Canvas

by Jacob Chance

  I circle her nipples with my paint covered fingers until she moans, “yes,” and then pinch the rigid tips between them. Adding more paint, I watch it drip temptingly over the tips of her tits and down the golden canvas of her stomach.

  My hands move to her inner thighs, pushing them open as I climb in between. Sliding my cock along her dripping wet slit, my teeth clench with the need to be inside her. “Elle, are you on birth control?” I ask.

  She nods, her lower teeth biting into her bottom lip. “I’ve been tested.”

  “Me too,” I groan, thrusting into her tight pussy. “Fuck, you feel amazing.” I pause, relishing the indescribable feeling of my bare cock inside her, before I begin to move.

  Lowering my chest to her embellished one, our mouths connect, tongues tangling fluidly. Slotting our fingers together, my chest slides sensually against her paint laden skin transferring color to me. The two of us are joined in every way possible. We’re a fucking masterpiece in the works.

  Making love to Elle, trumps every other sexual experience I’ve ever had. The way her pussy squeezes my cock is unlike anything I’ve ever felt before. I think she was made with me specifically in mind. She’s everything I ever dreamed she’d be and so much more.

  Our mouths part as I begin to thrust faster. “Rub your clit for me,” I order, releasing one of her hands. She obeys me, her fingers slick with her juices as they draw lazy circles around the swollen flesh.

  Rising to my knees, pushing her legs to her chest, I catch sight of the painted handprints on her inner thighs. Seeing them strikes a primal chord in me. She’s mine. I place my hands over them, gripping her fair skin and slam my cock inside her repeatedly. I quicken my pace and her fingers do the same. Both of us breathe with quick, shallow pants. Her legs tremble and then she moans when she comes, squeezing my dick so tight I can’t help but follow. Collapsing on her chest, my lips fall to the delicate skin of her neck as I breathe in her fruity scent. I don’t want to move from this position. I want to stay connected to her for as long as possible.

  “Goddamn. You’re perfect.” I raise my head and stare down at her. I want her to know I mean what I’m saying.

  “That was amazing.”

  “You’re so fucking beautiful, Elle.”

  She glances down at her paint covered torso and then at my paint smeared chest and she giggles.

  I’m covered in a mix of blue and green paint from the top of my pecs down to my stomach. Rising to my knees, I hold out a hand for her. “Come on. I have a brand new jacuzzi tub I’ve never tried yet.”

  19

  Josh

  “Elle,” I whisper, my fingers running through her long chocolate brown tresses. Lying in my bed with her cradled in my arms has my chest squeezing with a tightness foreign to me.

  I’m irrevocably in love with Elle Johnson.

  She could run once she finds out the depth of my feelings for her. But I’d rather have her run now than later. By then I’ll be so far gone, there’ll be no recovering.

  “What?” she murmurs.

  “I’m falling in love with you,” I husk, my voice gritty with emotion.

  Her head raises from my chest, her eyes wide in the silver moonlight coming in my windows. “You are?”

  “Can’t you tell?” My fingers continue to comb through her soft hair.

  “I’m not sure. No one’s ever been in love with me before.”

  “I find that hard to believe. You’re easy to love. I can’t believe I’m the only man who’s noticed.”

  “I’m different with you than I’ve been with other guys.”

  “How so?” My heart thuds at her admission. I want her to tell me she’s never felt this way before.

  “We talk about everything and I never feel like you’re judging me, no matter what I might say.” She shifts position, resting both her arms on my chest. “In the past, I’ve never wanted to spend time with a guy outside the bedroom.” She catches her bottom lip between her teeth, raking over it. “And now, I never want to be apart from you.”

  I smile, her words symbolize more to me than she realizes. It’s not an outright declaration of love, but it’s almost as good as one. I have to pay attention to the words Elle says and her actions, not what she doesn’t vocalize or do. “I don’t like to be away from you either. Work keeps us both busy and I realize finding time to be together is going to be a struggle. But we’re worth putting in the effort, Elle. You make me happier than I’ve ever been.”

  “You’re so sweet.”

  “You’re the sweet one,” I smack my lips together. “I did have my face buried in your pussy for forty minutes earlier.”

  “You’re really good at that.”

  “Eating pussy?”

  “Yep.”

  “I’ve never been so committed to excelling at it before. You inspire me in every way possible.”

  “Well, I hope I keep inspiring you.”

  “I don’t see that ever changing.”

  “Don’t shave your beard off.”

  “You like it?”

  “I like the way it feels when you…”

  “When I rub it back and forth over your clit?”

  “Yes.” She twirls a strand of her hair around her index finger. “When do you think you could do that again?”

  Gripping her upper arms, I tug her along my chest until she’s straddling my shoulders. “There’s no time like the present.”

  I’ve been in an incredible mood all day. I’m ridiculously happy. I can’t keep the smile from my face.

  “Things are good with you and Elle?” Sean asks.

  “Yeah, things are great. Better than I hoped.”

  “Oh shit. Guys, Tell E is on. I missed some of it. Why didn’t you remind me it was on?” Tatum questions in an annoyed tone. “This show makes every Friday night bearable for me.”

  “Maybe you need to set an alarm. I don’t know when it’s on.” I reply.

  “Shh, no more talking. I need to listen. You can’t make this shit up.” She turns the volume up while the three of us sit around, waiting for our next clients.

  “The next caller is Harry from New Hampshire. What’s your question?”

  “A couple of days ago, my girlfriend and I had unprotected sex. We got the morning after pill and I took it immediately. What are the chances she’ll still get pregnant?”

  “Okay,” she sighs. “Let me get this straight. You took the pill instead of your girlfriend?”

  “Yes.”

  “Why did you take it?”

  “Because she told me I had to.”

  “I hate to be the bearer of bad news, Harry, but you weren’t supposed to take that pill. She was. And it needs to be taken within seventy-two hours after the unprotected sex for it to be effective.”

  “So, what should I do?”

  “Get another pill and make sure she takes it before the seventy-two hours are up.”

  “What’s going to happen to me from the pill? Will I grow breasts? Will my dick fall off?”

  She pauses and I imagine laughter being stifled. “Nothing will happen from taking it once. But don’t do it again.”

  Her sexy voice is somehow familiar to me. Is she someone I’ve met before?

  “The next caller is Leah, from Newton. What’s your question?”

  “My boyfriend won’t tie me up and I’ve asked numerous times. Should I forget about it or ask him again?”

  “You have to decide how important this is to you. Is it a deal breaker? Are you willing to end your relationship with him over it?”

  “I’m not sure.”

  “How long have you been together?”

  “Six months. He said I’m weird for wanting to be tied up.”

  “There’s nothing weird about wanting that. I’m not really experienced in this particular area. I’ve only let one guy tie me up and it was a spontaneous thing when we hooked up after a wedding.”

  “Did you like it?” the caller asks.

  “I did. I’d sa
y it was the best sex of my life, but we’re together now and each time is better than the last.”

  I pause sketching in my book as I think about E’s words. She got tied up after a wedding and now she’s with the dude. That sounds exactly like what happened with Elle and me. Her show is on every Friday night and Elle always works late or has commitments then. I’ve never thought anything of it because I work late and can’t be with her anyway. My stomach turns when I think of how she’s been keeping this from me and for what purpose?

  “Are we going out for drinks?” Tatum asks as Sean and I clean up our stations. It’s closing time and all I can think about is heading over to Elle’s.

  “No, I have plans,” I say, stripping off my gloves and throwing them in the trash.

  “Josh is getting lucky,” Sean says, wiggling his eyebrows.

  “How are things with you and Elle?” Tatum questions.

  “Great.” I’m not going to reveal my suspicions to them. I need to see her and get some answers. “Have a good night.” I give them both a quick wave, pull my keys from my pocket and I’m out the door.

  The drive to Elle’s seems longer than the usual ten minutes it normally takes. I don’t want to assume the worst, but my stomach is nauseous with worry.

  Minutes later, I’m in front of her apartment door with damp palms and a racing heart. I should’ve come up with a game plan of how to broach the subject, but my mind is still drawing a blank when my knuckles connect with the steel door.

  “Hey,” she says her voice laced with happiness when she sees me.

  “Hi.” I muster a small smile.

  “This is a nice surprise.” She grabs my hand and pulls me inside, closing the door behind us. Her arms wrap around my waist. I’m slow to return the hug and when I hesitate she glances up at me, frowning. “What’s wrong?”

  I step back from her, letting my arms fall to my sides. “I need to ask you something and I want a straight answer.”

  She nods. “Of course.”

  “Are you the radio personality Tell E?”

  Her eyes go wide with surprise and her mouth opens then closes, at a loss for words. I don’t fill the awkward silence, instead I wait patiently for her answer. I can already tell what it will be by her reaction.

  “Yes, I’m E.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “I don’t know. It never came up in conversation and it’s something I do once a week. It’s not a big part of my life. It’s not like I opened up a business and didn’t tell you.”

  “It’s part of who you are, Elle. I want to know everything about you.”

  “Like I want to know everything about you? If you remember, I had no idea you were opening Canvas or that you’d been apprenticing for three years. It’s a bit hypocritical of you to ask me to tell you everything when you didn’t do the same.” She points at me and then crosses her arms.

  “We weren’t even talking when I decided to open Canvas,” I retort.

  “We were good friends and you didn’t tell me about wanting to be a tattoo artist. You didn’t even tell Janny and you guys were dating then.”

  “I don’t know why I didn’t tell you guys,” I say, running a hand over my short beard. “I guess part of me felt like being a tattoo artist was something people might look down on, especially with my family’s ties to the Bastards.”

  “Josh, I don’t know what you mean, but I would never judge you for what your family does. Tattooing is an extension of your art. You should always be proud of your talent.”

  “I don’t really talk about my family much. My father and my older brother are in the motorcycle club, the Bastards. In the past, I’ve been judged negatively for their involvement. That’s why I didn’t tell you or anyone else.”

  “I wish you would’ve told me,” she tells me.

  “I could say the same for you.”

  “I didn’t want you to ask me to quit.”

  “Really? If you honestly thought I’d do that, you don’t know me at all.”

  “No one knows Tell E is my show. I haven’t even told Janny.”

  I’m slightly pacified that no one knows, but I’m still disappointed she didn’t feel comfortable enough to tell me. “Elle, you can talk to me about anything. Two nights ago, you told me you knew I wouldn’t judge. What makes this any different?”

  “It’s a show about sexual topics. I think a lot of guys might have a problem with their girlfriends discussing sex so openly. I started to do the show as a way to explore my sexuality and to feel empowered after a relationship I was in ended badly.”

  “I keep telling you, I’m not other guys and it’s not fair for you to compare me to them,” I bark, my tone sharper than I intend.

  “I know. I’m sorry. I was worried you’d be angry about it.”

  “I am angry, but not about the show. I’m upset you didn’t confide in me.” I raise my hand to brush her hair off her forehead and she flinches. Cupping her cheeks with both palms, I stare down into her honey brown eyes. “Elle, no matter how angry I may get when we fight, I’ll never lay a hand on you. I hope you know that.”

  She licks her lips and nods. “I do.”

  “I promise you, I’ll never physically harm you.”

  She nods, her eyes downcast. “I know you won’t.”

  “You don’t have to tell me about it now. But there’s a story there and when you’re ready I want to hear all about it.”

  20

  Elle

  The door to Canvas chimes softly as I walk inside. Smiling at the raven-haired receptionist behind the counter, I step further inside. “I’m looking for Josh.”

  She rolls her eyes. “You and every other woman in the city.”

  “Is that my girl I hear?” Josh’s voice moves closer with each word and when he comes around the corner my stomach flutters pleasantly.

  “It sounds like you might have a lot of girls,” I reply, drolly.

  “Tatum, have you introduced yourself to Elle or have you been too busy filling her head with nonsense?”

  She smirks. “It’s nice to meet you, Elle. Great to have a face to put with the name.”

  “Likewise. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

  “Hey, Elle,” Sean’s deep voice rumbles from the other room.

  “Hi, Sean,” I call out to him.

  “Okay beautiful, let’s get out of here.” Josh places his hand on my arm. “We’re going to Tito’s to have a few drinks. Are you guys heading over after you close up?”

  “Yeah, I’m planning on going and Sean is too. We’ll see you guys soon.”

  “Sounds good.” He clasps my hand and leads me out the door as I call a quick “see ya,” over my shoulder.

  We stroll down the sidewalk, enjoying each other’s company. Even this time of night the city seems alive. The streetlights keep the area illuminated well enough for me to notice groups of people milling outside the various bars as we pass by. Snippets of various conversations hit my ears, the aroma of cigarettes and marijuana waft around us as we approach the entrance to Tito’s.

  Josh nods to the bouncer as we walk in. He waves us through without asking for I.D.

  “Friend of yours?” I ask.

  “I did some ink for him a couple weeks ago,” he answers, nonchalantly. My hand’s still in his as he leads me to an empty table in the back of the bar. Pulling my chair out, he takes the seat next to me, both of us facing the front of the bar. His palm rests on my bare leg, his thumb teasing the skin on my inner thigh with gentle swipes. Such a simple touch, but it has me wet and ready for whatever he demands.

  “What would you like to drink?” His lips touch the curve of my ear. I shiver noticeably and he chuckles.

  “Rum and coke, please.”

  He flags down the waitress and places our order while I enjoy the simple pleasure of being out with him - being out with my boyfriend. Smiling as I think about it, I don’t notice Liberty until she’s standing next to Josh.

  “Hey, Josh,” she p
urrs - or at least that’s how it sounds to me.

  “Hi. How have you been?” he replies and thankfully, I can’t find any fault with his tone. I don’t want to be the jealous shrew girlfriend, but now that we’ve finally started something, I never want it to end.

  “Good. Is Tatum coming soon?”

  “Yeah, she and Sean are heading this way when they close up.”

  Hello. Girlfriend sitting here. Introduce me. I kick Josh’s foot under the table.

  “Elle, this is Tatum’s friend, Liberty.” He says without reacting, gesturing in the direction of the attractive blonde.

  “Hi,” I say.

  “I thought we were friends too, Josh,” she purrs, acting as if I don’t exist.

  Maybe he shouldn’t have introduced us because now I want to kick her ass for flirting with my boyfriend and shunning me. I bet my fist on her face would feel real enough.

  “Elle is my girlfriend,” he continues, ignoring her words.

  I can’t help the smile laced with a gloating smirk that appears on my lips at his reply. He just redeemed himself for not introducing me first thing. He wraps his arm around my shoulders and I lean into the solid strength of his chest.

  The waitress returns with our drinks which is great timing on her part. I’ll have to remember to throw a little extra in for her tip.

  Sipping on the ice-cold rum and coke provides a nice distraction from Liberty. Blocking her out, I focus on Josh’s talented fingers as they trace invisible patterns on my skin. He’s always creating art, even when he’s not trying to.

  Swallowing down another mouthful of my drink, I suck a piece of ice into my mouth, rolling it around my tongue. Closing my eyes, I focus on Josh’s fingertips and what he’s drawing on my skin. His soft and sensual touch combined with the alcohol relaxes me. When my eyes lazily drift open, Liberty is gone and Josh’s gaze is predatory as he watches me.