Page 10 of Forever Love-Reimagined

Once she sat down, she gently trailed her finger over my forearm. “I like your tattoos.” Her gaze bored into me, but it didn’t affect me the way Green Eyes did.

“Thanks.” I studied her skin to see if she had any visible ink, but she didn’t. “Do you have any tattoos? Or just an affinity for others?”

“None for me, but I know beauty when I see it. I’m an artist.” She continued her appreciative stare as she roved my entire body. “I’m Aria, by the way.” She slid her hand down my arm until it was inside mine.

“Aria, the artist. I’m Leia. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” There was an interest there, but it was nothing more than physical. There wasn’t that all-encompassing desire, but I wasn’t ready to write her off.

“I don’t normally do this, but do you want to go someplace else to talk, or maybe more?” Her forwardness led me to believe she wasn’t looking for a fairytale ending—maybe just a happy one, which was fine with me.

As long as we were on the same page, I didn’t mind having fun with someone. I didn’t want a situation where I couldn’t give them what they wanted.

“I have a place where we could talk.” I held her hand tighter and helped her off the stool.

I looked for Shannon to tell her I was leaving, but she was deep in conversation with the girl I box-locked earlier, so at least I didn’t have to feel bad. Things would end up how they were supposed to.

Chapter Six

Blake - Monday

Once I finished lunch, I headed back to work and locked myself in my office. My conversation hadn’t settled my nerves about my relationship with Steph, and I couldn’t talk to Ty right now because I was afraid he would make things more complicated by asking questions I didn’t have answers to. So, I buried myself in billables until it was time to leave.

At quarter to seven, I closed down my computer and headed out. Ty had left over an hour ago, so at least I no longer had to dodge him as I left the building. A cool breeze blew through the air, bringing the smell of Chinese food from next door. It wasn’t my favorite, but my stomach growled, and I wondered if I should pick up some takeout.

I wasn’t sure what she would want for her celebratory dinner, but I thought a surprise might be better than calling her. She loved a little barbeque place three blocks over, so I went there. If I could show I was thinking about her, maybe she would see that I was trying to put her first. When you’d been single most of your life, it was weird having to consider how your actions could affect your partner, even when you weren’t around them.

After picking up some ribs, chicken, and every side on the menu, I stopped by the only liquor store. The choices were limited, but I found a nice Bordeaux that paired well with ribs.

By the time I was done with my errands, it was twenty after seven, and I hoped we would arrive around the same time. I didn’t want her to think I wasn’t keeping my word.

With my hands full, I juggled opening the door and called out, “Steph, you home?” I sat everything down on the entryway table as I walked inside and kicked off my heels.

I scanned the room and didn’t see her, so I listened…nothing. I must have beaten her here, but that was okay. It would give me time to pour her a glass of wine and plate the food. But first, I would get out of this suit and into something more comfortable.

As I made my way to our room, I started stripping off my clothes so I wouldn’t waste time. But when I opened the bedroom door, I saw Steph on the bed, with her long legs crossed like she was waiting for a meeting to start—except she was completely naked.

“Whoa!” I stood in my bra and skirt, wondering if I was dreaming. “When you said you wanted to stay in, I didn’t realize this was what you meant.”

She uncrossed her legs and leaned forward with her elbows on her knees. Accentuating her cleavage. “Did you have a better way to celebrate?”

I swallowed hard. This was not where I saw the day going, but I wouldn’t fight it.

“It’s your day, and I want you to have whatever you want.” My nipples hardened and rubbed against the lace of my bra.

She was breathtaking, and when she walked toward me like a lioness would its prey, I questioned how I had kept my hands off her for so long.

“What I want is you.” She leaned in so close that her bare breasts pressed against me, causing goosebumps to cover my body. “Let me help you out of these clothes.” She reached around my back, unsnapping my bra, and the moisture built between my legs. With each piece of clothing she removed, she made sure to brush her body against mine, causing me to be weak in the knees.

“Why don’t we take this to the bed?” she purred.

I wanted that so badly, but I remembered the mess from today, and I couldn’t do anything before I showered. As much as I didn’t want to put her off, I wouldn’t get out of my head until I was clean. “Can you give me five minutes to rinse off?” I pleaded, and she smirked.

“Why waste any time apart when I can join you?” She led me to the bathroom without waiting for me to respond.

I loved that she was taking the lead, but I wanted her to know how much she was desired. Recently, my actions made her believe I was indifferent, and I needed to show her that wasn’t true.

As we moved into the bathroom, she started the shower, steam filling the room. I followed behind her, placing my hands on her hips and kissing her shoulder.

She was a good four inches taller than me, but it was the perfect height if we were facing each other. With little urging, she spun around, and I brought my lips to her neck. She leaned her head back as a form of permission. She growled as I roamed down her body until I reached her perfect breasts.

---