°You really love me?¡± She sounded delirious and hopeful.


    ¡°Yes, Bianca. I love you.¡± He looked at her furtively. ¡°And I hope that one day you will love me half as much as I love you.¡±


    ¡°But, I already told you yesterday that I love you, Jax.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re still getting over the guy you wrote the poems for, Bianca. I don¡¯t know if what you are feeling is real or a rebound crush.¡± He sighed and looked dejected.


    Biancaughed and then caressed his face as he stared at her with pain in his eyes. ¡°Oh my darling Jax, you are the guy in my journal. It¡¯s always been you. Only you.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± He looked at her in shock.


    ¡°I¡¯ve loved you forever, Jax. Maybe before I was even born.¡± She grinned at him.


    ¡°Are you joking?¡± He looked at her searchingly. ¡°I¡¯m the guy in the journal?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Sheughed. ¡°You are the subject of many poems.¡±


    ¡°No way.¡± Heughed and sat back. ¡°Tell me one.¡±


    ¡°A dark one or a happy one.¡± She sat back and snuggled into his arms.


    ¡°Your favorite one.¡± He put his arm around her and drew her in closer to him. ¡°Tell me your favorite one.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± She bit her lip. ¡°It¡¯s a bit dark but it always makes me think of you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m waiting,¡± he teased her and kissed her head.


    ¡°Ok, here goes.¡± She licked her lips and tried to remember all of the words before she recited:


    He walks like a jaguar


    Proud, beautiful, sleek,


    And all I can think is how I want him to jump, attack, prowlN?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    Hold me captive underneath him,


    Eyes ring, heart beating, saliva dripping.


    I want to be his prey,


    Worthy of his appetite,


    Delicious to his smell,


    Tasty to his touch,


    I want him to devour me with his teeth.


    And if for just one moment our eyes connect,


    I want him to pause, to think, to wonder


    Who I am, where I am, how I am,


    And for just one second he will wait and debate


    Before he sinks his teeth in and takes me to be his forever


    Her voice trailed off as she finished reciting the poem that held her deepest and darkest thoughts about the man sitting next to her. The car was silent for the next minute and Bianca started to feel embarrassed.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± she mumbled.


    ¡°That was wonderful, Bianca.¡± He turned to her with admiration. ¡°You¡¯re a brilliant writer. I loved the imagery.¡± He gazed into her eyes. ¡°I want to want to eat you right now to figure out if you are as sweet as you seem.¡±


    Bianca flushed at his innuendo but replied with a smirk. ¡°You know how sweet I am already.¡±


    He grinned at her and licked his lips. ¡°Oh yes, I do. And I¡¯m hungry for some of that sweetness right now.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll have to wait.¡± She smiled sweetly at him.


    ¡°You think so?¡± He arched an eyebrow at her.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she squeaked out, hoping he would hop on the floor and spread her legs and go to town.


    ¡°Maybe you¡¯re right.¡± He grinned at her and moved his hand to her breast. ¡°I¡¯ll just have to get a different kind of sweetness instead.¡± He lifted her t-shirt up and popped her breasts out of her bra before bending his head. He sucked on one nipple while he rolled her other nipple between his fingers. She groaned and threw her head back. Her breasts were especially sensitive and she could feel herself growing wet.


    ¡°I love it when you moan,¡± he whispered up to her. ¡°It makes me grow hard just hearing your voice.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Bianca whispered back to him. Jax took her hand and ced it on his cock; she could feel how hard it was through his pants. She rubbed her hand back and forth and grinned as she felt it wiggle.


    ¡°Don¡¯t do that unless you want me to fuck you in the back seat.¡± He growled at her and she continued rubbing. ¡°I see what you want.¡± He reached over and pulled her onto hisp and sheughed with delight. ¡°Sit up a second.¡± He ordered her and she sat forward. He reached around, unzipped her pants, and pulled them, along with her thong down to her ankles. He then unbuckled and unzipped himself and sat her back down. She felt his hard cock between her legs and she moved back and forth on him slowly, enjoying the feel of his hardness next to her pussy. ¡°This feels like heaven,¡± he whispered into her ear as he reached up and grabbed her breasts, squeezing her nipples between his fingers.


    ¡°Yes, it does,¡± she whispered back and started moving back and forth a little bit faster.


    ¡°I want to make love to you now,¡± he growled and moved her forward quickly before pushing his cock into her. She sat up slowly and guided her hips back and forth so that she was riding him slowly, and deeply. ¡°Oh that feels so good, Bianca.¡±


    She felt him start to move his hips back and forth so that his cock was mming into her faster and his fingers were pinching her nipples with intensity. ¡°Touch yourself,¡± he ordered her.


    ¡°What?¡± she squealed unsure of what he was asking her to do. He grabbed her hand and ced it next to her pussy. He grabbed two of her fingers and rubbed it over her clit. She felt her body tremble as he guided her fingers back and forth on her clit. The pressure of his cock inside her and the intense feeling of both of their fingers rubbing against her was too much and Bianca felt herselfe hard on his cock.

 102

    ¡°Don¡¯t stop,¡± Jaxon groaned into her ear and grabbed her hips, bouncing her up and down on his cock hard. She felt his body tremble and his cock still as he burst into her. ¡°Oh my.¡± he groaned as she slid off him. ¡°That was fantastic.¡±


    ¡°It was alright.¡± She grinned at him.


    ¡°Just alright, huh?¡± Heughed. ¡°Just wait until tonight, my dear. You¡¯ll regret those words.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡± Sheughed alongside him, deliriously happy. ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡±


    ¡°What do you want to eat?¡± he asked her softly. ¡°I think Miles is fed up with driving randomly around the city by now.¡±


    ¡°Oh shoot.¡± Bianca grabbed her bag and pulled out her phone. ¡°I was supposed to meet Cherrel for dinner.¡± She quickly looked through her messages and sighed. Cherrel had called her and texted 4 times; thest text informed her that Cherrel had spoken to Joshua and was going to meet him for dinner instead and that they could catch up tomorrow instead.


    ¡°Everything okay?¡± Jaxon looked at her in concern.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± She sighed; she didn¡¯t want to tell Jax about Cherrel and Joshua. She wasn¡¯t sure what would happen.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± He paused. ¡°It was Cherrel you were going to meet for dinner right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Jax.¡± Bianca turned to him and kissed him on the lips. ¡°Let¡¯s just order in a pizza.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± He grinned at her. ¡°Maybe we can go to my ce?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± She grinned. ¡°That would be great.¡± She had never seen Jaxon¡¯s apartment and she had always been curious as to what it looked like. She also didn¡¯t want Cherrel to walk in and see Jax in her bed. She needed to talk to her friend first.


    ¡°Great.¡± He sat back and smiled at her and for once, his face looked rxed and happy. ¡°We can watch a movie as well.¡±


    ¡°Uh huh.¡± Bianca rolled her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll get to watch a movie.¡±


    ¡°We can make one instead, if you prefer?¡± Jax pulled her towards him. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t mind doing that instead.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you wouldn¡¯t.¡± Sheughed and hit him on the shoulder. She dropped her phone back into her bag and promised herself that she would have a serious talk with Cherrel the next day about Joshua and her and Jax.


    ¡°We could call it Bianca does Jax.¡±


    ¡°Or Jax does Bianca.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m down with that.¡± He licked his lips and she snuggled back into his arms, happy and excited that for once, things seemed to be going her way.


    Jaxon¡¯s apartment was huge. Though, that didn¡¯t surprise her. He had the penthouse in a gorgeous building overlooking Central Park. She sighed as she looked at the view. It was so peaceful and serene.


    ¡°Do you like it?¡± He walked over to join her by one of the windows.


    ¡°I love it.¡± She smiled up at him shyly. ¡°We¡¯re in the heart of the city but I feel like I¡¯m in the country.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m d you like it. I was thinking you could move in here with me.¡± His voice sounded unsure all of a sudden. ¡°Or we could wait until we are married.¡±N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to marry me because I¡¯m pregnant, Jax.¡± Sheughed a little self-consciously.


    ¡°I want to marry you, Bianca. I love you.¡± He gazed at her in adoration. ¡°I want us to have a real family. If you do.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d love that.¡± She beamed at him. ¡°And I¡¯d love to live here with you.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know how happy that makes me.¡± He grinned at her. ¡°Now let¡¯s go eat some pizza before it gets cold.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± She followed him to the kitchen and grabbed a te. Jax handed her some serviettes and they grinned at each other like dopey fools. Bianca paused as she heard a key in the door and she looked at Jax in fright. He frowned at her and walked to the door.


    ¡°Stay here,¡± he ordered her but she followed behind him.


    ¡°What the fuck?¡± Jaxon¡¯s voice sounded angry and Bianca felt the blood leave her face as she saw Alexandra at the door.


    ¡°Jax, darling. I didn¡¯t know you were working,¡± Alexandra¡¯s voice tinkled through the apartment. ¡°I just came to get some things.¡±


    ¡°You had toe now?¡± Jax looked at her with narrowed eyes.


    ¡°Yes, I didn¡¯t know it would be a problem.¡± She raised an eye at him. ¡°Is it?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± He swallowed. ¡°Just get what you need.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, darling.¡± She came up to him and kissed him on the lips before turning to Bianca. ¡°I swear you must be the hardest working girl in New York. Come and help me gather some of my stuff.¡±


    Bianca stared at her in confusion and shook off Jaxon¡¯s arm as he tried to hold her back. She followed Alexandra into what appeared to be Jaxon¡¯s room. She didn¡¯t understand what was going on here. Alexandra went to a chest of drawers and opened it before turning back to Bianca. ¡°I left some of my things here. I only moved out a few months ago, you see. Jax didn¡¯t want me to take everything, as he didn¡¯t want to think it was really over.¡± She pulled out some sexy bras and panties, and handed Bianca a bag. ¡°I¡¯ll hand you the stuff. Be a dear and pack it away for me, will you?¡±


    Bianca stood there feeling like she was in some sort of horror movie and then Jaxon barged into the room. ¡°Alexandra, you need to leave now. This is ridiculous.¡± His voice was angry.


    ¡°But Jax honey, I needed to get some of my stuff. She then pulled out a butterfly vibrator and held it up. ¡°Remember the night we got this?¡± Sheughed. ¡°I came so much, I wasn¡¯t sure if it was because of your big cock or this little machine.¡± She turned to Bianca, ¡°So of course Jax didn¡¯t want to think this little contraption could make mee more than him, so he proceeded to spend the night going down on me. I think I must havee five times that night from his tongue alone.¡± Sheughed and Bianca just stared at her in shock, telling herself to hold in the tears.


    ¡°That¡¯s it, Alexandra. You need to get out. I want my key back.¡± Jax walked up to her and grabbed her by the shoulder. ¡°You need to leave now.¡±


    ¡°Oh Jax, I remember thest time you roughed me up like this. Wasn¡¯t it at the shareholders meeting? You pulled me into the bathroom and we fucked like rabbits.¡± Alexandra looked up at him with lust. ¡°I don¡¯t think your secretary would mind taking a break if you wanted to have a quick fuck now. I quite missed your cock after dinnerst night.¡±


    ¡°Alexandra, I am not going to tell you this again but we are over. I do not want to see you again. I do not want youing to my office or my apartment again. Do you hear me?¡± Jax¡¯s voice was furious and he pulled her out of the room. ¡°Give me back my key now.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure this is how you want to deal with things, Jax?¡± Alexandra¡¯s voice was deadly. ¡°I¡¯m not sure if Mitch will like hearing how you have treated me.¡±


    ¡°Fuck Mitch and fuck you Alexandra. I¡¯m done.¡± Jax pushed her towards the door. ¡°I never want to see either of you again in my life.¡±


    ¡°Does she know about what you did?¡± Alexandra pointed at Bianca and snarled. ¡°Does that stupid little tramp know?¡±


    Jax looked at Bianca¡¯s ashen face and sighed. ¡°Leave her out of this, Alexandra.¡±


    Alexandraughed a deep and evilugh. ¡°I hope she¡¯s worth it, Jax. When you lose everything.¡±


    ¡°Leave,¡± he growled and walked towards her.


    ¡°Or what? You¡¯ll beat me to a pulp? Or rape me? Or murder me?¡± Alexandra stared at him. ¡°All your secrets are about toe out, Jaxon.¡±


    ¡°Leave,¡± he snarled at her.


    Alexandra opened the door and turned to look at Bianca, ¡°You better watch yourself, Bianca. You do not know Jaxon Aschmidt. Trust me. He can and will do very bad things.¡± And with that, she dropped her keys on the floor and walked out, letting the door m behind her. Silence reverberated in the apartment and Bianca and Jax just stared at each other.

 103

    Jaxon walked towards her and sighed. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Bianca looked at him wordlessly. All she could think about was him going down on Alexandra. ¡°You had sex with her?¡±


    He looked at her with pain in his eyes. ¡°It meant nothing to me. Not like it does with you.¡±


    ¡°She lived with you?¡± Her voice betrayed the pain and hurt she was feeling.


    ¡°For a few months.¡± He sighed. ¡°I wasn¡¯t here most of the time.¡±


    ¡°Long enough to buy sex toys together,¡± her voice broke.


    ¡°I have a past, Bianca.¡± He grabbed her hands. ¡°I¡¯m sorry that this happened. I¡¯m so sorry. I love you. Please don¡¯t let this stop you from loving me.¡±


    ¡°I still love you, Jax.¡± She sighed and a tear rolled down her face. ¡°I¡¯m just tired and sad. And I don¡¯t want to be here. In this ce.¡± She looked around. ¡°It¡¯s beautiful but all I can see is the two of you, here, together.¡±


    He brought her close to him and held her, kissing the top of her head. ¡°I understand.¡± He took her hand, ¡°I want to show you something.¡± He walked towards his bedroom and she followed reluctantly. He walked over to the bed and pointed to a photo on his night table. ¡°Look.¡± She looked and saw a photo of her and Cherrel.


    ¡°Ok,¡± she mumbled. ¡°So what? You have a photo of your sister next to your bed.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a photo of you, Bianca,¡± he whispered in her ear. ¡°Look carefully.¡±


    And so she studied the photo again. It was focused on her, and Cherrel was a mere blur in the background. By all ounts, it was a photo of her. She looked happy and was smiling into the camera and blowing a kiss. All of a sudden, Bianca remembered the day the photo was taken about two years ago. Jaxon had spent most of the summer working but one weekend he had taken the girls on the boat and Bianca had had the time of her life.N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    ¡°But you ignored me that summer.¡± She looked at him curiously. ¡°Just like every summer since I was seventeen.¡±


    ¡°I made myself ignore you, Bianca.¡± He smiled at her. ¡°I¡¯ve had this photo here since that summer. Even when Alexandra was here.¡±


    ¡°That seems a bit mean.¡± Bianca smiled half-heartedly.


    ¡°Alexandra knew I never loved her.¡± Jax¡¯s voice was firm.


    ¡°But you were engaged to her.¡±


    ¡°Not by choice.¡± Jax sighed. ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk about it now, Bianca, but please believe me when I tell you that you are the only one for me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll try.¡± She looked away from him. ¡°Can we leave this room please? I don¡¯t want to think about the two of you, in here, you know.¡±


    Jax sighed and they walked out of the room. ¡°I¡¯ve had sex with other women, Bianca but they mean nothing to me.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Bianca sighed and looked away again. ¡°Let¡¯s eat.¡±


    She walked back to the kitchen and went back to the slice of pizza she was so eager to eat before. But she could barely eat. She carried the te to the living room and sat on the couch. Jaxon came and sat next to her. ¡°Forgive me?¡± He looked at her searchingly.


    ¡°Yes.¡± She sighed as she looked into his worried face. ¡°I¡¯ll try.¡±


    ¡°I love you, Bianca.¡±


    She chewed on her pizza and looked down. She loved Jaxon with all of her heart but she couldn¡¯t stop the jealousy that was gnawing at her. ¡°Is Mitch the guy I was dancing with at the bar?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± He looked at her warily.


    ¡°Alexandra just mentioned a Mitch. That¡¯s her brother, right? Is he the guy from the bar? The one you fought with?¡±


    Jaxon sighed and took her hand. ¡°Yes. Mitch is her brother and the man who nearly raped you.¡± He squeezed her hand so tightly that she thought her blood cirction had stopped.


    ¡°Ok, Jax.¡± She yanked her hand back from him.


    ¡°Sorry.¡± He looked down at her hand. ¡°Mitch is not a nice guy.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Especially if he is anything like his sister.¡± Bianca made a face and Jaxonughed.


    ¡°Oh, Bianca.¡± He gathered her in his arms and kissed all over her face. ¡°I will never stop loving you.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Ok.¡± She closed her eyes, trying to stop thinking of him going down on Alexandra. ¡°So was she sweet too?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Jax looked at her in confusion. ¡°Was who sweet?¡±


    ¡°Alexandra.¡± Bianca stared into his eyes unflinching as he stiffened. ¡°She said you wanted to make sure she knew you were the one who pleasured her. I figured if you went down on her for that amount of time, she must have been really sweet.¡±


    ¡°Bianca, we do not want to have this conversation.¡± He sighed. ¡°I don¡¯t see what good cane of it. You do not want to know about my past sexual experiences.¡±


    ¡°I wonder how you would feel if my ex-lover came and gushed about me sucking his cock.¡± Bianca was deliberately crude.


    ¡°I¡¯d kill him.¡± Jaxon grimaced.


    ¡°Maybe I should sleep with someone else so you know what it¡¯s like.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you even think about it.¡± Jaxon grabbed her. ¡°I¡¯m the only one who will ever know your body, do you hear me?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡± Bianca turned away from him.


    ¡°Your body is mine, Bianca.¡± He turned her face to look at him. ¡°No man will ever know you intimately like I do.¡± He pushed his hand to her breast and cupped it. ¡°These breasts are mine.¡± He pulled her t-shirt up and unsped her bra. He then reached down and undid her pants and pulled them, along with her thong off her legs, so that she was sitting on his ck leather couch naked. ¡°Your pussy is mine too.¡± He ran a finger up her leg and rubbed it against her clit. ¡°No other man will have ess to it.¡± He bent his head down and sucked on her clit. Bianca felt her heart beating fast. She wasn¡¯t sure how her body could betray her like this. She had wanted to remain mad at him for a few days but her body was giving in after a few minutes. She adjusted her legs and felt Jax¡¯s tongue slip into her silky folds. She threw her head back and gyrated into Jax¡¯s face as he licked and nibbled on her pussy lips. He pushed his face into her deeper and kept sucking and licking as she came in his face. When he finally pulled away, he reached up and kissed her. ¡°You are mine, Bianca and I am yours. That will never change.¡±


    Bianca stared into his eyes and saw the love that she had always hoped to see reflected there. ¡°I love you, Jaxon.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what I did to be so blessed to have your love, Bianca, but I will never ever take it for granted.¡± He then bent down and kissed her naked belly. ¡°And I will love our baby forever.¡±


    Bianca rubbed his head as he caressed her belly and shey down on the couch. ¡°Let¡¯s sleep here tonight,¡± she murmured into his ear.


    ¡°Ok.¡± He jumped up. ¡°Let me go and get a nket.¡± He ran off and returned a few minutester with a big nket and no clothes. ¡°I figured we might as well both be naked.¡± He grinned at her and she smiled back at him as he joined her on the couch.


    Bianca woke up to Jaxon ying with her breasts. She smiled to herself and turned around to face him on the couch. ¡°Morning.¡± She smiled at him sweetly and kissed his lips.


    ¡°Morning, sweetness.¡± He grinned at her.


    ¡°Wow, you¡¯re talking to me; you haven¡¯t jumped up and left me yet.¡±


    ¡°Oh Bianca.¡± Jax smiled at her. ¡°I didn¡¯t leave because I didn¡¯t want to be with you.¡±


    ¡°So why did you leave?¡±


    ¡°I was scared of my feelings.¡± He closed his eyes. ¡°I¡¯m still scared by how much I love you.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be scared, Jax. I¡¯m not going anywhere.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Bianca.¡± He kissed her shoulder. ¡°Shall I make us some breakfast?¡±


    ¡°Yes, please.¡± Bianca sat up and grabbed her bag as Jax walked to the kitchen. She pulled out her phone to see if Cherrel had called but there were no new messages from her. As she went to put her phone back in her bag, she saw some papers had fallen out of the bag. She grabbed them up and stopped before she pushed them back in the bag. They were the newspaper articles that she had printed out. She figured that it couldn¡¯t hurt to look. She perused them quickly and felt her heart beating fast as she read the headlines. She couldn¡¯t believe what she was reading. The Jaxon that the reporters described didn¡¯t sound like the Jaxon she knew, but then she thought back to the words Alexandra had used the night before. Rape and Murder Was Jaxon capable of either of those things?

 104

    ¡°Breakfast is almost ready, hun,¡± Jaxon called out from the kitchen.


    ¡°Okay,¡± she called back and stuffed the papers back in her bag. She needed to think, everything was happening so fast, she just couldn¡¯t keep up. The reporters said that Jaxon had raped Alexandra and that Mitch had beaten him off his sister, only thing was Jax had been stronger than Mitch and had beaten him to a pulp. Supposedly, it was so bad that Mitch had been in the hospital for a couple of weeks. The only reason that Jax hadn¡¯t stayed in jail was because both Alexandra and Mitch had declined to press charges or to tell the police their side of the story. Jax had been sent to Europe on business and had been assigned to anger management sses. Mr. Aschmidt had paid about a hundred thousand dors to keep the story out of the papers but some smaller presses had still decided to run the story.


    Bianca could barely believe what she had read. It didn¡¯t seem to match up with what she knew about Jax. That wasn¡¯t the guy who had been there for her when she was a kid, or the man who had made love to her so sweetly, or the man who had told her he loved her. But then again, did she really know Jax? Maybe there was a side to him that was so dark that she didn¡¯t want to believe it existed. Maybe he was right to stay away from her? What if he tried to hurt her and something happened to the baby. She bit her lip. Her baby came first now.


    ¡°Ready,¡± Jax called to her from the kitchen. ¡°Come on, sleepyhead.¡±


    ¡°Coming.¡± Bianca bent down, picked up his shirt, put it on, and sauntered into the kitchen. ¡°Hmm, this smells good.¡± She went up to him and hugged him and looked at the omelet and fruit sd he had made for them. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Eat up. You and the baby need food.¡±


    ¡°Yes, pops.¡± Bianca grinned and bit into some toast.


    ¡°Maybe he¡¯ll call me papa.¡±


    ¡°Who said it¡¯s a boy?¡±


    ¡°Maybe she¡¯ll call me papa.¡± He smiled.


    ¡°Or doodoo head.¡± Biancaughed.


    ¡°Or your majesty.¡±


    ¡°Or Right Said Fred.¡±


    ¡°Why? Because I¡¯m so sexy?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s why.¡± She looked at him and raised her eyebrows. ¡°Because you¡¯re smexy.¡±


    ¡°Not as smexy as you.¡±


    ¡°I thought I was sexy?¡± She grinned. ¡°I don¡¯t want to be smexy.¡±


    ¡°I have a feeling that I don¡¯t know what smexy means.¡± He came behind her and kissed her head before wrapping his arms around her. ¡°Is this some new young term?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. You old fogies wouldn¡¯t know it.¡± She grinned at him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get you for that.¡± He started to tickle her. ¡°Old fogey, my foot.¡±


    ¡°Stop,¡± she squealed. ¡°Stop.¡± She couldn¡¯t stopughing and she got up and ran from him.


    ¡°Oh no you don¡¯t.¡± He chased after her into the living room and she ran around the chair. He caught up with her and they copsed onto the floor in giggles. She rolled onto him and sat on top of him.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got you where I want you, Mr. Smexy.¡± She giggled as he wriggled beneath her. He was still naked and she could feel his cock between her legs.


    ¡°You¡¯re right where I want you as well.¡± He grinned up at her and she waited for him to adjust himself and enter her. She bent down and kissed him and when she realized he wasn¡¯t going to stick it in, she reached down and adjusted his cock so it was at the entry of her pussy and then sat down on top of him.


    ¡°Emmm, that feels good. Oh Bianca,¡± Jaxon groaned as she bounced on his cock. ¡°You fuck me so good.¡±


    ¡°I love the feel of you inside of me,¡± she moaned as she felt him slide in and out of her. She made sure to grind herself onto him so that she felt him deep inside of her. And then she heard her phone ring. And she paused. What if it was Cherrel and she was hurt or upset? She pulled herself off Jax and grinned at him as he groaned and grabbed her phone. It was Cherrel.


    ¡°Cherrel? Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°Oh, Bianca.¡± Cherrel¡¯s voice sounded like she had been crying.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Bianca gasped as she felt Jaxon enter her from behind. She turned her face and tried to shake her head as Jax slid in and out of her but she didn¡¯t want to stop the marvelous feeling that was filling her body.


    ¡°Can youe, Bianca?¡± Cherrel gasped and Bianca realized that she hadn¡¯t heard thest few sentences Cherrel had uttered.


    ¡°Uh, sure,¡± Bianca gasped out as Jax fucked her hard and deep. She could feel his balls banging against her ass. ¡°One sec.¡± She put the phone down and groaned, ¡°Oh Jax, please.¡± She screamed as he continued to m into her and reached his hand around to rub her clit as he came in her. He pulled out of her,id her on her back and got on top of her, his cock still hard. She spread her legs wide and he entered her, pulling his cock in and out of her slowly until she could no longer take it. She squeezed her legs together and clenched her pussy and Jax groaned and fucked her faster. She immediately came and Jax copsed on top of her. He grinned at her and she reached over and grabbed the phone again.


    ¡°Cherrel?¡± she whispered into the phone.


    ¡°Bianca? Are you okay?¡± Cherrel¡¯s voice sounded muffled.


    ¡°Yes, yes. What¡¯s the address I should meet you at? Text it to me, and I¡¯lle right now.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Bianca.¡± Cherrel hung up and Bianca sighed.


    ¡°Jax, I can¡¯t believe you did that.¡± She giggled at his pouty face. ¡°I have to go and meet Cherrel.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ming with you.¡± He jumped up.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s a good idea.¡± She tried to keep her voice casual.


    ¡°I¡¯ming.¡± He looked at her sternly. ¡°I¡¯m not letting you out of my sight for the next couple of weeks, Bianca.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you trust me?¡±


    ¡°I love you and I¡¯ming.¡± He kissed her on the lips. ¡°Get dressed quickly and let¡¯s go see what Cherrel¡¯s up to.¡±


    ¡°Ok.¡± Bianca shrugged. She hoped that Cherrel wasn¡¯t going to be mad.


    Jaxon drove them to the address that Cherrel had texted and they arrived within fifteen minutes. ¡°Weird, I know someone who lives here.¡± Jax frowned and Bianca swallowed hard. She hoped that the person Jax was thinking about was not Joshua. She also hoped that Cherrel hadn¡¯t been dumb enough to go to Joshua¡¯s house.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m here,¡± Bianca called Cherrel and prayed that her friend would juste downstairs.


    ¡°Come up, please. Apt. 10F.¡± Cherrel spoke quickly into the phone and hung up before Bianca could tell her that Jaxon was with her.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just go and get her.¡± Bianca smiled at Jax and frowned as he got out of the car with her. ¡°You don¡¯t need toe.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ming,¡± his voice was wary and his face looked strained. Bianca suddenly felt worried but tried to hide it.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    They walked to the elevator and when she pressed the button for the 10th floor, she could see Jax¡¯s breathing change. He was also clenching one of his fists. But he didn¡¯t say anything. They walked down the hall in silence and Bianca knocked on the door of apt. 10F.


    Bianca nearly groaned when Joshua answered the door and she knew he was shocked to see them, especially Jax. Cherrel came running to the door in a t-shirt and shorts. ¡°It¡¯s just Bianca. I told her toe.¡± She looked out the door and her face nched when she saw her brother. ¡°Jax? What¡­what are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°What the fuck are you doing here, is the real question?¡± Jaxon pushed open the door and they saw that Joshua was standing there in only his boxer shorts and Cherrel was obviously not wearing a bra under her t-shirt. ¡°Where is Lily?¡±


    ¡°Out of town, on business.¡± Joshua wiped his brow. ¡°Look Jax, I¡¯m sorry but it¡¯s not as it looks.¡±


    ¡°It looks like you are cheating on your wife and fucking my sister, Joe.¡± Jax pushed his way into the apartment and Bianca followed him.


    ¡°Look Jax. It was a mistake but she is insatiable. Who can resist when a hot young thing wants to fuck you?¡±

 105

    Cherrel gasped and stared at him. ¡°You are the one who made the move on me.¡±


    Joshua looked at Jax in worry. ¡°Look dude, your sister is a hornball. I don¡¯t want to be rude but she¡¯s a bit of a slut. She turned up here with a box of condoms.¡±


    Before he could say anything else, Jax had swung his fist into his face and he fell down to the ground. ¡°Oh shit. My eye, my eye,¡± Joshua screamed and Jax stepped back.


    Bianca and Cherrel looked at each other in shock. ¡°If I ever see you near my sister again, I wille back and make it so you never touch anyone else¡¯s sister again. Do you hear me?¡± Jax growled at the man who was on the floor cowered in fear. ¡°Cherrel get your stuff ande with me now.¡±


    Cherrel ran to get her bag and came back to the room. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Joe,¡± she whispered as they walked out. Bianca hooked her arm through Cherrel¡¯s, too scared to walk with Jax. She¡¯d never seen him this angry before and she was scared at how easy it seemed to be for him to resort to violence. Maybe the articles she had read were correct.


    ¡°Jax, how could you do that to him?¡± Cherrel cried to her brother as they got into his car.


    ¡°He is a married man, Cherrel. I thought you knew better.¡± He red at her and sighed as he saw Bianca get into the backseat with Cherrel. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you were thinking, going to the apartment he shares with his wife.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not what it looks like,¡± Cherrel sighed defensively. ¡°You don¡¯t understand, Jax.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want you seeing him again, Cherrel.¡±


    ¡°Whatever.¡± She spoke defiantly but softly. ¡°Why did youe anyway?¡± She looked at Bianca suspiciously. ¡°What happened to you yesterday anyway?¡± She paused. ¡°Omg, you weren¡¯t upset over Jax yesterday, were you?¡± She pped her hand across her face. ¡°Omg, you¡¯re sleeping with my brother.¡±


    Bianca looked at her friend and bit her lip, unsure of what to say.


    ¡°Jax, you asshole. How could you start banging my best friend? You couldn¡¯t find anyone else?¡± Cherrel¡¯s voice sounded angry. ¡°And Bianca, what are you thinking? You know Jax is a sleaze ball. He is always hooking up with women.¡±


    ¡°Cherrel, enough.¡± Jax pulled up in front of their apartmentplex. ¡°Go and have a shower and we will be back to take you out for lunch and to tell you more.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t youing up, Bianca?¡±


    Bianca looked to Jax and then shook her head. ¡°No. I¡¯ll see youter.¡± She got out of the car and went to the front seat and they drove off, after they made sure Cherrel went into the apartmentplex. They drove in silence back to Jax¡¯s apartment and Bianca studied the face of the man that she loved.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you didn¡¯t tell me about Cherrel and Joshua.¡± Jax looked at her angrily.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t for me to say.¡± Bianca was annoyed. She ran into the apartment and then grabbed her bag.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Jaxon looked at her in surprise. ¡°Are you leaving?¡± His voice was sad and soft.


    ¡°What?¡± She looked at him in surprise. ¡°I¡¯m going to shower, Jax.¡± She sighed as she dropped the bag and walked over to him. ¡°I¡¯m just going to take a shower.¡± She kissed him on the lips and gave him hug.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Bianca.¡± Jax stared at her. ¡°I¡¯m just so scared that you are going to change your mind.¡± He walked over to grab her bag and Bianca saw some papers had fallen out of it again when she dropped it. She prayed that Jax didn¡¯t look at them, as she was sure it was the articles about him.


    The room was silent as Jax picked up the papers and nced at them before putting them in the bag. He dropped the bag as he looked at the papers. He turned around to face her, all color gone from his face. ¡°So I guess you are going to leave me now?¡± His voice sounded dejected.


    ¡°No.¡± Bianca¡¯s voice was strong and calm.


    ¡°You aren¡¯t even going to ask me about the articles?¡± Jax¡¯s voice was incredulous. ¡°You aren¡¯t even going to give me the opportunity to tell my side.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Bianca stared at Jax and studied the face of the man that she loved.


    ¡°So you are just going to judge me? Just like that?¡± Jax sat down on the couch and he looked crushed.


    Bianca walked up to him and sat next to him on the couch. She took his hands into hers and stared into his eyes. ¡°Jax, I¡¯m not going to ask you about the articles because I don¡¯t need to. I love you and I know the kind of man that you are. You are the teenager who yed with a kid because you didn¡¯t want her to feel alone after her parents died. You are the guy who snuck me midnight snacks. You are the guy who told me I was pretty, even when I was a geeky kid. You are the man who spent hours with me teaching me algebra. You are the man I dream of every night and I know and trust that you could never have done those horrible things. I love you so much that I don¡¯t need to hear you say anything. There are no words left to say to convince me that you are a wonderful person. I already know that and I love you.¡± She stopped talking as she saw tears falling from Jax¡¯s eyes. ¡°Oh, my love.¡± She drew him towards her and he held her close to him.


    ¡°I¡¯m not deserving of your love, Bianca.¡± He pulled back from her. ¡°Thank you for saying the words that have made everything right in my world. I¡¯ve been so scared that you would hear these stories and believe them.¡±


    ¡°I would never believe you to be capable of such things,¡± she spoke softly.


    ¡°You must really love me to believe that, even after I just hit Joshua.¡±


    Biancaughed. ¡°That certainly didn¡¯t help matters, but any guy would do that to a man who was disrespecting his family like that.¡±


    Jax sighed. ¡°Yeah. I¡¯ll have to deal with him next week. But now I want to tell you what happened.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to.¡± She squeezed his hand.


    ¡°No, I do.¡± He smiled at her. ¡°Please reserve judgment until I¡¯m done.¡±


    ¡°Ok.¡± She smiled at him warmly.


    ¡°So Bianca, I¡¯ve been in love with you since you were about sixteen.¡± He sighed. ¡°I didn¡¯t realize it until that summer you were seventeen and started talking about boys. I felt so jealous and upset. I didn¡¯t want to acknowledge it. I¡¯d been seeing Alexandra that summer and had gone over to her ce to get you off of my mind.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Bianca tried not to feel jealous.


    ¡°So we had sex. I¡¯m sorry.¡± He frowned at her. ¡°And as I came, I called out your name.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    ¡°I was embarrassed. But I¡¯d been fantasizing about you as I fucked her and well let¡¯s just say that she wasn¡¯t too happy about it.¡±


    ¡°I bet.¡± Bianca felt a weird thrill inside.


    ¡°The next thing I know she is screaming and her brother Mitch runs into the room. She tells him that I raped her and he starts beating me up. Then she screams and grabs him and tells him that I hadn¡¯t raped her but that I was a pedophile and had been calling out your name. Well then, Mitch made some really crude remarks about you and the things he wanted to do to you. I just saw red and hit him back and it became a full-fledged fight and well, he ended up in the hospital.¡±


    ¡°Oh Jax.¡±


    ¡°So I couldn¡¯t face you again. And I swore that I would stay away from you. I was too old to be in love with a seventeen-year-old girl. It was wrong. You were my sister¡¯s best friend and you looked up to me. And all I could think of was what it would be like to have you in my bed.¡±


    ¡°I thought about you too,¡± Bianca said shyly.


    ¡°What?¡± He looked up at her in amazement.


    ¡°I was trying to make you jealous that summer.¡± Her face flushed. ¡°I¡¯ve loved you for a long time as well.¡±


    ¡°Oh Bianca.¡± He pulled her close and kissed her. ¡°You¡¯re not disgusted by me?¡±


    ¡°Of course not.¡± She snuggled into him. ¡°But why did you date Alexandra again?¡±


    He groaned. ¡°I¡¯m a man. She¡¯s a beautiful woman. She wanted to try again and I figured why not. I had already told myself that I could never be with you.¡±

 106

    ¡°Oh.¡± Bianca felt a twist of pain in her gut.


    ¡°But this summer, I knew I couldn¡¯t stay away. I felt my love for you stronger than ever and I was scared that it would disgust you.¡±


    ¡°Oh Jax. You could never disgust me.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s never been anyone else for me but you, Bianca. I¡¯ve never loved or wanted anyone else. Please say you¡¯ll marry me soon.¡±


    ¡°On one condition.¡± She looked at him sternly.


    ¡°Anything.¡± He stared at her with love and concern.


    ¡°Sell this apartment and let¡¯s get a house somewhere. Somewhere that is home for us and the baby.¡±


    ¡°Oh of course my love, of course.¡± He flooded her face with kisses. ¡°You have made me the happiest man in all the world.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve made me the happiest woman in all the world.¡± Bianca grinned up at him and kissed all over his face. ¡°I love you, Jaxon Aschmidt.¡±


    ¡°I love you, Bianca.¡± They stared into each other¡¯s eyes and both vowed that they would always be honest with each other and never let anythinge between them.


    Bianca¡¯s phone beeped as theyy there on the couch and she saw a text message from Cherrel and sighed.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, my dear?¡± Jax looked at her in concern.


    ¡°I¡¯m just worried about Cherrel,¡± she sighed.


    He kissed her lips softly. ¡°Don¡¯t sigh, my love. We will see what we can do to help her. Maybe we¡¯ll match her up with someone else.¡±


    ¡°That sounds like a great idea,¡± Bianca squealed as Jax reached down and slid his hand between her legs. ¡°Oh, Jax.¡±Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°Oh, Bianca. You know I can¡¯t get enough of you.¡± He grinned up at her as he slid her pants down and silenced her with his lips.


    Bianca closed her eyes and grinned in ecstasy. She was never going to get fed up of Jax and the way he made her feel when he made love to her. And she was going to make sure that she always gave as good as she got.


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