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Stripped Desire – Chapter 17: Paintbrush
"There is only one kind of shock worse than the totally unexpected: the expected for which one has refused to prepare."
Mary Renault, The Charioteer.~
"Mrs. Stanley is getting on my last nerve," Alice says, popping down on my chair with the typical weight of Mondays on her shoulders.
I stop typing and look at her. She rarely gets upset with anyone.
"Why?"
She sighs. "You know I've been trying to get her on board with us, but she keeps making it impossible. She makes me feel as if I'm a child."
I shrug. "Then let her take her business elsewhere. We don't need her."
Alice stares at me. "Are you nuts? Of course we do!"
"Our company's been doing fine without her. We have other clients."
"I want a raise," she says.
"I'll give you one."
She sits up straighter. "What is up with you today?"
"Nothing," I say, and go back to typing.
"You sound strange."
I shake my head.
We remain in silence for a moment before she speaks again.
"Edward left coffee for you this morning, but didn't stay," she says. I bite my lip to contain my smile.
He texted me earlier, letting me know he couldn't see me today or he'd risk losing an entire day of work. I understand the feeling.
"You two had a fight again?" she asks.
"We're fine," I say, shaking my head.
More than fine.
"The painting's done, right?"
I nod, feeling the heat of my memories take over me.
"So," she says.
"So…what?"
She glares at me. "Fine, don't tell me," she says and stands up. "I'm sure Jasper knows something. I'll ask him."
She walks out, closing the door behind her.
Once alone, I let the smile I've been fighting take over my face.
And then, I follow her out and tell her everything.
After I got home on Saturday, the rest of my weekend was a blur. I don't even remember my weekly phone call with Mom.
Everything was green, and wistful sighs, and Edward.
If I had been obsessed with him when he first asked me to pose for his painting, Friday night took me to another level.
The memories of his touch were even worse than any fantasy I could've come up with in the past.
Having sex with Edward was everything I could've imagined and nothing like I thought it would be. He made me feel like a goddess, kissing every inch of my skin, taking his time to savor every moment.
His passionate personality shone through with every thrust, pull, and bite.
His thoughtful and caring qualities were there with each orgasm he brought out of me, and the soft caresses we shared, or the encouraging words he whispered in my ear.
I shake my head out of my thoughts and walk out of my office.
Edward's waiting outside, resting his body against a parked car. He's wearing jeans, a dark blue jacket, and a devilish grin.
"Hey," he says, taking a step toward me.
"Hey," I say, taking his offered hand.
I look at our touching shoes, hiding my happiness from him. He squeezes my fingers until I meet his eyes. When I do, he smiles.
"How was your day?" he asks, stepping even closer to make our upper bodies touch.
"Good," I say, feeling goose bumps when he wraps his arm around my waist.
"Yeah?" He pulls me closer.
I look at his mouth. "Yeah."
Our lips meet, and it feels as if life just got better. We kiss outside my work building with the rush of people bustling around us.
It doesn't faze us.
His lips are warm and soft. His touch is slow and sensual.
I grab his hair and delight with the sound he makes.
I swallow it.
I pull away to breathe and he takes the opportunity to kiss my neck, moving the high collar of my coat and blouse to reach the skin.
I can't help but giggle at his frustration.
"Let's go to my place," he says, kissing back up.
"I can't," I say, pulling away. I don't let go of his hair.
He pecks my lips. "Please? Come on."
Edward Cullen sounds needy and I want him. I want to make him groan in my mouth again, which is exactly why I pull away.
"You do know that I can't do this, right?" I ask. "I can't just go to your place every night and…" I trail off, not knowing exactly what to say.
"Even though that's what you want?" he asks. He can't contain the arrogant smirk that takes over his face. I kiss it away, biting his lower lip.
"So conceited."
"Let's go on a date then," he says, excited. "Dinner and a movie. Old school."
I give him a look. "Predictable, you?"
He laughs, hugging me for a second. "You want an adventure?" he asks, looking at me.
I step out of his embrace and shake my head. "Go home, Edward."
"I'll see you tomorrow, Isabella," he says with a smile.
Before I lose sight of him, he yells at me to let him know when I get home.
After leaving Edward, I get home, determined to have a quiet night and not think about him.
As soon as I have the thought, my cell phone chirps with a text from him and I can't help but laughing out loud.
Are you home yet? Safe?
Yes. I type, and take a deep breath before adding the rest. Are you?
His reply is faster than I would've expected. Almost. I'm tempted to turn around and come see you. ;)
I don't reply to the last one even though the winky face he added at the end is begging me to tease him. Instead, I prepare a bath to take before dinner.
There are stacks of mail on my coffee table waiting for me after I'm done eating. I sit to discard the junk and search for one that might be important.
On top of the pile, the first thing I see is a gold envelope with my name written in elegant script.
Somehow, I know what it is before I open it. I lift it with unnecessary care. It feels heavier than it should be and I compare it with the ball of nerves that dropped to the pit of my stomach.
Holding the contents with shaky fingers, I read it.
You've been invited to the wedding of Michael Newton and Tanya Crowley to be held this summer…
I drop the invitation and stand up, fisting my hands.
The words tumble around in my head.
A summer wedding…
We were meant to marry in the fall.
In October.
I spot the shinning gold from a distance, glaring at it.
Our invitations were going to be silver.
What in the world was he thinking, sending me this?
Rage boils up inside me. I pace around my house, unable to stay still and unfit to deal with what I'm feeling.
In the last pass around my bedroom, I grab my keys.
When I get to the kitchen, I search for a bottle of wine.
On the way out, I take my coat and lock the door behind me.
I walk the now familiar blocks with ease and quick steps, looking around with caution.
"What are you doing here?" he asks, scratching his eyebrow.
I hold up the bottle of wine.
"Looking for an adventure."
Thank you all for reading and the constant support. 500 reviews is crazy! You're all amazing.
Hope you liked this one. I'm excited for you guys to see what that wine is going to do to Bella ;)
See you next time. xo