The Art of Love

by Celya Bowers

  “That was my boss. There’s an auction in Seattle the Friday after Thanksgiving. Since we will be leaving for Ireland the next week, he thought I should attend this one. Then I thought we could make a long weekend of it. You know, fly up Thursday night, go to the auction Friday, and maybe go into Canada for the weekend.” He watched her as he placed her hand down on the table. “What do you think?”

  Peri sat at his breakfast table and looked at those beautiful blue eyes. He could make anything that came out of his mouth sound like paradise. “Sounds great, Brendan. I don’t know if I could get a ticket this close to the holiday.” It was the next week and ticket prices would probably be outrageous.

  Brendan always seemed to be one step ahead of her. He smiled. “I already took care of it.” He stood, grabbed her hand, and led her to the living room. He handed her a sheet of paper and watched her reaction.

  Peri read it to herself and her eyes immediately began to water. “You planned this last night? While I was asleep? What was that phone call about this morning?” She noted the time of the confirmation.

  “That phone call was about the auction. Remember, I do have to work while we are up there. There will be dealers from all over the world. Hey, you could come along to the auction! You could see some really great pieces of art.”

  “That’s blackmail.”

  “Yes. Yes, it is.”

  * * *

  “You’re going where for Thanksgiving?” Kyla asked as they waited for a table at the restaurant. “I’m sure I didn’t hear you correctly.”

  “Brendan asked me to go with him to Seattle for the holiday. You know Chelsey will be gone to New York with Claire, and it’s some huge art auction. He also said something about going into Canada,” Peri said.

  “Canada, too? I’m so jealous. So are you guys sharing a room?” Kyla asked, playing mother again.

  “Yes, mother. We’re sharing a room. You know, I’m going to miss you.”

  Kyla smiled. “I’m sure you guys will find something to do.” She winked at her friend.

  “That is what I’m afraid of. Every time I’m with him, I feel myself sinking deeper and deeper.”

  Kyla looked at Peri’s wistful expression. “Being in love does have a price. Let’s see, you’re going to Seattle for Thanksgiving, maybe even Canada. The following week, you are accompanying him and his daughter to Ireland. Peri, enjoy yourself.”

  “I will try, Kyla. I will try.”

  * * *

  “Honey, wake up. We’re getting ready to land.” Brendan’s strong hands shook Peri awake. They were on their way to Seattle, Thanksgiving night.

  Peri yawned and stretched. “Why didn’t you wake me earlier?”

  Brendan smiled at her. “You looked so peaceful. I just couldn’t do it.”

  After they got off the plane and retrieved their luggage, they headed for the rental car area. Brendan smiled as he drove to the Seattle Hilton. “I would never have taken you for a sedan type. You drive a sports car,” he reminded her. “That’s the last time you get to pick the car.” He caressed her hand as he turned into the parking lot of the hotel.

  Brendan held her hand as they got off the elevator. Peri watched as the bellboy put the luggage down and Brendan tipped him. Brendan watched Peri as she walked around the hotel suite. “Would you like to eat or shower now?” His question bought Peri back to reality. She jumped at his suggestion.

  “Maybe a shower would calm my nerves,” Peri said quietly. Realization dawned on her about her situation. She was going to be with this man for the next three days non-stop. If she couldn’t get through these days, how would she make it seven days in Ireland?

  Brendan drew her out of her reverie. “Peri, sit down. Why don’t you lie down for a bit?”

  Peri looked at Brendan. He was trying to comfort her ruffled nerves. She needed to get a hold of herself. She took a deep breath. “How about a back rub?”

  Brendan had a better idea. “I’ll give you a massage in the shower. Right after I order something to eat. Go ahead, I’ll be in soon.” He watched as Peri walked to her suitcase, got her nightshirt and grabbed the hotel bathrobe from the hangar on the door. She walked across to the bathroom, quietly closing the door.

  Peri relaxed little by little as the hot water pelted her skin. Somehow she got control of her senses, because now she wondered what Brendan was doing. She was about to call his name when the shower door finally opened. Quietly, Brendan got in the shower and caressed her body. He tenderly kissed her neck and then playfully bit her ear. His large hands caressed her stomach to the rhythm of the water. She leaned against his body for support.

  “Umm, I see you’re relaxed, huh.” Brendan breathed against her neck.

  Peri smiled, she was in a cocoon of security and love. “Yes, I am. Thank you.”

  Brendan turned her around to face him. Peri could barely make out his face through the steam from the water. Carefully, she glided her hands over his wet chest and slowly moved her hands lower, until she heard him gasp and cling to her body. Slowly, Brendan placed his leg between hers, gently pressing his body against hers. Peri gasped as Brendan maneuvered her against the wall and kissed her as she wrapped her legs around his waist. He entered her with urgency. She put her arms around him, trying to bring him closer to her. Peri thought she couldn’t be any more relaxed than at this moment, as he let her feet touch the shower floor. Brendan reached around her and turned the water off. He got out first and then helped her out. He wrapped her in the fluffy hotel robe before putting on his. He grabbed her and hugged her tight, but they were interrupted by a knock on the door.

  “Dinner,” Brendan offered. He went to answer the door as Peri dressed. She waited until she heard the door close, before she came out of the bathroom.

  An elegant table and wine greeted her. Instead of sandwiches, Brendan had ordered steaks for them. He sat on the bed, obviously talking on the phone with Chelsey. He blew Peri a kiss and motioned for her to sit down and eat.

  She sat down and poured herself a glass of wine, while she waited for him to finish his phone call. Peri enjoyed the steak. It was cooked just the way she like it. Burnt. Although Brendan disagreed with that, he still ordered for her.

  He joined her at the table. “Chel says hello.” He began eating his medium rare steak. “She’s having a good time in New York.”

  “That’s great.” She watched him cut the steak; red juice filled his plate. “Did she get to the Macy’s parade today?”

  “Yes. She thought it was awesome. I’m glad Claire and Oliver were able to take her.”

  After their dinner, they sat on the balcony and talked. Peri wasn’t crazy about the Seattle weather, but tonight it seemed perfect. She stared at the hazy night and watched as the full moon stared back at her. Brendan seemed perfect tonight as well. He held her hand as they chatted.

  “Hey, let’s go to bed,” he whispered in her ear. He led her back into the bedroom. “I’m glad to see you’re relaxing, I was starting to get worried.” He snuggled closer to her.

  Peri placed her hand on top of his. “I was nervous about this trip, but I’ve calmed down. Thank you for the massage. I think it did the trick.” Once she finally relaxed, she was herself. She asked him about the upcoming auction.

  “It starts at eight Friday morning. I was thinking we could have breakfast before going to the King Center.”

  Peri didn’t want to move from that spot. She looked at him and smiled, enjoying this very satisfying moment.

  CHAPTER 16

  The next morning Peri arrived at the King Center, which was crowded with art dealers from all over the world. She felt extremely out of her element. The large building was crammed full of well-dressed men and women walking around inspecting the art on display.

  Brendan picked up her hand and kissed it. “Calm down, babe. If anyone asks you anything, tell them you are with me.” Peri looked at Brendan as he pinned the badge he had received at registration on his jacket. It read: B. P. Donovan,
MAZA’S, Dallas, Texas, USA. Peri wondered what the P stood for. She nodded as they neared the entrance door.

  She stood by the chairs and watched Brendan with pride. She did get the odd glance every now and then from the other dealers. A few of them asked her what company she worked with. She remembered Brendan’s words and repeated the phrase. Satisfied, the dealers nodded and walked away. Obviously, he had brought her to sacred territory. She felt like she was in an antique shop—she was afraid to move lest she break something.

  Brendan seemed to be surrounded by old friends rather than competitors. Peri watched as he shook hands with the other art dealers. She smiled as he blew her a kiss. A few minutes later he walked over to her, smiling.

  “What?” She grinned back at him.

  “Edgar, the tall blond guy over there, from Berlin, asked me who you were. I told him you were already taken.” Brendan kissed her on her forehead.

  “Really?” Peri was impressed.

  “Really.” He kissed her on the mouth this time. “Let’s go sit down.” He took her hand and led her to their assigned seats. Once seated, Brendan explained the rules of the auction to her. Peri nodded and paid close attention to the auctioneer. She was also very careful not to make any sudden moves that could be mistaken for a bid.

  Brendan transitioned into art director mode quickly. He bid on several paintings. Peri was amazed that he bid over a million dollars for one painting!

  By two o’clock the auction was finally over. Brendan led her out of the center. “There are some more paintings in the back that didn’t get bid on because they were Internet sales. Would you like to see?”

  Peri stared at him in disbelief. “You’re kidding, right? Of course I want to see!”

  He chuckled and led her to the paintings. “If I don’t say it enough, I love you.”

  Peri kissed him. “I love you, too. Let’s go look at some artwork. Maybe I’ll find some inspiration for later.” She winked her eye at him.

  He pulled her closer so that only she could hear his words. “I don’t need to look at anything but you wearing nothing but a smile to want to make love to you all night long.”

  “Promises.”

  “Definitely.”

  * * *

  After he was finally able to drag Peri away from the paintings, it was almost five o’clock. He suggested dinner in the popular Pike’s Marketplace. “There’s an excellent Irish restaurant there. What do you say, baby?”

  She grabbed his hand and led him to the crowded parking lot. “I’d say, feed me, Mr. Donovan.”

  “You got it.” They walked hand in hand to the rented car. He’d enjoyed the day beyond his wildest dreams. Never in his dating life had he brought a date to one of his art auctions. Peri enjoyed it with the enthusiasm of a small child.

  After an enjoyable dinner, they walked around the marketplace before heading back to the hotel. Brendan smiled as they made their way back to the hotel suite. “It’s nice to finally find someone who enjoys art as much as I do.” He unlocked the door to their room.

  “Me, too.” She went to the bathroom to change for bed as he called room service. “You can’t imagine how many times I’ve dragged Kyla to a museum with her kicking and screaming. I mean, I’m glad she’s such a good friend that she went with me, but it’s nice to be in the company of an art lover,” she called from the bathroom.

  He shook his head, noticing another milestone. Peri didn’t close the bathroom door. She left it open so they could continue their conversation. “Well, now we can give her a break.”

  Brendan was still on the phone when she came out of the bathroom. He smiled at her as he hung up the phone. “I got a surprise for you.”

  Peri gasped. “What is it?”

  Brendan waited until she sat on the bed before answering her. He sat beside her rubbing her leg. “We need to be at the ferry early in the morning. We’re spending the weekend in Victoria, British Columbia. Remember I mentioned Canada.” He rose and went into the bathroom to change into his pajamas, leaving her alone with her thoughts.

  Peri’s heart fluttered. Canada? Really? Actually, she thought he was kidding about that when he mentioned it the week before. Apparently, he wasn’t. Who goes to Canada for the weekend? She was still pondering that thought when he joined her in bed.

  He pulled her near and kissed her forehead. “You’ll love Victoria. It’s like being in England.” He leaned over and kissed her.

  Peri knew if he liked it, she would love it. “I’m sure I will, Brendan.” She fell asleep with thoughts of Victoria in her head.

  CHAPTER 17

  Peri opened her eyes to sunlight the next morning. She looked at the bedside clock; it was after noon. She usually awoke every morning automatically at five-thirty. She couldn’t believe she slept so late. Brendan shifted his position and moaned. This was the reason her internal alarm wasn’t working. She sighed and snuggled closer to Brendan, going right back to sleep.

  A hard shake of masculine hands woke her this time. After Brendan informed her that they had thirty minutes to check out, Peri wasn’t as alarmed as she should have been. She got up and took a shower while Brendan packed their bags. They were dressed and ready to check out with ten minutes to spare.

  “Where would you like to eat?” Brendan asked as they exited the hotel.

  “It doesn’t matter, Brendan.” Peri smiled at him as they walked hand in hand. She didn’t want the day or the trip to end.

  “I’m sorry we missed the tour. The gardens are beautiful this time of year.”

  Peri looked at Brendan with love in her heart. It didn’t matter to her what they missed. “That’s okay, Brendan. As long as we’re together, it doesn’t really matter.” She patted his hand. “You pick.”

  Brendan looked at the seductress and smiled. “Okay. The Italian Factory. It’s right around the block.”

  “You’re sure our bags will be okay at the hotel?” Peri asked the man who held her heart.

  Brendan’s breath caught in his throat. “Yes, babe. I like it when you say our. It makes me feel that we’re connected in some way.”

  They walked the short distance to the restaurant; it was almost deserted. Peri glanced at Brendan as he looked at the menu. If Ireland is like the last few days, I’ll have no problem, she thought.

  They ordered, and ate their last Canadian meal in silence. After they finished their meal, it was time to go to the ferry.

  * * *

  The night before they were to take off for Ireland, Brendan finally convinced Peri to stay the night with him and Chelsey. She wanted to meet them at the airport, since Chelsey was spending the night with Brendan. Peri had serious misgivings about them sharing a bed while Chelsey was in the house.

  “I just don’t want her to have a bad image of me,” she told Brendan. “I have this vision of her blurting it out at the wrong moment, if she saw us in bed together.”

  Brendan could be very persuasive when he wanted to be. “Honey, I promise it will be okay. She knows she has to knock before entering my bedroom. She is very smart. She and Claire have the same setup, and she’s never seen anything that she shouldn’t. Don’t worry.”

  Reluctantly Peri agreed. After they put an excited Chelsey to bed, Peri and Brendan talked about the trip. She also double-checked her luggage and made last-minute calls to her family and to Kyla. She was putting off the inevitable; Brendan knew it, too. She sat on the couch in a daze, when Brendan crept up behind her. He leaned down, kissed her on the neck, and grabbed her hand. “Let’s go to bed.”

  Peri nodded and he led her upstairs. Once in bed, all her fears vanished. They got in their usual position, Brendan’s arms around her, her hands on top of his. With the anticipation of the trip, Peri slept soundly. Brendan chuckled as he fell asleep. Peri was worried for nothing.

  The next morning Peri felt cold little hands on her shoulder, as she woke. Peri opened her eyes and met two blue ones. Chelsey sat on the bed watching her with a shy smile on her face. “Good morn
ing, Miss Reed.” Chelsey was already dressed for the trip in a sweatshirt, jeans, and tennis shoes. How could she have overslept? Peri glanced at Brendan’s bedside clock. She breathed a sigh of relief. It was still early.

  “Good morning, Chelsey.” Peri looked around the room. No Brendan.

  Chelsey’s gaze followed Peri’s as well.

  “Where is your dad?”

  “He’s fixing breakfast. He said he would be right back.”

  “I had better get dressed.” Peri reached for her robe, and headed for the bathroom.

  While she was in the bathroom, Peri heard Brendan enter the bedroom and talk to Chelsey. After she finished dressing, she opened the bathroom door and stopped in her tracks. The picture before her made her fall more in love with him. Brendan was getting Chelsey settled with her breakfast on the bed. He tucked a napkin under her chin and was handing her a bowl of oatmeal when Peri came out of the bathroom. That scene made her heart flutter. He had stolen yet another piece of her heart.

  He turned around and found Peri watching them. He looked over her attire with approval. She had on jeans and a sweater, as did he. Brendan walked over to her and pushed her back into the bathroom away, from Chelsey’s observant eyes. “Good morning, honey.” He backed her against the counter and kissed her. “How did you sleep?”

  “Apparently pretty good.”

  “I know. You were knocked out. Come on. Let’s eat. The shuttle will be here in an hour.” He gave her a quick kiss and took her hand, leading her out of his bathroom.

  After they finished breakfast, Peri and Chelsey loaded the dishwasher while Brendan brought the luggage downstairs.

  Peri and Chelsey walked into the living room as Brendan brought down the last of the luggage. “Did you bring anything for Chelsey to do on the flight?”

  Brendan had a confused look on his face. “Do?”