Stocky & Sumptuous

by Mary E Thompson

  His eyes narrowed briefly. He glanced at Drew and asked, “Would you mind if I took a moment of Vicki’s time?”

  Drew shook his head, but flashed me a look that said he expected details. I rolled my eyes at him. He was like a brother, one I never wanted. Although it was kind of nice to know he had my back.

  Hunter guided me back into the other room and spun on me. “Did you manipulate this?”

  “What the hell are you talking about? Why would I do that?”

  “So you could figure out what I do.”

  “Why don’t you want me to know you’re an artist?”

  He glared at me and ran a hand through his hair. “I’m not just an artist. I’m a business person. I’m not flighty and brainless.”

  Startled by his vehemence, I stepped back. “I never said anything like that. I don’t know where you got the impression that I would feel that way, but I don’t care what you do.”

  He laughed mirthlessly. “Yes, you do. Very much. You were endlessly curious Saturday.”

  “Because I’ve been burned by one too many workaholics. I told you that.”

  He raised his eyebrows. “I’m sure that’s not the only reason.”

  I shrugged. “You can believe what you want. I live with a workaholic. My sister is married to her job. I can’t handle dating someone who’s going to be around as little as my sister. Someone who’s going to go crazy trying to be there for everyone except me. So, yeah, I care about what you do, but only because I don’t want to end up falling for someone who just leaves.”

  “You know there are workaholics in every profession. And people who find balance in every profession.”

  I shrugged. “And there are people who think they’ll be around right up until the moment when they aren’t.”

  He sighed. “I’m not like that.”

  I raised my eyebrows at him. “And I’m not the one hiding who I really am and getting pissed off.”

  His eyes closed, giving me a chance to leave the room. I had one foot through the wall when he said, “You’re right.”

  I turned and faced him. “About?”

  “Everything. I’ve worked hard not to be labeled as one thing. This is me. If you would rather be with the guy who wears suits, that’s your choice.”

  I shook my head. “This guy is a little more my speed. I’ve never been big on those guys who work too many hours and are prettier than me.”

  He moved closer with a grin. “No guy is prettier than you.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Yeah, okay.”

  He snorted and kissed me quickly. “Your boss is watching us.”

  “Great,” I muttered, knowing I’d get an earful on the drive back to the office. “He’d have found out eventually.”

  “Is it going to be a problem?”

  I shook my head. “No. He won’t care as long as we can work together professionally.”

  Hunter nodded. “No problem.” He took a large step back and extended his hand for me to shake. I rolled my eyes and put my hand in his. The little sneak tugged me to him, putting me off balance in my heels, then caught me against his chest. He pressed his lips to mine again and kissed me until I no longer cared who was watching us.

  He was dangerous.

  When we finally walked back into the main room, Drew glanced at us and said, “I’m guessing what I thought I walked in on last week was what I walked in on.”

  I ducked my chin. “Sorry. I didn’t mean for anything to happen.”

  Drew looked between us. “I have no problem with who either of you date. Completely your choice. Carrie and I got together when she was working for us. As long as work is getting done, no one is going to care.”

  I nodded. “I won’t let my work suffer. I promise.”

  “I know. So, let’s figure out what we need to do here.”

  We spent the next hour going through every inch of the space. Hunter had some great ideas about where he wanted things. I added a few suggestions. As we worked, Drew made notes and marked up his blueprints. When we were done, he asked if I wanted to grab lunch on the way back to the office, then invited Hunter out with us.

  “I’m not really dressed for going out today, but thanks,” Hunter said. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but it felt like he was embarrassed about something. The way he dressed? Or something else?

  “Hey Vicki,” he said we were leaving. “Got a minute?”

  I told Drew I’d catch up to him outside and went back to talk to Hunter. He led me through the door in the back hall that would lead to his studio and blocked my path, keeping us hidden from the rest of the crew working in the main room.

  “Was date one good enough to get a second date?”

  I tapped my finger on my chin and considered his question. When he leaned in and pressed his lips to my throat, I wrapped my arms around his neck. “I think it passed muster.”

  “Good,” he whispered against my ear. “When can I get a second date?”

  “Well, it’s only been two days since our first date. I thought you were supposed to wait three days to call me.”

  “Fuck that. I’m asking you now. Saturday? I’m not taking a chance that you’re going to set up another date.”

  “Well,” I teased, “I already set one up for Friday night.”

  He growled in my ear. “I told you I don’t share well.”

  I shrugged. “We had one date. I didn’t realize that made any kind of promise.”

  “In my book it does. Cancel your date for Friday and let me take you out.”

  His lips brushed the edge of my ear as he spoke, sending tingles through my entire body. He pressed closer to me, his scent overtaking me. The truth slipped out, “I already cancelled it.”

  He chuckled, the movement brushing his body against mine. “You’re mean.”

  I shook my head. “I told you the truth.”

  “Uh huh. And made me think you were still going on that date. Friday night or Saturday? Or both?”

  I leaned back to look at him and realized he was completely serious. “Let’s start with Friday.”

  He pressed against me again and whispered, “Keep Saturday free. Just in case.”

  I nodded, then clamped my mouth shut when his tongue ran the length of my throat. He nipped at my lower lip and kissed me until I was dizzy. When he finally stepped back, I wasn’t sure how I was going to last until Friday.

  “See you soon, Vicki.”

  Chapter 8

  “No Peyton again?” Abby asked when I walked into Bite Me! the next night for girls’ night.

  I shook my head. “One day I’ll get her here.”

  “Maybe she just needs to meet a few of us, instead of all of us at once.”

  I shrugged. “Who knows. She’s hard for me to figure out. She complains that she doesn’t have that many friends, but then she’s working all the time and won’t get out and meet people.”

  Abby smiled sweetly. “She’s probably scared. It’s hard getting to know new people.”

  I laughed. “Yeah, especially this group.”

  We laughed and made our way to the table. We sat between Carrie and Addi, who were talking to Sam.

  “Where’s Olivia?” Abby asked me.

  I shook my head. “I haven’t heard from her. She must be running late.”

  “Ethan’s here. I’m guessing she’s coming or he wouldn’t be here.”

  I nodded. “I’m sure she’ll be here. She said the summer has been busier than she expected. They added extra counsel meetings and there’s one this week that she and Wyatt are getting ready for.”

  “Ugh,” Abby groaned. “She hates those.”

  I smiled. “Yeah. With a passion. Hopefully it’s not that bad this time.”

  Before Abby could say anything else, Becca burst through the door, upping the volume in Bite Me! by about ten. She squealed and ran right to Tara. Tara hoisted Becca up on her lap and gave her a bite of the cupcake sitting in front of her. We were all shocked when Olivia shared that she and
Tara were best friends in high school and had a major falling out. There were moments of tension during the wedding planning, but it was great to see that they’d become friends again.

  Olivia breezed inside a few seconds later. Kevin was right behind her, and then her boss, Wyatt Ramsey, Winterville’s mayor. I’d only met Wyatt a handful of times, but he was always really nice. I was glad one of the workaholics we knew was stepping back from work and willing to enjoy himself. One day I’d get my sister there.

  “Hey Wyatt,” Abby said, jumping up to give him a hug. She baked for a few town events and had become friends with Wyatt. I smirked when I saw Graham move toward her and stand by her side when she was talking to Wyatt.

  Olivia walked over to where Ethan was glaring at Wyatt, just a few feet from where I was sitting. I grinned at them, too, wondering if Ethan would ever stop being so jealous of Wyatt and Olivia’s easy working relationship.

  “What is he doing here?” Ethan said, not bothering to whisper.

  She shushed him. “He’s my friend. And we’ve been over this. He needs to get out more. I’m not, and never have been, attracted to him. I just want him to get to know people.”

  “I’ll tear him apart if I-”

  Olivia silenced Ethan with a kiss that said he was definitely the only man she was interested in going home with after girls’ night. When they finally pulled apart, Ethan rested his forehead against hers and held her tight to him. He whispered something I couldn’t hear. Olivia giggled and I breathed a little easier. Ethan had nothing to worry about.

  Wyatt went to the men’s table with a plate of cupcakes, and Olivia joined us. Ethan ended up sitting next to Wyatt, something we all found absolutely hilarious.

  “You guys have to help me,” Olivia whispered. We all leaned forward. “He’s going crazy. I’ve been asking Wyatt to come here forever. He finally asked me about it tonight, and I couldn’t say no. I don’t know why Ethan thinks I’d ever look at another man.”

  “They’re just as insecure as we are,” Sam said. “No matter how hot they are, they worry about losing us.”

  “Well, I’m not going anywhere.”

  “Once you’re married, it’ll get easier to convince him of that.”

  “I hope so.”

  “Enough of that,” Abby said quietly. “Let’s talk lingerie party. You’re going to help me get ready, right Charlie?”

  Charlie nodded. “Definitely. I’ll be there early.”

  “Good. And you’re going to bake at SkinnyCakes, right?”

  Charlie nodded again.

  “I’m off for the summer,” Addi said. “Put me to work.”

  “It’ll be the week before the wedding. That Tuesday”

  Addi nodded. “I’m still off. I’ll go in a few days to get my classroom set up, but I don’t have much to worry about.”

  “Did everyone get their invitations?”

  Olivia nodded. “My friends at work said they’ll be there. I’m not sure how they feel about buying me lingerie, but oh well.”

  “Well, we’re all happy to share our tips. Plus, we know Ethan likes black.”

  Olivia groaned. “Please don’t let me end up with all black lingerie.”

  We all laughed. “I promise not to buy you anything black,” I said.

  “Thank you. I love the man, but I need a little more color in my life.”

  “You’ll have a rainbow to choose from.”

  Olivia grinned and nodded. “That’s a relief.”

  “What else are you finishing up for the wedding?” Mandy asked.

  “Not much. We’re right at a month away so at this point it’s just wait and see. We’re getting in response cards, and my dress is almost done. I have one more fitting. Everything is picked out and set.”

  “I loved that time,” Mandy said. “When the wedding is basically ready for you. It’s so much easier than chasing things.”

  “True,” Carrie said. “We got married so quickly that I felt like we didn’t have enough time to plan it all.”

  “You didn’t wait too long,” Claire said to Olivia. “Three months?”

  Olivia nodded. “Just over.”

  “Aidan and I didn’t even date for three months before we got married.”

  “Yeah, but you knew each other really well.”

  “True. It takes time to get to know someone.”

  “Unless you stick your tongue down his throat the first time you meet,” Carrie said with a pointed look at me.

  “Are you talking about me or you?” I teased.

  “Ha! Could be both, but everyone knows my story. None of us have heard about your new artist hottie.”

  My eyes widened as I fought a grin. “He’s not mine.”

  “That’s not what my sexy husband said. He told me Artist Hottie kissed you like he was a soldier going off to war.”

  I snickered. “Hardly.”

  “Well, why don’t you explain then?”

  I looked around the table and knew I had no choice. “Damn Drew and his big mouth.”

  Carrie laughed. “Please. He tells me everything. And it was only a matter of time before the two of you hooked up. I told you that the day I met him.”

  “What am I missing here?” Olivia asked.

  Carrie lifted an eyebrow at me. I knew if I didn’t start explaining soon, she would do it for me. And that probably wouldn’t end well.

  “I started seeing one of the guys Drew is doing a project for. We met a few weeks ago when he came into the office. We sort of hit it off and went on a date this weekend.”

  “Really?”

  “Who is he?”

  “Where did you go?”

  It was always overwhelming to tell a story. Questions came from everywhere and got confusing in a hurry.

  “His name is Hunter Campbell. He’s an artist and is opening a gallery over on Icy Lane. We had one date and had a picnic lunch in the park then went to Funderland.”

  “The amusement park?”

  I nodded. “It was a lot more fun than I expected. It’s been years since I’ve been on a rollercoaster.”

  “Are you seeing him again?”

  “Yep. Friday night.”

  “Is he a good kisser?”

  “Oh, yeah,” I gushed. “Very good.”

  “Is he good in bed?”

  I shook my head. “I don’t know that yet.”

  “Yet being the key. You said you’re going out again Friday night?”

  I nodded.

  “You’ll find out then. Drew said you two were fighting like an old married couple. Make-up sex is pretty great.”

  I laughed. “We weren’t fighting. He has some weird hang-up about me knowing what he does for a living.”

  “An artist?”

  I nodded again. “Yeah. I don’t get it. He wouldn’t tell me what he did when we were on our date. Then when I showed up at the studio / gallery, he got all pissy and accused me of pushing into the project.”

  “Okay, I take back what I said,” Carrie said. “I’m not sure I like this guy.”

  “I’m with her,” Olivia nodded. “Why did he have an issue with you being there?”

  “I don’t really know. He said something about me wanting the guy in the suit, not the one in ripped jeans. It was weird.”

  “I bet his last girlfriend dumped him because he wasn’t rich enough.”

  “Have you Googled him?”

  I shook my head. “I didn’t want to dig that much into his life.”

  Ten phones appeared. Olivia shot me a sympathetic look as the others dove into Hunter’s life.

  “He’s really talented,” Sam said.

  “It sounds like he’s only recently hit it big,” Carrie added.

  “He’s hot,” Mandy said.

  “Yeah, he is,” Tara agreed.

  I sat back and listened as they talked about Hunter. From what they said, he’d been painting and drawing for years. He recently was featured in a national magazine and had achieved a new level of re
spect from the art community. Most major collectors didn’t like his work because it wasn’t expensive enough. The interviews he did, according to Riley, said he wasn’t willing to overprice his work to appease collectors. That he wanted his work to be available to everyone so he had items in many different price points.

  The more they read, the more I liked him. He sounded like a really sweet guy, which I knew he was. It mentioned his mother was also an artist, but lived on the West Coast with his father. He was an only child.

  “No mention of an ex.”

  “Did you really think there would be?”

  Sam shrugged. “You never know.”

  “Well, I think she should give him a chance. Try to find out if he’s a nice guy who has some weird hang-up.”

  “I agree. Any guy as hot as he is, who kisses as well as she said he does, deserves another chance.”

  “But not endless chances.”

  Sam shook her head. “No. Definitely not endless. If he’s a jerk, she’ll find out and then cut him loose.”

  “Do I get a say in this?” I asked, flashing a smile to my friends.

  Carrie sighed. “I guess. If you really think you should have one.”

  I laughed. “Well, I am the one who’s going to be dating the guy. I figure I should be allowed to offer input.”

  “What do you have to offer?”

  “After he got all weird, he did apologize. Then he kissed me and asked me out for this weekend.”

  “So everything was okay?”

  I nodded. “I think so. I still don’t know why he was upset that I found out what he did, but I didn’t push. I’ve been on one date with him and kissed him a few times. I figured things like that will come out eventually, but we don’t need to spill all our secrets right away.”

  “When are you going to tell him about your quest for a baby?”

  “Um, I already did.”

  “Seriously?”

  I nodded and bit my lip.

  “Wow, you’re ballsy. I don’t think I’d have laid it on him for a few dates, at least.”

  I shrugged. “After all the dates I’ve been on, I realized it’s a pretty good way to weed some of them out. There have been the ones who offer themselves up as sperm donors, with no strings attached, of course. Those who immediately come up with a reason we can’t see each other again. And then Hunter.”