A Model Romance (True Love Book 3)

by Anne, Betsy

  “Brian saw you with her at he studio this week, Wick. That’s not what I would call ancient history.” (You go, girl!)

  I stop patting my own back when I see his face. It’s true. He did see her, and he lied about it. Well, a lie of omission, but a lie all the same.

  “He said she was hanging all over you, saying that she loved you. Is that true?”

  His beautiful eyes are glazed over, dull. He’s not yet said a word. He looks down at his large hands, and inspects his nails.

  I wait. And wait. And wait some more.

  I don’t know what he expects me to do or say, but it’s clear he’s not talking. This is more like the Wick I first met: Closed off from communication.

  I get up and pour myself a large glass of water to ease my cotton mouth, and plop back down in the same spot. I kick off my shoes to indicate I’m not going anywhere without some explanation.

  He’s had enough of the standoff apparently because he rises, walks to his bedroom and closes the door. Not a word the entire time. I don’t know how to deal with this. I want to fight, yell, cry and throw things. I need this to be cleared up. All I want to do is run into his bedroom and snuggle deep into his arms, but I can’t. I wish he had the same need, because if he did he’d come clean and make me understand. In my eyes, his silence is an admission of guilt.

  I remain steadfast that I’m not going anywhere until he tells me what happened. It’s late, but with my afternoon blackout, I’m not very tired. I grab the throw at the end of the couch, and snuggle up to watch some infomercials. He’ll have to talk to me at some point.

  I wake up with the sun darting through the window, and piercing my eyes. It’s early, but I feel pretty good. Much better than I did yesterday. His bedroom door is open, but I don’t hear him. I look out the window and see that his Jeep is still here. He must have gone for a run. I take the opportunity to go to the bathroom to freshen up. I fully intend to take up residence on his couch until he gives in. I love him too much to throw this away without an explanation.

  I steal a banana from the bowl in the kitchen, and sit back down on my new home-away-from-home. I return Melanie’s many texts, with one of my own, “I’m working on it,” to settle her down. Otherwise, she’ll lay siege to my phone all day with questions.

  The front door opens, and he strolls in, sweaty from his run. I sit up tall and smug, ready to start the conversation, but he walks right past me to the bathroom. I know Scottish men have a reputation for stubbornness, but this is ridiculous. He must have to work today, so what does he expect me to do?

  He walks out of the bathroom, stark naked. I swallow hard. A dripping-wet body on display is not a fair way to fight. I assume he’s going to get dressed, but instead, he walks in the buff to the kitchen and proceeds to make himself breakfast. Two can play at this game.

  I stand up and slowly peel off my clothing. I linger as I fold each piece before I place it on the table. I walk into the kitchen, and squeeze past him to get some juice from the fridge. I hear a slight catch in his breath as I bend over to leisurely inspect the contents of the refrigerator. The two of us are in a naked standoff in his small kitchen, vying for space to make ourselves breakfast.

  If I weren’t so angry, this would be hilarious.

  I go about my business like I own the place. I decide it needs a nice housecleaning. I open the windows and grab the vacuum cleaner from the closet. His apartment is on the first floor, so anyone walking past would have a perfect view. I’ve struck quite a nerve. He storms over and slams the window shut. He closes the blinds, and pulls the drapes. He’s made his point. No one gets to see me naked but him.

  I can’t help but notice his impressive erection when he walks by, such a beautiful sight to see. He goes into his bedroom and slams the door. I hear him speaking to someone, and I put my ear to the door to listen. He’s calling out of work today, and he never calls out of work. We could both be in for a really long afternoon.

  When he emerges from the room, he walks over to where I’m sitting on the couch and sits down next to me. OK, good, he’s ready to talk. I turn to face him, and purse my lips, waiting for an apology and an explanation. Instead, he reaches for the remote and turns on Sportscenter. I turn to face the TV, feeling foolish, and we sit in silence and watch the highlights. This won’t work.

  I go back to my housecleaning. That seemed to get him riled up before. I find some spray cleaner and a rag, and begin to thoroughly dust the living room. The TV really seems like it needs a good cleaning. I can’t help but my move my rear along with the motion of my hands as I dust. He’s still as a statue. I hear his breathing, but it’s raspy. This is working just fine. Now it’s time to give the coffee table where his legs are perched my full attention. I’m completely blocking his view of the TV, and he has no choice but to stare at my breasts that are gently swaying as I dust. I begin to hum as if my actions are perfectly mundane.

  In a flash, he’s on me. He kicks the coffee table out from under me, my rag hovering over the now empty spot, and he grabs my shoulders. He crushes his lips on mine, and I’m quick to return the intensity. He’s angry, I feel it, but he’s aroused. I see the disconnected, animalistic side of him that’s he’s buried so deeply inside. His erection pokes sharply into my stomach as he clutches me even tighter. His body wants to fuck, not make love, and he’s following his instincts for the first time in a long while.

  He picks me up by the waist as if I weigh nothing, and deposits me over the arm of the couch. My face is planted in the cushion, and my rear is up in the air facing him. He kneels and buries his face aggressively into my crotch. I cry out in surprise, and pleasure. His tongue plays with my lips and wet slit. It drives me wild. This will make me orgasm in a matter of seconds if he continues. He covers my pussy with his entire mouth, and sucks forcefully. My clitoris awakens and my nerves begin to tremor with an impending orgasm. He must feel it, because he pulls away, and begins to lick my ass. I scream out as he inserts two fingers deep inside me, as he continues to tease with his tongue.

  Before I can give in completely, he stops, and rises up behind me. He plunges into me deeply, as he grips my ass hard with both hands. My face presses into the sofa cushion as he thrusts; with each one, he lets out a loud grunt. The detached, hedonistic nature of our sex is intoxicating. Sometimes you just need a little down and dirty. His guttural sounds are getting faster, and I know he’s close. Three more hard thrusts and I feel his abs contract as his cock releases deep inside me. He stills, emptying himself completely.

  As the last spasm wanes, he pulls out and walks to the bathroom. Well, geez. Wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am feels appropriate right about now. He re-emerges holding a towel and wearing a pair of gym shorts. He unceremoniously tosses me the towel as he goes to pour himself a beer. Seems awfully early to start drinking, but I guess I’m not one to judge. I wrap my lower half in the towel, and move as quickly as I can to the bathroom. I clean myself up and grab his robe off the back of the door. I can’t be exposed if he isn’t.

  When I return to the living room, he’s on beer number two. His sips are large pours into a gaping mouth. I was so close to orgasm a couple of times, but I never made it. I feel edgy and more than a little annoyed. I believe he did that on purpose, as punishment. The air has cleared of sexual tension, and I can hope that now he’s ready to talk. I want him to speak first, so I sit and wait. I watch as he pours the rest of the second beer down his throat and he rises to get number three. Jesus, I’ve never seen him drink like this.

  I’m the first to break.

  “OK, Wick. I give. I’m waving the white flag. If you don’t speak to me, I’ll leave. I get the message that even though you have the explaining to do, I’ve crossed the line. I know you and I are inexperienced when it comes to handling relationships, but this is ridiculous.”

  He contemplates something as he stares out the window beyond my shoulder. After a few moments, he finally starts to talk.

  “I needed to see Eric. It had been awhile
since I’d had a session with him, and I felt like I needed some grounding. I didn’t mention it to you beforehand, because I made the plans last minute when I got off of work early. He had some studio time free, so I rushed over to see him. He mentioned to me that Pam had been having a hard time, that the guy she’d been seeing broke it off with her,” he says, a sad tone to his voice, as if he genuinely feels sorry for her. “Eric had been trying to get her to come in to meditate with him, to help her get over this guy. She had come for the first time when I was there that night. As I was leaving, she was coming in, and she went a little crazy. I hadn’t seen or talked to her in a while, and I guess she’d missed me. She sort of snapped and started clawing all over me. She was begging me to have sex with her like we used to, and claimed she loved me. She was confused. We’d never had a loving relationship, and she knew it. I think she was lonely and confused.

  “Brian couldn’t have heard our whole conversation, because I talked her off the ledge. I told her that I’d met the woman of my dreams, and that I’d never been happier in my life. She knew it just by looking at me. She said she was ready to leave Chicago and move on with her life. She asked for a kiss to say goodbye. That’s all Brian saw. If he had have heard the whole conversation, he would have heard me professing my love for you, and saying goodbye to a good friend who’s helped me immeasurably. I never said anything about it because she’s leaving for good, and the mention of her only seems to upset you. I don’t blame you for that, so I didn’t want to hurt you, especially since we’ve gotten so close. I’m sorry for not telling you about it, but I can’t believe the way you reacted. You could have just asked me, but instead you accused me of doing something I didn’t do. I could never hurt someone again, Becca, I’ve learned my lesson. If I ever wanted to be with someone else, I would say it, but believe me, there is no one else but you. I don’t know if there will ever be anyone else for me ever again. My future begins with you.”

  I should be thrilled with this admission, but he looks sad. I broke his heart by accusing him of being that same guy he was so long ago. He’s worked so hard to put that jerk behind him, the fact that I would think of him that way is devastating.

  I place one hand on his thigh and he covers it with his own. We sit together in silence. I’m ashamed, and I have everything to lose if I lose him, and I can’t bear that thought. I hang my head as I speak.

  “I’m sorry, Wick. I knew in my gut there had to be an explanation, but I just can’t stand the thought of losing you. You know how much I hate the thought of the two of you sharing such intimate moments, so when Brian told me what he saw, I snapped. Can you understand? Can’t you try to put yourself in my shoes for a minute?”

  He wraps his large arms around me in a tight embrace. He’s thinking about it from my perspective, and he gets it. It would kill him if he’d heard that I’d been seen with another man, especially if we shared a history.

  We hug each other while rocking in a slow silent rhythm. We’re both forgiven.

  Chapter 22

  Our relationship has been building beautifully over the past few months. We’ve been spending a lot of time with Melanie and Brian, and the four of us get along well. Wick didn’t harbor any resentment toward Brian for telling me about Pam. If anything, he respects Brian more for watching out for me. Wick’s happy that I have family who’ll always have my back.

  I finally got to meet Eric. Wick and I try to make it to the studio together at least once a week for sessions with him. I’ve never felt better in my life. I feel stronger now, both physically and mentally. Wick and I practice at home every chance we can. I’ve learned so many things, and I’m more in tune with the Tantric principles when we make love. The connection we share when we stare deeply into each other’s eyes, touches a part of my soul I never knew existed.

  Wick and I are headed over to Mel and Brian’s house today for a cookout. Brian leaves for training camp next week, and it’s become a tradition for them to host a few other players, coaches and their families for a summer bash.

  I see Jason, Katie and their kids walking over as we pull onto their street. I beep the horn and Katie waves back vigorously. She’s one of my biggest supporters with Wick; she adores him. She’s always had good instincts when it comes to people, a sixth sense or something, and she’s cheered us on from the beginning.

  “Hi!” Katie squeals as we emerge from the car. She trots over and gives us both a big hug. “I’m so glad you’re both here. I feel like it’s been ages since we’ve had a chance to catch up.”

  She links her arm in mine, as Wick and Jason fall into step as they walk behind us.

  “Mel always keeps me up to speed with you two. Bec, I’m so happy for the two of you. Wick’s a good soul; don’t ever let him get away. Maybe a spring wedding?”

  I hear a loud snort as Melanie greets us at the door. I’m thankful Wick didn’t hear Katie planning our future.

  “Jesus, Kat. Stop marrying everyone off already!” Melanie says not quite as quietly as I would have liked considering Wick is but four feet behind us.

  “Well, when it’s right, it’s right. Why wait?” Katie has to get in her last two-cents. “Besides, Louise is practically in college now, and we need some babies!”

  Lou appears as if she was conjured up when Kat said her name.

  “Aunt Becky!” she screams and jumps into my open arms.

  I really can’t believe how fast children grow. Since her birth, my life has been turned completely upside-down, but in the best way possible. I’m close with my family once again, I have an amazing man in my life, and I’m modeling again on my own terms. When I lived in New York, I never realized how many people had control over my life. I thought I was independent, but I really wasn’t.

  Wick comes over and grabs Lou out of my arms. She squeals with delight. Ever since their first meeting, these two have been close. His eyes twinkle whenever she says his name. We’ve never discussed kids, or even marriage for that matter, so I don’t really know how he feels on the subject. I know he loves Lou, and loves family, so I’m hopeful. His brother, Lachlan, proposed to the girl he’s been seeing, and he asked Wick to be his best man. I assumed he would, but Wick wasn’t so sure given his past behavior. Lach has forgiven him–at least that’s how he acts–and he was proud to ask him. Wick can’t fully forgive himself for what he did, even though he’s moved on, so it meant the world to him for Lach to put his trust in him.

  There are quite a few people at the party already, and the house is jumping. Kids are in the pool, and the adults look relaxed and happy. Most of the men have a stressful two weeks ahead of them at camp, so they’re letting their hair down. I recognize the two young girls approaching us as the ones who watched Lou at the game last year.

  “Hi, Louise. Can we take her?” one of the girls asks Wick as Lou climbs on his back. “We’re supposed to be watching her.”

  Lou wants no part of a separation from Wick, and the girls struggle to get her away from him and into the other room. I can hear her complaining loudly as they try to distract her.

  “I love that little lass. She’s adorable, just like her beautiful aunt,” Wick says, as he kisses my neck.

  He leaves me to go and talk with the guys outside. As soon as he walks away, Melanie comes over and just about yanks my arm out of the socket.

  “Ouch! What the hell are you doing, Mel?”

  “I completely forgot to tell you, but Justin is coming today. Brian asked him to come, not even remembering about your history. I’m so sorry,” she says, looking worried.

  Oh, shit.

  I never even called the guy back, and he hounded me for weeks after we slept together. I pray that he brings a date so he won’t want to talk to me either.

  “Shit, Mel! I never told Wick about him. Since it was just a one-night stand, I didn’t even think about it. I hope to God he won’t say anything,”

  But as soon as those words leave my mouth, I feel a wave of dread washes over me. He’s just walked in
the front door, and is making a beeline for me. Holy crap. Melanie looks like she’s swallowed a bug, but she steps in and tries to diffuse the situation.

  “Justin! It’s great to see you! Brian and the guys are outside if you’d like to join them. Can I get you something to drink? The bar is stocked, and the cooler is over there. How’ve you been?”

  She doesn’t stop running her mouth for a minute. He’s been ambushed, and doesn’t know how to react. He looks at me, and I pretend that I didn’t see him. She shoves him out the back door, and he is handed a beer before he can realize what happened.

  “OK, now if I can do that for the next couple of hours, everything will be fine!” she says with a huff, as she wipes nervous perspiration off her forehead.

  I look through the kitchen window and see Wick talking to Jason and a couple of coaches, while Justin talks to Brian and a couple of guys I don’t know. They’re only a few inches away from each other. I just hope it gets busy enough that they don’t have a chance to chat.

  About an hour later, the place is buzzing, and there are kids everywhere. Melanie set out a small buffet just for them, and after they eat she shoos them inside to watch a movie upstairs on the large TV. Now it’s just the adults outside. I’ve been helping her, so I’ve managed to stay busy and out of Justin’s sight. Everyone takes their plates full of food to sit at the tables she arranged on the lawn. Wick makes it over to me; I haven’t even spoken to him since we walked in the door.

  “Hi, love, where’ve you been hiding?” he asks, as he gives me a quick peck on the cheek, and pulls me into his side.

  “I’ve been helping Mel. I’m sorry. How are the guys?”

  “Guy are guys. You’re much more interesting to be around. Let’s go eat, I’m starved,” he says innocently, but the look in his eyes is intense. He’s hungry for me, and I feel it.