“I’m clean. And there’s only been you, Natalie,” I said.
She reached for me. “Then you should make love to me.”
I don’t know how I didn’t come right then and there. I’d never been with a woman without a condom. Not even with my ex.
I moved back into position, and I lay over her, holding her lovely face in my hands. “I don’t deserve you.”
Her hands caressed my back. “Yes, you do. I thought we were opposites, but we’re more like yin and yang. A perfect fit.”
I grinned like a loon that she’d think that. I made more of the broken pieces of my heart fall back into place.
With our gazes holding, I pushed inside her, slow and smooth, savoring the feel of her wet hot pussy as it accepted me back.
As I reached the hilt, she moaned and arched. “You feel so good, Hunter.”
I leaned down, kissing her exposed neck. “I always want to make you feel good.” Slowly I moved, in and out, watching her face as pleasure built. She was so fucking beautiful, and smart, and sassy. She was perfect for me and I’d been such a fool not to see it sooner.
“Oh God, Hunter…”
That was my cue that she was nearing the edge. I let the tether on my own control slip slightly, picking up the pace as I thrust in and out of her. I put my hand on the cushion next to her head to gain leverage so I could press in deep each time.
“Yes…yes…” she chanted as her hips rocked in time with mine.
My dick was so hard and each time I slid inside her, the friction made me see stars. But held back. I waited. I pushed her up and up until finally she cried out my name. Her body bowed off the couch and her pussy clamped down hard.
I let go then, plunging into her sweet body once and heaven opened up, filling my body with the ultimate in pleasure. I filled her body with my essence, and it felt like I was marking her, making her mine. Of course, I didn’t say that as it would probably bother her feminist sensibilities. And of course, the truth was, I was hers.
Once we recovered, I made dinner for her in her small, cozy little apartment. Then we made love again, this time in her bed, and when we were sated, I pulled her to me spooning around her, letting her know that I was here. And I was there, all night.
When the sun had just begun to creep up into the sky, I snuck out of bed, got dressed, and left her apartment as there was still more to do to insure Natalie would keep me.
28
Natalie
I woke up the next morning in a blissful haze. I reached my hand out across the bed, but when I found it empty, I bolted up, my blissful bubble popping. Where was Hunter? Was last night all a dream? Or had he been here and then at some point in the night, he changed his mind and left?
I got out of bed, putting on my robe and making my way to my little living area, hoping that maybe he had woken early, and was in my kitchen drinking a cup of coffee.
My heart sank as I realized I was here alone. What happened? My despair began to turn to anger that he would do this to me.
The doorknob jingled and then the door opened and Hunter stepped in. He grinned at me as he held up a bakery bag. "You're up. I got breakfast."
There was still a part of me that wanted to go up and punch him for scaring me, but instead I ran to him, launching myself into his arms.
"Well, good morning to you too,” he said laughing.
I looked up at him. "I thought you left."
He frowned. "Only to get something to eat." Realization crossed his face. "Oh fuck, Natalie. I'm sorry. I didn't think." He put the pastry bag on the table next to her door where I kept my purse and keys and mail. He cupped my face in his palms and looked intently down on me. "I'm not going anywhere Princess. You'll have to kick me out to get rid of me, and considering I'm so much bigger than you, you're going to have a hard time of it."
I bubbled up with joy inside and again jumped up, wrapping my arms and legs around him, and kissing him senseless.
He patted my ass. "Let's get something to eat because we have a lot to do today."
We ate breakfast and then to save time, we took a shower together, but I'm not sure how much time we saved since he took his time doing delicious things to my body.
We left my place and were heading out to who knew where. Eventually, we came to a district that used to be filled with old warehouses, but was going through re-gentrification. He pulled up to a slightly rundown two-story stone building. It had large windows, particularly on the second floor.
"What is this place?” I asked.
"It's a surprise." He got out of the car, helping me out as well and taking my hand as he led me in the building. "What would you do with a place like this if it was yours?" he asked.
I looked up at him as we walked into the large open area. "This is yours?"
He gave a small nod. "So, what would you do with it?"
I looked around the large open space trying to figure out why a man like Hunter would want with a space like this. "I can't figure out why you would buy this place."
"Well, I was thinking of a community arts center. A place where young, unknown talented artists could create their art and sell it."
My gaze shot up to his and I'm sure my expression was one of shock.
“I envision building individual rooms in such a way that captures the light but gives them their own little art space. They'll have a place to create, but also, they can display and sell it. We could also host art shows and other events here.”
My heart was beating so fast at the wonder of him. At the same time, I felt a bit guilty for not recognizing this side of him sooner.
“My plan is to fund it primarily through the Strong Foundation, and because I know artists don't make a lot of money at first, we can have a vetting system to determine their need so they wouldn't have to pay rent. Everything they earn here will be theirs. Of course, when they become rich and famous, they have to give up the space for another talented newcomer." He looked at me. "What do you think?"
I was almost too breathless to speak. "I think it's wonderful."
“There's only one space that no one else gets to have, and it's upstairs. Want to see it?"
My head nodded so fast I probably looked like a bobble head. "I'd love to."
He walked me towards what looked like a freight elevator and we got in taking it up to the second floor. Like the first floor, it was mostly open, except over at one end where some drywall had recently gone up. He led me to that area of the and through the doorway.
Inside, the room had large windows on three sides, letting the sunlight in from everywhere. The artist in me swooned.
Unlike the rest of the building, this room was filled with furniture and art supplies. There were easels and a table filled with paints and brushes and pallets. On another side there was another empty table near a window and not far from that was an old-fashioned, Victorian-looking couch. In the corner there was a small kitchenette.
"This is your place, Natalie. A real artist needs a real studio."
Again, my head whipped around to look at him. "My place?" I looked through the room again. All of this was mine. "What's the couch for?"
He shrugged. “It seems like a lot of old paintings always have a naked woman on the couch."
I arched a brow. "I don't normally do that kind of art, but maybe we could swap out a man."
He frowned. "No man."
I laughed. "Only you Hunter." And because once again I couldn't help myself, I launched myself into his arms holding him close. "I love it, I love it, I love it. And I love you."
"I'm glad to hear it. There's just one more thing."
I couldn't imagine what it could be. I was at my limit for wonderful surprises.
He took my hand and walked me over to one of the windows. Looking out, I could see the ocean in the distance.
"Light plays an important part in art, doesn't it?" he asked.
"Yes."
"Through it. You can see all the different sorts of textures or facets
, right?"
I was wondering where he was going with this. "Well, yes."
"So, what would be your artistic impression of this?” He pulled out a small velvet box and flipped the lid showing a lavender hued diamond.
My breath whooshed out of my lungs as I looked up at Hunter for an explanation.
"I imagine after everything that I've put you through, my reputation, and the short time that we've been together in this new way, that this will seem too much too soon, but while I'm a man who is cautious with his heart, I'm also a man who will reach out and grab something that I want. And I want you Natalie.” He took my hand, and squeezed it like he wanted me to be sure I was hearing all that he was saying. “I was a fool before. I fought myself and what I was feeling, but the truth is that I love you and I want to build a life with you."
I swallowed hard as his words and gifts overwhelmed me. "Is this art studio and art community something you did just so I would say yes?”
He shifted nervously. "I want you to say yes because you love me and want to be with me. But I also know that what I'm asking is a bit crazy, and you probably see me as a risk based on how I behaved before, so I thought maybe this would sweeten the deal."
He was a bit right. This was crazy. But he was wrong about needing to sweeten the deal. I reached up and pressed my palm to his cheek. "Don't you know, Hunter, your love is the sweetest deal of all."
His expression looked anxious yet hopeful. "Does that mean you'll marry me?"
"Yes Hunter, I’ll marry you."
He slipped the ring on my finger and then wrapped his arms around me and spun me around. He kissed me senseless and I couldn’t remember ever being so happy.
“When did you do all this?” I asked when I finally had to take a breath.
“Yesterday.”
My brows shot up to my hairline. “Yesterday?”
“I already owned the building, but hadn’t figured out what I wanted to do with it. And yesterday, it came to me as clear as bell the moment I knew I had to fight for you and find a way to want to be with me.” His fingers traced my jawline. “I was such a fool and a jerk. I can’t believe you’ve forgiven me much less agreed to marry me.”
“We were both fools and jerks. Maybe you a little bit more.”
“I’m probably going to fuck up again and again, but you can be sure, that I’ll love you.”
“Just think of the make-up sex we’ll have.”
He laughed. “See, this is what I love about you. Your effervescence. Your humor. Your willingness to kick my ass.”
He was right. I felt like I had life back in me. Instantly, my fingers itched to paint.
I pushed him back and looked at all the beautiful art things he bought for me. "I want to paint. Now get naked."
He arched his brow. “How does painting and getting naked equate?"
"I want to paint you naked. Seriously Hunter, I’ve wanted to paint you practically since the moment I met you."
His cheeks blushed bright red as he looked around the room. “I saw the one in the article.”
It was my turn to blush. “That was from memory. I want to paint the real thing.”
He hesitated. “Most paintings of naked men, he’s not turned on. I can’t be with you and not get a woody.”
I waggled my brows. “Even better.” I looked through the paints and brushes, gathering a few along with a canvas. "We’re the only ones here and we’re on the second floor so nobody can see in. Get naked and get on the couch."
Finally, with a shake of his head and a laugh, he tugged off his T-shirt and toed off his shoes. "I can't believe I'm doing this."
He walked over towards the couch unbuttoning his jeans, hesitating again as he hooked his fingers in the waistband of his jeans.
At that moment, I remembered the story that he told me about his ex, and the way he reacted when news of us was in the media. So I walked over to him, pressing my hands on his very fine specimen of a chest. "Hunter, this is just for me. It’s not going to go in a gallery or being sold. It won’t end up online. This is just for me. I want to paint again. I want to paint you. Will you let me?"
His hands pressed over mine on his chest. "I've inspired you to paint?"
I nodded my head. "Yes."
"Then you should paint." And with that he shoved his jeans and his boxer briefs down. He stood in front of me in all his naked glory and for a moment I considered forgoing the painting and instead jumping him. But there'd be time for that, so I had him sit on the couch positioning him and nearly swooned at how beautiful and sexy he looked. Then I pulled over the easel and began to work.
I didn't complete the painting that day, but I was able to get in the full sketch of him. The shadows and the beautiful lines of his body. I was lucky that I would be able to get him here again to work on it later. I figured one way to ensure that he would pose again would be to reward him.
Over in the corner there was a sink and wash area so I went over and washed my hands deciding I would take care of the brushes and other cleanup later.
"Are you done?” he asked.
"The painting isn’t finished, but I'm done for today.”
He started to get up and reach for his clothes.
"You don't need those quite yet." I sauntered towards him, pulling my top over my head and tossing it to the side. I unclasped my bra, shimmying out of it, loving the way Hunter's eyes watched my breasts as they swayed.
By the time I reached him I was naked too. With a gentle push, he was sitting on the old-fashioned couch. I straddled his thighs and wrapped my hands around his neck.
"I never made love to art before," I said.
His hands slid up my back and then back down to squeeze my ass. "I have."
My heart did a loopty-lou in my chest. Then I kissed him, pouring all my feelings out for him. Hunter was a strong, large, intelligent man, but he did have vulnerabilities. He fought so hard to hide them and protect himself. I understood that now. I made a vow to always make him feel safe with me.
I gripped his dick and stroked it as I sucked on his lower lip. He groaned, making me feel powerful.
“You don’t worry you’ll get bored of me?” I asked as I rubbed his precum over his tip.
“Bored?” He laughed. “You’re never boring.”
“I mean the sex. You don’t worry you’ll get bored in bed with me.”
He cocked his head, his expression showing confusion. “No. Not at all.”
I felt a little silly for being so insecure.
His hands gripped my arms and he gave me a little shake. “Before…the different women…that wasn’t from boredom. I just wanted a release without the entanglement.”
“Now you want release and entanglement?”
“Yes. But only with you. I don’t know how or when, but you got into my heart and soul, Natalie.”
I was going to have to move to the south if I kept swooning like this. I wanted to say something equally as meaningful, but I couldn’t find the words. So I kissed him and then lowered my body over his, taking him inside me. Our groans filled the new studio.
I pulled back from the kiss, placing my hands on his shoulder, and then rocked over him, watching his eyes flash with wild heat as the pleasure increased, intensified.
His hand held my hips, guiding me, while his gaze held mine and together we moved. Need coiled tighter and tighter, but we still watched each other.
He gritted his teeth. “Fuck, I’m almost there.”
“Come in me, Hunter.”
“Jesus fuck…” he threw his head back and his hips bucked up. Warmth filled my body.
Triumphant, I let go of my control, and rode him fast and hard until pleasure burst, flooding my body.
When I caught my breath, I looked at him. “This is a great way to christen the studio.”
He laughed. “And to consummate our engagement.” Then his smile turned wicked. “When we start work on the studios downstairs, we could Christen each of those rooms as they go up t
oo.”
My pussy tingled at the idea. “I love how your mind works, Hunter.”
29
Hunter
There was a part of me that worried that I was passed out in a drunken stupor, or perhaps I was simply dreaming. It was a common occurrence throughout the day, and the reason why I was frequently having to look over and check that Natalie was really there. Usually, I also had to reach out and touch her to feel that she was by my side. Whenever I did this, she would turn and look at me with her beautiful blue eyes shining and her smile wide and bright. For that moment, all my worries dissipated. Life was perfect.
That didn't mean that there wasn't a part of me that was still terrified about what we were embarking on. The truth was, Natalie could bring me to my knees and relinquishing my heart to that sort of power was terrifying. I had no choice but to trust her with my heart because the alternative, trying to live without her, would also destroy me.
We were in my car driving when I reached over and took her hand, bringing it to my lips. "I want to take you to my father's house, and tell him we’re getting married."
She smiled at me but this time I could see nervousness in them.
"He's going to love you. He's going to be very pleased that you've taught me to love again."
"I need to tell Kellie too." She turned and looked out the window, making me grow concerned.
"She's not going to like this news, is she?" I asked.
She turned back to me and smiled, but it wasn't her usual full wattage one. "She wants me to be happy and to paint again, and now I'm both. So of course, she will be okay with it."
I drove for a bit as I tried to gather my thoughts. "She threatened me, if I hurt you again."
Natalie’s rounded in shock. "What, when?"
“When I went into work yesterday, we had a Strong family meeting." I took another breath because I figured I should probably tell her the rest. "Before that Ryan was at my place telling me that I needed to fix this issue with your career, and then I was to stay the hell away from you."
Her blue eyes narrowed and turned fiery. I could see the anger in her building, and weirdly enough, I was pleased to see it.
Giving In To Love: A Friends with Benefits Office Romance (Strong Brothers Book 2) Page 18
