In the brilliant light of the morning I can't even see the glass. The sun streams in like a flamboyant guest, not waiting or needing an invitation. No longer can I see the beige paint on the wall that brought light just from its color. I stepped into my office and soaked in the warmth shining through the window, it's like an arched doorway; low to the ground and reaching high to the ceiling. Perhaps sun bleaching of the couch or the floors should concern me but it doesn't.
"Clay wants to see you right away." The assistant, damn I should really learn her name, poked her head in with a smile on her face.
"What's the rush?"
Shrugging her shoulders, she then leaned one against the frame and kicked her foot out to hold open the door, "He's been on the phone with his attorney all morning. And that can only mean one thing."
"He's divorcing his wife?" I deadpanned.
"Better, he might be handing the company over to you."
A smile crossed my face as I nodded slowly, "Why are you happy?"
"Because an assistant to the co-owner is an important bitch. Now, get in there. And good luck."
Deciding to play into the excitement I slipped past her, planting a chaste kiss on her cheek and immediately saw her swoon. Sliding my hands in my pockets I lazily strolled towards his office, really letting my body swing with each step I took. I fucking knew it, I woke up with two cuties in my bed this morning, didn't rush in getting ready, no hangover last night and the traffic was minimal.
With my knuckles I lightly tapped the glass door and when Clay nodded at me I stepped in his office, resting my thigh against the very fancy guest chair, "You wanted to see me?"
"Yup. Big chances coming."
"How so?"
He stood, tapping his pen against the desk whenever he was nervous and gently bit his lip, "I sold the company."
My stomach dropped to my ass, "What?"
"Her name is Kathryn Nolan. She's been on my telephone for years. Finally made me an offer I couldn't refuse. Now I can retire, buy that place in Bermuda I always wanted, and play golf until I drop dead."
"I don't understand. When I had my review last year you promised me that if I got five million in this place-"
Clay held up his hands in defense as is eyebrows furrowed, "I know, but this had to be done."
"You wouldn't even have a company worth buying if it wasn't for me." My voice raised in volume as the frustration rolled through my body in waves.
"And I made sure Kathryn knows about that. You're going to be her go-to person. She needs you. I'll make sure of it."
I let a sarcastic chuckle roll through pursed lips. The bitterness seeped it's a way through and it took everything in me not to voice my thoughts. I've put so much on the line for this motherfucker and he's going to sell the company to somebody else? He calls me his partner but makes no effort to put any action behind it.
With heavy steps I made my back to personal haven so I could scream a little bit. But to my dismay Ruby and Jefferson burst through the door. Without knocking might I add.
A woman, tall, with long blonde hair pulled into a ponytail was in a very sharp charcoal colored suit and crisp white blouse walked past my window and to Clay's area. I couldn't help but watch them interact in his office. That must be the new owner.
Shit.
Ruby and Jefferson followed my gaze as the golden light reflecting off the top of skyscrapers ricocheted in my space. Manhattan in the morning was gorgeous.
"Any guesses?" Jefferson asked as he stepped up beside me and Ruby popped up on my left side. I looked down noticing that we are wearing white pants. And we didn't even coordinate this.
Jefferson was in a white button up with the first few buttons undone and his sleeves rolled up, Ruby was in a long sleeve black turtleneck, and myself in a royal blue halter top blouse. My hair was in its normal wavy flow, stretching beautifully over my shoulders.
"Maybe it's another political person." Ruby answered, leaning forward slightly to look at Jefferson.
"Nah. Something else." I said, narrowing my eyelids as I investigated their strange interaction, "This is business." Perhaps the one taking my well earned title away from me.
"That's Kathryn Nolan." The office assistant said, handing me a folder and was not shy about openly checking me out for a second time in less than thirty minutes. "She's the one that Clay is selling the company to." She smirked and glided away from us.
I felt the nervousness stream off my team in heavy doses, glancing at Ruby who's lips were pursed deep in thought while she repeatedly clicked her tongue against her teeth and Jefferson who was shaking his head back and forth as he muttered incoherent words under his breath. Clay stood from his big chair, noticing me gawking at the two of them and waved me over.
Double shit.
"Looks like you're wanted." Jefferson placed a hand on my low back and pushed me in the direction of them.
"Don't make us look bad." Ruby added because that was just the thing I needed to hear before meeting my potential new boss. Striding to the office I thought of all the scenarios of how this could go down. One of them being where I vault over the desk and throw Clay's ass against the wall. I ran a hand through my hair and flung open the door.
Kathryn stood from her chair holding out her hand for me to take, "Kathryn Nolan." She greeted with a tight grip around my fingers.
"Emma Swan."
"Please, sit." She said, unbuttoning her jacket and flung the bottom to the side, sliding her hands in the pockets of her pants. I eyed Clay, but he gave away nothing away on his face, just pointed to the empty chair, "Clay tells me that you're the best Creative Director in all the boroughs. And that your team, Ruby and Jefferson, do exceptional work." Kathryn started, resting her hip against Clay's desk.
"He's right." I responded coolly, placing my elbow on the armrest to set my chin in the palm of my hand.
"And when I take the company over next week I plan on firing everyone."
"Great. I've always hated those long lines at the coffee pot."
"He also tells me that you're arrogant, willful, and insubordinate. Your team is included in that statement."
A sardonic chuckle slipped through, "We try to live up to our reputation."
"So tell me why I shouldn't fire you three, too."
She folded her arms across her chest, smirking as if she had caught me between a rock and a hard place, but she hasn't because this is where I thrive most, "For one thing, I know more about this company than you do. For another my team and I have gone through great lengths to build a sustainable and personal relationships with all the clients. If we go, then they go. And finally," I stood, closing the gap between us as I stared her down like a panther eyeing their prey, "We both know you'll get more from my team than from these talentless shits around town you'll pay for half the price."
Pushing herself off the table she stood upright, hovering just above me, "Before I came in to meet with Clay I learned everything about this company. Everything. I contacted every single one of your clients and they agreed to stay, even if you weren't here." Oh that's bullshit. No way is Jim working with anyone else but us, "But you're right about one thing, I will get more from you then some of these other people. Yet, here I stand. Not convinced you're good for the company. So, before I dismiss you, is there anything any other reason why I shouldn't fire you, Ruby, and Jefferson?"
"Can't think of one." I sarcastically responded. I turned around to leave the office, I swear if she fires me I'll make it my mission in life to take down everything she touches.
"Emma." Kathryn called and I glanced over my shoulder, shooting her a look, "You and your team have a week to prove to me that you're worth keeping."
"Really? That long, huh?" I muttered as I grabbed the door handle.
"Oh by the way." She called before I could angrily stomp away, "There's a rumor that you're gay…"
"The rumor is true. But, unless I'm fucking you, it's none of your goddamn business."
Flinging the door open I pointed to my office and Ruby and Jefferson quickly walked to it, with Jefferson holding it for me, slamming it shut probably harder than he met. Placing the palm of my hands on my desk I dropped my head between my shoulders and sighed.
"Fuck. Is it that bad?" Ruby asked, curling her fingers under my chin tilting my head to lock her big blue eyes with mine while Jefferson sat down in one of the chairs.
"We have a week to prove to Kathryn why she shouldn't can our asses." I whispered with little emotion, my brain was already going through possibilities. "We need to find everything we can about her."
From the corner of my eye I saw Jefferson drop his head over the back of the chair and run his hands over his face, "So we're working through the weekend is what you're saying."
"Because you have better things to do?" I questioned.
He sat up, flipped his hands over and scoffed, "The fundraiser is tonight for one thing. Neal and I were going to make a date night out of it."
"Yea, same for me and Chelsea." Ruby added, sighing heavily and on the exhale her shoulders dropped. She sagged down on the chair opposite from him and they both exchanged worried glances.
"Look, if we don't figure what sets us apart from all these other fucks in the office, we'll have all the free time in the world…because we won't have a job. They should understand that you two have work."
"You mean you three. I told Neal that you were coming too."
Frustration filtered through annoyance surged up my body and I felt my gaze hardened at Jefferson, "What are you talking about?"
"I promised him that I'd drag you there. We need to support Regina, she's our client. We've done things that were more boring for worse people."
"I wish you wouldn't make promises that I can't keep." I mumbled, kicking out my chair so I could sit down and rolled myself towards my computer. Bringing open a search engine I began to type in Kathryn Nolan's information. I needed to pull up anything I could find on this chick.
"Don't be shitty about it." Ruby scolded, grabbing her laptop out of her satchel and set it on her lap. "Plus it's erotic art, that should be right up your alley. And it's at the gay and lesbian center. Probably time you start joining the community."
Huffing obnoxiously loud I rolled my eyes, "Just because I fuck women doesn't mean I'm apart of some community and it definitely doesn't mean that I have anything in common with someone who does."
"It's more than that, Emma." Jefferson started. Focusing on the screen, I repeatedly hit the arrow button to scroll down the page. I tried to act like I was listening but it was getting increasingly difficult, "We need to take care of each other. And it's for a good cause. And Regina asked for you specifically."
"Not to mention, she practically stalked you at Banshee a couple nights ago." Way to add insult to injury Ruby.
"Whatever. I don't need to take care of anyone and I don't need anyone to take care of me." God I was getting more irritated and I knew it was showing through on my face because when I glanced up at the two their eyebrows were knit into sympathy.
"One day you might." She said, her tone was unwavering, serious.
"Fuck groups." I replied, keeping my eyes solely on the computer screen.
"I thought you did." Jefferson teased, shaking his head from side to side as he reached over to grab a pen and a notepad, ready to take any notes we may have found.
"Occasionally, but that's by invitation only." A wide smile crossed my face as I gave them wink. A movement that reminded me of Regina. If it works for her maybe it'll work for me and we can be done with this.
"We're going to put a pin in this conversation. But for now, what did you find?" Jefferson said, leaning back in the chair with the pen hovering over his notepad.
"Kathryn Nolan. 35. Graduated Harvard Business School. Got her start in Chicago at DBD, she was a Junior Ad Executive. Now she lives in New York trying to take over the top Manhattan ad agency, i.e.: us. Ruby, what did you find?"
"Mostly the same thing, plus a feature article in one of the Chicago papers."
"Divorced twice. MMA fanatic. Enjoys racquetball, very fucking straight." I frowned as I read the overview of her. God she's so boring.
"Oh wait. Here's something. In one of these articles, she's asked if there was a client she was never able to win over." Jefferson and my head jerked up, peering around the computer to stare at him. "Gold Athletics." Standing from my chair I slapped the desk then wagged my finger at him.
That's it. That's what we need to do.
"Wait where are you going?" Jefferson stared at me with bewilderment swimming in his eyes.
"To see a few of my tricks."
"You're heading to the baths now?" Ruby asked as I flung open the door, looked over my shoulder and smirked, "You'll fuck us all out of a job!" She yelled as I sprinted towards the elevator.
I stood in the empty bath house in the middle of naked men and woman, all wearing Gold Athletics shoes, sweatshirts, baseball caps, and other sports gear. My trusty photographer August was crouched down on one knee. He had a classic hipster New York vibe; saggy beany, ripped jeans, Vans, and a muscle t-shirt and he sure knows how to take one hell of a photo.
"I need these in twenty minutes." I commanded as I kept my eyes on the mostly naked bodies huddled against one another one.
"I don't rush my work."
"Please." I asked, doing my best pouty face and batting my eyelashes.
He sighed and slowly shook his head, "I'll try."
The sound of heels clicked against the floor and when I turned around Ruby was walking around the models, staring at the ample amount of ass floundering about. She made eye contact with a woman, giving her that old Ruby flirtatious look.
"Hey," I snapped my fingers in front of her face, claiming her attention. Her eyes whipped to me and a deep blush spread across her cheeks, "Ogle at the women later. What do you have for me?"
Tucking some brown hair behind her ear she swallows thickly, "Here's the information you asked for," Ruby cleared her throat, drifting a quick look over her shoulder before returning it back to me, "I don't think it's going to do you any good though. I called HQ and they said they don't do unsolicited pitches, should we just cancel?"
I gave her a look with a raised eyebrow before I smirked and brushed past her.
"Emma, I sent what I could." August yelled as I walked out of the facility and headed towards my car. Quickly, I got in, kicked on the engine and set off to drive the sixty miles to my destination, headquarters of Gold Athletics. Yay me. From what I've seen online a twenty-story building, all curved glass and steel, basically an architects wet dream.
The roads are clear on my way to Jersey and the drive is beautiful in my white Audi TT. And with the open road curving underneath the tall trees as I distance myself further away from the city it's actually quite fun. Effortlessly the miles slip away encouraging me to floor it, petal to the metal.
It's almost a quarter to two when I arrive and I park in the red zone, right underneath the large sign, 'GOLD ATHLETICS'. Walking into the enormous building I realized two things: everyone is dressed immaculately and the interior is very clinical and modern. Instantly I know the type of person I'm dealing with. A sandstone desk sat in the middle of the lobby and beautiful woman with bright blue eyes and burgundy colored hair smiled broadly at me.
"Hello, my name is Emma Swan and I-" But I paused when I saw her smile drop and a frown take its place. Okay, rude.
"I'm sorry Ms. Swan, but we left word with your co-worker that Mr. Gold wasn't interested in meeting you."
"Ok, but, I literally drove all the way from Manhattan just to see him." I firmly stated, pulling out my tablet and bringing up the photos that August took.
"Unfortunately he's in a closed door meeting and can't be disturbed." She responded, her tone was even more stern than mine was.
Rolling my eyes, I let my head fall to the side as I hardened my gazed, "Where is he?"
"He's out of the office."
"I'm sure if he saw my presentation then-"
"Look, what I'm trying to say is you're wasting your time and-"
"No, you're wasting his time because the sooner you get me in to see him the sooner I can show him these…" I tossed my tablet on the desk and it slid across the smooth desk. She did catch it before it hit the ground though and for that I give her props. The woman took in the pictures and her manicured eyebrows raised in surprise. "I can see your impressed. Wonder how your boss would feel when he realizes you're the one that pointed this bright idea in his direction."
We exchanged a heavy stare and I thought she wasn't going to budge but finally a heavy sigh escaped her mouth and with slow shake of her head she mumbled, "Gold is going to fucking kill me," before drifting her eyes back to me holding out the tablet, "He eats lunch in the clubhouse."
I whispered a quiet 'thank you' and bolted to the area she pointed to, tucking the tech under my arm. Only one man sat in a large private booth reading a newspaper. That has to be him. Who actually reads the newspaper these days? Taking a chance I dipped under the velvet rope and sat right beside him. He looked over his paper and stared at me with a raised eyebrow. He was wearing an all black three piece suit, the shiniest pair of dress shoes you've ever seen and a neat charcoal bow tie.
"Who the hell are you?" His voice carried a poised but gritty tone that I'm sure intimidated a lot of people. Not me though.
"Emma Swan." I greeted. A waiter came over and dropped a water in front of me. He slipped a hand inside his black apron and pulled out a notepad. "Do you have any burgers and fries."
He nodded, scribbling something on his little paper, "We can do anything you'd like."
"Perfect. I'll take a burger, well done, all the fixings, a side of fries." Sending him a crooked smile I wiggled my eyebrows at Gold while the waiter took the notes of my order.
"What are all the fixings?" the younger man clarified.
"Surprise me." Taking a sip of the water I turned my complete attention over to Gold, "Your assistant said I'd find you here."
He grumbled lowly and straightened out the paper as he leaned back in his seat, creating distance-a barrier. The wall has been put up and now I have to break it down.
"Thought I told her to relay the message that I wasn't interested in talking to you today. Or, ever, for that matter." Casually he flipped the page, keeping his eyes on the tiny black lettering printed in the thin grey sheets.
"Oh she did relay the message. But then she saw my work…"
"Well it's a good thing she's not the boss." He said as the waiter set an extra plate by my silverware. "Alan will you be so kind as to show this woman out?"
"Alan will be so kind as to bring us a bottle of your finest whiskey, compliments of Clay of course." Pulling out the company credit card I waved it in front of them, "We're celebrating Gold's new athletics ad campaign." The waiter, Alan, looked between us then kept his eyes on Gold, waiting for the official yes or no, and to be honest, so was I.
"If you're here to convince me to be more hip you're wasting your time. I refuse to make a pair of sneakers that have wheels in them just so millennials like you can roll around the park."
"I'll leave the wheelies to trendy companies. What you sell is a lifestyle, you just need to add a bit more heat."
Gold deeply sighed, dare I say even dramatically, but he hasn't kicked me out yet. And that tells me we're heading in the right direction, "Young lady, there is no heat in baseball caps and windbreakers."
"You're right, there isn't. But it is my job to make the consumers think that there is." I paused for effect before sliding the tablet over to him. Setting down the paper he looked at me for a second then placed one hand in his lap and the other moved to cup his chin as he trailed his long index fingers across his lips. His eyes fell to the tablet while mine studied the expressions he was trying to hide.
" 'THE ONE THING TO WEAR'," he mumbled, which was the slogan I picked for his brand. Dropping his hand to the screen he moved the same index finger over the glass, swiping to the next photo. And then the next. And then the next.
"We'll run this in all the top magazines. It will appeal to women because they like to do a lot of shopping," I reached over to swipe to a photo, of a guy in a jock strap, leaning against a balancing beam with his perfect, toned ass facing the camera, "And it will also appeal the gay community." And then moved to another of a woman in the brand's crop top and spandex all sweaty, leaning against a squat rack.
Gold didn't say anything. He didn't need to. Because with one look I knew. I had him. Glancing up at the waiter who was still patiently waiting I smirked, "Alan, scratch the burger, I would like a filet mignon, medium well."
Four hours later Gold and I were stumbling out of the clubhouse. Well, he was stumbling. I'm not dumb enough to get shit faced during a business meeting. Plus, the drive back would be a bitch. My phone rang loudly and we propped ourselves against the wall so I could answer.
"Hello?"
"Two hundred and seventy five dollars for a meal Emma? Where the fuck are you eating? A Michelin star restaurant with bullshit tapas sized portions that people actually call a 'plate of food'?" Kathryn angrily screamed into the phone. I pulled it away from my ear as I winced from the excessive amount of curse words flying from her lips.
"Kathryn. I want you to say hello to our newest client." Tapping a button I put her on speaker.
"Hello?" she hesitantly greeted.
"Kathryn Nolan! This is R.S. Gold. I'm excited to be on board, Emma is a very talented creative director. You should be lucky to have her because I know a lot of people who would steal this kid away from you in a heartbeat."
Aw.
"Oh yes, she certainly is amazing at what she does." God I wish I could see the look on her face.
"I want her to run point on every single ad of mine." He continued before passing the phone back to me. Taking it off speaker I brought it back to my ear.
"Glad to know loyalty isn't dead." I mumbled, hearing a small chuckle on the other end of the line.
"I've been after Gold for years. How did you manage to get him in a couple hours?"
"Did my homework."
"I see." She paused and I heard some shuffling in the background. "This calls for a reward." My heart sped up as I waited for the big finale, "How do you feel about being my Ad Partner? The position comes with a hefty bonus, a company car, and a bigger office. Penthouse level to be exact. You and your team would get your own floor."
Holy. Shit.
The penthouse floor was off limits because it was Clay's space when he needed to decompress. Now it's ours.
"Lovely. See you Monday." And then I hung up. I was feeling elated. Not only did I save my team but I also got us ahead in the process.
Gold leaned against me and placed a heavy hand on my shoulder, "Alright Emma, I'm going to have my assistant call me a ride. You get home safe. Enjoy the weekend because come Monday we get to work."
We said our goodbyes and I jogged towards my car. I started up the engine and drove as fast as I could back to Manhattan. I was worn out from all the events of today and the only thing I could think of was laying in my soft bed underneath my silky sheets. The further away from Jersey I get the more relaxed my restraints around my brain and thoughts of Regina replay in mind. I almost feel foolish and a little embarrassed that I even allowed her to enter my mind in the first place.
An involuntary shudder runs down my spine at the thought of her nimble fingers brushing across my skin. The way she bites her lip when she's feeling playful. Yes, the lip biting gets me every single time. Glancing at the time I wondered if I'd make it back to see Regina's fundraiser. You know what…why not. I floor my car, going at a speed that's way past illegal and make it to the LGBTQIA+ center in forty minutes.
And now here I am, parked outside the center amid the fancy cars, a few I recognize, scolding myself. I am such a fool. Why am I here?
But I don't like to back down from a challenge so I exit the car and enter the center through the sliding glass doors. Chelsea, Ruby, and Eliot were all huddled in the far corner drinking and laughing. Jefferson and Neal were wandering off to the side. Artwork, beautiful, erotic, and just plain hot hung on the basic white walls. It takes me all but three seconds to spot her in the mass of people. She's standing closely by the red-headed woman who was at the club with her earlier this week, hunched over a desk staring intently at a picture. It's too far for me to see it but I don't care. It's her that I'm focused on anyway.
I wondered if she felt me studying her, because the way her head snaps up and heavy brown eyes fall on me my answer would be yes. Regina froze, pinning me with a discerning stare-shocked I think.
"Well, well, well," I taunted once I got closer, "If it isn't the famous ar-teest."
"Emma." She breathily said as if she were flustered. Her full lips were still parted and I had to resist the urge to tip her chin up and close her mouth. The look on her face was well worth the drop-by. The woman beside her cleared her throat causing Regina to jump slightly darting a narrow gaze to her. "Thank you for coming by."
I let a small smile pull my lips upward and at the same casually shrugged my shoulders, "Thanks for the invite. All the art looks really…hot."
A small blush spread across her cheeks and once again the woman beside her cleared her throat, now it was my turn to drift my gaze to the red-headed beauty.
"Emma Swan." Holding out my hand the warm grip tightened around my palm and I was surprised at the firmness of her handshake.
"Zelena Mills." The woman responded, finding her voice.
Wait…Mills. Letting go I shifted my eyes to lock on to Regina who was watching Zelena like a hawk, brown eyes hooded and speculative, her mouth an impassive straight line.
"Mills, huh?" My question was full of intrigue. This must be the one she was telling me about during our Manhattan day.
"My sister." She muttered, taking a deep breath and squaring her shoulders she gave me a fake smile, one that felt like it was reserved for some of the buyers around here, but certainly not for me.
"Can I get you something to drink?" Zelena asked, leaning in my line of sight to catch my eyes. But the huff Regina let out was louder and I didn't miss the way she rolled her eyes. Okay…what am I missing? "Maybe after we can go check out some of the vagina sculptures."
Wait. A. Minute.
She's flirting with me. Of this, I'm sure.
Quickly I glanced back at Regina and she was biting that damn bottom lip while examining her knotted fingers. What is going on inside of that head of hers?
"You know, I think I'd like a tour from the woman who's hosting this lovely fundraiser." At this brown, luscious eyes flickered towards me and we held each other's gaze for a moment that passed all to quickly. An amused look washed over her face and it looked like she was trying to hide a smile. "I'll make sure to circle back though." I said to Zelena but kept a heavy-lidded stare on Regina, "Please, lead the way."
Pushing herself off the desk she gestured towards an area with tons of beautifully drawn women. I stay a step behind because letting her walk ahead of me gives me a chance to admire her outfit and her ass. A beautiful white see-through blouse that showed off her black bra and red skinny jeans. White Chucks accompanied her feet and I can't help but admire her simple yet chic look. Her long, straightened, earthy brown hair rocked like a metronome to the sway of her hips as if it were keeping time.
Regina really is the whole package: strong essence, polite, honest to a fault, and beautiful. She's got all the attributes that find attractive in a woman.
"So, did you decide what you were going to do about Atlas?" she asked, interrupting my thoughts. Her voice seemed higher than normal. She slowed her pace down so we could walk shoulder to shoulder.
I smiled, surprised that it was on her mind, "I didn't sign the papers."
"Finally seeing yourself as more than a uncredited guest role?" Her tone was light as she arched an eyebrow.
"Something like that."
We walked in silence; I could feel the unfamiliar nervous energy coming from her direction. "I'm sorry about my sister. She can lay it on thick sometimes." Regina suddenly said, letting me into her thoughts a little bit. She was embarrassed by Zelena's actions? Interesting.
"Not a problem at all. I like it when women lay it on thick anyway." The flirtatious undernote in my words was meant to lighten the mood, but when I let my eyes go to her face her bright and cheery expression had fallen into something like disappointment.
She scrunched her eyebrows and held it in that position until she noticed me looking at her, then quickly covered it up with a forced laugh and strained smile, "Yea, I'm sure you do." But her attempt at a joke was dead and unconvincing. We stopped in front of the drawings and I admired each one of them.
"Wow." I whispered walking my eyes from one framed picture to the next.
"New York really does have some talented artists."
"Yes, they really do." I made it a point to look directly at her when I said this. She can't hide from me. I've seen her work.
Shifting my gaze back to the artwork one in particular caught my eye. Leaning in, I examined it closely. Is that?...No, no way. That would be wishful thinking. Yet the more I stared the more convinced I became. Right in the front of me was a pencil drawing of a woman. Her long hair was hanging over the arm of a couch that took an extreme resemblance to the one in my place. She was naked, one hand covering her mouth while the other hid in between her thighs. The right leg was tossed over the back of the furniture while the left foot was firmly planted on the ground. In the back was a sliding metal door, similar to the entrance in my loft.
There was intense concentration on the face of the woman sprawled out on the couch.
There in the bottom right-hand corner was Regina's signature.
"Okay, so I'm just gonna ask." I started, getting in closer and closer to the picture, "Is she masturbating?"
"Yup."
"Is this me?"
"Oh please." She scoffed, though there was something off about it, "Don't flatter yourself." The smile on her face widened as she lit up like a cloudless dawn. Damn how do I get her alone?
"I want to show you something." I finally said after a few tense seconds. "Do you want to go?"
"Sure." Regina responded before she really even had time to process what I said, "Where are we going?"
Smiling to myself I wrapped my hand around hers and dragged her to a hallway that led to some staircases. "Go on, head to the top." I urged, letting her hand go to pull out my phone to send a quick text to Chelsea. She's the only one in the group that wouldn't ask any additional questions to my request. She quickly replied with a thumbs up and I sent the funds needed to accomplish my goal then slid my phone in my back pocket. Before stepping up the next staircase Regina turned and looked over her shoulder. All I did was smirk, loop my arm around hers and walk her to the top and my phone vibrated against my waist.
Luckily the roof was unlocked, a mistake made by the custodian I'm sure but it gave us some time to be alone so no complaints. Out here the building was still shorter than all the others towering over us but it did give a nice view of Times Square.
"Wow, it's beautiful out here." She fished through her pocket and handed me something I don't think I've ever eaten. "Cake Pop?"
Damn, this thing is huge. But it didn't stop me from ripping off the wrapper to take a bite. I watched her do the same, except she stuck her tongue out, slowly and sensually licking some of the icing off. It was going to be difficult to have a conversation with her, much less breathe. Her mouth opened but her words fell on deaf ears because I was too caught up in her beauty. Brown hair moved as her head fell back and her long neck strained from laughter before her gaze met mine as she waved her hand in front of my face.
"Emma?"
"What?"
"Cheating?" She inquired keeping her eyes on the bright lights that made up Times Square.
Cheating? What? What the fuck was going on right now.
"What about it?"
Regina let a bold laugh out, for a split second her eyelids shut slowly in pleasure and I wondered if this is what she looked like when she had an orgasm; head thrown back, mouth wide and open, erupting with moans powered by mind-bending lust and her neck, stretched and pulsating…ready for me to make my mark. She laid her eyes on me only when she stopped. Something swam behind the widened pupils, want maybe? Mirth? A challenge?
"What do you think of it?"
How random. But I'm sure she brought it up during my time of distraction, so maybe it's not so random. "Well, what do you think about it?" I returned the question because I think my answer is pretty obvious.
Pursing her lips thoughtfully she took another bite of her cake pop, swallowing slowly, "There's always a moment. There's a moment when you think in your head, 'I can resist this. I can either give in or resist." She set her forearms down on the railing and leaned forward. Copying her movements I became painfully aware of the tingles that danced across my shoulder as it pressed against hers.
If she felt anything she gave no indication and continued licking and gently biting her cake pop. I kept my gaze forward recognizing the tense energy coiling tighter and tighter between us as if we were having a silent conversation instead of an audible, much more innocent one.
"And which way do you go?" I didn't mean to put an emphasis on my words but it just slipped out. Tilting my head I kept a watchful eye on the side of her face.
"I've never cheated on anyone. I couldn't do that to someone I love."
"What if you're not in love them?" Finally her eyes landed on me, the cake pop hanging inches from her lips. Silence fell upon us and I licked the icing off my pop, pondering what was going on between us. We both seemed stiff, tense, just off from our usual light banter. There was an elephant in the room and it was being ignored.
"I don't know. I-Oh!" A small bit of icing fell on her forearm, leaving a small trail. Tilting her head down Regina slid her tongue a few inched below her wrist up to her thumb as she licked up the icing that marked up her skin. Gritting my teeth my stomach tightened and tried to swallow a moan but it came out. She paused slightly like she heard it but didn't say anything about it.
"You were saying?" My voice had dropped several octaves without me even trying. She seemed resistant to keeping eye contact with me but did so anyway, only flickering them to my lips when I swiped some crumbs off them.
"I guess if the marriage has lost its…pilot light, for lack of a better word, then I suppose…" But she paused then shook her head, "No not even then should you cause your partner that much hurt."
"So you're a faithful at all costs type of person? Solid morals." Finishing off the last of my pop I tossed the stick in the trashcan and took a regrettable step forward, hovering over her timid but unguarded eyes.
"Is that a bad thing?"
"I guess not. But what if you're with someone and then realize that your current situation is so far removed from what you actually want?" I took another step, so close that could feel each shaky exhale she took brush against my lips. I knew I was intimidating right now as I toyed with her, "Every time you're around that special person your morals crumble. Because you just…can't…help yourself."
I was drowning in the need to smash my lips against hers. To feel her moan vibrate against my mouth as I slipped my tongue inside to wrestle against hers.
"Emma…" She said my name breathlessly. Wide pupils darted to my lips as she licked her own. Does she…? What? No. Or what if yes. Did she feel that same suffocating feeling too? "Emma I-I…" And then it was like reality slapped back into her, "I love these cake pops. I think I'm going to get another one. Do you want another one?" Not waiting for my answer she moved towards the door, disappearing from view. I followed her downstairs but when I got to the level of the fundraiser she was nowhere to be found.
With a frustrated sigh I quietly slipped out the venue and slipped in my car to head towards my loft. I ran a hand through my hair holding it there as I replayed everything. I don't know what it was but something shifted between us. I just hope it didn't change things too much.
I pulled into the parking garage and reached inside my trunk, grabbing the item I asked Chelsea to get. Once inside I unwrapped it and there was the three foot by two foot drawing that Regina did. I looked at everything in the background of her picture and then around my loft; my door, my glass coffee table, the white leather couch and chairs feng shui to perfection, the arched windows…everything.
I set up the easel and placed the drawing on it before plopping down on the my couch, matching the position in the drawing. Sliding my hand underneath my slacks I stroked my clit as I stared at Regina's artwork.
Tonight art would certainly imitate life. Or is it life imitating art?