As one would expect, Dominic did not appreciate the fact that Jean had already informed Linda about his interview. Still, he would not make a scene in a public place like his law firm. He had always avoided arguments in front of his employees and he would not make an exception. After all, sooner or later, Linda would find out.

Jean’s suggestion had troubled and also saddened him. Dominic had been struggling to keep money out of his relationships his whole life. It only complicated things between him, his friends and his girlfriends. And, judging by Marianne’s decision to not give in to any indecent proposals, she would not like it at all. He admired her self-respect and bribing a publishing company would destroy any chance of having a relationship with her.

“Jean is right. I am rushing things. I mean, here I am, I’ve just met her and I’m already dreaming about a relationship with her. Wake up, Dominic. She’ll be gone in five days. She’s a city girl. She doesn’t belong here. What can I do? The chemistry between us is unbelievable. I’ve never had anything like that. Damn it… why does it have to be so goddamn hard?

Upon his return to his castle, Dominic attempted to take his mind off things by devoting time to his art, to no avail. Not even painting was enough to distract him. Every time he picked up one of his brushes, Jean’s words replayed in his mind, serving as a reminder of the difficult position he was in. Torn by indecision, he could not concentrate. He ruined more than a dozen canvases, unable to keep his hand steady. Glancing at Marianne’s portrait, he smiled bitterly to himself, recalling her blissful face the night before.

You look so much better when you laugh, Miss Brewster. Your eyes smile, your laughter is sweet as honey and that expression is precious. I don’t want to see you cry again, but I’m in an impossible position here. Writing is your passion. Every time someone brings up your book, you just can’t fight back the tears. And, if I go ahead and pay off some publishing company, you’ll be mad at me.

In spite of his emotional exhaustion and fatigue, Dominic could not find peace that night, either. Lying in his bed, he kept staring up at the ceiling, frustrated and unable to reach a decision. At some point during the night, he went to Marianne’s empty bedroom, in the hope that a visit to the place of their passionate encounter would help him clear his mind. Much to his relief, it worked. In an instant, images of her beautiful, naked body flashed before his eyes. However, it wasn’t just the sex that assisted him in forgetting his predicament. Dominic did not like to cuddle, but he had done precisely that with her; and, much to his astonishment, he had enjoyed every second of it.

I don’t know why I liked it so much. He thought to himself, looking down at the massive bed, as the memory of her sweet, feminine voice brought a smile to his face. Maybe it’s because you’re an artist or maybe it’s because you turned me down and then you had a change of heart. It could be all of the above. Whatever it is, you and I need to talk about your career as an author, Marianne. Dreams should become real and you need to prove to the world that you’re not just a reporter.

The day after, Dominic felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. Certainly, he was still concerned about Marianne’s reaction to a potential conversation about her career, but at least he was no longer in a dilemma. He would not do anything behind her back. In his mind, the idea of a simple discussion was much more preferable. Marianne could merely reject it and change the subject.

In the early afternoon, back in his attic, while gazing upon his work, his ears picked up an unfamiliar sound. Turning his head to the left, he saw her. She had just put down five, large bags, a huge grin on her face, as she quickly closed the distance between them. His lips curled into a hesitant smile. Dominic embraced Marianne, as she snaked her arms around his neck. She claimed his lips, as his muscles flexed around her. Only then did he realize how much he had missed her intoxicating scent. Her tender kiss sent his pulse racing, as she interlaced her fingers behind his neck.

“We had the best time.” She whispered, gently leaning back. “Paris is amazing. I can’t thank you enough.”

“You’re welcome.” Dominic said in a raspy voice as he opened his eyes. “What’s in the bags?”

“Melanie let me use her credit card.” Marianne stated, as a sly smile spread across her face. “Someone is going to get really lucky tonight.”

“Sounds sexy,” he muttered, planting a short kiss on her mouth. “I can’t wait.”

“I missed you.” Her husky voice tempted him. Nevertheless, he had to resist. She was in his attic and she still had not seen her portrait. Dominic removed his hand from her waist and pointed down at the wall to the left. Marianne let go of his neck and put her hands down, before heading towards it. She knelt down, sitting back on her ankles, and reached forward, until her fingertips made contact with the canvas. Running her hand from left to right, she stopped it, just under her teary, left eye.

“Absolutely fantastic,” she whispered. “I can see the pain in her eyes. I mean my eyes. You’ve even painted that crease in my forehead. It’s beautiful.”

“Thank you.” Dominic said with a sigh. “Listen, I’ve been meaning to talk with you.”

“About what?” Marianne wondered, rising up to her curvy, 5’6” figure.

“… your career as a writer.” His sharp response forced her to rotate on one heel and face him. “There must be something you can do to pursue it.”

“There is,” she confirmed. “I can sell my books online. There’s been a high demand on them for years, but there’s a catch. There are just too many books around. I need a hell of a marketer and they cost is way too much. Online promotion is very costly, too.”

“Really?” He raised an eyebrow, as his eyes sparkled with excitement. “How much money are we talking about here?”

“It’s about four, or maybe five thousand dollars a month.” Marianne spoke in a trembling voice, her gaze scanning down his face. “That’s much more than I can afford.”

“Please don’t cry again,” Dominic said with his voice soft as he leaned into her. “Not again, little bird.”

“Little bird?” Yet another breathless whisper fled her lips, as she looked up at him.

“Yeah,” He nodded, intensifying his stare. “You still haven’t spread your wings.”

“You’re very sweet, Dominic,” Marianne spoke, her voice thick with emotion. “And that painting? I wish I could take it home with me.”

“I’m sorry, you can’t.” He grinned, taking her hands into his. “But I can always do another one; a real, full-body painting, not just your face.”

“You would do that for me?” Her question made him snort in amusement.

“Why not?” Dominic shrugged. “I’m going have to tire you a little. You’ll have to pose for me.”

“Oh, my God…” Marianne sighed, resting her head on his chest.

“You should get some rest.” He advised, caressing her wrists. “What do you want to do tonight?”

“Make love to you.” She purred.

“Tempting,” Dominic gave a short laugh. “But, I have a better idea. There’s just one rule though: Don’t dress up.”

“Why?” She asked, surprise written all over her face as she leaned back.

“Trust me.” He winked at her. “I’ll pick you up at eight.”