CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
The silver Art Deco lamp of a girl in arabesque, holding a ball, sat beautifully in Tabitha’s new home. I’d brought it as a house-warming gift after recalling her enthusiasm for it at the auction.
“Clary, I love it,” she said, hugging me. She went outside, seeking Grant, who was showing Aidan his garden. “Come and have a look at what Clarissa and Aidan have given us.”
Grant wiped his hands on his jeans. “Not more gifts. I would have thought giving us the house was enough,” he said, looking at Aidan.
Aidan shrugged. “It was Clarissa’s idea. Not that I mind. We’ve got a truckload of them at home. But they’re very attractive. One can’t really have enough of beautiful things.” He gazed at me. “Didn’t you bring something else, as well?”
I nodded. “James left it at the door for me.”
“Something else?” Tabitha frowned. “You spoil me, Clary.” She followed me out. Two wrapped paintings balanced against the wall.
She held her chin. “Now, let me guess…”
“They may surprise you,” I said.
Aidan carried them in and placed them on the table.
“Come on. Open them,” I said.
She ripped off the paper, and her eyes widened in surprise when she saw herself as the subject in both of the paintings. One depicted Tabitha on her tummy and the other sitting in a chair, leaning on her elbow, with a hint of a smile flickering in her large green eyes. They were nude studies that I’d done while attending life-drawing classes where I’d arranged for Tabitha to model.
I remembered that occasion well. One could have almost cut the air with a knife. It had been that thick with desire. And the male students’ heavy breathing was almost palpable as they kept dropping their implements, their faces flushed. Naturally, it was considered taboo to objectify the model in life-drawing classes, but with curvaceous Tabitha acting the coquette, their arousal was understandable.
“Oh my God, you colored them in. They’re so pretty. Although…” Her lips drew into a tight line. “My butt looks a bit big.”
I laughed. “I knew you’d say that.”
Grant grabbed her by the waist and kissed her. “It’s perfect. They’re beautiful pictures. I love the colors and the way you’ve worked in the background.” He cast a cheeky grin at Tabitha. “And the model’s not bad either. Kind of sexy. Mm… really sexy.” While he held Tabitha close, Grant directed his attention back to me. “Clarissa, I didn’t know you were such a talented artist.”
“I’m not sure about being talented. But it was Aidan who encouraged me to finish them, so I decided to add watercolor to them. It’s become my favorite medium.” I glanced up at Aidan with a shy smile. His blue eyes twinkled back with admiration.
Aidan turned to his father. “I made Clarissa show me her drawing folio, and when I saw these, I suggested she make a gift of them to you. This is the first time I’ve seen them in their finished state. They are really well done, princess.”
Not well practiced at receiving compliments, I bowed my head with a faint smile and cast my attention back to Tabitha. “What do you really think, Tabs?”
“I love them. I just wish my butt didn’t look so big.”
Grant laughed. “Your butt doesn’t look big. I feel like pinching it.” He patted her ass, and she giggled. “You look gorgeous, sweetheart. Perhaps a little skinnier than now.”
She frowned. “What do you mean?”
I shook my head ever so slightly at Grant. But I could tell by his cheeky grin that he was playing with her. “You’ve put on weight in all the right places, baby.”
He held her tight, and Tabitha dissolved into his hold.
Aidan whispered, “You’re so talented you make my heart melt and my cock hard.”
I whispered back, “You’re insatiable.”
His blue eyes shimmered with humor as blood coursed down to my sex, sending an ache, a delicious reminder of his needy thrusts earlier that day.
Grant rubbed his hands together. “How about a quick game of pool before the guests arrive?”
Aidan nodded with enthusiasm and followed his father.
I went into the kitchen with Tabitha. I loved pottering around preparing food. In many ways, I missed that side of my life. Nevertheless, I couldn’t complain. It was a small price to pay for being with Aidan. And with all the quality fresh meals I ate, I was glowing with health, and vitality was necessary around my athletic, ravenous lover.
“What should I do?” I asked Tabitha, watching her pour two cups of coffee.
“Not sure.” She shrugged, “Grant prepared a ton of burgers that will be grilled outside, as well as sausages for hot dogs. I suppose we can make a salad.” She gaped at me blankly, twisting her mouth downward. “To be honest, Clary, I’m not sure where to start.”
“Easy-peasy, Tabs.”
She put her arm around me. “You’re the best, Clary. I don’t know what I’d do without you. If it wasn’t for you, none of this would exist.” Her voice quivered.
“You’re not going to cry, are you?” I asked.
She shook her head and a faint smile chased away her frown. Her mood flipped, just like the Tabitha I’d always known and loved. She rubbed her hands together. “What will I chop?”
I grabbed the chopping board and brought out a few tomatoes. “Start with these. I’ll do the onions.”
We danced about the kitchen, chopping away, throwing things at each other, and clowning about. One hour later, we’d made a green salad, coleslaw, potato salad, and bean salad.
Although I’d forgotten how tiring food preparation could be, I had a ball, as did Tabitha, who took to my instructions eagerly. Aidan had offered to have the party catered, but when Grant said he wanted to make his special burgers, Aidan’s face lit up. According to Aidan, Grant’s burgers were legendary.