Solid Stone: Odyssey

by E. G. Patrick

  SOLID STONE

  Odyssey

  E.G. Patrick

  For you, Ivy

  Books by E.G. Patrick

  Book 1 - Solid Stone: Revolving Door

  Book 2 - Solid Stone: Odyssey

  Book 3 - Solid Stone: Choices

  Acknowledgements

  I really feel fortunate to have all these wonderful people around me. A lot has changed on this journey in a very positive way!

  To these truly outstanding individuals, I will forever be grateful to each of you.

  Raphael, I appreciate all of your love and support.

  Readers! Thanks to each of you and to those who have contacted me with such great questions and interest. You encourage me in so many ways. Happy Reading, Always.

  Bloggers! Thanks so much for the countless hours you commit to reading. You’re connecting so many readers and authors. It’s amazing.

  The many authors I’ve met on the way – thank you a million times over. What a great community to be connected with.

  TM, you know who you are. You have no idea how your words gave me so much inspiration to keep at it. My heart still pounds with excitement when I think of the day you sent me that email. Thank you to the stars and back!

  Sarah Stewart, my editor. A few more to go! Thanks as always.

  Heather Stevens, you are a wonderfully calm and gracious woman. Thank you for your patience and guidance on this journey.

  Lauren Obee, thank you for your support and understanding of my “technical” learning curve. We’ve certainly come a long way.

  Chapter 1

  I stretch in bed. It’s Saturday morning and I need to finish packing. I brew a pot of coffee, thinking Ann will want some too. While waiting, I look around the apartment that’s been my home for a few years now. I’m feeling sentimental, especially when I look at the dining room table. I’ve had many deep conversations there with my mother and Ann. My mind wanders for a bit and then I laugh to myself when I think of what Adam and I have done at it. The apartment buzzer goes, bringing my focus back to the task at hand, packing.

  “Hi,” I say into the intercom.

  “Hey, it’s me.” I press the button for Ann and hear the door click when I do.

  Opening the front door, I stand in the hallway waiting for Ann to reach the top of the stairs. She’s dressed appropriately in yoga pants, a T-shirt, and a hoodie. We smile at each other as our eyes meet. She gives me a hug before walking into the apartment ahead of me.

  “Want some coffee?”

  “Yes, that sounds great.” I watch her look around the living area that’s now void of any of the personal touches I had before.

  “There’s not too much left to do. I’m only taking my personal stuff. I am leaving the dishes and furniture for Brian and Dennis when they move in next weekend.”

  Ann nods and takes a sip of her coffee. She’s still looking around the place, maybe feeling sentimental too, given we lived here together for a while. “The coffee’s really good.”

  “Thanks. I added cinnamon, something I learned from Adam.” She just smiles at me and I know she’s happy that I am moving under these circumstances.

  “Okay, what’s left to pack?” she asks.

  “How about you pack up the bookcase while I finish in the bedroom?” She nods, grabbing a box and the tape gun. I head into the bedroom to finish packing up my clothes. The movers brought three large wardrobe boxes, but I’ll only need one and a half at most. Two hours later, we are ready to go.

  “Are you nervous?” Ann asks.

  “I feel nervous and excited at the same time. I never expected to be moving like this right now and so soon, that’s for sure.”

  “It’s a new chapter for you, Vee. It’s pretty exciting.”

  “Yeah, but it’s just so sudden. Don’t get me wrong, it’s what I want, but it’s not what I’d expected.” Ann nods. The buzzer goes and it’s the movers.

  We both watch as the boxes are taken out of the apartment. In about an hour we are in Ann’s car on our way to my new home, which is temporary. We arrive ahead of the truck and wait in the driveway. I pull out my key and open the front door, making sure to turn off the alarm as I do. The house is empty because Adam is traveling and not back until next week.

  My phone buzzes and it’s a text from him: Hi Babe, next week I come home to you and I can’t wait. Are you excited?

  I reply: The truck will be here any minute and yes, I am excited. I can’t wait to see you. xo

  It’s just before 4 when we’ve unpacked all my clothes and personal items. We’ve left the books and pictures packed because it won’t be long before I move again. We share a pizza and a bottle of wine from Adam’s cellar.

  “To new beginnings,” Ann says.

  “To exploration.” I watch Ann raise an eyebrow, smile and then clink my glass. If only she knew. I smile back at her. The next chapter of my life is just about to begin and I have no idea where it’s going to take me. What I do know is that I can feel myself becoming more aware of what I want and need. I like this new me, she’s evolving!

  Chapter 2

  My mind wanders back to that night with Adam when we almost broke up. Sharing intimate things about ourselves has taken us to a deeper level of trust since then. My decision to learn how to be with him has paid off and we both understand the roles we want to play. I know what I offered is irresistible to him. I recall his words. “I am an intelligent man, Violet, and therefore enjoy exploration. My intrigue with you has just tripled.”

  There were a few moments when I wondered if my inexperience made me give too much. After all, he’s my first boyfriend and lover. But then, when we are alone, he makes me feel extraordinary, desired, and cared for. It’s for these reasons and my love for him that I believe we are meant to be together.

  I never expected to share my fantasy with anyone. It’s dark and some would think even twisted and weak, wanting to be controlled and submissive to my lover. The truth is I’m getting what I want. These are my desires being fulfilled.

  With Adam, it all came flooding out, and his introduction to Gia saved us that day. She came with an easier and more pleasing temperament that has proven to be more compatible with Adam’s need for control in all areas of his life.

  After sharing my truth with Adam, we decided it really wasn’t fair to ask Brian to find another place to live with such short notice. Instead, he asked me to rent my room to another student while I move in with him for the school year. I accepted his offer and it didn’t take long to find Dennis to share the apartment with Brian, who was fine with the news. This worked out way better for me since I’m able to both save money and live with Adam.

  §

  Eating lunch at my desk, I check my personal email and re-read one Adam sent me earlier in the week.

  From: Adam Stone

  To: Violet Cole

  Subject: Thursday

  Violet,

  Now that we’ve gone through your closet I hope you’re excited about shopping with Stephanie at Bretton’s. She can help you to create a wardrobe worthy of someone as beautiful as you. You’ll have fashionable outfits for both work and our time together with enough selection to make us both happy.

  I’ve booked your appointment on Thursday at 3. I’ll meet you there at 5 and look forward to seeing your selections.

  Adam

  The email creates one of those stirs that only Adam brings out in me. The thought of what is to come makes me feel both excitement and a little fear. I’ve offered myself willingly to him, opening a door to a whole new world for both of us.

  This is a busy week fo
r me and not just because of work. Adam has left me with two tasks. The first is to meet with his real estate agent Brenda Ramiro to find us a place to live downtown. He’s still keeping his house, which doesn’t surprise me. It’s a custom build and he can afford it anyway. The second is to meet Stephanie, his stylist, who I’ve been very curious about! This will be an exciting week for sure!

  I pack up my desk and get ready to leave to meet Brenda downstairs in the lobby. Earlier in the week I’d seen four places. The one I am seeing today is in a hipper, trendier part of town, near the Distillery District. There are lots of older buildings that have been turned into shops and restaurants, creating a great blend of new and old. The area has great bakeries and coffee houses as well as chic, upscale restaurants.

  Brenda pulls up in front of an older brick building. This one I really like from the outside. It only gets better as you enter into a corridor leading to a very cool service elevator from back in the day. Brenda pulls the elevator door upward and we step in. It’s like going back in time. As we get off on the top floor, I quickly realize there’s only one unit on this floor. Brenda tells me we’re seeing the model suite.

  A big smile comes across my face as I walk into a foyer that has an office on the right and across from it a coat closet, powder room, and laundry room. As we walk farther in, it opens up into a very large open-concept room containing a modern dark gray kitchen with stainless steel appliances and a large island. Beyond that is a dining table with twelve chairs, followed by a living area with a leather sofa, four modern arm chairs, and a coffee table. There are even built-in bookshelves under the big windows on one side. I love the hardwood flooring throughout the space.

  As I look ahead, I see two floor-to-ceiling sliding doors leading to a large terrace area that’s set up with seating, a dining table, a built-in BBQ and bar area. I can already envision us sitting out there on summer nights, enjoying wine and the view of the city. Wow, I think as I look up and see a twenty-foot-high ceiling with old metal beams above the seating area. This is a swanky loft apartment with two levels. We walk up an open staircase with an exposed brick wall. At the top of the stairs is another large area that overlooks the room below. This is where the loft effect is most obvious. The large room has a pool table, TV area, and seating for about ten. There’s a built in stereo system up here. Adam will like that.

  I can really see the aged beams at this level. In addition to another powder room, there are three bedrooms at the back of this floor off a hallway, each with its own en-suite bathroom. There’s a wall of mirrored closets and two metal beams overhead carrying the loft theme into each bedroom. The master bedroom is large and has a good size modern and luxurious four-piece en-suite bathroom. The shower even has a skylight in it. So many cool features!

  I smile at Brenda. “I think this is the one. It’s a model suite so can the furniture be included?”

  Brenda replies quite happily. “Yes, I am sure that can be arranged. And a quick closing too, which I understand is also a requirement for Mr. Stone.”

  “Yes, it is. Can we arrange to get Adam in here tomorrow night? We could be here by about 7. If he likes it, I’m sure he will put in an offer right away.”

  “Sure, I’ll book the appointment right now,” Brenda says.

  I can’t help smiling from ear to ear. I really love the place.

  §

  It’s about 8 when I get to Adam’s house. I lock the door, turn on the alarm, and go into the kitchen to find that Joyce has left me a plate of meatballs and a small salad in the fridge. She’s so thoughtful. I sit at the kitchen island to eat. In the beginning, it was strange being in this big house all alone when Adam was traveling. I hardly slept the first few nights, but that’s not the case now. When I finish eating, I go upstairs to get changed for bed. I’ve gotten used to having a television in my room now and turn it on while I settle in to the fluffy pillows. My phone rings.

  “Hi, Babe. It’s me,” he says warmly. I still melt at the sound of his sexy voice.

  “Hi, how are you?”

  “I’m fine. How was the house hunting today?”

  “I found a loft apartment I really like. I asked Brenda to make an appointment for you to see it at 7 tomorrow. I hope that’s okay.”

  “Yeah, that should be fine. I’ll meet you at Bretton’s at 5 and we can go right after. A loft, that sounds interesting. What do you like about it?”

  “I liked the location, it’s near the Distillery District and the place has a really cool and modern vibe. It’s a model unit so I asked Brenda if we, sorry, if you, can buy the furniture as well.”

  “Great idea and Babe, it’s a place for both of us, okay? I look forward to seeing it.”

  “I really hope you like it. Hey, what are we doing this weekend anyway?”

  “Hopefully, moving into our new place.”

  “Do you think that’s even possible?”

  He chuckles, still sounding sexy, “Anything is possible with me.”

  I grin to myself, “Yes, I know. It really would be great if we could.”

  “Yes, it would be. Get a good night’s sleep. I’ll want all of you tomorrow night, okay?”

  “I will and I can’t wait to see you. Good night.” A hot surge flares up between my thighs when I think of what he will do to me when he gets home.

  “See you tomorrow. Sleep well.” I fall back into the fluffy pillows, feeling very happy.

  §

  It’s Thursday afternoon and at 2:15 I start organizing my desk for Friday morning, as I need to leave shortly for my appointment.

  Bretton’s is a very high end store where affluent people shop. It’s in Yorkville, the trendy and upscale part of town that I am slowly becoming accustomed to because of Adam. A well-dressed woman opens the door and greets me. I smile back at her as I look around. It exudes the luxury of high-end fashion from the minute you walk in. I have never shopped here before.

  As I walk through the main floor, I see designer scarves, bags, make-up, hosiery, and other accessory items. My appointment notice tells me to check-in at the reception desk on the second floor. I take the escalator up one floor and approach the receptionist. There’s an attractive, tall, olive-skinned women standing in the waiting room behind me. The receptionist greets me with a warm smile.

  She says, “Hello, how can I help you?”

  “Hi, I have an appointment with Stephanie Thomas. My name is Violet Cole.” As I finish my sentence, the attractive woman behind me comes forward, extending her hand to me.

  “Hello, Miss Cole, it’s nice to meet you. I’m Stephanie.”

  We shake hands as I say, “Oh, hi, please call me Violet and it’s nice to meet you.” There’s an instant connection between us, which helps me relax. I feel guilty now for having been jealous of her for being Adam’s female stylist.

  She takes me into a private room to get my measurements and asks me questions about my favorite color and styles, and how much time I take to get ready in the morning. She and her assistant, Darren, escort me to the women’s section of the store. Darren quickly reserves a changing room for me. The three of us walk around looking at various pieces, Stephanie making great suggestions. I can see why Adam has so much faith in her taste in clothing. I feel sorry for Darren as the clothes pile up in his arms each time Stephanie hands him something. I take a sneak peek at one of the price tags and it’s $250 for just one blouse. I shouldn’t be surprised, but I am.

  Stephanie escorts me to my changing room with a new bra she wants me to wear while I try on clothes. There are shoes in different styles for day and evening. It’s the evening wear that intrigues me the most. These gowns are runway-worthy and feel very glamorous on my body. I am just trying on a red evening gown when I hear Adam’s voice in the hallway outside. I smile as the excitement of seeing him rolls through me. I hear Stephanie greet him. “Hello, Mr. Stone, it’s nice to see you again. It
’s been so long. Miss Cole is in the second changing room.” I smile when I hear Stephanie call him Mr. Stone, okay, maybe I am still just a little jealous, but I really do like her.

  I hear a knock at the door and Adam’s voice. “Open the door, it’s me.” I’m now dressed in the red evening gown and a pair of high-heeled shoes with ankle straps. I open the door and see Adam’s handsome face as it turns into a ‘wow’ look. He comes in, closes the door behind him, and then quickly pulls me into him. He kisses me passionately before he says, “You look stunning in that dress. We’ll take this one for sure.” I step back and turn around so he can see the dress from behind and how it exposes my back with a low cut swoop.

  Looking at the price tag, I say, “It’s very expensive.”

  He doesn’t even look at it and just replies, “Like I said, this one is a yes for sure.” I love the dress too and would be happy leaving with it and nothing else.

  It’s clear we’ve really missed each other when Adam turns me around to face him. He effortlessly lifts me up and pins me against the wall. Before I know it, the dress is pulled up around my waist. My now-exposed legs are wrapped around his hips, my high-heeled shoes still on. Feeling his hand run up and down my thigh drives me crazy. Within moments, Adam has freed himself and he enters me easily since his touch has aroused me instantly. He kisses me hard to muffle my moans as he begins to move his hips. He’s an expert at taking me to unimaginable heights. Each thrust is more vigorous than the last, causing me to moan into his mouth over and over again. I try to keep my moans low, remembering we’re in a public place. I find this difficult though as Adam begins to fuck me harder. Each push from his hips makes me wetter.

  “I missed you. I missed all of you,” he whispers between kissing me. He pushes himself deep inside me, stands still, and then begins rocking gently. This feels very good. It’s not long before he resumes moving in and out of me vigorously. “You’re close, I can tell,” he says with his lips very close to mine.