by A. L Long
"Mr. Tanner, how are you?" Natalie asked as she walked towards him with her hand extended.
"Very well, thank you," the older gentleman said.
"I'd like you to meet Lilly Davis, she is the buyer of your property," Natalie explained.
Walking up to him, I held out my hand. "It's so nice to meet you, Mr. Tanner. This is a lovely building."
"Please, please call me Bill," he said.
It took a little over an hour for us to finish signing the documents. I was now the proud owner of what was going to be Séduire Art Gallery. I couldn't wait to get started. The contractor was going to meet me here in about an hour, and since I had some time to spare, I thought this would be the perfect time to go across the street to where Brie worked. Having the shiny new keys in my hand, I locked up the gallery and walked over to the Happy Cow Coffee Shop. Someone must have been on drugs when they came up with that name, I thought to myself.
As I entered the small shop, I was pleasantly surprised to see that it was a really nice coffee place. Inside was bar-height tables butted up against the front windows, with some regular tables along the sides. In the middle were armchairs of various colors, along with round tables separating them. It was really very inviting. Some of the patrons took advantage of the comfortable armchairs while they worked on their laptop computers. I didn't see Brie right away when I walked in, so I went to the counter and asked if she was available.
Brie showed up minutes later and said she could take her break. I went ahead and ordered a pumpkin spice latte and grabbed one of the high tables against the window. I could see myself coming here often to grab a cup of a coffee.
I must have been daydreaming because I didn't hear Brie coming up behind me. Tapping my shoulder lightly, she asked, "So what do you think?"
"I really like this place. It isn't at all what I expected,” I confessed.
"Yeah, I hear that a lot," Brie confirmed, taking a seat across from me.
"So, have you thought about being my new assistant?" I asked, sipping my coffee.
"Kind of, but I would really like to stay working here. Would you consider letting me work for you part-time? Just to see if it is something I might want to do full-time," Brie asked.
"Of course," I said.
We were talking non-stop and I didn’t realize the time. "Oh shit, I’ve got to go. Can I catch up with you tomorrow?” I asked.
"You bet. I get off at six."
"Great, see you then."
After meeting with the contractor and showing him what I wanted for the gallery, I was utterly exhausted. By the time I got to my condo, my feet felt like they were ready for a three-week holiday. As I entered my condo, all I wanted was to soak in the tub. I had a least a few hours before Dylan's opening to get lost in lots and lots of bubbles.
Once I was in the tub and the warmth of the water engulfed me, my body began to sing. The ache in my body started to go away and I felt more relaxed. As much as I didn't want to disappoint my best friend, I could have just stayed the way I was at that very moment, but I knew this was an important night for her and I wouldn't hear the end of it if I didn’t attend.
CHAPTER TEN
Lilly
Rade had sent a car for me, which I thought was very nice, considering the amount of alcohol I was planning on consuming. It was no surprise that Richard would be my driver. When I walked out of my building, he was already waiting for me by the back passenger door. He opened the door and said, "Good evening Ms. Davis,"
"Richard, please call me Lilly," I said as I got into the town car.
As we were driving, all I could think about was Peter. We hadn't seen each other for a couple of days. He said that he would be busy and he would get with me as soon as he had a free moment. I couldn't understand what was so important that he couldn't call or text me. I hated the fact that I was now having the same feelings as before. I just couldn't be with someone who had so many secrets and was continually hiding things from me.
Half an hour later we arrived at our destination. Dylan really went all-out for the event. She even had valet parking for all of the guests. Richard dropped me off in front of the massive building. It was actually a very attractive building. When Rade had purchased the place he was going to tear it down and start over, but Dylan talked him out of it. Instead, they ended up remodeling the outside and adding a different entrance. I would have to say that I'm glad they did. The curved archway with the steel beams made the building look futuristic. Even the dark windows down the entire length of the building gave it an ultra modern look.
Making my way inside, I could hear the chattering of the crowd. I could tell the event was in full swing, making it a complete success for Dylan. It made my heart sing to know that so many people wanted to be a part of this for her. As I went further into the building, I could see several waiters with trays of champagne walking about. I waited patiently until one was within arm’s reach before I snatched one of the crystal flutes from his tray. Holding on to his arm, I downed the bubbly liquid and grabbed another.
I began scanning the room to see if I could find Dylan. I spotted her immediately. It wasn't that hard, considering she was the only pregnant woman in the room. She was also the only woman that had a glow about her like an angel. Proceeding to walk towards her, I felt a light tug on my arm. When I turned around; I saw that it was Peter who had a hold of me. He was the last person I expected to see here. As far as I knew he was away on business. At least that was how he made it sound when I last spoke to him.
"What are you doing here, Peter? I thought you were away on business," I said coldly.
"I was and now I'm back," he said matter-of-factly.
"Well, if you'll excuse me, I need to say hello to Dylan," I said, pulling away from his grasp.
By the look on Peter's face, I could only guess what he was thinking. I'm pretty sure he didn't see anything wrong with his behavior over the past few days. I felt it was only right to let him feel what I was feeling: rejected. When I finally got to Dylan’s after making it through the large crowd, she was talking with Evan. Evan was Rade's half-brother. I guess his father had an affair with his mother while still married. Dylan didn't tell me the whole sordid details, but I guess Evan and Rade had become very close in the last couple of years. It made me wish that I had a brother or sister.
I gently tapped on Dylan's shoulder watching her face light up when she looked at me. Giving me a hug, I smiled at Evan as he watched us. "This place is amazing Dylan. There are so many people here," I said, pulling from her embrace.
"I know. Isn't it crazy? I never expected so many people to show up," Dylan stated.
As we carried on our conversation, about the opening, and then about my new gallery, I could feel someone's eyes upon me. Peter was watching my every move. It felt like he was a lion and I was his prey, the way his eyes were fixed on me. No longer able to stand it, I excused myself and walked right up to him. "What is your problem?" I questioned him.
"What is your problem, Lilly? Ever since I got here, you’ve been as cold as ice." Peter forcefully whispered as he lowered his head to my ear.
"What's the matter, Peter? Can't take your own medicine?"
"This is not the place to have this discussion." Peter took hold of my arm and began leading me out of the room.
"Where are you taking me?" I asked.
"Somewhere we won't be heard."
I wasn't sure where we were going, but it seemed as though Peter knew his way around the building. It didn't surprise me, especially since his company handled all of the security for Rade. Somehow we ended up on the elevator and on the second floor. Peter directed me into one of the offices and closed the door, making sure to lock it.
"What is this about, Peter? I'm not sure what you have to say, but I'm tired of your dancing around everything. This is why it will never work between us. There are too many secrets," I said before he could stop me.
"There was something I needed to take care of," he admitted.
>
"Like what, Peter?"
"Something from my past."
"What was it, Peter?"
"Something that has nothing to do with us, or the way I feel about you.” Peter said as he walked closer to me.
I backed away from him, needing to keep my distance. His explanation of where he went was still not good enough for me. I needed to know everything. "Peter, you need to tell me where you were. I can't go through this again."
"I can't, Lilly. Can you please just trust me on this?"
Before I could protest, Peter had his body pressed close to mine. Looking up into his green eyes, I couldn’t help but see the torment inside them. I wasn't sure what his reason was for leaving town, but whatever it was, I knew it was tearing at him. Placing my hand on his cheek, I lifted to my toes and gently kissed him on the lips. The minute I felt his touch, I was no longer angry with him. All I wanted was him. There was nothing that I could do when he wrapped his arms around me and lifted my body onto the desk. Our kiss deepened as I heard the faint noise of objects falling to the floor. Peter's tongue began sweeping the inside of my mouth, massaging it with his warmth. He pulled my arms from around his neck and placed them in front of me as he lowered my body onto the desk. More items began tumbling to the floor as he made room for my body to rest.
His lips were upon mine again as he lifted my arms above my head. Lowering his mouth, he began trailing hot passionate kisses down my neck to my chest until he rested his needy mouth on my aroused nipple. Even though my breasts were covered, I could feel the hardness of my taut buds push against the material of my dress. With one hand holding my hands above my head, his other hand found the clasp of my dress behind my neck and unfastened it. My breasts sprang free with delight. The light through the window showed Peter all he needed to see. "God, you're beautiful, Lilly," he said as his sweet kisses caressed my skin.
He slowly began kissing and sucking my nipple, while his free hand began caressing the other. With my hands restrained by his grip, I was unable to touch him. All I wanted was to touch him. "Peter, let me touch you," I breathed, pleading with him to let me go.
"I can't, Lilly, not yet," he said firmly.
His free hand began to wander lower down my body, lifting the material of my gown until it was bunched up around my waist. I was thankful that I decided on the black garters and stockings. I could feel his hand press against my sex as he gently began pushing his fingers inside me. "God, you feel so good," he said, pushing deeper inside me. "You are so wet, Lilly. It makes me want to fuck you right now, knowing I do this to you."
"Please, Peter, I need you inside me," I began pleading with him as my climax began to take hold.
"Not yet, baby, but soon."
I breathed out a moan of frustration. My body was pressed against him as he pushed another finger inside me. As his fingers pumped deeper inside me, I could feel the pressure begin to build. Just when I was about to lose it, he pulled away. He tightened the grip on my hands and pulled my body off of the desk. My heels hit the floor and Peter placed his hands on my hips. "Turn around, baby, and lean over the desk."
I have never been one to take orders, but I was so wound up with the need to release, that I could only do as he commanded. Leaning over, I pressed my body against the cold surface. Shocked by the coldness, my nipples began to harden to the point of being painful. I could feel Peter's hands on me. Running his hands down the curve of my ass, I heard the sound of my lacy thong being torn away. Instinct set in and I began pushing my hips against him. I could feel the hardness of his cock through the thin fabric of his slacks. What was he waiting for? Clearly he wanted this as much as I did.
Shifting to my elbows, I turned my head. He was just standing there gazing out the office window. "Peter, are you going to fuck me or what?" I asked with a hint of frustration.
When he finally looked at me, he said, "We better go before they find out we’re missing."
Peter backed away, pulling down my gown. If I weren’t so utterly confused, I would have been pissed. Taking the ends of the straps hanging below my breasts, I reached around my neck and fastened the clasp. I had finally realized what was happening. For whatever reason, Peter just blew me off. This was not going to work. "Do you mind explaining what just happened?"
Picking up my clutch from the floor, Peter graciously handed it to me, saying, "This was a mistake, Lilly. I shouldn't have brought you up here."
"Are you kidding me? You're the one who wanted us to try again and now you're saying it was a mistake." My body was fuming. Never had any man pulled away from me right in the middle of sex.
"You're right, Lilly. I'm sorry. Maybe we need to step back," Peter said, running his hands through his hair.
"This is fucking unbelievable. I'm out of here." I was beyond pissed. How could I have been so stupid to think that this time things would be different between us?
Turning the lock on the door, I left Peter stewing in his thoughts. My head was spinning. There was no way I was going to wait for the elevator to arrive and chance Peter attempting to stop me. My feet kept walking as I pushed open the door to the stairwell. It didn't bother me that I was wearing five-inch heels. All I wanted to do was say my goodbyes and leave.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Lilly
Half-way home, I was finally able to calm down. I could have kicked myself for letting a man get to me like that. I never should have agreed to take another run at our relationship. The cab I took from Tetralogy pulled up to my building forty-five minutes later. Even though Dylan was upset that I was leaving so early, the excuse I gave her about not feeling well seemed to work. I told her I would get with her tomorrow and maybe we could do lunch or something. For right now, all I wanted was to drink until I was numb and passed out.
After changing into something more comfortable, I went to find my bottle of vodka. I poured a good portion in a glass of ice and started on my journey to oblivion. I was well on my way when I heard a knock at the door. Stumbling from the couch, I opened the door without looking to see who it was. There he was, standing in front of me, looking like he had been through the wringer. His tie was undone and hanging around his neck. His tuxedo shirt was no longer crisp, but still looked good on him nonetheless. He was holding his jacket over his shoulder with his index finger. When I looked in his eyes, I could see something dark was hiding beneath them.
"What do you want, Peter? You made it perfectly clear that we were done," I said, slurring my words.
"I don't know, Lilly. All I know is that I can't stop thinking about you. No matter how dangerous it is for you to be with me, I can’t stop," he said with his green eyes fixed on mine.
As I lost my balance, Peter grabbed me around the waist to steady me. “Get your hands off me, Peter. I don't need you.” Even though this wasn't true, I couldn't let him know how I truly felt.
"Lilly, you're drunk. Let me help you."
"I don't need your help." I must have drunk a little more than I should have, because no sooner than I said those words, I began feeling light-headed. The whole room began spinning faster and faster until I lost focus.
Peter must have taken me to my room. When I opened my eyes, I was staring at the white ceiling. I wasn't sure what time it was, but Peter was sleeping on the small chair I had in the corner of my room. He couldn't have been very comfortable considering his body was contorted in such a way that he looked like a badly-made pretzel. My stomach began to rumble and I could feel the onset of my hangover beginning. Unable to hold the bile rising in my throat, I scrambled out of bed to my bathroom. The minute I hit the toilet, the contents of my stomach spilled into the white bowl.
I could feel my body begin to get clammy as dry heaves began to set in. Standing, I made my way to the sink and splashed some cold water on my face. Looking in the mirror, Peter was standing in the doorway with his arms crossed at his massive chest. I grabbed the washcloth hanging on the hook and wiped my face off. By the time I looked up, he was gone. I quickly brushed my
teeth and headed back to bed. As I was climbing into bed, Peter reappeared with a glass of water and two pain relievers.
Handing them to me, he said, "Take these. It will make you feel better."
When I had the tablets down, along with the glass of water, I looked up to him and said, "Thank you," before I crawled back under my covers. The last thing I wanted was for Peter to see me this way. More than that, I hated the fact that I liked him taking care of me.
~****~
The morning came in with a crash. My head was pounding and my mouth felt like a dust storm had made its way inside. Rolling over, I could see that it was 9:00 a.m. At least I hadn't slept the whole morning away. When I got out of bed and did my thing in the bathroom, it occurred to me that I could smell the aroma of coffee. I knew that I was too drunk to have remembered to set the timer on the coffee maker, so it only meant one thing, Peter was still here. Pulling up my panties, I headed to the kitchen.
