I finally had the time and concentration to update this story. Thanks again for your reviews guys. Hope you enjoy this chapter :)
A/N: I do not own any of these characters.
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!
My hand fumbled to quiet the piercing sound of the alarm clock that I had already snoozed twice. Christian had set it way too early for my liking. It was only 6:30am and I was still groggy, lacking sleep from last night. I could use another hour of snoozing, but he informed me of our agenda for today and as strict as he was there was no way I could prolong idling on this mattress. Groaning, I rolled over to find the other side of the bed apparently vacant. Hmm. Where did my damsel in distress go? My eyes darted up at the ceiling and a feeling of exhilaration washed over me as I reflected back upon last night. Or first night in bed together was...memorable. Though there wasn't sex involved I was satisfied with being spooned by Christian all night long. I recalled waking up in the middle of the night to his frisky hand as he skimmed it over my hip and thigh while nibbling on my ear. My curious fingers would involuntarily reach back in attempt to feel his bulging boxer briefs, but Christian's reflex wouldn't allow me to reach my destination. He's so cruel, teasing me in such a way.
"Good morning, Ana," his disembodied voice greeted me and I bolted upright to see Christian standing at the end of the bed with his arms cross over his chest grinning vibrantly. Somebody woke up on the right side of the bed. I guessed I didn't have to face grumpy Christian after all.
"Good morning." A big smile grew on my face.
"How was your sleep?"
"Great." I yanked the covers back and crawled toward the foot of the bed before kneeling on the edge, circling my arms around his neck. "Better than I'd expected," I muttered in his ear blissfully. He enveloped me in his arms with pure affectionate and chuckled lightheartedly.
"I got us breakfast."
I pulled back. "I'm not really hungry."
"I want you to eat before we head out."
"Okay," I nodded in compliance. A couple bite of toast wouldn't hurt. "I'ma jump in the shower really quick. Would you like to join me?" It came out casually. It was amazing how comfortable I was with him. It was like asking a person if they wanted cream and sugar with their coffee. Who doesn't want cream and sugar with their coffee?
"Maybe next time." No cream and sugar for Christian.
"Fine," I grumbled in disappointment. "Next time." Whenever that would be. I threw my legs over the edge of the bed and got on my foot before heading toward the bathroom.
"Ana," Christian called before I could reach the threshold of the bathroom, and turned around. "A morning kiss would be appreciated." He smirked.
I shook my head vehemently, refusing to adhere to his request, "Uh-uh...I've got morning breath."
"I wouldn't have requested it if I cared." But I do.
"Let me brush my teeth really quick." I stepped back and was ready to tackle my toothbrush.
"I'm eager and really impatient." Welcome to my world Mr. Rochester, I thought as I debated on my next move. "I'm waiting," he persisted, not accepting anything less than a kiss.
"Okay," I conceded in dissent, swallowing the bitterness down my throat. "You asked for it." I tentatively walked up to him and briefly smacked my lips on his. His hand locked my head firmly so I wasn't able to pull back. The kiss lasted long; too long for my taste. How could he be enjoying this? Because I definitely wasn't. He then released his grip and I retracted uncomfortably, grimacing from the vile taste in my mouth. He smiled in gratitude. Good thing he didn't opt for a French kiss. I'd probably nip his tongue off before it came in contact with mine.
"Get in the shower and I'll see you downstairs."
"Yes, Sir!" I saluted brightly, and Christian's face suddenly blanched in shock like he'd seen a ghost. "What's wrong?" I frowned inquisitively.
"Nothing," he shrugged it off and left me to my business. What was that about?
The trip from East Hampton to New York City was a mere two hours drive. Christian was bombarded with one phone call after another to spare me any attention. But he'd squeeze my hand now and then as an apology. It wasn't adequate enough as I would distract him by pouting like a sad puppy to gain his attention, and when it's lost its potency I'd bite my bottom lip demurely like a horny virgin. It had him shifting in his seat on several occasion. It's unbelievable how much effect I had on him.
Once we reached the front of the twenty story Eden Hotel in lower Manhattan, Taylor came around and opened the door for Christian. He climbed off and turned to me.
"I'll see you later," he said, shielding the sunlight from me.
"Are you sure I can't come with you?" I asked hoping he'd change his mind.
"I'm positive, Ana."
"I could wait in the lobby." I scooted and held the interior of the door, ready to climb off the vehicle.
"It could take a while, Ana. Taylor will drive you anywhere you want to go. Just let him know."
"Okay," I nodded let down.
He smiled contritely and I watched him as he marched off with his briefcase in hand, but before Taylor could shut the door I scrammed out and sped after him. "Christian," I called and caught up with him. He glanced over his shoulder and his lips collided with mines perfectly. Our eyes drew close as we immersed ourselves in a moment of passionate lip-locking. I couldn't care less if anyone was watching us; it was just me and him and our tangled tongues that refused to part. Unfortunately, good things do come to an end as he broke our sensual kiss leaving me heaving for more. Slowly, his lips curled up into an appreciative grin. I mirrored his expression. "Good luck," I whispered softly, boring into his lusty grey eyes.
"Thank you," he grazed his index finger over my jawline before he spun his heels and continued his way.
Grinning, I took a couple steps back before turning to meet Taylor still holding the door out for me. Christian must've had a talk with him because he wasn't giving me the warning look like he did the day before. Instead, he just stared at me neutrally. Containing my smile, I climbed into the SUV and had Taylor drive me to the bookstore. Knowing how Taylor felt about our affair, it was tough for me to open up to him so I kept quiet throughout our drive. Fifteen minutes of awkward silence later we arrived at McNally Jackson.
While at the bookstore, I asked Taylor to give me a little privacy while I searched for my books. He complied and roamed around the aisles freely allowing me to engulf in a couple hours of reading. Two hours later, Christian contacted Taylor of his status and we promptly left the bookstore.
Taylor met Christian at the hotel entrance and then retrieved the briefcase from his grip as they both marched toward the SUV. Christian climbed inside the vehicle and the first thing he did was cupped my cheek and pressed his lips against mine, completely indulging every second of it.
"My lucky charm," he muttered once he retreated from our kiss, deeply gazing into my eyes.
"It was skills," I corrected.
"Maybe both."
"Yes. It was both." We shared a cordial smile.
Our next stop was the New York Culinary Institute located in close proximity to the hotel. Christian had arranged a one on one tour for us to keep it more intimate, allowing me to inquire information regarding the program they provided. It was a beautiful campus and the aspect of becoming a chef was intriguing but I had no intention of studying there. Especially not after meeting Christian. I couldn't imagine living thousands of miles away from him. Heck, I couldn't even bear the distance between us back in Seattle.
After the tour, we dropped by The Metropolitan Museum of Art for a quick visit. The museum was so big it would take a whole day to cover all the galleries. We spent majority of the visit in the contemporary art gallery. Christian seemed to have an interest in abstract art. He'd fully submerge himself in one of Picasso's painting called The Weeping Woman. It was a painting of a woman in a distress state, suffering amidst the Spanish Civil War. It was a piece so detail-oriented that you could almost experience the pain vicariously through her. I wondered what was on Christian's mind while he pondered at it.
Upon arriving in Staten Island, we had dinner at a popular Italian restaurant in our own little private room where we lavished in a seven course dinner while flirting between dishes. Christian's playful fingers were never too far away from my arms or my thighs throughout our meals. He'd caress them tenderly and heedfully, not crossing the no-go area. After dinner, we boarded The Staten Island Ferry back to New York City. Christian and I stood on top of the deck, his arm wrapped around my waist to keep the shivering at bay as we watched Lady Liberty growing in size with the New York City skyline as her backdrop. The view was breathtaking, and captivating, and absolutely liberating. It was monumental, and being able to see it for the first time with Christian was more than I could ask for. I was starting to fall in love with New York.
"Did you have fun?" Christian questioned me while we're in the SUV heading back to his beach house. I hummed an exhausted yes, resting my cheek on his chest. Our fingers laced and he lifted them up to kiss my knuckles. It roused a smile on my face.
"Thank you," I whispered, tilting my head up to meet his endearing gaze. I cupped the back of his head and tipped him forward til his lips met mine. My teeth grazed his lips before my tongue found his. Our mouth widened to accommodate the thrashing of our tongues. He tasted so fucking good. I wanted to devour him and make him mine. His hand cupped the side of my neck and his thumb brushed my cheek. As our lips remain glued, his fingers drifted downward from my neck towards my clavicle and addressed my chest with a gentle brush over my nipple, causing a gasp to escape my mouth. It sent shivers down my spine, but yet, I was internally hot as hell. My body was striving to be touched. His hand answered my plea as it continued down and burrowed itself between my thighs, parting my legs. His fingers crept slowly, reaching closer to the apex of my thighs. My breath hitched as his fingers found the center of my panties. Up and down, up and down, his two long fingers stroked my folds through the sodden fabric. His mouth muffled my moaning as I muffled his. I was lost. He was lost. We were lost. My hand fisted his hair from the intense pleasure brought upon me. I couldn't focus anymore. I tugged his hair and bucked my hips aggressively for relief. I wanted to be relieved and he was more than happy to oblige, deftly rubbing my clit. Before he could feel my bare flesh, the car came to a rough stop, jerking us back to reality and alerting us of our destination. We broke our trance, our kiss, and Christian stared at me apologetically before looking away in regret as he tensely raked his hand through his hair and sighed heavily, acknowledging his inappropriate behavior. Taylor's door opened and shut shortly leaving me in shock. Oh my god. I straightened up in my seat and clasped my hand over my mouth, mortified by our action. I couldn't believe I'd permitted Christian to touch me there while another person was just seats away. That was a stupid move; downright degrading. What the hell was I thinking? Taylor must've heard me...and us...and...fuck!
