Page 86 of Just a Number

“Let me through,” Laura says, and I laugh as she elbows her way between Jack and Tom. She gives me a finger wave before dashing past and grabbing Alex in a hug. “You’re home,” she declares.

His eyes stay locked on mine over her shoulder as he replies, “I am.”

A short while later, everyone is in the kitchen with plates of food. There’s Cassidy, Jack and Tom. Laura. Abby. And Zack popped back, too.

Alex draws me back from the crowd with a gentle pull on my arm. He bends low to whisper in my ear, “What’s going on? Why did you invite them all?”

“I wanted them all to know we’re together. Is that okay?” Anxiety rears its head as I wait for his response.Did I get it wrong?

He grins. “Of course it is.” And lifts me up in a hug, spinning me around.

Epilogue - Part 1

Alex

One Year Later

Ilook around the light, airy gallery space in wonder. It’s so professional. So fancy. And it’s my work placed on the plinths and shelves. My pottery pieces that people are coming to see tonight. It’s a sell-out, apparently.How the hell did I manage that?

I grin as the main reason I managed that walks toward me. She never fails to steal my breath away. She’s in what I consider her signature look: a tight pencil skirt that hugs her curves and makes me want to get on my knees and ease it up over her hips. A silky blouse that I know covers a delicately lacy bra cupping her beautiful tits. Stockings that she wears every day now thatshe knows I go feral when I run my hand up her thighs and find their lacy tops, snapping them against her skin at every opportunity just to hear that little squeal she makes every time. Her high stilettos complete her look.

She’s just as professional and fancy as the space she’s organised for this event tonight. She belongs here, schmoozing with rich people who want to own beautiful things. And she’s mine. I still have to pinch myself every day that I belong to her and she belongs to me.

“Hey, feeling okay?” She brushes a hand over my shirt-covered bicep as she steps close. Her chin tips up so she can meet my gaze. Contentment washes over me. Her touch and proximity always make everything right.

“This looks amazing, Mel,” I tell her. “Thank you.” I enjoy the blush on her cheeks as well as her soft smile.

“I wanted it all to be perfect for your first solo showing. You deserve the best, Alex.” She glances around the room, the furrow appearing on her brow as she checks every detail, making sure it’s just as she planned it.

“I’m just glad you agreed to organise the whole thing for me, even though I’m not a spicy romance author.” My tongue pokes into my cheek in jest and her light smack on my arm brings a chuckle from my lips.

“I’ve really enjoyed putting this together for you. I’m so fucking proud of you. I wouldn’t have missed doing this for anything. Thank you for asking.” Her stare meets mine as we share a moment of silence. I lean my forehead down to hers, breathing the same air for a moment before I know the evening will get crazy busy and we’ll be separated while she does her job and I do mine.

“I’m proud of you, too. You know that, right?” I ask her. “You’re living your best life, giving no fucks about what other people think about you, and that’s so hot, baby. And you’re reallybloody good at every single thing you put your mind to. I’m so grateful to know you, to love you, to be with you.” I can’t stop the words spilling out. This day is momentous for my career. And this woman is momentous for my entire life.

This last year, together, has been incredible. I’ve watched as Mel has built up her own business, to the point where her services are so sought after that she’s hired a team to help her.

She’s thriving, and it’s a wonderful look on her. Her attention to detail and meticulousness is still evident in every single thing she does, but she’s also learnt to ease back every now and again. Seeing her laugh and joke with her friends, relax during our downtime and submit to me in the bedroom makes my chest swell with love for her. And when she decides to take charge in the bedroom, well fuck, it drives me wild. And that reminds me…

“Does that offer from a few days ago still stand?” I ask with hope.

Her head tilts to the side. “Which offer?”

“The one where, after this event, I’m all yours to do whatever you want with?”

“Oh yes, it does. Tonight?” she asks with an eager expression.

“Yes, please, baby. The anticipation will help me get through this event,” I say with a groan.

“Not looking forward to it?” she asks sardonically.

“I just can’t be arsed with all the small talk and polite chit-chat.”

I’m happiest when I’m creating or spending time with the woman I love. The selling part of my job is my least favourite. Mel’s been an amazing help there, helping me set up the online shop and putting me in touch with a photographer to help show off my creations. And every now and again I do an event like this one, although this is the first time it’s been my own event and not shared with other artists.

“I know. I’m sure it’ll go fast, though, and then I’ll get to have my wicked way with you,” she tells me. Her smile is as lascivious as I’ve ever seen it, which gets my dick hardening in my smart slacks as I imagine what she has in store for me later.

“How about a quickie now?” I ask with a smirk, always pushing my luck.

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