His hands reach for my leggings, and he rolls them down my lean legs, finally exposing my underwear. He admires the view in front of him. It’s one of the lingerie sets he had picked out before we left, so I know he’s enjoying it. The thin lace doesn’t leave much to the imagination, but I want it off, and I want his weight on mine.
I look at him expectantly and he chuckles. “Just admiring the view.” He walks closer, and leans down on the bed, his lips finding mine again, his body covering mine. I reach into his boxer briefs and begin to rub his length, causing his breathing to hitch. His response fuels me, and I want to please him completely.
I roll him off me, and find my place between his legs. Hooded eyes find mine, and I begin to descend his underwear until he is free of them, his hardness springing freely. My warm hand begins to move up and down, squeezing the tip of him before moving back down.
“Ava…” His breathing picks up, and I lower my mouth to take him in. I move my lips over him, sucking his length all the way up to his tip and back down, my tongue sliding up and down his shaft, feeling him harden even more in my mouth.
I tease him slowly, and then pick up speed, wanting to please him as much as he’s pleased me. I let my teeth lightly graze him, as my mouth sucks harder and stronger, hitting the back of my throat and coming back up. His hips begin to buck, following my movements, and I feel his cock twitching.
After a few more minutes, he grabs me by the arms and lifts me up his body. His hands move to my hips and tear my thong vehemently. Before I can protest, he thrusts into me, causing me to yell out, and he silences me with his mouth.
We move together perfectly, meeting each other’s thrusts, our tongues imitating our bodies actions. Heat rises up my body, tingles moving down my spine. I feel my walls clenching, a heated sensation covering my body as I begin to tremble, my orgasm washing over me.
I groan passionately, calling out Ethan’s name, as he hits the perfect spot that sends me spiraling out of control. After building me higher and higher, I fall into the depth of my orgasm, tightening all around him. After two more thrusts, he stills inside me and loses himself in his own euphoria, calling out my name, as we each find our release.
He stays inside me even after our breathing has slowed, not wanting to break our intimacy. My face is nestled in his neck, lost between a conscious and unconscious state. I’m just enjoying the feel of his strong arms wrapped around me and his body molded into mine.
I open my eyes to a dim room, confused and unaware of the time. I shift on the bed and notice I’m alone. I must’ve fallen asleep. I stretch my body wondering where Ethan is. I sit up to look around the room, but find it empty.
I finally get up, and make my way out of the room and into the living space of the suite. Ethan is sitting on the couch watching TV. He smiles as he sees me. “Hey sleepy head. I didn’t want to wake you. Glad you’re up, though. I just ordered room service.”
“What time is it?”
“It’s just passed 7:30. I figured we can stay in and relax since you have a long day tomorrow.” I nod groggily.
Ethan pulls me to his lap and kisses me lovingly. “Why don’t you take a bath while the food gets here? I showered earlier, so the bathroom is all yours.” He gives me one more kiss before I stand, realizing I’m still naked.
I look back at him and say, “You ripped my underwear.” He smiles devilishly.
“I know. I’ll buy you a new set.” I shake my head and roll my eyes, walking back into the bedroom to take a bath.
I let the water warm up and the bathtub fill before sinking in and allowing the bubbles to cover me. This feels like heaven. I close my eyes, savoring my life at the moment. Everything is finally perfect. I’m so grateful for how things have turned out. I was fighting what I truly felt out of fear that Ethan would walk out on me again, but in understanding his side, I have been able to forgive him and move passed what happened so many years ago. I love him and my life was miserable without him in it.
I get out of the bathtub after some time, and dry off, ready to enjoy the rest of our evening. We spend the night tangled up in each other, drinking champagne and eating room service. I couldn’t ask for a better start to this trip, and I can’t wait to see what the rest of it entails.
Chapter 28
Ava
I am so excited for what today will bring. Our first day in Paris was magnificent, and I’m ready to work and meet new people that I can learn from at the art fair. I put on the black Chanel dress I brought for my first day. Its form hugs my body and hits just below the knees with a small slit on the back. The sleeves stop at my elbows for the perfect spring look.
I finish off my outfit with my wine red Louboutin patent pumps and my infinity necklace. I tie my hair in a ponytail, showing off the low, rounded back of the dress, and grab my coat. We’re going to stop for a quick breakfast before I go to the fair, and Ethan goes off to do whatever he has planned. He says he’s just going to wander around and visit some of his favorite places in the city. Although it’s the first time we come to Paris together, neither of us are strangers to The City of Light.
“You look too hot in that dress. Maybe we can stay in, and I can practice taking it off.” Ethan disrupts my thoughts, smiling at me, temptation written all over him. His jeans fit perfectly, and his white t-shirt shows off his muscles in a sensual way. He grabs his leather jacket and opens the door to lead me out.
It’s probably best we leave before we both ditch our plans and stay in. I’ve got work to do, and it wouldn’t be smart to be late. People are expecting me, and Elle is trusting I do a great job.
The art fair is in the Grand Palais, so we choose a café near there to have our breakfast before parting ways. We jump on the metro and arrive to the Champs-Élysées stop in a few minutes. Across from the magnificent building, there is a café where we can have a cappuccino and croissant. After we finish, we agree to meet in front of the Grand Palais at 2:00 PM. I kiss Ethan goodbye, and make my way across the street, admiring the building in front of me.
The Grand Palais has been used as an exhibition hall for many years, but its exquisite décor and structure make it feel truly enchanted. It has an impressive glass roof that allows natural light to illuminate the entire space, the rays of sun highlighting the paintings and sculptures showcased at the fair today.
People are already here observing the different pieces and becoming acquainted with each other. I take a walk around the hall, analyzing the different types of art, mostly contemporary, and introduce myself to a few people along the way.
After thirty minutes of looking around, I decide to approach some of the dealers representing the artists and get more information on their art and prices. I also meet a few artists present and tell them about our gallery back in Chicago. I see works of art using different mediums, and expressing different emotions. It’s interesting to observe each artist’s work and to take a look into their minds with this small piece of them exposed.
I talk to some curators from different parts of the world, including some Americans as well, and discuss our different methods of setting up galleries and exposing art. I make lots of contacts for the future, and hope to seal some deals in the next few of days with the artists and dealers whose work fits our gallery. I’ll need to e-mail Elle first and update her on what I’ve seen before going ahead and finalizing anything.
Before I know it, it’s 2:00 PM, and I’m ready to meet Ethan for lunch. Day one has been a success. I’ve been busy, but I missed him and found myself wondering a few times what he was doing.
I step out into the warm midday breeze, my coat folded over my arm and my black clutch held firmly under the other one. I immediately see Ethan leaning against the wall, his aviators hiding his eyes, but his smile adorning his face.
My heartbeat quickens at the sight of him casually waiting for me to make my way towards him. He looks relaxed and happy. “Hey! Have you been waiting long?” I kiss his warm lips, and his arms wrap loosely around
my waist.
“No, I just got here five minutes ago. How was it?”
“Amazing! There are many talented artists. I met a few who were present, and I also met some dealers and other curators. I did a lot of networking, and narrowed down to a few we would be interested in having in the gallery, and who would sell back home. I’ll just need to e-mail Elle before making a final decision.”
“I’m so proud of you.” He kisses my forehead and releases his hold around my waist to take my hand. “Let’s go eat. I found this great restaurant on the Seine River that has an amazing view.”
The spring sunshine warms my exposed back as tingles caress my arm at the feel of having his hand in mine. I sigh happily as I roam through the streets of Paris with Ethan. It feels so normal to be here with him. It’s funny how things work out when you stop fighting what you feel and decide to be honest with yourself. I wouldn’t change this moment for the world.
The restaurant is a short walk from the Grand Palais, the enormity of the Eiffel Tower becoming more apparent as we reach our destination. The excursion boats travel down the river, tourists and locals, alike, sailing away, relishing in a love affair with the city.
As we take our seats at a table in the intimate restaurant, I ask Ethan about his morning.
“I took a walk around the city, passed by the Notre Dame Cathedral. It’s one of my favorite spots in the city. I also went to a small boutique owned by a Parisian designer my mom loves. I picked out something to take back to her. Pretty much missed you and hoped the time would pass by quickly.”
“I missed you, too, but the fair was incredible.” I dive into details about the people I met, the artists I would like to work with, and my plans for the gallery. Ethan’s eyes are soft as he listens attentively, holding on to every word, smiling proudly.
“I love hearing the passion you have for your career.” My cheeks heat, and I realize I’ve probably been babbling on about this for longer than intended.
I look through the menu, choosing the entrecote, and Ethan orders the same. Our lunch is lighthearted and intimate. We discuss the reception later that evening and the next few days as we flirt and tease each other. I run the point of my heel up and down his leg, a titillating smile brushing my lips. His green eyes darken, a fire awakening in them, and I know what awaits me when we leave. I definitely won’t be napping before the reception, and my underwear are already wet with anticipation.
∞
The last two days have gone by faster than I expected. Elle has given me the green light to make the deals with the artists I think will benefit the gallery. Today is the last day of the fair, and I have one more meeting left before I’m done with work for the week. Since all I need to do is close the deal, I am meeting with the artist and dealer in the afternoon.
We’ve lazily lain in bed, sheets and limbs tangled together, dozing in and out of consciousness and sharing our dreams and desires for life, as if we didn’t know each other already.
That’s the beauty of our relationship, despite knowing each other since we were children, and despite the heartache we endured, we haven’t lost our open communication. There’s always more to say, more to share with the other, and we never get bored listening to each other.
Looking at the clock over Ethan’s shoulder, I sigh, noticing it’s time for me to start getting ready to go. “I love spending time with you like this, but I need to get ready.” I lean in and kiss him. He pulls me onto him, pressing me into his length, and he deepens the kiss.
I break away, looking into his deep green eyes, and smile. “I need to shower.”
“So no morning sex today?” He pouts like a little boy, and I chuckle.
“No morning sex today. Actually, it’s more like early afternoon sex already.” He slaps my ass before releasing me, and I get up from bed to make my way into the bathroom.
“Keep moving your hips like that and I won’t contain myself,” I hear Ethan yell as I’m entering the bathroom.
Once in the bathroom, I look between the shower, my original plan of a speedy wash, and the bathtub, the soothing comfort of soaking in the warm water even if it’s for a short while. I give in to the tempting bathtub, turning the water to warm and pouring the soap, letting the bubbles surface to the top playfully.
I allow my body to sink into the bathtub, the water soothing my muscles and calming my mind. Everything has been perfect. This trip has been heaven sent. Not only have I been able to gain valuable experience for my career, Ethan and I have been able to reconnect fully. In Chicago, we would have had our friends and family meddling. We’re across the world, alone. We only have each other to sort through our relationship, with no one to impose their ideas.
The door of the bathroom opens, and Ethan walks in gloriously naked and perfectly sculpted. My skin prickles at the sight of him, my nipples harden into pebbles under the water, and the wetness between my legs caused by more than just the water in the tub.
“Do you have space for one more?” His dazzling smile accelerates my heart rate, and I nod silently.
He dips into the water on the opposite side of me, each of his legs placed on the outside of my outstretched limbs, touching my skin with unadulterated desire. Looking into each other’s eyes, communicating in that way only we know how, the intimacy of the moment is more apparent. He grabs my arm and brings me to him, my legs straddling him, all playfulness from earlier gone.
“Do you know how much I love you?” His husky voice breaks through the tension building between us.
“Well, I hope until infinity.” I try to play off his seriousness by challenging him.
“Infinity isn’t enough. Beyond infinity.” His lips crush into mine with need and desire, breathing that love into me, and grasping the life force between us, mingling our breaths until we’re one.
With no warning, he plunges his length into my throbbing core driving deep into me, making me crazy and wanting more of him. I lift my body and slide myself again over his length, taking control, as our mouths continue their attack, tongues dancing lasciviously together.
Placing my arms on his shoulders, I begin to move faster in and out of him, water rippling and soap fizzling around our bodies. The overload of sensations sends me over the edge as his length hits that perfect spot over and over again. My demanding walls contract around him, heat rising up my spine and pooling at my core.
“Don’t stop,” Ethan breathes into me and grabs my hips to continue moving me as I ride the waves of my orgasm. My body trembles, heat enveloping me completely, as I cry out his name in ecstasy.
He doesn’t stop moving us. His body continues its delicious attack on mine, his mouth now moving to one of my erect nipples, licking and gently biting it until my sensitive skin connects with my sex, each one fueling the other, and I feel my walls begin to clench again. I take his lips in mine, tongues molding and dancing to their own erotic tune, and my orgasm explodes all around me as he stills inside me, finding his own release.
We’re still connected as our breathing evens and we settle ourselves down. “I thought we didn’t have time for morning sex?” He winks and teases me.
“We don’t, but how can I resist your hot body?” I cock an eyebrow and steal one more kiss before settling back in the tub. “I really do need to get ready.”
He turns me around and grabs a sponge, pouring soap onto it, and begins to wash my back in soothing, massage-like movements. I close my eyes and let him continue, a small moan escaping my lips as he washes the front of my body, the sponge teasing my still sensitive breasts.
He kisses my neck softly and says, “Let’s go to dinner tonight. We need to celebrate your success. We’ll have drinks first here at the hotel. I’ll make reservations.” I just nod my head, enjoying his gentle strokes, and he continues to move the sponge all around my body, knowing I need to hurry if I want to make my appointment on time.
I would have loved to stay in that bathtub with him all day, but I need to make my way over to the Grand Palais
so I can have the rest of the week with Ethan. I wear a sleeveless, magenta dress with a high lace neck and semi-flowing skirt right above the knees. Facing Ethan, my nude heels bringing me closer to his level, I tilt me head up to kiss him goodbye. “See you later.”
“Bye, love. Go fucking own this so we can celebrate.” He playfully slaps my ass. I walk out of the suite, grabbing a light coat on my way out, and go down to the lobby, confidently heading in the direction of the Grand Palais. The meeting shouldn’t take more than a couple of hours. Then, Ethan and I can celebrate.
∞
The meeting is finally over, and I couldn’t be happier. It took a bit longer than I had planned. The dealer was a persistent ass, demanding specific dates and setups for the artist. The artist seemed happy with whatever I said. I’ll give the dealer credit; he knows what he’s doing. Besides dealing art, he also represents certain artists, so he’s very particular about how we expose the art and the reputation of the artist as a whole.
We finally came to an agreement where we were both happy, but there was a moment I thought we would never reach it.
I walk into the suite, only to find it empty. I was hoping to feel Ethan’s arms wrap around me, but I don’t see him. Heading into the bedroom in hopes that he’s in there, I find it empty as well, except for a beautiful pewter gown spread on the immaculate bed.
There is a note on the bed next to the dress written in Ethan’s perfect script.
I believe a celebration is in order. Wear this with the shoes on the floor beside the bed. See you in the hotel bar. I love you to infinity.
Always,
Ethan
I look down to find a pair of pewter strappy heels that will go perfect with this gown. An overwhelming sense of emotions consume me, I can’t believe he’s taken the time to do all of this. He must’ve gone shopping while I was at the fair.
Restoring Us Page 29
