[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
like named. I ll send a sampling to both galleries so they can give me some feedback before we set up a
showing. Also, I think some of the work you have displayed around the house could sell really well as
prints, if you d consider something like that.
I thought back to all of the pictures he d set aside. So that s what you were getting? Samples for the
galleries?
He looked at me like I d gone insane. No, of course not. Those are for my own collection. You and I
will decide together what to send as samples.
I felt a wave of insecurity. I have no training. I-
He covered my mouth. None of that matters, Love. You ve either got it or you don t. And you have it.
Now tell me you agree.
I didn t agree or disagree, but just sat for awhile, stunned. I did want this, wanted it badly, though I d
never even considered that something like this could happen. And I knew that it wouldn t have, if a
billionaire hadn t taken a sudden, obsessive interest in every aspect of my life. I supposed that was my
biggest reservation about the whole thing; the fact that this was all just another way for him to dote on me.
Will you take a cut, for your trouble, if I sell anything? I finally asked.
He raised a brow at me. I wasn t planning on it, no. He managed to sound insulted with the small
statement.
I would feel better if you did. The gallery will at least charge for putting on the showing, right?
He sighed. That is usually the standard procedure, he said carefully.
Stephan burst out suddenly, his tone thick with exasperated annoyance. Oh, for God s sake, Bianca!
How can you say no to this? You have a rare opportunity here, and if your work sells, it sells. If it
doesn t, it doesn t. What s the hangup?
He was using a certain tone he had, a tone that asked Where s your backbone? without him having to
utter the words. It made my spine straighten, which was the point.
I nodded. Okay, I ll do it. When should we select the samples?
James pulled me into his lap, kissing me way too passionately for anywhere but the privacy of a
bedroom.
Thank you, love, he murmured against my mouth, then started kissing again. His hands stayed firmly
on my hips, holding me tight in his lap. But his mouth was positively obscene.
I couldn t forget that Stephan sat just a few feet away, but I also couldn t keep from responding. I tried
to stifle a little moan as his tongue stroked into my mouth.
He bit my lip, hard.
I gasped, my hands gripping his rock-hard shoulders. I could feel his conspicuous erection against my
hip. As his tongue swept in again, I sucked on it. That made him pull back, giving me a hot but
censorious look.
That will get you fucked in a hurry, Love, he whispered, but I figured Stephan could still hear us, in
such a small space.
I glared at him. You started it.
I heard Stephan stifle a laugh.
James just grinned wickedly.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Mr. Volatile
Lunch was a happy affair. James and Stephan seemed to be getting more and more chummy. They joked
comfortably while we ate sushi at Stephan s dining room table.
James had been right, of course. The sushi was great. And the selection Clark had collected was vast.
It was literally enough to feed ten people.
I gamely insisted on using chopsticks, picking out a Philadelphia roll and some shrimp tempura to start,
dipping it generously into soy sauce mixed with chili sauce.
You joining us at that bar in New York again on Friday night? Same time, same place, Stephan was
saying to James.
James reached over, placing that familiar hand at my nape. I was actually hoping Bianca would come
see my apartment on Friday. Could I steal you away for a night, Love?
I swallowed my mouthful of shrimp tempura. I was more than a little curious to see the playground he
had mentioned. Equal parts thrill and trepidation coursed through me just thinking about it.
Yes, you could, I said simply. James sent me a scorching look, then went back to chatting with
Stephan.
After lunch, James got a tour of Stephan s house and again studied every piece of my art like his life
depended on it. He took several pictures with his phone.
We stayed at Stephans until late afternoon. The two men found a surprisingly great deal to talk about,
from politics to sports, to movies, to cars. I was silent for a good deal of it, simply taking in the novelty
of the two men in my life interacting like it was the most natural thing in the world. When they finished
talking, we watched TV.
I didn t have a television, so the only TV I did watch was at Stephan s house. We watched a few
episodes of New Girl, a show Stephan had recently made me watch until I d realized that I loved it. I
was behind by at least a dozen episodes, but I was always behind on TV.
I laughed out loud at the show. James seemed to be enjoying himself, though he watched me more than
he watched the screen. He smiled and touched me constantly, keeping me close to his side. I loved his
touch, so I didn t protest, although the whole thing was a little surreal for me.
When the third episode ended, I stood.
I need to cook dinner, I told them. It was already nearly 4:30. I was going to grill some chicken, and
cook some asparagus and couscous. That sound okay to everyone? I asked. I was cooking one of my
healthier meals, trying to cater to James s preferences.
Sounds great! I love that blackened marinade thing you do on grilled chicken, Bee, Stephan said.
I can t wait, James said.
Stephan was still watching TV. You need any help? he asked me.
Nah. It s an easy meal. I ll text you when it s ready.
I need to make some calls, James told me as I let us into my house. He was carrying the bag with his
laptop. Where would it be most convenient for me to set up shop?
I shrugged. Anywhere that s not directly in my way while I m cooking.
He set up in the dinning room, watching me cook while he worked, talking on the phone nearly
constantly, taking call after call.
He cursed suddenly, and I looked back, startled.
I forgot that was friday, he was saying. His tone turned dry. It slipped my mind. Fuck. He listened
for a few moments, looking agitated. Yes, yes, set it up. I know. Drop it. I said set it up. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
zanotowane.pl doc.pisz.pl pdf.pisz.pl chiara76.opx.pl
like named. I ll send a sampling to both galleries so they can give me some feedback before we set up a
showing. Also, I think some of the work you have displayed around the house could sell really well as
prints, if you d consider something like that.
I thought back to all of the pictures he d set aside. So that s what you were getting? Samples for the
galleries?
He looked at me like I d gone insane. No, of course not. Those are for my own collection. You and I
will decide together what to send as samples.
I felt a wave of insecurity. I have no training. I-
He covered my mouth. None of that matters, Love. You ve either got it or you don t. And you have it.
Now tell me you agree.
I didn t agree or disagree, but just sat for awhile, stunned. I did want this, wanted it badly, though I d
never even considered that something like this could happen. And I knew that it wouldn t have, if a
billionaire hadn t taken a sudden, obsessive interest in every aspect of my life. I supposed that was my
biggest reservation about the whole thing; the fact that this was all just another way for him to dote on me.
Will you take a cut, for your trouble, if I sell anything? I finally asked.
He raised a brow at me. I wasn t planning on it, no. He managed to sound insulted with the small
statement.
I would feel better if you did. The gallery will at least charge for putting on the showing, right?
He sighed. That is usually the standard procedure, he said carefully.
Stephan burst out suddenly, his tone thick with exasperated annoyance. Oh, for God s sake, Bianca!
How can you say no to this? You have a rare opportunity here, and if your work sells, it sells. If it
doesn t, it doesn t. What s the hangup?
He was using a certain tone he had, a tone that asked Where s your backbone? without him having to
utter the words. It made my spine straighten, which was the point.
I nodded. Okay, I ll do it. When should we select the samples?
James pulled me into his lap, kissing me way too passionately for anywhere but the privacy of a
bedroom.
Thank you, love, he murmured against my mouth, then started kissing again. His hands stayed firmly
on my hips, holding me tight in his lap. But his mouth was positively obscene.
I couldn t forget that Stephan sat just a few feet away, but I also couldn t keep from responding. I tried
to stifle a little moan as his tongue stroked into my mouth.
He bit my lip, hard.
I gasped, my hands gripping his rock-hard shoulders. I could feel his conspicuous erection against my
hip. As his tongue swept in again, I sucked on it. That made him pull back, giving me a hot but
censorious look.
That will get you fucked in a hurry, Love, he whispered, but I figured Stephan could still hear us, in
such a small space.
I glared at him. You started it.
I heard Stephan stifle a laugh.
James just grinned wickedly.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Mr. Volatile
Lunch was a happy affair. James and Stephan seemed to be getting more and more chummy. They joked
comfortably while we ate sushi at Stephan s dining room table.
James had been right, of course. The sushi was great. And the selection Clark had collected was vast.
It was literally enough to feed ten people.
I gamely insisted on using chopsticks, picking out a Philadelphia roll and some shrimp tempura to start,
dipping it generously into soy sauce mixed with chili sauce.
You joining us at that bar in New York again on Friday night? Same time, same place, Stephan was
saying to James.
James reached over, placing that familiar hand at my nape. I was actually hoping Bianca would come
see my apartment on Friday. Could I steal you away for a night, Love?
I swallowed my mouthful of shrimp tempura. I was more than a little curious to see the playground he
had mentioned. Equal parts thrill and trepidation coursed through me just thinking about it.
Yes, you could, I said simply. James sent me a scorching look, then went back to chatting with
Stephan.
After lunch, James got a tour of Stephan s house and again studied every piece of my art like his life
depended on it. He took several pictures with his phone.
We stayed at Stephans until late afternoon. The two men found a surprisingly great deal to talk about,
from politics to sports, to movies, to cars. I was silent for a good deal of it, simply taking in the novelty
of the two men in my life interacting like it was the most natural thing in the world. When they finished
talking, we watched TV.
I didn t have a television, so the only TV I did watch was at Stephan s house. We watched a few
episodes of New Girl, a show Stephan had recently made me watch until I d realized that I loved it. I
was behind by at least a dozen episodes, but I was always behind on TV.
I laughed out loud at the show. James seemed to be enjoying himself, though he watched me more than
he watched the screen. He smiled and touched me constantly, keeping me close to his side. I loved his
touch, so I didn t protest, although the whole thing was a little surreal for me.
When the third episode ended, I stood.
I need to cook dinner, I told them. It was already nearly 4:30. I was going to grill some chicken, and
cook some asparagus and couscous. That sound okay to everyone? I asked. I was cooking one of my
healthier meals, trying to cater to James s preferences.
Sounds great! I love that blackened marinade thing you do on grilled chicken, Bee, Stephan said.
I can t wait, James said.
Stephan was still watching TV. You need any help? he asked me.
Nah. It s an easy meal. I ll text you when it s ready.
I need to make some calls, James told me as I let us into my house. He was carrying the bag with his
laptop. Where would it be most convenient for me to set up shop?
I shrugged. Anywhere that s not directly in my way while I m cooking.
He set up in the dinning room, watching me cook while he worked, talking on the phone nearly
constantly, taking call after call.
He cursed suddenly, and I looked back, startled.
I forgot that was friday, he was saying. His tone turned dry. It slipped my mind. Fuck. He listened
for a few moments, looking agitated. Yes, yes, set it up. I know. Drop it. I said set it up. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]